Transcript Highlights:

• If you require assistance in registering or testifying, please contact the committee staff.
• When we're talking to young people, when we go to, uh, trade school days and.
• It's been a very successful program.
• , essentially paying $150 to walk their child across the street to school.
• I've heard stories about, uh, you know, wherever they were educated, call it a school, maybe they go

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> assisted living industry as described. assisted living industry as described.
• </c> Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,<00:14:23.199><c> Heat
• </c> Program, Heat and Eat Program. Program, Heat and Eat Program.
• and eat program within the supplemental<00:14:38.079><c> nutrition</c><00:14:38.639><c> assistance</
• c> supplemental nutrition assistance supplemental nutrition assistance program<00:14:39.680><c> to</c

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

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Jod Gun, whose prayer was journalized by unanimous consent. The chamber then recognized several guests, including representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, who were present for a resolution honoring Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as former Delegate and physician Dan Moheim, Towson University students, a veteran guest, and parents and young children visiting for Maryland Family Network’s Day in Annapolis. The Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness for its advocacy on tardive dyskinesia screening, early detection, and treatment, and designated May 5–9 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The resolution was read and adopted without objection. The chamber also unanimously welcomed the guest groups and thanked them for their service and advocacy. In second-reader action, the Senate advanced several bills with committee amendments adopted without objection. Senate Bill 113, the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, was amended to refine aging-related planning, website reporting, and Commission on Aging membership, then ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 123 updated the membership of the Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and was also sent to third reading. Senate Bill 336 extended the Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for one year and added an HBCU representative. Senate Bill 394 expanded expedited partner therapy to bacterial vaginosis and added licensed certified midwives as authorized practitioners. Senate Bill 444 changed certificate-of-need requirements for certain intermediate care facilities, and Senate Bill 461 conformed the SNAP Heat and Eat Program to federal eligibility rules; both were advanced to third reading. The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee then took up Senate Bill 108, which would authorize the Maryland Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for certain water, wetlands, dam, and riparian-rights violations and expand administrative enforcement tools. Several senators raised concerns about the scope of the bill, its effect on shoreline restoration, dams, stormwater and wetlands enforcement, and whether it could allow penalties without adequate process or encourage payment instead of correction. The floor leader responded that the amendment requires notice, an informal meeting, and consideration of good-faith efforts before penalties are imposed in certain cases, and said the bill does not change permit requirements. The debate continued as members sought clarification on how the bill would apply to private dams, HOAs, farmers, and shoreline projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are
• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are
• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are
• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are
• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just hearing high school. That's the last one.
• It is modeled after the 585 program, which is the state program. It is about 20 hours.
• It launched program, which is the state program. It is about 20 hours.
• Many police departments want to move beyond crisis response and build proactive, wellness-based programs—programs
• For these programs to work, officers must trust them.

Bills: SB1048 , SB1071 , SB1092 , SB1314 , SB1391 , SB1400 , SB1401 , SB1452

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called a managed repair program.
• We look exhaustively at mitigation discount programs.
• So the, the, what we call the mandatory mitigation credit program or the 1802 program, we're working,
• But the 1802 program was Program. We've got a team working on a better name.
• And that's why we have the national flood program.

Summary: The subcommittee held its first meeting on homeowners property insurance, with members from both parties introducing themselves and repeatedly noting that insurance affordability, roof condition, claims handling, and storm recovery are top concerns for their districts. Chair Yeager said the meeting was intended as an educational discussion rather than a legislative debate, and introduced a panel that included Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski, consumer Chad Carr, agent Mary Catherine Lawler, insurer executive Melissa Burt DeVries, and policyholder attorney Chip Merlin. The panel and members discussed major cost drivers in Florida homeowners insurance, including inflation, home age, roof age, mitigation features, claims history, litigation costs, reinsurance, and the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. Commissioner Yaworski said underwriting has become more sophisticated and that litigation costs, reinsurance, and replacement-cost inflation all affect premiums; he also said litigation is down about 30% and average requested rate increases have fallen from about 22.1% in 2022 to 0.8% today. DeVries said age of home, replacement cost, roof age, and coverage choices can materially change premiums, and explained that reinsurance is a major expense passed through to consumers. Merlin emphasized transparency concerns, argued that insurers are increasingly individualizing risk, and said consumers often struggle with coverage limits, deductibles, and claim denials. Members asked about flood coverage, hurricane deductibles, managed repair programs, mitigation credits, new insurer capitalization, and whether savings from reforms are reaching consumers. Yaworski explained that flood is generally excluded from homeowners policies and covered separately, that hurricane deductibles are mandatory in Florida and usually around 5%, and that the office tracks savings from reforms through rate filings and insurer discussions. He said the state is updating mitigation discounts and monitoring new entrants closely for solvency and market conduct. Several members and panelists said recent reforms have helped reduce some abuses and litigation, but many consumers are still seeing higher premiums because replacement costs and reinsurance remain elevated. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're here to assist you.
• Um, we have software that we use to assist us with this.
• At Common Cause, we help run the Texas Election Protection Program.
• Uh, the program provides nonpartisan information and support to Texas voters.
• And if they were touching and assisting, our bill says it's not about assisting a voter.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and Senator O'Malley, it's an affordable multifamily construction.
• In the construction, DRT, was there a sunset? It was in the bill. It was in the bill.
• Not a program industries have operated under for seven years.
• Local businesses, schools, and families all share this strain.
• It was a theory I was taught in school. And now we're trying to say, no. Well, why?

Summary: The committee first took up the proposed 2026 tax package, Senate Bill 151, and adopted a committee substitute after discussion of the package’s funding capacity and included measures. The substitute bundled five bills: a physician tax credit, a quantum facility infrastructure tax credit, a construction materials gross receipts deduction for affordable multifamily housing, a local journalist employment tax credit, and a health equipment gross receipts deduction. Members discussed amendments that raised the physician credit from $4,000 to $10,000, narrowed the housing deduction to project-based certification, and reduced the journalist credit threshold from four stories to three. Concerns were raised about the fiscal impact on municipalities, especially Albuquerque, and about the funding mechanism, but the committee voted 6-4 to give the substitute a do pass recommendation. Senator Sanchez explained his vote, saying he wished more could have been included in the package. The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, the Clear Horizons Act, which would codify statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets and direct the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to develop plans and rules for emissions reductions. The sponsors said the bill builds on the governor’s 2019 executive order, includes a 10,000-metric-ton threshold for covered emitters, allows certified offsets, and is intended to protect public health, reduce climate-related costs, and provide regulatory certainty. Supporters argued the bill would help communities facing wildfire, drought, health harms, and rising insurance and utility costs, and that it would encourage clean-energy investment and long-term economic stability. Opposition testimony came from mining, oil and gas, rural electric cooperatives, construction, agriculture, auto dealers, chambers of commerce, banks, water recycling companies, and realtors. They argued the bill functions like a carbon tax or broad regulatory mandate, would raise energy and compliance costs, could reduce investment and jobs, and would disproportionately affect rural, tribal, agricultural, and low-income communities. Several witnesses warned of higher electricity and fuel bills, revenue losses for local governments, and uncertainty from delegating major policy decisions to rulemaking. Supporters included public health advocates, educators, local officials, clean-energy businesses, tribal and environmental advocates, and residents affected by wildfire and drought, who said the bill is necessary to address climate harms and protect public health and the economy. No final committee vote on SB 18 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are you going to handle this with the schools?
• Because I've been in several balloon releases at my kids' school.
• I'm going straight to the school board on this one, but...
• The other thing that may happen is that they will construct wells.
• I know they have constructed wells, and I know they have constructed wells, and I— Representative Domangue

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This requires school districts to adopt a policy ensuring that instruction in Asian American, Native
• , and it defines within the bill youth development programs and specifies prioritization requirements
• training programs, and I think this is an important bill and urge you to support it.
• This is a bill concerning delayed utility connection fees for residential construction.
• This is a bill concerning delayed utility connection fees for residential construction.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the tens of thousands of out-of-state students who go to our Florida schools do not need a Florida
• first Black graduate from Gainesville High School.
• first black graduate from Gainesville High School.
• Or other public or nonprofit entities in the day-to-day operation of the program.
• For the purpose of implementing the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 1342, a transit-oriented development bill intended to expand housing near fixed transit corridors. The sponsor said the measure builds on the Live Local Act by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging private investment around transit investments. An amendment was adopted that narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and exempted certain sensitive areas including military installations and environmentally sensitive lands. Supporters argued the bill would increase housing supply and maximize the return on state transit spending, while local government groups and other opponents warned it would preempt local zoning, impose uniform density rules, and create infrastructure, evacuation, and public input concerns. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1334, an elections bill that would require documentary proof of citizenship in certain voter registration and verification processes, update candidate qualification rules, require U.S. citizen markers on driver licenses and ID cards, and clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method. Two technical amendments were adopted. The sponsor said the bill would streamline verification by allowing agencies to rely on Real ID and DHSMV records, reduce duplicate documentation, and improve communication between state systems. Senators questioned the fiscal impact, data-sharing procedures, storage of sensitive documents, effects on students, disabled voters, and people without driver licenses or Real IDs. A large number of public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled people, low-income residents, naturalized citizens, and people with name changes, while a smaller number supported it as an election integrity measure. The bill was ultimately not finished in the portion of the transcript provided, but the committee continued taking testimony and questions. Later, the committee took up CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. A strike-all amendment was adopted to align the bill with the House version and authorize FDOT to fund vertiports and charging systems as part of public-private partnerships, including up to 80% of the non-federal share when federal funds are available and up to 100% if FDOT elects to do so. The sponsor framed the bill as helping Florida lead in advanced air mobility, and the measure was reported favorably with support from industry and local government representatives. Finally, the committee heard SB 174, which would designate a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and direct FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The sponsor said the designation was tied to Turning Point USA activity at FIU and civic engagement. Several senators objected in debate, arguing Kirk was divisive and that the state should reserve road memorials for figures more broadly deserving of honor; others defended the designation as symbolic and non-regulatory. The transcript ends during the sponsor’s closing remarks, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• because it was a school that called me about fixing this.
• If the sunset takes place, programs like Richard McKenna Charter School's construction trade CTE program
• Rural school districts, charter schools, and specialized programs will be disproportionately impacted
• No, this has just been such a good program.
• Percy is an excellent organization, an excellent program.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're very entrenched in the business, and we rely on them for legal assistance.
• but I can tell legal legal assistance but I can tell you<00:58:49.440><c> I've</c><00:58:49.559><c>
• The construction of around 2,400 new privately owned off-campus apartment beds in Durham since around
• The construction of around 2,400 new privately owned off-campus apartment beds in Durham since around
• The construction of around 2,400 new privately owned off-campus apartment beds in Durham since around

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is members of the local elected school board members representing the 1.1 million school children
• School board members representing the 1.1 million school children across Washington State.
• Collectively, our school districts are the only recipient of common school trust revenues and the largest
• I serve as the program manager for the Water Resources Program within the Department of Ecology.
• I serve as the program manager for the Water Resources Program within the Department of Ecology.

Bills: HB2170 , HB2544 , HB2578

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: natural climate solutions, ecosystem services, revenue generation, economic opportunities, environmental policy, water rights, adjudication, Columbia River, environmental impact, natural resources, tribal members, fish and wildlife, commission, indigenous rights, state regulation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The shepherds have access to the H-2A program and have a special provision within the H-2A program that
• allows... have access to the H-2A program and have a special provision within the H-2A program that
• They're taking over school space for Idaho children to go to school and get the education that we owe
• So let's go to construction then.
• That is not a construction... That is not in the construction industry. We're talking...

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first introduced a new page, approved the January 27 and January 29 minutes, and then heard House Bill 703, which would consolidate multiple disciplinary provisions into a single procedural framework in Title 67 without changing substantive licensing standards. The sponsor said it was a cleanup measure building on prior code consolidation work, and a contractor group testified in support. The committee voted to send HB 703 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The main item was House Bill 704, a universal E-Verify bill requiring employers to verify new hires through the federal system. Sponsors said it would protect Idaho workers and businesses, align with federal law, and create a level playing field; they also said they were open to adjusting the implementation date. Supporters included business, law enforcement, immigrant, and advocacy witnesses who argued it would enforce existing law and reduce unauthorized employment. Opponents, including the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, small business and bookkeeping witnesses, and others, argued E-Verify is flawed, burdensome, and could harm agriculture, construction, household employers, and other sectors; they also raised concerns about biometric language, private complaints to the Attorney General, and possible unintended coverage of service relationships. After extensive committee questioning and testimony, a motion to send HB 704 to general orders failed 11-7. The committee then voted 16-2 to send HB 704 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation, with several members noting they reserved the right to change their votes on the floor. The committee then began House Bill 700, which would add criminal penalties for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers while providing a defense for employers who use E-Verify in good faith. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an enforcement measure, while opponents repeated concerns about E-Verify’s reliability and added burdens; the transcript ends during the sponsor’s closing remarks on HB 700, before any committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• School districts.
• To this requirement are the cities, counties, and other political subdivisions, school districts, and
• He worked in a school setting and tore a tendon in his elbow. It was an L&I claim.
• Fundamentally, L&I exists to operate the program as an insurance system, and like any insurance program
• They affect housing stability, school attendance, public health, and trust in institutions.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2091, a collective bargaining measure that would require state agencies and other employers covered by the Personnel System Reform Act to provide unions with employee contact and job information similar to what other public employers already must share. The sponsor and union witnesses said the bill would close a gap left by prior legislation and improve communication with represented employees; no one testified in opposition during the hearing portion shown. Action on the bill was deferred. The committee then moved to House Bill 2264, which would allow workers who voluntarily participate in an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan to qualify for unemployment insurance if the separation results from that plan. The sponsor and a member described it as a narrow fix to clarify eligibility and reduce disputes. After brief supportive testimony, the committee voted 9-0 to report the bill out with a due pass recommendation. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 2218, a workers’ compensation bill that would expand provider choice, require notice to injured workers of their right to choose a provider, limit employer steering, speed utilization review, allow more flexibility from treatment guidelines, and change rules for reopening or continuing treatment on certain claims. Supporters, including injured workers, unions, attorneys, firefighters, and a psychiatrist, argued the current system delays care and over-relies on rigid guidelines; opponents from business groups and the Department of Labor and Industries said the bill would weaken evidence-based standards, raise costs, and create uncertainty. No final action was taken in the portion shown. The committee also heard House Bill 2105, as a proposed substitute, which would require employers to notify workers after an ICE Form I-9 inspection notice or results, limit voluntary access to certain records without a subpoena or warrant, require workplace postings, and create enforcement by the Attorney General and private lawsuits. Supporters said the bill would provide due process, transparency, and protection for immigrant workers; opponents, especially small business and agricultural groups, warned of conflicts with federal law, burdensome notice requirements, and severe penalties. The hearing continued with additional testimony, and no vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Vianney High School, my Marianist brother high school, and he attended college at Southwest Missouri
• I think just by virtue of having a licensing program, a regulated program, you limit not just the number
• It hasn't gone to one public school.
• It hasn't went to one public school.
• At a different program.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1971, my dad was a senior in high school.
• ><c> for</c><00:04:50.320><c> that</c><00:04:50.400><c> construction</c> was removed for that construction
• No government program is actually free; the taxpayer always pays. Okay, any questions?
• , instead of saying this program is free thanks to your public tax infrastructure?
• , instead of saying this program is free thanks to your public tax infrastructure?

Keywords: Consideration of HJR 15 02:26 Consideration of HB 30 16:18 Consideration of HB 71 20:05 Consideration of HB 182 23:51, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first took up HJR 15, as amended by a committee substitute, which would return the granite Ten Commandments monument to permanent display on the new State Capitol grounds. Representative Baker described the monument’s history, its removal during construction in the 1980s, the 2000 effort to restore it, and recent Supreme Court changes that he said make the historical-tradition analysis more relevant than the former Lemon test. Members asked about the monument’s location, possible amendments to allow other faiths to place similar monuments, and church-state concerns. Several members explained their votes by saying they supported the historical display but wanted further discussion about religious representation. The resolution passed the committee 16-1 with two pass votes and was reported favorably to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 30, sponsored by Representative Blanton, which addresses pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pension Authority. Blanton said the bill codifies a court ruling clarifying that across-the-board pay raises are not pension spiking and noted support from fire, police, and state employees. Representative Tipton reminded members that pension bills should be reviewed by the Public Pension Oversight Board first and said this bill had been reviewed there without issue. The committee approved HB 30 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 71, sponsored by Representative Duval, was next. KPPA Executive Director Ryan Barrow said the bill was requested by KPPA, vetted by the Public Pension Oversight Board, and would restructure KPPA by creating an Office of Financial Management and moving the current CFO into an executive director-level role overseeing that office, without affecting system funding requirements. Representative Johnson supported the measure as an administrative codification of current practice. The committee passed HB 71 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 182 from Representative Frasier Gordon, which would prohibit state government from using the word “free” to describe taxpayer-funded services. Gordon said the bill is intended to increase transparency and ensure taxpayers are credited for funding public services, while not changing any programs or benefits. Members questioned how the bill would be enforced, what alternative wording should be used, and whether the restriction could affect communication with low-income or low-literacy residents; Gordon said terms like “provided at no cost” or “paid for by taxpayers” would be acceptable and that the bill contains no penalty. The committee passed HB 182 17-3 with favorable expression and sent it to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would point to creative programs like that in Connecticut that passed their psychedelic-assisted therapy
• I would point to creative programs like that in Connecticut that passed their psychedelic-assisted therapy
• I was introduced to psychedelic-assisted therapy. I went and did that four-day program.
• I'm an assistant clinical faculty with Jobson Medical School and a psychiatrist in private practice in
• > within</c> assistant therapy pilot program within assistant therapy pilot program within the<01:39:

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, 5272, is about school safety, and it is a proactive measure to ensure that all participants
• our school boards and local control.
• our school boards and local control.
• Decades ago, our state started a warm water fisheries program.
• The underlying bill is concerning the 340B drug pricing program. Thank you, Mr. President.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have made to date on the program.
• Just a handful of structures remain under construction in Construction Package 1, the 32 miles that stretch
• The 65 miles of Construction Package 2.3 is buzzing with construction work.
• But construction and the funding are not the only part of the story.
• Today, in the program, the way we have allocated funds and appropriated for the construction of Merced

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 draft business plan, with testimony from the authority, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and the High-Speed Rail Inspector General. Chair Cortese framed the hearing around the project’s recent changes: a new CEO, revised delivery strategy, proposed station and scope changes in the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, the loss of major federal funds, and the authority’s push for private investment and ancillary revenue. He also raised concerns about financing risks, the proposed changes to the initial operating segment, and the Inspector General’s finding that the draft plan may be missing required statutory elements. Authority CEO Ian Chaudhry said the project is now in a more disciplined phase, citing major construction progress in the Central Valley, near-completion of right-of-way and utility work, and plans to begin track and systems procurement. He said the authority expects the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment to be completed around 2032-33, with broader Phase 1 service later, and argued that design optimization, direct procurement, and public-private partnerships could reduce costs and attract private capital. He also described plans for ancillary revenue from real estate, broadband, energy, and logistics, and said the authority is discussing station locations and value-capture tools with local governments rather than locking them in yet. Several senators questioned the legality and practicality of tax increment financing, utility relocation authority, transparency, and whether the project’s revised scope still meets high-speed rail standards and public expectations. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the draft plan assumes major statutory changes, including changes to station locations and scope, and warned that the plan’s cost and schedule estimates depend on assumptions that may not materialize. LAO said the plan lacks transparency because it does not clearly disclose the assumed station changes, and it questioned whether even the shorter segment can be delivered within existing funding once borrowing costs and other risks are included. The office also noted uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues and said ancillary revenues are not yet credit-worthy for financing. The Inspector General’s office said the draft business plan does not appear to meet several statutory requirements, including requirements added in AB 377, and reiterated that the final plan must address those omissions. Chaudhry said the authority would respond to the OIG’s findings in the final business plan and committed to resolving the compliance issues before final adoption.