Video & Transcript Research : 'speech pathologist'

Page 60 of 189
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • > one Because he was making the case at one point. that e e e e e e e e e e e e e [No audible speech
  • [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
  • [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.] [No audible speech.]
  • [No audible speech.] Yes, I do. I think we should be all right.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And for those of you who've been here before, you've seen this speech several times from Speaker McCallll
  • A big part of me really does want to make you give a speech, but I'm not going to do that to you, Marcu
  • Our staff and try to attempt to get back on this speech that Caroline drafted for me, from processing
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Transportation. (1-28-26)

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><00:14:02.480> upon<00:14:02.800> freedom<00:14:03.199> of<00:14:03.440> speech
  • displaying based upon freedom of speech. displaying based upon freedom of speech.
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, with the chair noting the committee’s regular meeting time has changed to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Members were introduced to committee staff and reminded of procedural rules, including the 24-hour amendment rule. The committee also recognized a guest in attendance, Judge Hector Akala of Meny County. The committee heard House Bill 140, relating to highway pavement markings, from Representative Candy Maseroni. She said the bill responds to complaints from first responders and constituents about poor nighttime visibility of road markings and would require the Transportation Department to inspect completed work after six months to ensure markings remain visible. After questions about responsibility for noncompliant work, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, from Representative Huff, with testimony from Dustin Miller of State Farm Insurance. The bill would change title-junking standards by focusing on cosmetic damage rather than damage that requires a junk title, such as hail damage. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 189, relating to pedestrian safety, from Representative Jackson, with testimony from Gracie Kelly of the Kentucky League of Cities and Jeremy Thompson of the Kentucky Chiefs Association. The bill would create a statewide standard limiting stationary pedestrian presence in state right-of-way, with penalties under existing pedestrian citation provisions; members asked about constitutional concerns, definitions of state right-of-way, and local permitting. After discussion, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, two members recorded missed yes votes on House Bills 140 and 144, and the committee adjourned with a reminder that it would meet again the following Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 5th, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I had a daughter that was a national winner in a speech contest.
  • National winner in a speech contest.
  • I've had grandkids that have been national winners in speech contests.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 18, 2026 - 10:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is why I hate giving speeches and I'm regretting my speech on the House floor.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session 01-17-2025 11:30am

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • She's involved in student council, Gear Up, and is the president of the speech and debate team and aspires
  • She's involved in student council, Gear Up, and is the president of the speech and debate team and aspires
Keywords: 912, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/11/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • I all I could from your speech, sir, I'm very quotable. >> Highly quotable. >> Yes.
  • ><00:04:07.840> could<00:04:08.080> from<00:04:08.400> your<00:04:08.560> speech
  • ,<00:04:08.879> sir,<00:04:09.120> I'm all I could from your speech, sir, I'm all I
  • could from your speech, sir, I'm very<00:04:09.760> quotable.
  • <01:02:18.720> about speeches about speeches about the<01:02:20.400> bills<01:02:20.880
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 40 (3-5-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And yet, right here in Kentucky, seemingly every election cycle, judicial candidates engage in speech
  • ><00:50:52.320> free that judicial candidates have free that judicial candidates have free speech
  • And yet, right here in Kentucky, speech.
  • <00:51:01.000> that<00:51:01.200> is<00:51:01.360> clearly engage in speech
  • that is clearly engage in speech that is clearly protected<00:51:02.320> under<00:51:02.480>
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education (04/01/2025)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • think is important to note is that children, okay, have certain rights, and this is not an anti-kid speech
  • think is important to note is that children, okay, have certain rights, and this is not an anti-kid speech
  • think is important to note is that children, okay, have certain rights, and this is not an anti-kid speech
  • think is important to note is that children, okay, have certain rights, and this is not an anti-kid speech
  • In this state, prisoners and this is not an anti-kid speech, and this is not an anti-kid speech, okay
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber Fri May 8, 2026, 10:00AM HST - Day 58

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does not silence speech or restrict advocacy.
  • Supreme Court decision that essentially equated money with speech and imbued corporations like human
  • Hence, corporations are treated like human beings with the First Amendment right to free speech.
  • As we conclude the 2026 legislative session, I want to start my speech, as many have, to express my gratitude
Keywords: 910, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 05/17/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, I won't be here for speeches tomorrow.
  • <00:24:07.920> be<00:24:08.040> here<00:24:08.200> for<00:24:08.360> speeches
  • I won't be here for speeches tomorrow. I won't be here for speeches tomorrow.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's kind of a cross between a valedictorian speech and a roast, I think, in some ways, and that's made
  • I just want to say thank you for everyone graciously listening to my speech, and I know it went a little
  • greatest office mate in the entire building, and Representative Judd Strom, because I forgot him in my speech
  • And Representative Judd Strom, because I forgot him in my speech yesterday. So give him some love.
Summary: The House convened, called the roll, and heard an invocation focused on “leading with the farewell,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a series of floor recognitions honoring guests and student groups. Presentations included the nurse of the day, Susan Hollingsworth, and multiple student champions and visitors, including the Clinton High School 4A hip hop state champions, Pryor High School’s Life Smarts state champions, the Elgin High School wrestling team, the Fort Gibson FFA livestock judging team, Putnam City North’s girls basketball champions, visiting students from Douglas, OSU environmental science graduate students, and Oklahoma Energy Resource Board teachers of the year. The chamber then took up several Senate bills. SB 378, updating bail bondsman regulations, passed 77-3. SB 985, codifying the local food for school program in statute, passed 79-0. SB 1246, which would update and speed up DEQ permitting while preserving transparency, drew questions about agency outreach and environmental impacts; after a division vote on advancing the bill passed 30-28, the bill itself passed 81-0. Later, SB 1500 on pharmacy benefit managers passed 81-0, SB 1984 on osteopathic medicine passed 74-0, and SB 1644 creating a reporting mechanism for suspected alpha-gal syndrome passed 82-0. The House also adopted Senate amendments to HB 3720, the local food freedom bill, and passed it 81-0. HB 4118, the family caregiver credit, also passed 81-0 after the Senate amendment restored the title “Caring for Caregivers Act.” A motion was made to reject Senate amendments to HB 2992 and request conference. House Joint Resolution 1100, relating to OMES proposed major rule changes, was read on second reading and referred to administrative rules. A lengthy debate centered on an amendment to SB 1546, a teacher-related bill, which would expand the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Scholarship Fund tax credit to support the Strong Readers Act, the Oklahoma Math Proficiency Act, and certain capital projects for scholarship-granting organizations. Supporters said it would encourage private investment in education and add instructional capacity; opponents argued it would favor wealthy private schools, do little for rural or high-poverty districts, and divert scholarship resources. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was advanced to final passage, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am also a speech-language pathology assistant, and I've seen firsthand what assistive technology can
  • So there's my little soapbox speech. Any other discussion? Thank you.
  • So there's my little soapbox speech. Any other discussion? Thank you.
  • So there's my little soapbox speech. Any other discussion? Seeing none, there are no amendments.
Summary: The Committee on Appropriations met with all members present, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and announced its final hearing would be the following Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The committee first heard HB 2134, the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which would bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with Chinese companies for access to critical infrastructure, prohibit Chinese-produced software and equipment in certain systems, require annual certifications and reporting, and direct the Corporation Commission and DEMA to implement oversight and emergency communications measures. The sponsor and a witness argued the bill was a targeted national-security measure and a companion to federal efforts; concerns were raised about cost, overlap with federal law, and staffing, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered HB 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services in multiple settings. Testimony from lactation consultants, researchers, advocates, and tribal representatives emphasized maternal and infant health benefits, access gaps, and potential Medicaid savings; AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral, with AHCCCS estimating a $1.8 million general fund cost and ADHS saying it could not absorb implementation costs. The committee adopted a 15-page amendment creating a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers and a DHS advisory committee, then passed the bill as amended on a 9-0 vote. HB 2700, creating a technology-first study committee on assistive technology for people with disabilities, also passed unanimously after testimony from disability advocates and a proposed amendment to add minority-party appointments was discussed but not voted on. HB 2800, which increases the penalty for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was appropriate when the lender may not know the eventual outcome; after testimony from the sponsor and the victim’s widow, the bill passed 9-1. HB 2114, which uses motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and requires ADOT to issue motorcycle registrations only when an owner has a class M license, passed 10-0 amid concerns that the license language may need clarification on the floor. The committee then began HB 2127, an omnibus special-plates bill with multiple amendments, but discussion centered on whether one amendment was hostile and whether a community-college plate should be offered later; no final action on HB 2127 was taken in the portion provided.
VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

March 12, 2026 - Regular Session

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The speech isn't about me, but it's worth noting that it is not an abstract concept or a stat.
  • And that's why I'm making this speech today. Mr.
  • We call that political speech for those of you watching at home.
  • That's a time, place, and manner restriction on speech.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Galloway speech item, no. Simmons D, no. Simmons S, no. Anyone else? I'm sorry, Senator Butler, no.
  • Galloway<00:16:53.720> speech<00:16:53.960> item,<00:16:54.640> no.
  • Galloway speech item, no. Galloway speech item, no.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of introductions and announcements. Members welcomed guests in the gallery, recognized the doctor of the day, and later made several announcements about memorials, committee meeting times, and calendar deadlines. The chamber also agreed to dispense with the reading of the journal and the titles of bills and resolutions. The body then took up multiple measures, mostly on the appropriations, rules, and general bills calendars. Among the bills discussed and passed were House Bill 941 on the Mississippi Healthcare Industry Zone Act, with an amendment changing the repealer date to 2028; House Bill 1633 on the Site Development Grant Program, with a strike-all clarifying eligible utility and site-improvement expenditures; House Bill 1404 on fraudulent utility conversion, with a substitute strike-all adding protections and criminal penalties related to landlords failing to pay tenant-funded utilities; House Bill 907 revising the timing for sample ballots from the Secretary of State; House Bill 867 allowing Ross Barnett Reservoir funds to be used for shoreline maintenance and erosion prevention; House Bill 1558 revising compensation and reimbursement for the Tishomingo County Water District; and House Bill 514 revising the Veterinary Practice Act to protect certified veterinary technicians and update board membership and fees. Several other measures were also addressed, including Senate Bill 2648, which would let the MSU Extension Service assist poultry farmers with comprehensive nutrient management plans and was amended by the House to add Alcorn State University; Senate Bill 2637, on flexibility for the Northeast District livestock show location, on which the Senate voted not to concur and invite conference; House Bill 1069, the Mississippi Agriculture and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026, which was amended to shift review of a waterfowl impact assessment to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and impose a one-year moratorium with a study committee; House Bill 1073, a consumer choice bill restricting bans on gas-powered farm equipment and lawn tools; House Bill 942 extending the chiropractic licensure repealer and allowing certain animal chiropractic work under veterinarian supervision; and House Bill 479, which extended temporary licensing timeframes for psychology and marriage and family therapy and added safeguards tied to background checks and qualifications. Most of these measures were adopted and passed by voice vote or by afternoon or morning roll call, with a few items retained on the calendar and several motions to reconsider or hold bills for later action.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • When you have them reaching for phones for people engaging in free speech and their right to observe,
  • <00:18:51.919> engaging<00:18:52.400> in<00:18:52.640> free<00:18:52.960> speech
  • <00:18:54.000> and for people engaging in free speech and for people engaging in free speech
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and several DFL senators held a press conference after a floor session to announce a package of bills responding to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Murphy said the proposals are meant to restore and protect Minnesotans’ rights after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Prey, arguing that authorities should render aid when they injure someone. She said one bill, to be heard the next day in Sen. Ron Latz’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, would create a civil remedy for victims of constitutional violations by federal agents and their leaders. Another bill would give the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension independent investigative authority in cases where federal agents kill Minnesota residents, after the BCA was reportedly shut out of recent investigations. Sen. Lindsey Port described a bill to bar federal law enforcement from hiding their identities while on duty, citing masked ICE agents, alleged use of fake license plates and impersonation tactics, and a recent incident in which a health care worker was allegedly boxed in by masked men. Sen. Elise Mann said the package would designate hospitals, schools, daycares, colleges, and courthouses as protected spaces and require a judicial warrant for ICE entry, arguing that federal agents have been entering hospitals and schools and detaining people at vulnerable moments. The senators framed the effort as a response to unconstitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said they hoped for bipartisan support, though they acknowledged the legal issues may be challenged under federal supremacy and could reach the courts. In response to questions, the senators said the civil-rights bill is intended to create a state-court cause of action against federal officials acting under color of law, because current remedies are limited. They said people in schools or hospitals should not put themselves in danger if confronted by armed agents, and that the law would provide later accountability. Latz said the Judiciary Committee would take up the bills and that Minnesota must have a seat at the table in seeking justice for affected residents. Asked about funding for related community burdens, Murphy said it was not a budget year but the state has a rainy day fund and balance available from last session.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/18/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • if I may say so myself, Madam Speaker, on behalf of you, Delegate Tom Hutchinson gave a beautiful speech
  • > beautiful Delegate Tom Hutchinson gave a beautiful Delegate Tom Hutchinson gave a beautiful speech
  • speech that really touched the audience. speech that really touched the audience.
Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 17, 2026 - 08:30 AM

Education & Employment Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We were told by medical professionals he needed speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and
  •   248 WE WERE TOLD BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS  HE NEEDED SPEECH THERAPY  249 OCCUPATIONAL
  • We don't eliminate free speech because someone won't use it to slander another.
  • RELIGION BECAUSE TERRORIST  1147 NAME RELIGIOUS JUSTIFICATION,  WE DON'T ELIMINATE FREE SPEECH
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • and free to participate with their voices and the constitutional provisions that protect our free speech
  • that protect constitutional provisions that protect our<00:02:50.239> free<00:02:50.480> speech
  • > right<00:02:52.080> to<00:02:52.239> gather<00:02:52.480> and our free speech
  • , our right to gather and our free speech, our right to gather and assemble,<00:02:53.280> to<
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The program previewed the Minnesota Senate’s new session and featured interviews with Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Minority Leader Mark Johnson. Murphy said the DFL will focus on Capitol security, gun violence prevention, a supplemental budget, bonding/infrastructure, and continued anti-fraud work. She tied the session’s priorities to recent political violence and federal actions in Minnesota, and said she is working on legislation requiring federal agents to follow Minnesota’s rendering-aid law. She also said the Senate will pursue a bonding bill, likely a small supplemental budget bill, and additional fraud-related measures, including an independent inspector general proposal that stalled in the House. Murphy said the state’s November forecast showed a modest surplus but warned that federal policy changes could worsen the out-year budget outlook. She said the Senate would remain committed to balancing the budget and would not use infrastructure as leverage in negotiations. On fraud, she said the caucus has already passed multiple bills since 2023 and wants stronger enforcement, while expressing concern about prosecutorial capacity. She also emphasized a desire for bipartisan cooperation despite an election year and recent tragedy, saying senators should keep debates focused on policy and maintain working relationships. Johnson said Senate Republicans will emphasize fraud, affordability, infrastructure, and a broader approach to safety that includes mental health, school safety, and law enforcement training and equipment. He said the Senate has limited jurisdiction over the increased federal presence in Minnesota but can work on areas where bipartisan agreement is possible. He also said the session will be a bonding year, with attention to roads, bridges, water systems, and other capital projects, and noted that the governor’s proposed $97 million bonding bill is far below the roughly $6.5 billion in requests. On the budget, he said the legislature may have limited room to address the projected deficit this session, and he warned that retirements are changing the Senate’s makeup while also creating opportunities for new members and ideas.
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/9/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We thought it was the President's speech, but that's next week for President's Day.
  • We worried it was the pres the Lincoln<00:32:05.840> speech,<00:32:06.080> but<00:32:06.240
  • > that's<00:32:06.399> next<00:32:06.559> week<00:32:06.720> for Lincoln speech
  • , but that's next week for Lincoln speech, but that's next week for President's<00:32:07.200> Day.
Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation by the Reverend Mihi Kim Court of First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, and received remarks praising her social justice work and support for the LGBTQ community. The chamber also welcomed several visiting groups, including the Poolsville Town Council, the Maryland Commission on Women, Citizens for a Cleaner County, BUILD, District 37 visitors, and child care advocates participating in an “Evening in Annapolis for Child Care.” The Senate also introduced its weekly pages from schools across the state. Before moving to legislation, senators briefly discussed Senate rules and quorum procedures, including whether the 2025 rules govern the 2026 session and how presence and voting work during a protest. The presiding officer confirmed that the 2025 rules remain in effect, that physical presence counts for voting, and that senators present may vote when called. The chamber then referred a large batch of newly introduced measures to standing committees, including bills on artificial intelligence in education, pharmacist vaccine orders, parole commission matters, lead risk reduction, solar and energy storage policy, and several joint resolutions and bond initiatives. The Senate also noted that 234 bills had been introduced that day, bringing the total to Senate Bill 954, and thanked the Senate staff and Department of Legislative Services for their work. Later, the body heard a Black History Month presentation from the senator from Baltimore City and Baltimore County highlighting the importance of historical memory and honoring figures such as Pauli Murray, Ella Baker, and Fannie Lou Hamer, with detailed remarks on their activism and contributions. The remarks were journalized, and the Senate adjourned without objection until Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m.