Transcript Highlights:

• Training Academy, and the Driver Services Bureau, and the Office of Standards and Training.
• There were questions asked relative to certain members of DPS who had gone to the training academy, I
• There were questions asked relative to certain members of DPS who had gone to the training academy, I
• There were questions asked relative to certain members of DPS who had gone to the training academy, I
• <03:59:12.880> and the training academy and the training academy and gets<03:59:14.480>

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

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate. On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies. The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to read to you some of the funders of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Very quickly,<01:17:46.159> the<01:17:46.400> American<01:17:46.800> Academy<01:
• 17:47.120> of quickly, the American Academy of quickly, the American Academy of Pediatrics<01:
• I'm going to read to you some of the funders of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• <01:21:21.679> Merc American Academy of Pediatrics. Merc American Academy of Pediatrics.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in Annapolis with 107 members present and proceeded through the journal and a series of Appropriations Committee reports. Several bills were advanced on favorable reports without amendment, including measures on constitutional officers’ salaries, correctional officer retirement systems for Dorchester and Allegany counties, Carroll and Calvert County public facilities bonds, higher education financial assistance for incarcerated individuals, and a bill on community college promise scholarship eligibility for Delmar High School graduates. Other bills received amendments before being ordered for third reading, including measures on community college trustee membership, Frederick Community College board meeting and training requirements, Howard County school funding disclosures, courts administrative judges’ stipends, correctional officers retirement membership clarifications, the Children’s Cabinet Fund, and a law enforcement pension bill limiting military service credit eligibility to helicopter pilots in state aviation units. The chamber also considered HB 1581 on horse racing facility ownership, development, licensing, and operations. Amendments expanded the bill to include additional economic development provisions for the Prince George’s County Blue Line corridor, Pimlico-related funding and community input requirements, a larger lottery-fund distribution for the racing community development financing fund, and changes to the bus rapid transit grant program. The bill’s favorable report as amended was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading. During debate on a separate amendment to HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, members argued over project labor agreements: opponents said PLA requirements raise costs and limit competition, while supporters said the provision was optional, supported stability and predictability, and was part of a broader compromise. The amendment was rejected after discussion, and the bill remained amended. The House also took up HB 1430 on charter school facilities funding, adopting amendments that reduced the per-pupil amount and narrowed eligibility for certain districts, then advancing the bill as amended. In addition, HB 1248 was amended to convert a part-time state employment pilot program into a work group, and HB 680 was amended to adjust future appropriations for local management boards. Across the session, most actions were routine committee report adoptions and amendment votes, with no recorded roll-call counts in the excerpt except the initial quorum call.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:38:01.840> a the founder of Hope Academy, a the founder of Hope Academy, a faith-based
• My name is Joseph Billings, and I lead school operations at Purdeo Academy.
• I'm Julie Lundgren, the chief financial officer at Lakes International Language Academy.
• I'm Julie Lundgren, the chief financial officer at Lakes International Language Academy.
• I'm the executive director of Nova Classical Academy in St. Paul.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1954, Hank Aaron played his first professional game with the Milwaukee Brewers, and at the Academy
• :08.040> the with the Milwaukee Brewers, and at the with the Milwaukee Brewers, and at the Academy
• 09.240> in<00:50:09.360> 1964,<00:50:10.520> Sidney<00:50:10.840> Poitier Academy
• Awards in 1964, Sidney Poitier Academy Awards in 1964, Sidney Poitier became<00:50:12.120> the

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A little bit about me personally: I'm the founder and the president of Wellmont Academy, a workforce-
• It was actually a homeschool academy.
• I’m a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and hold graduate degrees in systems management from
• “I’m a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and hold graduate degrees in systems management from

Summary: The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative. The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions. Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association, the CDC, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, the American Academy
• "The American Academy of Cariology explains the primary advantage of water fluoridation.
• I currently serve as the Arizona Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• I currently serve as the Arizona Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Density

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2129, HB2170, HB2210, HB2228, HB2352, HB2460, HB2533, SB1019, SB1045, SB1050, SB1078, SB1083, SB1167, SB1184, SCR1006

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology

Summary: The committee first handled Senate Bill 1045, which would bar cities, towns, and counties from taxing or charging fees on the use of blockchain technology in residences, with limited exceptions. The sponsor said the bill was a repeat of a measure vetoed the prior year and framed it as a tax-preemption issue. There was no testimony, and the bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1019, which would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems. Senator Shamp argued the bill was about health freedom, informed consent, and emerging research she said raised concerns about fluoride’s benefits and possible neurodevelopmental risks. Opponents, including representatives of Arizona dental and public health groups, testified that community water fluoridation is safe, effective, and especially important for low-income and rural communities with limited dental access. After extended debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. Senate Bill 1050 would provide free lifetime state park passes to Arizona veterans. State Parks testified neutrally but warned the measure could reduce revenue used to support park operations and rural economies; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by a park visit where veterans were charged admission. The committee also approved SB 1050 on a 4-3 vote. Later, SB 1078, dealing with de novo review in public records denial cases, passed unanimously after support from the Goldwater Institute, and SB 1083, which would prevent HOAs and condo associations from banning certain lighted home address devices for emergency response, also passed after testimony from the sponsor and a homeowners coalition.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just last week, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Elite Academic Academy Charter Schools
• California Charter Academy in Victorville, near my hometown.
• Oxford Preparatory Academy, close to home at the Inland Empire in Chino.
• We're talking about those who attend virtual. academies, to keep it maybe a little bit more simple.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 18 also creates the Texas Rural Hospital Officers Academy, a professional development initiative
• The academy will offer... ...plus hours of free annual training covering everything from revenue maximization
• So a Rural Hospital Financial Officer's Academy, as proposed in House Bill 18, would be a formal way
• our rural healthcare leaders and has the potential to move the needle. ready to assist with such an academy

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744, HB18, HB37, HB116

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Transcript Highlights:

• incentive grants that is already in use for our Perkins grantees and our California partnership academies
• are categorical programs that were carried over from previous to LCFF, including the Partnership Academies
• Secondary Programs, CTE Incentive Grant, and the Agricultural CTE Grant and the California Partnership Academies
• Specialized Secondary Programs, the Career Technical Education Initiative, and the California Partnership Academies

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics noted 90% of children under 16 involved in ATV crashes were
• > crucial for ATV safety in 2022 the crucial for ATV safety in 2022 the American<00:03:44.280> Academy
• <00:03:44.879> Pediatrics<00:03:45.560> noted<00:03:46.000> 90% American Academy
• of Pediatrics noted 90% American Academy of Pediatrics noted 90% of<00:03:46.879> children<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also engage our parents both virtually and face-to-face through our parent academy, where we also
• So, for the last several years, we have provided what we call our parent academy, and it has evolved.
• And we continue with our parent academies. Now they are virtual.
• Governor Jeb Bush helped me get an appropriation for about $800,000 to start an urban teacher training academy

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Erin Ballas from the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is testifying in support.
• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, naturopathic education and training do not prepare
• Heart with the Florida Dental Association, waiving in opposition, Corinne Mixon with the Florida Academy

Transcript Highlights:

• Erin Ballas with Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics waiving in support.
• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, naturopathic education and training don't prepare
• Corinne Mixon with Florida Academy of Physician Assistants waiving in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not have the funds to provide MDE, Pelsby, Bosa, and the State Academies or Perpich with their
• The state academies, and Section 6 is the Perpich Center.
• My name is and I'm the head of school at Ave Maria Academy, serving 124 families who are Minnesota residents

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• She's an 11-year-old seventh grader at the Albuquerque Academy.
• She's from Santa Fe County and currently is a senior at Albuquerque Academy.
• Students from the Albuquerque Academy. Students from Akka Karate.

Transcript Highlights:

• initiatives, but it's been wonderful to be an industry partner with them in the founding of the Space Academies
• The Space Academies gave housing to technical programs to support careers in space and have been implemented
• The Space Academies gave housing to technical programs to support careers in space and have been implemented

Summary: The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications. Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed. The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at Pemrick Academy, I did Fiddler on the Roof with up to 50 kids.
• And then when you go to line 21, it's public, charter school, public academy, and private school.
• Academy.
• Um, I served with them on a Academy.
• I'm a ninth grader at Mount Royal Academy. Thank you for allowing me to testify today.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have an executive leadership academy, which is an accelerated program.
• This is a word about our executive leadership academy, and we have students who are enrolling, and it's
• We are excited about that and working in partnership with the academy at Shaune, which is not far from
• <01:05:00.480> uh<01:05:00.640> that<01:05:00.960> helps their the face academy
• uh that helps their the face academy uh that helps them<01:05:01.520> to<01:05:02.000> get

Keywords: This meeting is taking place on location at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Building Room 238 using on site equipment., 958, all

Summary: The interim Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met at Kentucky State University and heard a presentation from President Kofi Aapo and Vice President Michael Dorsy on the university’s role as an HBCU and its current priorities. They emphasized Kentucky State’s impact on Black student outcomes nationally, its focus on workforce development, civic leadership, innovation, and economic mobility, and its efforts to grow enrollment, expand dual-credit partnerships, and launch a prison education program. They also described House Bill 250’s role in prompting program review and the creation or expansion of market-aligned offerings, including manufacturing engineering, agricultural engineering, biological and agricultural engineering, social work, criminal justice, and expanded online programs through “Thoroughbred Global.” A major topic was Kentucky State’s move toward STEM and applied programs. President Aapo said the university is diversifying beyond liberal arts to meet workforce demand and cited plans for a PhD in agroecology, which he said would help farmers adapt to climate conditions and would be federally funded. He also discussed the nursing program as the fastest-growing on campus, partnerships with health systems that pay tuition and guarantee jobs, and the need for a new nursing facility. He said the current nursing space is inadequate and that a new building could double or triple enrollment in the program. He also described a mobile health initiative intended to bring preventive care and health education to underserved areas of the state. Members asked questions about the nursing building, STEM strategy, teacher preparation, dual credit, prison education, and student readiness. Senator Bledsoe asked about the shift toward STEM, and Aapo said the strategy is based on student demand and data from House Bill 250. Senator Berg requested a list of dual-credit partners and encouraged long-term tracking of prison education participants to study outcomes such as recidivism; Aapo said the university has not yet begun that research but intends to. Senator Tidner asked about remedial needs, and Aapo said KSU found more than 100 students with zero GPAs when he arrived and is using co-requisite support and tutoring to address English and math deficiencies. Representative Brown and others highlighted the historical and ongoing value of HBCUs, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel like this is an Academy Award speech and with that that concludes my testimony.
• I feel like this is an Academy Award speech and with that that concludes my testimony.
• I feel like this is an Academy Award speech and with that that concludes my testimony.
• I feel like this is an Academy Award speech and with that that concludes my testimony.
• I feel like this is an Academy Award speech and with that that concludes my testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to Boston Latin Academy and also went to Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship.
• And I said, I went to Latin Academy with her. And then she's like, wow, what?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on several public safety-related bills, with testimony focused heavily on firefighter cancer presumptions, death benefits, and age-limit waivers for public safety appointments. Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts testified in support of legislation tied to the late Boston firefighter Matt Troy, describing his service, his occupational cancer diagnosis, and the family’s ineligibility for benefits because his diagnosis fell just short of the statutory presumption period. Witnesses urged the committee to advance the bill so his widow could receive accidental death benefits and to address broader concerns about cancer risks, bunker gear, and early detection programs for firefighters. Committee members asked questions about how the diagnosis date affected eligibility and discussed the need for broader systemic changes rather than repeated home-rule petitions. Senator Nick Collins and Representative Dan Hunt both testified in support of the Troy-related bills, and the committee also heard that written testimony had been submitted by additional supporters. The committee also heard local home-rule petitions to extend the employment of fire chiefs in Rochester and Northfield. Representative Alan Silvia supported H. 4235 to allow Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wego to continue serving until age 70, citing his nearly 50 years of service and leadership in department improvements. A Northfield select board chair testified virtually in support of H. 4236 to keep Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dennell on the job, explaining that he has been central to building planning, volunteer recruitment, training documentation, and an organizational review as the town prepares for his eventual retirement. Both local bills were presented as measures to preserve continuity and support ongoing public safety planning in their communities. Another major topic was S. 2583, which would waive the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Lewis to be appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. Senator Collins described Lewis’s community service and strong exam score, and Lewis testified about his background in Dorchester, his prior interest in becoming a trooper, and his recent ranking on the eligibility list. Committee members expressed support and noted the importance of recruiting qualified candidates and diversifying the force. The committee also heard support for H. 4443, which would raise the maximum age for original appointment to firefighter or police officer positions, and members discussed related retirement and health-review issues that have arisen in prior home-rule cases. At the end of the hearing, no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to adjourn.