Transcript Highlights:

• This is reflected in the bond sale each year.
• So you can see there, and we talked about... ...in the bond sale each year.
• that bond sale, right?
• We spend money, and then the portion that is spent, we sell bonds, but guess what?
• You have to pay off the bonds to which it’s obligated.

Summary: The committee met for an informational hearing focused largely on the state capital outlay process and House Bill 2. Roger Husser and Matt Baker of the Division of Administration/Facility Planning and Control described how the office prepares and administers the capital outlay bill, said the bill has grown substantially over five years, and argued that recent changes in culture, staffing, project management, cash-flow analysis, and use of third-party support have more than doubled project expenditures and improved delivery. Members asked about the use and cost of third-party project managers, delegation of smaller projects to agencies, hiring difficulties, and whether the changes represented better interpretation of existing law versus statutory changes. Husser said some statutes were amended, some internal customs were removed, and the office would provide a list of those changes. He also explained that the office is trying to move away from overly rigid practices and toward faster project completion while still following public-bid and oversight rules. A major portion of the discussion centered on the size and structure of the capital outlay bill, especially the gap between Priority 1 cash capacity and the much larger Priority 5 backlog. Husser said the current annual Priority 1 limit is tied to construction inflation and is about $574 million, with additional surplus funds also available, but that the bill contains far more Priority 5 funding than can realistically move in a five-year plan. He and members discussed dormant projects, scope creep, legacy projects that have sat in the bill for years, and the problem of false expectations for non-state entities. Proposed solutions included limiting Priority 5 to five times Priority 1, requiring annual re-endorsement by members, setting district or project caps for non-state projects, requiring time limits and reporting for grant-like non-state projects, placing matches in escrow, requiring design readiness before submission, and consolidating the many existing reporting requirements into one clearer report. Members also discussed bundling multiple projects under one agency project, which the House had begun piloting for LSU, UL Lafayette, Southern, and DOTD, and which Husser said could improve flexibility, reduce overappropriation, and better reflect actual spending. Baker then explained cash-flow management and the commitment process, saying FPC now analyzes projects annually to estimate what can actually be spent in the next fiscal year and uses commitments to allow projects to proceed when future-year funding is expected. He said overappropriations can result from poor cash-flow estimates, delays, dormant projects, or projects coming in under budget, and that the office is already reworking cash-flow assumptions and reappropriating savings where possible. Members also raised concerns about change orders and low bids; staff said project managers review change orders closely, require concurrence on non-state projects, and sometimes reduce scope to keep projects within budget. After FPC’s presentation, the committee heard the beginning of Louisiana Economic Development’s capital outlay discussion, where LED explained that its projects generally fall into three categories, including the Economic Development Awards Program and Site Readiness Program, both used to support targeted economic development and job creation.

Transcript Highlights:

• What was the bond bill? What? Do they have drama about the bond bill? I hope not.
• Can we recognize our bond members really quickly who worked so hard to get this done?
• Where's our bond members? Nobody wants to take credit for this?
• It's a pleasure to serve on bond with you.
• And I'm going to thank Representative Gray and all the members of the Bond Bill Committee.

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered prayers and moments of silence for community members who had recently died, and recognized several guests and family members in the chamber. After routine communications and passage of consent calendar 29, the chamber took up a series of measures on the main and colored agendas, with several bills and resolutions passing by voice vote or roll call. Among the measures approved were House Concurrent Resolution 157, which as amended requested a State Lottery report on options to support traditional lottery retailers; Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program; Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecommunications carriers; Senate Bill 339 clarifying health directive forms in mental health facilities; Senate Bill 235 on manufactured home community rent increases; Senate Bill 325, as amended, updating fire prevention and volunteer fire/EMS background check rules; Senate Bill 309 on inmate work and discharge of incarceration-related balances; Senate Bill 324 on deadly weapons and constable agency representatives; Senate Bill 293 on youth camp child care licensing; Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication delivery; and Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to marry regardless of race or gender while preserving religious freedom. House Bill 188, changing Delaware primary elections to allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after debate. Two measures drew extended discussion and amendments. Senate Bill 233, requiring snow and ice to be removed from vehicles, was tabled once, then later amended and passed after debate over whether the law was workable for truck drivers and other vehicle operators; a proposed truck-related exemption amendment failed. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and educator oversight, alongside concerns from members about data, bias, and long-term effects. Several items were tabled or reconsidered during the session, and the House adjourned after completing the day’s business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:55.360> Uh<00:01:55.680> we<00:01:55.920> now We now have, uh, bond initiatives
• Clerk will read the bond initiatives. >> Number one, Senator King, Community Services for Adults and
• School of Maryland, Budget and Taxation. >> Majority Leader must be considered the reading of the bond
• an appointment made during the 2025 recess of the General Assembly. considered the reading of the bond
• considered the reading of the bond initiatives.<00:02:12.560> They<00:02:12.720> are<00

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 30, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened for a brief pro forma session, with the clerk calling the roll and the presiding officer noting that three critical members were present and Maryland was back in session. There were a few light announcements, including a senator bringing his son to the chamber and a remark about the unusual week of multiple pro forma sessions. The presiding officer also welcomed the Senate pages and noted the historic nature of the week’s schedule. The chamber then processed calendar items without debate: Senate Bill 422, by Senator Kramer, concerning research and testing facilities that use animals and related adoption/reporting requirements, was read and ordered to its standing committee. A bond initiative sponsored by Senator King for Community Services for Adults and Children/Community School of Maryland was also read and sent to the capital budget subcommittee. The Senate received an executive message from Governor Wes Moore submitting a recess appointment for Senate confirmation under the Maryland Constitution. The message was read, journalized, and referred to the Executive Nominations Committee; the presiding officer identified it as a superintendent-related recess appointment. After a final quorum call, the Senate adjourned by unanimous consent until Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. for a regular session.

Transcript Highlights:

• bonding bonding committee<00:20:32.760> with<00:20:32.960> half<00:20:33.200> of
• My question is, does this extend further than bonding projects?
• this extend further than bonding this extend further than bonding projects?
• I believe this only applies to bonding.
• To cuz capital investment GO bonding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate you. affirmative, the bond initiative will be affirmative, the bond initiative will be introduced
• The clerk will read the bond introduced.
• >> Introductory House Bond Initiatives >> Introductory House Bond Initiatives number
• Introduction of bond >> All right.
• >> Introductory House Bond Initiatives >> Introductory House Bond Initiatives number

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 12, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in Annapolis on February 27, 2026, with 128 members present. After a prayer, the chamber adopted the previous day’s journal and recognized a resolution honoring Brunswick High School’s first Tech Challenge team, Minerva’s Mechanics, for winning the FTC Regional Championships and qualifying for the World Championship in Houston. The resolution was read and adopted with applause. The main legislative item was House Bill 355, concerning the Education, Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program and human and sex trafficking; the House adopted the favorable committee report and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The next bill, House Bill 534 on nonpublic school transcripts and prohibiting punitive measures related to student debt, also received a favorable report. Debate then centered on an amendment offered to HB 534 that would have tied school funding to student choice for students in repeatedly one-star-rated schools and allowed parents of habitually violent or disruptive students to consider military boarding school options. The sponsor argued Maryland’s public schools, especially in Baltimore City, were failing students despite heavy spending, citing low literacy, violence, and the book Failure Factory; several members echoed concerns about school performance, bureaucracy, and the need for educational freedom. Opponents and procedural speakers said the amendment was not germane to HB 534, which they described as a narrow bill about transcript access for students leaving nonpublic schools with unpaid fees, often students with disabilities. The floor leader urged the body to resist the amendment and stick to the bill’s actual subject. Despite multiple members explaining their votes in support of school choice and criticizing the Blueprint and school outcomes, the House ultimately took a roll call on the amendment after a voice vote was challenged. The transcript cuts off during the roll call and does not show the final recorded result on the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• also help us maintain our AAA bond also help us maintain our AAA bond ratings<00:32:38.080> and
• Um, we have the AAA bond rating.
• What we don't want is to be held hostage on the bonding bill, and we won't.
• big of a bonding bill as we can get. big of a bonding bill as we can get.
• hostage on the bonding bill and we<01:43:07.679> won't.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• interpreting that bonds are never interpreting that bonds are never subject<00:45:51.680> to<
• When you start working on a bond, first of all, the prior year you get estimates from the Bond Bank in
• year you get estimates from the Bond year you get estimates from the Bond Bank<01:07:59.920>
• <01:44:00.280> school important topics such as bonds school important topics such as bonds
• Bonds require public hearings.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:31.440> and So, who would be issuing the bonds and So, who would be issuing the bonds
• legislature and say we want a bond?
• bonds.
• So, can't the city already bond without us giving them permission to bond?
• the as the collateral for the bonds. the as the collateral for the bonds.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions. Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism. The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know y'all are diversified, and y'all do alternative investments, you do a lot of bonds, and bonds
• You do a lot of bonds.
• And bonds took a bath in 2022, long bonds in particular, because the federal funds rate went from 0.25%
• And long bonds went down 30%, 40%.
• It goes to paying off your last bond. Your statute or the bond ends in...

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I mean, we received $40 million in bonding at the local level. Bonding at the local level.
• Their bonding capacity. Is that a factor in what the offer is? Yes.
• there is my old middle school, Bond there is my old middle school, Bond Middle<00:24:31.840>
• <00:28:51.039> in<00:28:51.279> order bond in order bond in order to<00:28:53.120> build
• assistance because their bonding assistance because their bonding potential<00:29:05.600> overall

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Discussion of Nickels and School Facility Funding 00:02:13 Economic Development Projects in Elizabethtown and Hopkinsville 00:29:33 Correspondence and Reports Received 01:09:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match. The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium. Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, this would there would be bonds created, and so the...
• Purchases of the bonds would be the one that would be tied in with this.
• And then the district issues bonds and levies...
• And then cities and counties cannot change the zoning or fees if it impairs bond repayment. So...
• And then cities and counties cannot change the zoning or fees if it impairs bond repayment. So...

Bills: SB1778, SB1570, SB134, SB1966, SB1636, SB1725, SB1726, SB259, SB504, SB592, SB2030, SB1572, SB843, SB1242, SB1255, SB1262, SB1264, SB1286, SB1581, SB1290, SB1316, SB1319, SB1369, SB1379, SB1381, SB1400, SB1427, SB1436, SB1461, SB1496, SB1509, SB1534, SB1553, SB904, SB1592, SB1645, SB1684, SB1767, SB1772, SB1813, SB1894, SB1928, SB1946, SB1980, SB2040, SB2060, SB2061

Keywords: reading instruction, literacy, educational equity, intervention services, third grade retention, Strong Readers Act, child welfare, child safety, administrative transition, Department of Child Safety and Well-being, Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, juvenile justice, foster care, retirement, public employees, reemployment, benefit adjustment, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, memorial highways, bridge designations

Transcript Highlights:

• By ordering the defendant to give up a bond of up to 10% of the current market value of the property.
• My last question: why in the world would they let grant them bond if they're?
• Why would a judge grant bond to someone for this? I don't know that you can answer that.
• For follow-up, so this ankle monitor wouldn't be a condition of bond or some post-trial release effort
• But we're not talking about some bond here. We're talking about a person going and.

Bills: HB2650, HB3277, HB3386, HB3419, HB3430, HB3742, HB3791, HB3835, HB3905, HB3968, HB4119, HB4153, HB4408

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law

Transcript Highlights:

• We also referred this to the prosecutor and the attorney general, and it was also certified to the bond
• This finding was referred to the prosecutor, the attorney general, and was also certified to the bond
• finding was referred to the Prosecutor Attorney, the Attorney General, and was also certified to the bond
• was referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified to the bond
• was referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified to the bond

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on to SB 1483 relating to highway revenue bonds, which restores the revenue bond authorization
• Let's move on to SB 1483 relating to highway revenue bonds, which restores the revenue bond authorization
• Let's move on to SB 1483 relating to highway revenue bonds, which restores the revenue bond authorization
• Let's move on to SB 1483 relating to highway revenue bonds, which restores the revenue bond authorization
• Moving on to Senate Bill 1483, relating to Highway Revenue Bonds.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's consistent with language that's similar to what's in the bond measure itself, which we think
• particular parts of the bond, we're going to need this multi-jurisdictional approval process?
• . ...for the lifetime of the bond.
• and these environmental bonds that we’ve had go forward.
• The climate bond allocates $1.5 billion for wildfire and forest resilience over the lifetime of the bond

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Highway Project Bonds bill will also be on our docket.
• Is the bonding Senate Bill 2? Thank you. Mr.
• Chair, the money's been—so number 351, the Secretary said of the bonding package, it's done.
• was a bond, and now it's bond plus tax plus fees, plus this, plus that.
• in that bond are out, and there are 17 projects in there through 33.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• More and more, almost like a bond proposition, right?
• When we have bond elections, the bond election says it now has to say this is a tax increase, right?
• That you can use with bonds, but you can't pay personnel with that.
• We're minimizing that debt when we do go to bond elections.
• Our partners over in Frisco ISD had a failed bond last year.

Bills: HB17, HB23, SB 10

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 45 is a negligible interaction with the school building bond agricultural credit resulting from
• Section Two makes clear that the bond allocation act applies to bonds issued by an economic development
• > um<00:40:28.920> that<00:40:29.160> the<00:40:29.359> bond<00:40:29.640
• > allocation clear clear um that the bond allocation clear clear um that the bond allocation act
• <00:40:31.720> by<00:40:31.880> an act applies to bond issued by an act applies to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our state's permanent school fund also guarantees almost $5 billion. in outstanding debt or bonds for
• Who approves the bonds and puts the PSF's income in?
• corpus on the line to guarantee the bond in the case of default. So again, that comes to us.
• And have you received a notice of a fault on a guaranteed bond?
• PSF guaranteed bonds for the one that closed, A.W. Brown. Thank you. Representative Tipper?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, section 11 pertains to the state agricultural society bonding authority.
• It increases the bonding authority limit.
• It increases the bonding authority limit.
• It increases the bonding authority limit.
• It increases the bonding authority limit.

Bills: HF9

Keywords: energy policy, renewable energy standard, carbon-free standard, solar standard, hydroelectric, hydropower, electric utility, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, renewable portfolio standard, carbon capture and sequestration, CCS, greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, nuclear power plant, certificate of need, fossil fuel plant demolition, utility compliance delay, beneficial electrification, sales tax exemption