Transcript Highlights:

• I'll start at section one, which amends the applicability of chapter 515B.
• It would also amend the interaction between chapter 308C, which relates to housing cooperatives, and
• chapter 515B.
• <00:07:12.800> uh chapter uh chapter uh 515b<00:07:14.720> uh<00:07:14.919> section<
• and chapter and chapter 515b 515b 515b um<00:10:35.760> most<00:10:36.079> notably

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• procedure distinct from the rules governing general civil actions to govern proceedings under this chapter
• The requirement to adopt the rules is proceedings under this chapter, which is 1409, which is proceedings
• That would be under a different chapter of code, so this is narrow.
• Chapter 1409.06.6.6.6. We want to get specific with regard to that.
• Beth, was the same language as before and then a new sentence starting after the end of the word chapter

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They'll then see if there were any violations of chapter 18 law if there were a docket will be sent out
• Now, some of the frequent violations that we see are all going to be from Chapter 8.
• So there is a potential violation of Chapter 18. Let's say there's an excavator out on site.
• That would result in. a violation of chapter 18. Piggybacking is not allowed.
• system, does it comply with everything that's in Chapter 251?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 2.1, relating
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1.
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Members also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1037, SB 1233, SB 1290, and SB 1445, adopting committee amendments where offered and giving each a do pass recommendation; SB 1814 was retained. Members discussed SB 1055, which would require reporting certain unlawfully present individuals arrested for crimes to federal immigration authorities, with Democrats raising concerns about profiling and civil liberties and Republicans arguing it simply enforces federal law; it also received a do pass recommendation. SB 1274, relating to transportation and infrastructure, was amended and recommended do pass, SB 1502 also advanced, and SB 1573, concerning foreign or religious sectarian law in state courts, prompted debate over whether it was necessary or duplicative but was likewise recommended do pass. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. The House then took up third-reading votes. SB 1168 and SB 1172 passed overwhelmingly, SB 1290 passed after debate about HOA meeting openness, SB 1221 passed on a 32-24 vote after supporters said it would improve tax transparency, and SB 1400 passed 47-9 despite concerns about peer support and counseling protections. SB 1214, a medical practice bill involving stem cell regenerative therapies, failed 25-31 after some members said they were not comfortable with the measure; afterward, a motion to reconsider its failure was adopted, placing it back on the third-reading calendar. The House also granted the Senate permission to adjourn until April 27, and then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Acknowledged as an advice statute, amending Title 36, Chapter 7, Article 9, sections 36-9-0-10, 36-9-
• Title 36, Chapter 6, Article 10, Arizona vice statute, 8, 799-9-5-4-4-4, kratom.
• House Bill 2950, an act amending Title 40, Arizona Revised Statutes, to add Chapter 38 relating to special
• House Bill 2573, an act amending Title 19, Chapter 1, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, adding section
• Amending Title 41, Chapter 203, Article 3, advice. Section 4,125, linking to the procurement code.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues. The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19. The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, relating to Section 41-1971 and
• Senate Bill 1172, amending Title 41, Chapter 14, Article 1A, arrest, by Section 41-1971, relating to
• Senate Bill 1214, amending Title 32, Chapter 32, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 2.1, relating
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1.
• Senate Bill 1400, amending Title 38, Chapter 8, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to public

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support to follow the child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter
• Who are caring for a child through that Chapter 34 temporary authorization agreement, um, which allows
• And, and also let me just, to specify, normally, um, so let's say a chapter 34 agreement is not in place
• But what this is doing is adding those chapter 34, um, agreements.
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Transcript Highlights:

• support to follow the child with an authorization agreement for non-parent adult caregivers under Chapter
• would help these informal kinship caregivers. caregivers who are caring for a child through that chapter
• And also let me just... to specify, normally, so let's say a Chapter 34 agreement is not in place, they
• But what What this is doing is adding those Chapter 34 agreements, so they would have to show proof that
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• technically, the agency should already be doing this, and they should already be reviewing under Chapter
• So what we've examined and what we've seen, this particular chapter has not been updated in a multitude
• of years, Chapter 120, which is where we're focused.
• With that lack of focus on this particular chapter, various provisions have not necessarily either been
• This particular updating of Chapter 120 will accomplish that by rolling out over the next five years.

Summary: The Budget Committee took up six bills. HB 313 passed unanimously and was reported favorably; it exempts vehicles or motorcycles displaying the Purple Heart specialty license plate from paying tolls on Florida facilities. HB 749 also passed and was reported favorably; it extends benefits to firefighters injured during training exercises. CS/HB 1103 passed and was reported favorably; it addresses APD’s developmental disability waitlist by increasing transparency, creating statewide family care councils, expanding the existing pilot program statewide on a phased timeline, and improving coordination for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Testimony on HB 1103 focused on the long waitlist, the need for more provider capacity and support coordinators, and concerns from Disability Rights Florida about moving too quickly without enough data, while supporters argued the current system is not working and families need access to services now. HB 1097 passed after a unanimous amendment removing an appropriation; it creates a premier academic insurance research center at Florida State University to conduct applied insurance and catastrophic risk research, with members discussing the transition from FIU and noting continued collaboration. HB 1309 passed and was reported favorably; it requires evidence-based reading interventions for K-2 students with reading deficiencies and creates a reading coaches program for grades 4-12. Supporters from education and business groups appeared in favor. CS/HB 433 also passed and was reported favorably, though it drew the most debate. The bill requires agencies to review existing rules and guidance documents for consistency with legislative intent, repromulgate rules over time, and report licensing metrics. Members raised concerns about possible duplication of work, staffing needs, and cost, while the sponsor and supporters argued agencies should already be doing this and that the bill would reduce unnecessary regulation and improve accountability. The committee then adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• mandatory and voluntary reporting is subject to open records disclosure as outlined in Government Code Chapter
• I'm Matt Wagner, Executive Director of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society.
• We are the nation's largest chapter in the nation, an international organization.
• Formed in 1937, the Texas chapter supports Senate Bill 1248.
• would like to thank Chairman Perry. for being proactive in proposing this legislation and the Texas chapter

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Transcript Highlights:

• It maintains the Commonwealth's commitment to Chapter 115, ensuring that income-eligible veterans...
• So that's defined in Chapter 144, and I can provide that definition for you for specificity.
• You asked specifically about Chapter 115 and decreasing to six months the reimbursement from one year
• You asked specifically about Chapter 115 and DECC, You asked specifically about Chapter 115 and decreasing
• The Chapter 115 program is huge. People should know what that is.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this House File 4272 revises one statute in chapter 354, which is the chapter that governs Teachers
• Uh, this House File 4272 revises one statute in chapter 354, which is the chapter that governs Teachers
• Uh, this House File 4272 revises one statute in chapter 354, which is the chapter that governs Teachers
• Uh, this House File 4272 revises one statute in chapter 354, which is the chapter that governs Teachers
• in chapter 354, which is the chapter in chapter 354, which is the chapter that<01:02:53.840>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The commission first approved the minutes and then took up several pension omnibus items. Representative Rapinski’s item, related to an I-RAP issue, was moved ahead of the agenda and passed without further information after members noted the State Board of Investment and Minnesota State had not identified additional facts; the bill, as previously amended, was recommended for inclusion in the 2026 Pension Omnibus Bill. The committee also corrected a procedural issue on Senator Gustafson’s bill, SF 3897/HF 3703, after realizing an amendment referenced earlier belonged to a different bill; the motion was restated without the amendment reference and the bill was then recommended to pass and be incorporated into the omnibus bill. The main policy discussion centered on SF 3897/HF 3703, which would change how terminating firefighter relief association plans value benefits for firefighters under age 50. Senator Gustafson said the current statute can unfairly reduce benefits by requiring present-value discounting and that the bill would instead allow benefits to be based on accrued benefit under the plan formula, while still leaving relief associations flexibility to use present value if they choose. Staff confirmed the bill applies only to relief associations under chapter 424B, not PERA or the statewide plan. Senator Rasmussen raised concerns about consistency between SVF and non-SVF reliefs and about differing treatment on termination; the bill author acknowledged the difference. The committee ultimately voted to recommend the bill for inclusion in the omnibus pension bill. The final major item was House File 4162, as amended by an A1 amendment, which requires employers of reemployed annuitants in TRA to make employer contributions during reemployment, including Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employees covered under section 354.445. Representative O’Driscoll argued the bill would direct existing education-formula pension dollars to TRA, prevent districts from using those funds elsewhere when retirees are rehired, and keep the employee neutral because the annuitant’s benefit would not change. Supporters said the measure would help pension funding and address situations where districts rehire retired teachers, often in hard-to-fill specialties. Opponents, including Senator Rasmusson, questioned the added cost to school districts, citing an estimated $5.385 million in annual TRA revenue from the change and warning it could reduce districts’ ability to hire or retain staff. After discussion, the committee had not yet taken final action on this item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• happens if you do something that you're disclosing information that's protected by chapter 13.
• happens if you do something that you're disclosing information that's protected by chapter 13.
• But if you could just stick to Representative Muller's question, that'd be great. comply with chapter
• information that's protected by chapter information that's protected by chapter 13<00:50:33.119>
• <00:51:57.599> 13 just curious what some of the chapter 13 just curious what some of the chapter

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a thoughtful, necessary update to Chapter 140, Section 157, which governs how municipalities
• Many times these calls do not fall under Chapter 272 for felony charges.
• The living conditions were less than desirable but didn't meet Chapter 272.
• Because we cannot charge under Chapter 272, one of the challenges that we encounter, having no police
• Fast in all of the different new topics that we might have not been able to imagine when this chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, with testimony spanning local board training, animal welfare and enforcement, municipal charters, water district dissolution, and other home rule matters. Chairs Rausch and Lewis set strict time limits because of the large number of speakers and explained that written testimony would also be accepted. Members heard from local officials, advocates, municipal employees, and residents, with many bills receiving broad support from municipal and advocacy witnesses. Several speakers supported bills requiring or expanding training for local boards and commissions, including pre-service training for planning, zoning, and other land use boards. Supporters said training would help volunteers understand complex laws, improve consistency, reduce legal challenges, and speed up housing and development decisions. Related testimony also backed a bill to modernize historic district commissions and another to allow associate planning board members to serve more broadly when needed to maintain quorums. A major portion of the hearing focused on animal legislation. Witnesses supported bills to expand citations for cruel conditions beyond dogs, update dangerous dog procedures, improve animal health inspections and breeder oversight, strengthen tethering rules, and protect pet consumers. Animal control officers, humane organizations, and some victims of dog attacks described enforcement gaps and the need for clearer standards, while several dog trainers and the American Kennel Club opposed parts of the dangerous dog bill and tethering restrictions, arguing they would limit humane training tools and professional discretion. The committee also heard strong support for a bill to create a statewide pet shop and consumer protection framework. The committee also heard testimony on several local home rule petitions. Medford officials and residents strongly supported a new city charter that would replace the current at-large council with ward-based representation and periodic charter review. Wayland representatives supported a bill to preserve the library’s Millennium Fund as intended, Cambridge officials backed creation of an employment and job training trust, and Carver officials supported dissolving the North Carver Water District due to compliance and financial problems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and there, so the relationship between that provision in chapter 278 and the general requirements
• under chapter 13 that when a party in the litigation context seeks from a government entity data that
• > and<00:32:53.120> the<00:32:53.440> general<00:32:53.919> requirements chapter
• 278 and the general requirements chapter 278 and the general requirements under<00:32:55.440> chapter
• 13 that when a party in under chapter 13 that when a party in the<00:32:58.159> litigation<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to also add chapter 103D so we have flexibility. >> Okay. Thank you.
• diagnosis services pursuant to chapter diagnosis services pursuant to chapter 103F.<01:05:00.000
• We'd like to also add and chapter 103F.
• We'd like to also add and chapter 103D 103D 103D so<01:05:03.520> we<01:05:03.680> have
• Terry Lum, Hawaii State Chapter of Children's Justice Center in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roads have Chapter 90 funding; water and sewer have nothing. Brewster's cover...
• So roads have Chapter 90 funding, water and sewer have nothing.
• The simple bill starts that process by reducing Chapter 91 burdens.
• From 1996 in section 54 of chapter 365 of something. Do you really know that?
• My name is Artis Loges, and I represent the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:18:35.440> and<01:18:35.679> quote<01:18:36.520> uh purpose of this chapter
• and quote uh purpose of this chapter and quote uh removing<01:18:37.080> this<01:18:37.400>
• so you don't want the parties to chapter so you don't want the parties to agree<01:20:05.760> um<
• parties for the purpose of this chapter parties for the purpose of this chapter is<01:21:26.719>
• <01:30:10.960> members for the purposes of this chapter members for the purposes of this chapter

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• extend my heartfelt congratulation to the president of the Delta Pi Omega, which is the Annapolis chapter
• ,<00:17:56.799> Miss<00:17:57.039> Joan is the Annapolis chapter, Miss Joan is the
• Annapolis chapter, Miss Joan Scott.<00:17:58.797> [applause] Their<00:18:01.520> leadership
• She joined in the fall of 25 Lambda Upsilon chapter, and so I celebrate her as well.
• and so I celebrate her oopsilon chapter and so I celebrate her as<00:20:34.000> well.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dorene Robinson of Weman Memorial AM Church in Baltimore, followed by a quorum call showing 41 members present. The chamber then spent much of the session recognizing guests and visitors, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Morgan State Choir, the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, students from several schools, faith leaders, and other community guests. Several senators also introduced personal guests and offered birthday recognitions, including Mrs. Eliza May Robinson and the Secretary of the Senate. On the legislative side, Senate Bill 988 on judicial facilities, stops, detention, and arrest limitation rules was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee. Bond initiatives were also read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The chamber took up Senate Bill 108 on wetlands enforcement, but the minority leader said members still had questions, and the bill was special ordered until Friday without objection. The Senate also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team for winning the 2025 4A/3A Maryland State Golf Championship, including recognition of senior captain Zoe Kusak’s individual title. Another resolution congratulated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, North Atlantic Region, for its advocacy and community service. The session ended after committee schedule announcements and a motion to adjourn until the next day, with the Senate agreeing to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• we'll hear the administration's spending plan for the climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters
• Overall, we find that the spending plan is reasonable for this chapter of Proposition 4.
• Overall, we find that the spending plan is reasonable for this chapter of Proposition 4.
• And so I do wonder within the ag chapter how what is the approach given that quite a bit of it relates
• And just want to first support the administration's proposal for Prop 4 spending in the ag chapter.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.