Transcript Highlights:

• It strengthens consumer protections by putting patients first in billing practices.
• care provider to utilize stem cell products that adhere to applicable current good manufacturing practices
• This bill allows physicians to utilize advanced practice registered nurses to certify death and file
• bill: Committee Substitute for House Bill 647, a bill to be entitled an act relating to advanced practice
• time: Committee Substitute for House Bill 647, a bill to be entitled an act relating to advanced practice

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes related to the FSU campus shooting, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and visiting student and community groups. The chamber then moved into special order bills and adopted a resolution honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. A number of measures were taken up and passed, including child care and early learning provider regulation updates, false reporting/swatting penalties, health care billing and collection protections, hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, trust fund interest rules for IOTA accounts, transportation-related changes, public records exemptions for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate court clerks, municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonating law enforcement, trespass at large-scale ticketed events, refund of patient overpayments, stem cell therapy standards, insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, pre-arranged transportation services, and the Uniform Commercial Code update for digital assets. Several bills were amended before passage, often by substituting House companions and adopting late-filed amendments. The transportation bill was significantly revised to remove speed-limit increases and utility-related provisions while adding beach equipment removal, flood-wake enforcement, expectant mother parking permits, and local regulation of micromobility devices; it passed 37-0. The trust fund interest bill drew the most debate, with supporters arguing it right-sized a volatile funding stream for legal aid and opponents warning it would sharply reduce support for legal aid organizations; it passed 28-10. The municipal water and sewer rate bill also prompted extended debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records exemption bills for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate clerks passed with varying margins, with supporters emphasizing safety and anti-doxing protections. One bill on cardiac emergencies and another on education were temporarily postponed. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, often unanimously, after brief sponsor explanations and little or no debate. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the late USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery. After completing the day’s special order calendar, the Senate recessed for lunch until 1:30 p.m. or on call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 5136 codifies basic nonprofit best practices.
• These changes reflect best practices from the IRS in the nonprofit in nonprofit governance.
• the largest number and serve the most children of any other state, and this is an evidence-based practice
• So I was a practicing lawyer years ago before I ever thought about being the ledge.
• Practices and so at this time when IPR provides the recommendation on the state violation we do accept

Bills: HB 2510 , HB 3589 , HB 4611 , HB 4655 , HB 4665 , HB 4666 , HB 4670 , HB 4700 , HB 4730 , HB 4798 , HB 4838 , HB 5136 , HB 5243 , HB 5302 , HB 5539

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 5136 codifies... ...basic non-profit best practices.
• These changes reflect best practices from the IRS and non-profit organizations.
• I was a practicing lawyer years ago before I ever thought about being in the legislature.
• You know, as a practicing lawyer, I got out in the mid-80s—I guess I graduated in '88.
• So yes, beginning over 2024, we made some changes in our internal practices.

Bills: HB2510 , HB3589 , HB4611 , HB4655 , HB4665 , HB4666 , HB4670 , HB4700 , HB4730 , HB4798 , HB4838 , HB5136 , HB5243 , HB5302 , HB5539

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• There's ongoing collaboration on all of the education front, so that's SDE, CareerTech, and Regents.
• So also on the technical side, we have, in collaboration with OMEZ, finalized a dynamic Google Cloud
• Technical readiness: we're actively collaborating with the point of contact for OESC, OS, I just say

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, approval of the prior minutes, and a determination that there were no public comments. Members then discussed a possible future commission meeting at FISTA in Lawton, with support for touring the facility and a question raised about security for a public notice meeting; staff indicated security would not be a problem. The executive director and CEO reported on Workforce Day at the Capitol, describing strong turnout and plans to make it an annual event. She also provided updates on ARPA-funded projects, including efforts to fully expend grant funds through technical assistance and reallocation to training programs such as aviation maintenance, dental assisting, and expanded capacity at other sites. She reviewed progress on the workforce dashboard and data-sharing initiative, including work with AISP, education agencies, OMEZ, Google, and others on data architecture, governance, and a possible public launch. She also explained the FY27 budget, noting the apparent reduction was due to a prior one-time dashboard allocation rolling off rather than an actual cut. Subcommittee reports were brief: public policy members said they had spent time meeting with legislators, and the data management report noted the dashboard had been useful in workforce-related discussions. The commission then voted to enter executive session under Title 25, Section 307(B)(1) to discuss agenda item eight, later returned to open session, and stated no votes or actions were taken in executive session. Afterward, the commission approved a motion directing Kyle and Guyant to move forward with a reduction in force as discussed in executive session. The next meeting was announced for May 14, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• nonprofits or state services, operating sort of independently of one another, and over the years, collaboration
• nonprofits, state services could be operating sort of independently of one another, and over the years, collaboration
• You're funneling money to integrated programs, services, and collaboration, which are going to have better

Committee: Senate Alcoholism And Substance Use Disorders

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who opened with remarks about the committee’s recent work, declining overdose deaths in New York overall, continuing disparities in some communities, and the need to protect state funding amid possible federal cuts. She also emphasized alcohol-related harm, the importance of maintaining treatment and recovery supports, and the need to prepare for expanded gambling with downstate casino development. Senator Rob Rawlinson and Ranking Member Senator Oberacker participated, with Oberacker later praising the committee’s bipartisan approach and Fernandez’s leadership. The committee considered eight bills, all of which were advanced. The measures included S. 489 on referrals to appropriate substance use disorder service providers; a scholarship program bill for addiction professionals; S. 1812 on certifying innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services; S. 3632 establishing a problem gambling advisory council; S. 4950 concerning payment of substances at addiction treatment centers operated by OASAS; S. 4953 creating an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program; S. 5105 directing OASAS to issue rules for providers in rural locations; and S. 5382 related to privacy protections for chemical dependency services. Several of the bills were sponsored by Senator Fernandez, while others were sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Senator Harkham. Discussion focused heavily on integrated care, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the value of dual licensing and collaboration among providers, and the practical barriers faced in rural areas, including long travel distances, weather, transportation shortages, and limited broadband for telehealth. Members also noted the importance of privacy in treatment settings and the need for accessible, centralized services so people are less likely to fall through the cracks. Each bill was moved and reported either to the calendar or to finance, with no negative votes recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:42.160><c> of</c> and and [snorts] collaboration of and and [snorts] collaboration of bringing
• Uh we are a collaboration of Aging.
• And so this is our attempt to collaborate or coordinate that under one umbrella.
• So this is our attempt to collaborate or coordinate that under one umbrella.
• To collaborate or coordinate that under one umbrella.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just have to couple that with the practice of this state of Alabama.
• Message is one thing; the practice is completely another thing.
• in this state that cause people practice in this state that cause people concerned,<01:41:12.080><c>
• It's been a collaborative effort and agree this is a unusual situation but they all agree.
• It's been a collaborative<02:10:12.079><c> effort</c><02:10:12.560><c> and</c><02:10:12.960><c> agree

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, this proposal reflects significant collaboration.
• Second, this proposal reflects significant collaboration.
• In practice, this creates a de form.
• I'm not sure if that is normal practice, so I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to answer.
• I'm not sure if that is normal practice, so I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to answer.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He is in AP Comparative Government, AP Government, and Practical Law.
• , and using that data in their medical practices.
• , and data collection, and using that data in their medical practices.
• So everyone agrees on the hiring practice, but utilizing the other data and utilizing that for health
• outcomes goes far beyond what we should be prescribing as politicians in a medical practice.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So being a county supervisor, I saw how this works in practice.
• So what's happened over the years is we all know... ...works in practice.
• As a practical matter, and someone— Printed so everyone knows it.
• As a practical matter, and someone that's there, and you've been there as a supervisor, we get calls:
• When it comes to surgeries, the U.S. was practically alone on this issue.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1167, which would allow municipalities and counties to satisfy certain public-notice requirements by posting advertisements, publications, and printings on their official websites. The sponsor argued the bill is permissive, intended to modernize notice practices, reduce costs, and help governments meet statutory deadlines, while a Blackmun amendment required a six-month transition period in which notices would still be published in newspapers and the public would be alerted to the change. Newspaper and media representatives, along with tribal and rural community advocates, opposed the bill, arguing that print notices remain important for transparency, historical recordkeeping, and access in areas with limited internet service. Supporters from county and local government said newspaper publication schedules have become unreliable and that websites are a more effective way to reach the public. The committee adopted the Blackmun amendment and then passed SB 1167 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1021, as amended by a strike-everything that would require the Auditor General to refer evidence of possible criminal activity involving health profession regulatory boards to the Attorney General, with procedures for investigation and conflict-of-interest handling. The sponsor and amendment sponsor said the measure would create a mechanism for criminal findings in audit work to be acted on. With no opposition testimony, the committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1021 as amended on a 4-3 vote. Next was SB 1011, which would require county medical examiners or forensic pathologists to review an infant’s immunization and vaccination history, along with any countermeasures administered in the prior 90 days, in sudden unexplained infant death cases. The sponsor said the bill was a data-collection measure meant to improve accuracy, transparency, and prevention efforts. Opponents, including vaccine advocacy and disability representatives, said Arizona already collects this information, that unsafe sleep is the primary issue in most SIDS cases, and that the bill could fuel misinformation about vaccines. The committee passed SB 1011 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also heard SB 1013, a merit-based public employment bill that would prohibit hiring based on conditions other than merit. Supporters said it would ensure public employees are selected by qualifications and objective criteria; opponents argued existing law already bars discrimination and that the bill could create litigation risks and hinder outreach to underrepresented communities. The committee passed SB 1013 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 1015 and a strike-everything amendment that would replace the bill’s original detransition-liability language with the Arizona Thriving Families Act, creating a family and medical leave insurance program within Medicaid beginning in 2029. The original bill sponsor defended the underlying detransition-related liability concept as accountability and support for detransitioners, while opponents said it would function as a discriminatory backdoor ban on transition care for minors. The transcript ends during debate and explanation of the strike-everything amendment, before a final vote on SB 1015 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So being a county supervisor, I saw how this works in practice.
• Works in practice.
• As a practical matter, and someone... Printed so everyone knows it.
• As a practical matter, and someone that's there, and you've been there as a supervisor, we get calls:
• When it comes to surgeries, the U.S. was practically alone on this issue.

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• at model bills, and we worked with battery manufacturers and other stakeholders to bring forth a practical
• at model bills, and we worked with battery manufacturers and other stakeholders to bring forth a practical
• </c><01:09:02.080><c> bill</c><01:09:02.960><c> that</c><01:09:03.160><c> be</c> bring forth a practical
• bill that be bring forth a practical bill that be would<01:09:03.720><c> be</c><01:09:03.920><c> widely
• </c> Conservation Commissions, Collaborative Conservation Commissions, Collaborative Solid<01:10:53.080

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, it's the practice of the DRA that they're just simply not going to use negative tax rates
• already ended in that this practice already ended in 2025.<01:12:53.760><c> And</c><01:12:53.920><c>
• Furthermore, it's the<01:12:58.960><c> practice</c><01:12:59.360><c> of</c><01:13:00.000><c> um</c><01
• of um the DRRA that they're the practice of um the DRRA that they're they're<01:13:02.239><c> just</
• </c><07:12:30.958><c> with</c> there might be some collaboration with there might be some collaboration

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They require perspective, integrity, and a collaborative approach.
• require perspective, integrity, and They require perspective, integrity, and a<00:03:36.320><c> collaborative
• </c><00:03:38.360><c> Testimony</c> a collaborative approach. Testimony a collaborative approach.

Bills: SB2057 , SB2109 , SB2400 , HB1752 , SB2599 , SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• So look forward to working collaboratively with them on getting a bunch of stuff across the finish line
• way, I think, this year on a number of bills across the floor that helped them move in a really collaborative
• The challenge is these are very complicated issues that have a lot of collaboration...
• We've had very good communication and collaboration with the House Republicans this year, and I think

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate and House Democratic leaders held a post-cutoff media availability to review the first half of session and outline priorities for the remainder. They said both chambers made substantial progress on protecting Washington from federal overreach and on affordability, citing measures on ICE access and notice, private spaces, housing expansion, medical debt interest caps, senior property tax relief, working families and small business tax credits, and proposals to phase out sales tax on services. They also highlighted that the House moved nearly 200 bills, about 80% with bipartisan support, and said the chambers are now processing each other’s bills and preparing for a fast-paced final stretch. A major focus was the “millionaire’s tax” and related tax relief proposals. Leaders said the governor’s suggestions, including a sales tax holiday and diaper relief, were welcome and that the updated revenue forecast gives the budget more breathing room and reserves, though much of the new revenue is offset by caseload growth and federal cuts. They said the tax package is intended to support long-term fiscal sustainability and affordability, and that House members will continue shaping the bill in committee. They also discussed a separate proposal to tax large employers whose workers rely on Medicaid, saying it is being considered in light of new federal requirements to track Medicaid employment data, while noting concerns from employers and nonprofits. The conversation also covered several bills that stalled or were delayed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance because it lacked votes, though support and stakeholder engagement increased this year. They said child welfare bills and Senator Wilson’s proposals were paused after stakeholder concerns, while Representative Fitzgibbon defended the House’s approach to child safety and said lawmakers are still working on the issue. Other topics included the transmission and cultural resources bills, where a late procedural request to read a bill in full disrupted plans to move multiple measures together, and a tort-liability bill that passed the Senate and is expected to continue in the House with amendments. They also addressed the 0.05 impaired-driving bill, the Left Plan 1 pension proposal, the farmworker unionization bill, and the initiative-related bill, with several of these measures described as still under discussion or lacking enough support to move this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been great to collaborate with the group, We the People, who are doing the parade during the day
• We will have multiple activities, and this is where the collaboration with the Treasurer's Office and
• We're still in collaboration with We the People.
• I want to give the treasurer some time to talk about the ambassador programs and again so the collaboration

Summary: The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council met to approve prior minutes and authorize several funding items tied to Idaho’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Members approved January 19 minutes and a reimbursement of up to $20,882 to the State Superintendent of Public Education for additional Spirit of U.S. box materials for schools. They also approved a broader America 250 budget proposal that includes the July 4 Capitol celebration, ambassador programs, and authority to solicit and accept private donations, with funds to be managed separately by the treasurer’s office and the A250 subcommittee. Representative Galaviz and Treasurer Ellsworth outlined plans for the July 4 celebration at the Capitol and Cecil Andrus Park, including a parade, concert, bands, family activities, and open Capitol offices and exhibits. They described cost-sharing with the We the People parade organizers, who are covering most parade-related expenses, and discussed related projects such as the Liberty Bell carriage, go bags for ambassador materials, the Veterans Mustang Ride, challenge coins, heritage fountain plans, flags across Idaho, Liberty quilts, and the service challenge. The treasurer reported strong statewide participation, including 1,100 ambassadors across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and noted that service challenge participation had surpassed 11,000 acts. Director Gallimore gave a task force update on statewide and national America 250 efforts, including the Idaho Lottery’s planned scratch ticket, the Moments That Made Us downloadable exhibit, Reading the Republic, the Four Score exhibit opening, and a complementary exhibit later in March. She also noted coordination for events at Signature Point and the Old Pen, and said the museum would be open on July 4 with free admission. Hannah Laurie Hine reported on federal America 250 initiatives such as the White House’s Freedom Truck mobile museums, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., a prayer-focused event, the Presidential 1776 Award civics contest, and other national story-collection and volunteer efforts. The committee agreed to meet again on March 9 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• through this H.R. to really educate ourselves on what human trafficking looks like and how we can collaborate
• And we work collaboratively to make sure that community members know how to identify the signs of human
• We work collaboratively to make sure that community members know how to identify the signs of human trafficking
• thank the member from Santa Cruz for bringing this and just encourage us all to go back home and collaborate

Summary: The Assembly convened after an initial quorum call and proceeded with routine business, including approval of the previous day’s journal, procedural suspensions, and several file items. Most second-reading, concurrence, veto, and reconsideration items were passed, retained, or continued without debate. The main floor action was on House Resolution 75, authored by Assembly Member Pellerin, designating January 26 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pellerin and several members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing survivor-led advocacy, the prevalence of trafficking in California, risks tied to major events and vulnerable populations, and the need for better prevention, data collection, and victim services. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 64 co-authors were added. Assembly Member Avila Farias’s AB 768, relating to mobile home park rent control and affordable housing, also passed with a 60-1 vote. The Assembly then held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for Joy Atkinson, a longtime Los Angeles civic leader and mentor to Black women in public service, with members recounting her work in government, political organizing, and the La P.I.E. leadership institute. Later, Assembly Member Haney offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, highlighting his musical legacy and philanthropy. The House adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Encourage thoughtful dialogue and collaboration so that every voice is heard and valued.
• ><00:01:39.520><c> and</c> Encourage thoughtful dialogue and Encourage thoughtful dialogue and collaboration
• 41.200><c> that</c><00:01:41.520><c> every</c><00:01:42.079><c> voice</c><00:01:42.400><c> is</c> collaboration
• so that every voice is collaboration so that every voice is heard<00:01:43.119><c> and</c><00:01:43.439

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• You said, "Our state's history is one of collaboration, resilience, and finding common ground.
• </c><00:07:33.199><c> is</c><00:07:33.440><c> one</c><00:07:33.599><c> of</c><00:07:33.759><c> collaboration
• ,</c> state's history is one of collaboration, state's history is one of collaboration, resilience,<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we've experienced today, and accepted in these last couple of weeks, is a commitment together to collaborate
• /c><00:09:55.760><c> to</c> weeks is a commitment together to weeks is a commitment together to collaborate
• 09:58.200><c> and</c><00:09:58.320><c> to</c><00:09:58.480><c> try</c><00:09:58.640><c> and</c> collaborate
• to cooperate and to try and collaborate to cooperate and to try and work<00:09:59.000><c> through</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all