Transcript Highlights:

• That it supports the usage of tracking of users based on unique credentials that are changed at least
• of surveillance, so yeah.
• evidence of physical injury as one of the exceptions to the rape shield statute.
• provisions to a civil penalty of either $250,000 or 50% of the fair market value of the interest in
• As part of the testing of election equipment, the bill would require the Secretary of State to test the

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills spanning elections, transportation, health care, criminal justice, housing, water, and local government. Early discussion focused on SB 1037, which would tighten security and custody requirements for electronic voting systems, and SB 1568, which would require testing of election equipment timekeeping functions. Members also discussed several election-related measures, including SB 1687 moving the primary date to May starting in 2028 and SB 1825 changing the process and deadline for filling precinct committeeman vacancies. Some members raised concerns about whether election-related bills had testimony from people who actually work elections. Several transportation, land use, and local-government bills were summarized, including SB 1024 on roadable aircraft, SB 1205 on motor vehicle booting, SB 1473 on assisted living occupancy limits, SB 1566 on penalties for malicious permit delays, SB 1787 on exactions and appeals, and SB 1419 on solar installation and roof integrity requirements. Members flagged SB 1624, which caps photo-enforcement civil penalties at $75 and bars points and insurance impacts, as well as SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill with cider-related changes. There was also discussion of water and land issues, including SB 1200 on commingling effluent in water systems, SB 1447 extending a Pinal County groundwater fee diversion, SB 1560 increasing the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund loan cap, SB 1075 creating a foreign entity review commission for land conveyances, and SB 1280 prohibiting transport of Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona. Health and human services bills included SB 1095 and SB 1094, both related to gender transition care for minors, which drew strong opposition from members who called them harmful and unnecessary; both were pulled from consent for further discussion. Other health-related measures included SB 1165 on breast cancer screening cost-sharing, SB 1253 allowing newborn surrender at hospitals, SB 1446 reducing dialysis documentation requirements, SB 1561 on assisted living notices and vulnerable adult study work, SB 1162 and SB 1164 on health care institution licensing and ownership-change claims processing, and SB 1178 expanding naturopathic IV drug administration authority, which was noted as having mixed votes and was pulled for closed caucus discussion. The caucus also reviewed criminal justice and public safety bills such as SB 1092 on probation for dangerous crimes against children, SB 1239 on sex-offender registration prosecutions, SB 1240 on probation success incentive payments, SB 1493 on reinstatement costs for law enforcement officers, SB 1502 on unlawful flight and reckless endangerment, SB 1512 on vulnerable adult theft definitions, SB 1520 on immigration data sharing, SB 1540 on motor fuel theft, SB 1635 on warning someone about an imminent arrest, and SB 1669 on rape-shield evidence rules. Several bills were pulled from consent, some were noted as split votes or controversial, and the meeting ended with plans to move into closed caucus for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• navigating that sphere of kind of getting kind of navigating that sphere of kind of getting into politics
• There's a story in there of years of feast, followed by years of famine.
• And we spread lots of manure and lots of compost.
• of directors of Amalgamated Sugar, and that's Mr.
• There needs to be kind of a rework of the federal program in terms of if we want to ensure that 85% of

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Agricultural Committee held its first meeting of the session with member introductions, welcome remarks, and introductions of two committee pages. The chair also noted that committee rules would be reviewed later and that the session would likely be busy. No formal legislation was considered or voted on at this meeting. The main presentation focused on Idaho’s sugar beet industry. Growers described sharply lower crop prices, rising input costs, and the resulting strain on farm finances, especially for small and family farms. They said the downturn is largely tied to federal sugar policy and trade issues rather than state policy, and emphasized that reduced farm income will also hurt rural businesses and communities. Committee members asked about the volatility of sugar prices and whether any Idaho-level changes could help. A second presentation highlighted regenerative agriculture practices such as strip-till, cover crops, and manure application. The speaker argued these methods can improve soil health, reduce costs, and conserve water, while also noting that cover crops may be cut back when farm finances tighten. Members asked about cover crop choices and whether similar practices are used internationally. The final presentation from Amalgamated Sugar explained the federal sugar program, the role of import controls and loan rates, and why the company believes the current system is failing because of excess imports, inflation, and an outdated high-tier duty. The presenter said the industry is working with federal officials to raise the duty, improve demand estimates, and protect domestic sugar production and food security.

Transcript Highlights:

• descendants of Cabo Verde, We have lots of Cape Verdeans that are descendants of Cabo Verde, that Brockton
• of us who are new to this type of work.
• Because right now, you guys are sort of the mecca also of some of our history and our language and some
• And that was one of the challenges of the former minister of communities.
• I do want to remind folks that a lot of the history and a lot of this sort of engagement beyond the Cape

Summary: The commission met to approve prior minutes, hear updates on funding and deadline extensions, and continue planning for a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Boston. Members reviewed the commission’s charge, including developing an organizational structure, governance model, feasibility study, community engagement plan, and possible nonprofit structure. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were approved after a motion and second, with one noted correction about duplicate section numbering. A major discussion focused on legislative and budget options to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 and to preserve or secure funding for a feasibility study and related work. Legislators said an amendment to the fair share budget was not accepted, but they would continue looking for a vehicle such as the regular budget, supplemental budget, or another bill. Members also discussed the possibility of future earmarks or bond funding, and the need to fill a current vacancy on the commission. The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement. Commissioners supported a three-part approach involving site visits, listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with added emphasis on social media, a website, surveys, canvassing, and other tools to reach people across the diaspora. Members suggested prioritizing locations such as New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, and possibly Pawtucket, and discussed working with existing Cape Verdean organizations, museums, and historical groups. There was also discussion of best practices from other cultural institutions, the importance of historical accuracy and youth engagement, and whether to involve the Cape Verdean government after upcoming elections. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• navigating that sphere of kind of getting kind of navigating that sphere of kind of getting into politics
• There's a story in there of years of feast, followed by years of famine.
• And we spread lots of manure and lots of compost.
• of directors of Amalgamated Sugar, and that's Mr.
• There needs to be kind of a rework of the federal program in terms of if we want to ensure that 85% of

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OF THAT IS DOING FLIGHT INSTRUCTION AND FLYING OUT OF LOCAL AIRPORTS.
• I USED TO SUPERVISE THE REPAIR OF THE DRAWBRIDGE BRIDGES AND ROADS.
• IT'S EITHER OF THE ONES IN THE BOOK OF FDOT. >> Rep.
• TIMES OF THE YEAR.
• AT THE END OF THE DAY THE OBJECT OF THIS BILL IS SAFETY FOR CHILDREN.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, this is not an expansion of scope of practice for podiatric physicians.
• The side that may fit their criteria but truly may not need to be in the custody of the Department of
• The purpose of the program is to advance the progress of research and cures for neurofibromatosis, or
• To expand the issue of newborn testing of CMV and increase awareness of the virus and its negative effects
• Therefore, we're 10 days from notice of terminations of people's insurance policies for the month of

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of Allegiance: to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• </c> phenomenal jobs of of of covering this phenomenal jobs of of of covering this themselves<00:21:22.640
• </c><00:29:56.640><c> of</c> options but the most simple way of of options but the most simple way of
• </c><00:32:11.000><c> of</c> positive side of things one of one of positive side of things one of one
• Here, so the long and the short of it, I feel like I'm at, you know, the car repair place where I'm trying

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> clear picture of of what that looks clear picture of of what that looks like.<00:29:14.320><c> Um
• <c> annually</c> hundreds of millions of dollars annually hundreds of millions of dollars annually in
• of lifting some of report and and sort of lifting some of those<01:15:14.800><c> restrictions.
• And three, clear the backlog of state investigations so bad actors cannot keep operating for years.
• And three, clear the backlog of state investigations so bad actors cannot keep operating for years.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In all of these types of terminated.
• Many of our of thousands of clients.
• </c> into the science of the value of this into the science of the value of this program<00:40:23.839
• of part of our future deficit problem as of part of our future deficit problem as soon<01:14:53.280><
• </c> endall of this uh bill in front of us. endall of this uh bill in front of us.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> members of the Maryland Federation of members of the Maryland Federation of Republican<00:06:52.240
• </c> members of the Anundo County Board of members of the Anundo County Board of Licensed<00:15:26.000
• </c> include of cost of living increases include of cost of living increases available<00:15:39.120><
• </c><00:40:11.359><c> of</c> necessarily public funding of of necessarily public funding of of elections
• </c> of it. of it.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> out a couple of things of interest. out a couple of things of interest.
• ><c> price</c> of a the piece of lumber, the price of a the piece of lumber, the price differential,<
• If you think of a piece of wood, it has a big knot in the middle of it.
• </c><01:09:53.839><c> got</c> of it is, and I think we kind of got of it is, and I think we kind of got
• And that means any type of structural change, changing the face, um, other than minor repairs.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 497, a technical correction to last year’s capital budget. Shannon Reid of the Community College System of New Hampshire explained that the bill removes leftover state-agency boilerplate from a repurposed capital appropriation and replaces it with community college language, without changing any dollar amounts. She also described a requested amendment to rename a respiratory therapy renovation appropriation at Nashua Community College as an allied health instructional center, so the space can be used more flexibly for programs such as phlebotomy, radiologic technology, and LNA training. Terry Poff of the General Court then testified on the second part of the bill, which changes legislative space references to support the move of General Court offices from the second floor to the fourth floor of the annex as part of the legislative office building reconfiguration. Members asked whether the community college changes affected funding, and Reid confirmed the amounts do not change and that the bill simply speeds up a correction that otherwise would have been handled later in the lapse process. Poff said the annex space change is part of a permanent transition, though the work cannot proceed until the General Court has legal control of the space. The committee then entered executive session, adopted Amendment 1031H on a 12-0 vote, and voted ought to pass as amended on SB 497 by a 12-0 vote, with several members absent. The bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee next opened a hearing on Senate Bill 529FN, which would give preference to lumber sourced in the United States on state-funded building projects. Representative Davis, introducing the bill for Senator Roachford, argued that New Hampshire timber is disadvantaged by grading rules that treat U.S. lumber differently from Canadian SPF lumber, even when the wood is from similar species and climates. He said the bill is intended to support New Hampshire’s timber industry and that architects and engineers would still be able to specify stronger materials when needed. Committee members questioned whether the bill should instead refer specifically to New Hampshire lumber, how it would be enforced, and what the cost impact would be. Davis and later witness Mike Olette said the issue is tied to industry grading standards rather than a government code, that the bill is meant to create a preference rather than a mandate, and that price differences are hard to pin down because lumber is a commodity. Olette, who lives near the border, testified that New Hampshire logs are often sent to Canada for milling and then return under a different grade, which he said puts New Hampshire loggers and mills at an economic disadvantage.

Transcript Highlights:

• None of them enjoys the support of the coalition I have described.
• of an asymmetry of textbook example of an asymmetry of information<00:09:06.279><c> and</c><00:09:06.440
• </c><00:15:49.240><c> gaming</c><00:15:50.160><c> a</c> value of all three types of gaming a value of
• comes from 1.8% half of all the revenue comes from 1.8% of<00:41:00.440><c> the</c> of the of the population
• One of them is related to liability of the industry.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first item of business is the approval of the minutes.
• of of deer or affect just the movement of of deer or pheasants<00:04:44.160><c> or</c><00:04:44.479>
• a mile of a variety of types of land uses.
• a mile of a variety of types of land uses.
• 00:21:06.760><c> variety</c><00:21:07.080><c> of</c> within 3/4 of a mile of a variety of within 3/4

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the city of upgrade to the citizens of the city of North<00:22:00.600><c> St.
• </c> the north side of town just because of the north side of town just because of the<00:22:29.840><
• </c><00:28:50.679><c> of</c> administer the actual delivery of of administer the actual delivery of of
• </c> tens of thousands of them in the zone. tens of thousands of them in the zone.
• </c> out of the back end of the savings. out of the back end of the savings.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> of</c> for the documentation of utilization of for the documentation of utilization of the<00:26:00.320
• /c><00:34:16.720><c> a</c> encompasses sort of the the idea of a encompasses sort of the the idea of
• ,</c> maybe right outside of our of our homes, maybe right outside of our of our homes, you<00:43:05.160
• And so I kind of city of Burnsville etc.
• </c><01:16:14.720><c> Cities</c> behalf of the League of Minnesota Cities behalf of the League of Minnesota

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:50:26.920><c> the</c> of the entire volume of the of the entire volume of the sample<00:50:28.799
• </c><01:06:59.720><c> this</c> can kind of hammer out some of this can kind of hammer out some of this
• Appreciate your time. inclusive of of all products and just inclusive of of all products and just not
• an outright uh ban of of sale to a an outright uh ban of of sale to a direct<01:28:05.719><c> consumer
• just</c> similar kinds of of um Endeavors just similar kinds of of um Endeavors just for<01:35:51.119

Bills: HF737 , HF247 , HF325 , HF1330

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• version of one of Minnesota a modified version of one of Minnesota State's<00:15:26.480><c> bienial<
• of the college of previously a part of the college of science<00:25:32.720><c> and</c><00:25:33.039><
• </c> of Minnesota to maintain two doses of of Minnesota to maintain two doses of opiate<00:32:55.440>
• </c> certain number of years uh of having certain number of years uh of having moved<01:10:14.480><c>
• </c><01:36:09.199><c> of</c> there's there's quite a bit of of there's there's quite a bit of of financial

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of um what one does in their line of of um what one does in their line of work.<00:19:11.440><c>
• </c> fans of of the film making industry. fans of of the film making industry.
• of as of January coming in I think think of as of January uh<01:12:36.080><c> coming</c><01:12:36.320
• </c> many of the survey forms as we are of many of the survey forms as we are of the<01:13:53.120><c>
• ,</c> vegetables, all of that kind of stuff, vegetables, all of that kind of stuff, we<01:18:38.320><

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• 08:38.640><c> the</c> uh kind of doing the work of the the uh kind of doing the work of the the summarizing
• </c><00:10:25.040><c> of</c><00:10:25.600><c> like</c> continuum of gas of road funding of like continuum
• &gt;&gt; I kind of went through most of the &gt;&gt; I kind of went through most of the stuff.<00:26:
• </c> because one of the fe the pieces of because one of the fe the pieces of feedback<00:39:00.480><c
• </c> of drafting it. of drafting it.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• of of new deferred construction of of of new projects<00:02:35.680><c> you</c><00:02:35.800><c> know
• of investment of people so on and lack of investment of people lack<00:42:03.240><c> of</c><00:42:04.119
• ><c> Mike</c><00:42:05.720><c> did</c> lack of lack of hiring people Mike did lack of lack of hiring
• of of cost of really cutting the cost of of cost of goods<01:13:23.960><c> sold</c><01:13:24.400><c>
• </c> kind of comment on right part part of kind of comment on right part part of what<01:14:40.480><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all