Transcript Highlights:

• That used to be under the old location-based GRT tax system.
• As was stated, due to the shift in GRT distributions from business location to destination-based, the
• With that shift, those businesses are located inside the city limits, but the GRT based on designated-based
• Because this amount of 350,000 is based on today's tax rate, isn't it, Mike, or? Mr.
• An additional $2 million for a skilled nursing facility in Rio Arriba was also awarded.

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• completely on skill.
• completely on skill.
• completely on skill.
• So people come into becoming home-based producers from all different walks of life.
• And also just based an unsafe vehicle.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• State High School League sanctioned events, even if the events are off school ground, such as hockey games
• :02.719><c> hockey</c> are off school ground, such as hockey are off school ground, such as hockey games
• </c><00:02:05.439><c> Second,</c> games at the city's local arena.
• Second, games at the city's local arena.
• </c> school based on their permit alone. school based on their permit alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill adds statutory definitions for cellular and tissue-based products, minimally manipulated, and
• This bill adds statutory definitions for cellular and tissue-based products, minimally manipulated, and
• By the way, the FDA currently regulates human cell, tissue, and cellular tissue-based products under
• public input and public hearings where elected officials and planning boards have to make findings based
• to perform moderate or highly complex testing, who possess the skills to perform moderate or highly

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> basketball game tonight. Okay. basketball game tonight. Okay.
• So really broadening the base.
• So really broadening the base.
• So really broadening the base.
• So really broadening the base.

Summary: The subcommittee approved the October 15 minutes and observed a moment of silence for the victims of the UPS Worldport plane crash. The main presentation was from Transportation Cabinet Commissioner Bobby Joe Lewis on the Local Assistance Road Program/County Priority Projects Program (LAARP/CPP), which was implemented under House Bill 546 and now requires rehabilitation projects to restore roads to original condition, cap funding at $500,000 per project, use a new scoring matrix, include a local match, and submit one photograph per 300 feet of project length. He reported that the 2026-2027 cycle ran from June 1 to October 1 and drew 1,215 project applications from 107 counties and 106 cities, with total submitted project costs of about $121.1 million and about $102.3 million requested after local match. He also said 30% of submissions scored 10s and 22% scored 9s, and that the list of requests and required photos had been submitted to the General Assembly and LRC. Members asked about how scores change over time, whether roads can move from lower scores to 10s, and whether the new process gives a better picture of local needs. Lewis said scores can change based on weather and road conditions, but the new system provides more information and a more standardized evaluation than before. Several members raised concerns about the volume and size of required photographs, suggesting drone footage or video as an alternative; Lewis said the photo requirement has caused confusion and large file uploads, and he was open to considering easier ways to document conditions. Members also discussed continuity in scoring across districts, and Lewis explained that district staff appointed by chief district engineers use a handbook and scoring matrix, with the scores entered into a computer system so evaluators do not see the final score while scoring. The committee also discussed funding levels and carry-forward balances for the program. Lewis said the program began with $20 million authorized in HR92, noted underruns from completed projects, and reported a carry-forward amount that had grown to $355,432.42 available for reauthorization as of October 13. In response to questions, he said the current process concentrates applications into a short window, with 63% of applications arriving in the last few days and 417 on October 1, which created a heavy workload but was completed on time. The meeting then moved to multimodal funding priorities, with Jennifer Kersner of Kentuckians for Better Transportation introducing herself and offering condolences for the UPS aviation incident before beginning her remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• How about a Twins game tonight?” Or we would go fishing or we would go hunting.
• </c><00:09:07.960><c> about</c><00:09:08.120><c> a</c><00:09:08.160><c> Twins</c><00:09:08.480><c> game
• How about a Twins game do? Okay. How about a Twins game tonight?" tonight?" tonight?"

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish
• and Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.
• Currently, the county fish and game commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish
• and Game Code to protect fish and wildlife.

Transcript Highlights:

• had a face value of $94 at the Paramount, to $50 being paid for a $15 ticket to the Lake Monsters game
• </c><00:38:21.360><c> And</c><00:38:21.720><c> in</c><00:38:22.120><c> 2000,</c> the Lake Monsters game
• And in 2000, the Lake Monsters game.
• I'm thinking I go to a UVM hockey game, I get the ticket on my phone, there's no price on that ticket
• land base for appropriate nutrient<01:09:02.319><c> and</c><01:09:02.480><c> waste</c><01:09:02.759>

Transcript Highlights:

• the candidates understood that their success or failure may rely on them reaching outside of their base
• I don't know that the rules of the game have to be partisan.
• So at base level, that person is no worse off than if we didn't do this at all.
• Ranked choice voting is a practical, evidence-based solution.
• The winners are candidates who build broad coalitions and reach beyond their base.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy. A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay. Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and I just truly believe that at my core, just based on the work that I've done.
• We established the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery.
• approach following CDC guidance and evidence-based programs.
• Do you have the studies that this bill is based on that you could share? I love to read studies.
• Harm reduction is a proven evidence-based approach to addiction.

Bills: SB274 , SB301 , SB249

Committee: House Health & Human Development

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several measures related to health care, public health, and patient protections. House Concurrent Resolution 148, urging a statewide educational strategy on menopause, was presented as a workplace awareness measure and received supportive comments from members before being released. Senate Bill 274, updating Delaware’s MOST program to POLST and clarifying capacity determinations and documentation for end-of-life orders, also drew supportive testimony from medical and nursing groups and was released. House Bill 458, limiting local backflow preventer requirements for certain low-hazard buildings, was presented as a cost-relief measure for homeowners and small businesses; DHSS expressed concerns but said it was willing to work on amendments and a sunset provision, and the bill was released. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and ordering flags at half-staff, was released after brief supportive remarks. The committee then considered Senate Bill 339, a technical correction to the advance health care directive form clarifying that an agent’s authority for voluntary mental health admission cannot exceed 72 hours, consistent with existing law. Members asked detailed questions about how the 72-hour limit works and whether it applies to voluntary directives; the sponsor and a Disability Rights Delaware witness explained that the bill only aligns the form with current statute and does not expand authority. The bill was released. House Bill 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients discharged while showing signs of labor, prompted extensive discussion. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve safety, transportation planning, and aftercare, while some members noted Delaware hospitals already do much of this work and questioned whether codifying it was necessary; supporters emphasized maternal mortality disparities and the need for guardrails. The bill was released. Senate Bill 196, creating ownership disclosure requirements for long-term care facilities and resident notice rules after ownership transfers, was presented as a transparency measure for seniors and families and was released after supportive testimony from the Delaware Nurses Association and elder-care advocates. Senate Bill 320, expanding pharmacists’ independent prescriptive authority for certain non-controlled medications and allowing opioid use disorder medications under standing order, with added malpractice reporting requirements in Senate Amendment 2, was supported by pharmacists and nurse practitioners as an access-to-care measure and was released. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 161, establishing a unified licensing and oversight framework for adult behavioral health providers under DSAM, was presented as a patient-protection measure; providers supported the goal but cautioned that regulations must be workable, and the substitute was released. Senate Joint Resolution 19, directing DHSS to study strategies to reduce health care costs, was released with a note reflecting concerns about broadening the analysis to include additional cost drivers and alternatives. Finally, Senate Bill 249 with Senate Amendment 2, modernizing harm-reduction programs and paraphernalia laws, generated the most extended debate: supporters framed it as life-saving public health policy, while opponents raised concerns about needle litter, community impacts, and whether the approach facilitates addiction. Despite the objections, the bill was released.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 295, gaming prohibition on interactive games and revenue from illegal markets, favorable with
• </c> &gt;&gt; Almost threw me off my game there. &gt;&gt; Almost threw me off my game there.
• We should not be weakening safety standards based on assumption.
• We should not be weakening safety standards based on assumption.
• We should not be weakening safety standards based on assumption.

Summary: The House convened with 122 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up two congratulatory resolutions: one honoring Layla Wishard of Hagerstown for winning gold with Team USA at the Junior Roller Derby Association World Cup in Australia, and another recognizing Delores Millhouse as the 2026 Maryland Mother of the Year. Both resolutions were read and adopted with applause. The House then considered a series of committee reports, primarily from the Committee on Economic Matters, and advanced multiple bills to third reading after adopting committee amendments and favorable reports. Measures included consumer contract protections in House Bill 103, workers’ compensation presumptions for hypertension in House Bill 347, broadband access and affordability in House Bill 382, housing and land-use changes in House Bills 548 and 894, data privacy in House Bill 711, franchise law changes in House Bill 730, a blockchain-based real property title pilot program in House Bill 810, bankruptcy exemptions in House Bill 1098, and telecommunications infrastructure protections in House Bill 1100. Several bills drew questions and were special ordered for further review. House Bill 711, the Data Privacy Act, prompted extended discussion about whether its geolocation provisions could affect stadium and venue security tracking; the sponsor said the bill was intended to close loopholes around cell phone and vehicle location data and would not change existing permission-based rules, but the bill was still special ordered until the next day. House Bill 894, the transit-oriented development bill, also drew questions about local government concerns and was special ordered, with the floor leader saying county and municipal groups were generally satisfied with the amendments. House Bill 1100 was also taken up after the amendments were adopted, and the title amendment process began as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• California Fish and Game regulations only regulate aquatic transgenic animals, with the regulations silent
• From 2003 to 2016, the Fish and Game Commission banned the sale of genetically modified fish.
• It will reduce the burden of regulating this industry from both the Fish and Game Commission and the

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• subdivisions, public organizations created by the state of Idaho, which I assume are things like Fish and Game
• subdivisions, public organizations created by the state of Idaho, which I assume are things like Fish and Game
• chairman of county commissioners would be able to issue a potential violation as it related to Fish and Game

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And I gotta say, it was tough to watch that game and not cheer for both sides for me.
• because it reminds me that Washington State and Canada are neighbors, and we know how to play the long game
• The long game is really important because I believe that we can stand strong and independent and choose

Summary: The Senate convened on Tuesday, February 24, approved the previous day’s Journal without objection, and handled committee referrals. Among the measures referred, engrossed substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, was specifically sent to the Committee on Rules rather than the committee listed in the standing committee report. The chamber also received supplemental committee reports later in the day, including Senate Bill 5998, the operating budget supplemental, and House Bill 2664, both referred to Rules. The main floor action was consideration of Senate Resolution 8696, which recognizes Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada. The resolution highlighted economic, cultural, environmental, and border-community ties, including trade, shared infrastructure and energy links, cross-border family connections, tribal and First Nations relationships, and cooperation on issues such as climate policy, disaster response, and scientific research. Senators Schumake, Short, and Slatter spoke in support, emphasizing border communities, shared natural resources, research partnerships, and the long-standing friendship between Washington and Canada. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. After adoption, the Senate recognized visiting Canadian and regional officials and representatives, including the Canadian Consul General in Seattle, the Consulate’s trade commissioner, Quebec’s delegate in Seattle, the Mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. The Senate then went at ease, later reconvened briefly to process the supplemental committee reports, and adjourned without objection until Thursday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't change not their skill set.
• </c><01:00:02.880><c> on</c> pool um out of the three pools based on pool um out of the three pools based
• Further, facility-based social workers Further, facility-based social workers receive<01:25:16.800><
• </c><01:25:22.080><c> attend</c><01:25:22.480><c> attend</c> based social workers can attend attend based
• </c> A formal evidence-based program is limited in detention.

Summary: The committee opened with roll call, welcomed a new member, approved the July meeting minutes, and then took up testimony on the statewide emergency responder voice system, also described as the state police radio system replacement project. John Hicks, secretary of the governor’s executive cabinet and state budget director, testified that the project is unusually complex because it combines multiple IT replacements, land acquisition, and tower construction. He said the existing system dates to the early 1970s and that the administration is treating the project as a priority, with work proceeding in phases and weekly coordination among the Justice Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Finance and Administration Cabinet. Hicks said the project has already spent about $110 million, with nearly 1,900 portable radios acquired, microwave replacement completed at 56 sites and underway at 76 more, and routers, switches, and network upgrades addressed. He explained that because the State Police are not set up to handle real property work, the administration brought in outside real property consulting vendors through an RFP, and three vendors are now qualified to help identify and negotiate sites. He said the goal is to speed up land acquisition and tower construction while the State Police continue the technology work, and he emphasized that the project is intended to close coverage gaps for state police first and later benefit local governments and other first responders. Members of the committee expressed concern about the project’s cost and pace. Representative Petri noted that about $218.8 million has been authorized since 2018 and questioned whether the project could stretch into 2030 or later, asking what more the General Assembly could do to help. Representative Blandon also raised concerns about the long timeline and the risk of the project becoming another costly, delayed infrastructure effort, while asking when the vendor RFP was completed and whether any sites had been acquired since then. Representative Sharp asked whether there was a detailed plan and timeline, and Hicks responded that the technology side is well defined but the property acquisition side must proceed site by site because each location depends on ownership, access, power, and other factors. Hicks said the west-to-east phasing has been a smart approach and that the executive branch should improve performance to beat the current timeline expectations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other one is, based on your experience, based on your knowledge and what you know of Rebecca
• And then the other one is, based on your experience, based on your knowledge and what you know of Rebecca
• Well, I'm just asking, based on your police experience, We will enforce those laws.
• I have one more question based on that.
• DCAC is a sentencing enhancement statute based solely on age of the victim.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills dealing with elections, juvenile representation, paternity, and campaign finance. SB 1489 would require paid petition circulators to disclose their name, residence, and paid status, wear a badge, register in some local petition efforts, and subject local initiatives to stricter compliance and fiscal disclosure rules. Supporters said it would standardize rules and improve transparency; opponents, including the ACLU, argued it would chill core political speech and compel identification. The bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote. SB 1609, an emergency measure restricting political party names from using terms like “independent” or “unaffiliated,” drew support from county election officials who said it would reduce voter confusion, and opposition from the Arizona Independent Party, which called it retroactive and anti-competitive. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed the bill 7-0. SCR 1040, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 subject to voter approval, was supported as reflecting longer life expectancy and retaining experienced judges, but opposed by some who favored age limits; it passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1234, which would change juvenile court representation by requiring a guardian ad litem in dependency and termination cases and allowing, rather than requiring, separate child counsel in some circumstances. Sponsor Senator Werner said the bill was part of a broader child-safety package and was informed by cases involving children who died after alleged system failures. Child welfare attorneys and advocates opposed the bill, warning it would weaken attorney-client privilege and take away children’s independent voice, while DCS said the bill was intended to clarify the GAL role and could work alongside child counsel. The committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 5-2. SB 1661, allowing child support obligations to be terminated when genetic testing shows a presumed father is not the biological father, received broad support from the sponsor, a fathers’ advocacy group, and a family representative, and passed 6-0. Later, the committee considered election-administration and campaign-finance measures. SB 1392 would give governing bodies canvassing elections access to election-material locations to observe procedures and review records, while protecting privacy and security; county officials supported access but raised concerns about the term “agent,” and the bill passed 4-3. SB 1634 would require ADOT to provide county recorders with applicants’ handwritten signatures collected during voter registration; county officials said it would improve signature verification, and the bill passed 5-2 after some members noted amendment concerns. SB 1743 would redact donors’ employer street addresses and residence addresses from campaign finance reports; supporters framed it as a privacy measure, while opponents said employer information is important for transparency and identifying influence. It passed 5-2. SB 1099, a strike-everything amendment defining defamation standards for public and private figures, was presented as narrowing and clarifying defamation law and passed 4-3. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1535, which would make paying for sexual conduct a prostitution offense and add a $200 assessment to fund anti-human-trafficking services. Survivors, law enforcement, and neighborhood advocates supported stronger penalties aimed at buyers and demand reduction, while criminal-defense and victim-advocacy groups said the bill needed a rebuttable-presumption amendment to better protect trafficking victims. The transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on SB 1535.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, just really based on participation in the programs themselves.
• Again, just really based on participation in the programs themselves.
• Again, just really based on participation in the programs themselves.
• 00:25:12.159><c> Again,</c><00:25:12.480><c> just</c><00:25:13.120><c> really</c><00:25:13.440><c> based
• labor, we need skilled engineers, we need skilled business people.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• there<00:05:11.360><c> is</c><00:05:11.520><c> a</c><00:05:11.720><c> nonprofit</c><00:05:12.320><c> based
• based out of Indiana<00:05:13.840><c> making</c><00:05:14.160><c> a</c><00:05:14.320><c> huge</c><00
• She said continuing education is vital for nurses to provide evidence-based care and safe patient care
• set of taxes supported by a broadb based set of taxes on<00:59:01.599><c> many</c><00:59:01.839><c>
• </c><01:23:29.920><c> and</c> don't have skin in the game and don't have skin in the game and Minnesota

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Triple H Economic Act for its financial support for well repair, prioritizing households with income-based
• This has been a game changer for many of our members in getting good, fresh, healthy food into our food
• additional investment in foreign business management, continued investment in farm advocates, and new base
• In the meantime, he had made his arrangements with his landlord for a rent figure based on getting that

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I just would like it to be a little bit more child-based as far as let's make sure that they can.
• They look at it based upon the page that was there.
• They look at it based upon the page that was there.
• And this is not a trial-based bill. This is a post-conviction...
• And this is not a trial-based bill. This is a post-conviction bill.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on three bills. House Bill 3470, sponsored by Rep. Schmidt, would create a Missouri partner network linking state agencies, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and private partners through a website and case-management system to connect adults 18 and over who opt in with resources for employment, housing, education, and self-sufficiency. Supporters described the model as already working in 36 counties through the Care Portal and emphasized efficiency, reduced duplication, and stronger family outcomes. Committee members generally supported the concept and asked about opt-in participation, navigators, and how nonprofits would be included as true partners; no opposition testimony was offered. House Bill 3322, sponsored by Rep. Hausman, would extend foster-care school stability timelines from 10 days to 30 days, or 60 days in summer, and increase the mileage limit for remaining in a school of origin from 10-15 miles to 30 miles. The sponsor and witnesses from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition and Foster Adopt Connect said the current limits can force unnecessary school changes and are especially difficult in rural areas, while the bill would better preserve continuity for children in foster care. Committee members asked about edge cases, transportation, and whether the child’s best interests would still control; there was no opposition testimony. House Bill 1872, presented by Rep. Reuter, would allow survivors of domestic violence to seek resentencing if the abuse was related to the offense, so that the abuse can be considered as mitigating evidence after conviction or plea. Supporters, including a survivor, Missouri Appleseed, Forward.US, and Empower Missouri, said the bill would address cases where abuse was not fully considered at the original sentencing and would provide a second look for people serving long sentences. Several members raised procedural concerns about how the bill would interact with trial strategy, existing battered spouse syndrome law, evidentiary requirements, and appeals; the sponsor said he was open to revisions. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.