Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a quorum. No. Okay. We are on Senate.
• The current statute ensures that while a commission can meet and deliberate with a quorum, no final decision

Bills: SB3, HB70, HB49, HB60, HB151, HB164, SB17, SB35, SB164

Keywords: Public Regulation Commission, PRC, utility oversight fund, public utilities, utility regulation, commissioners, commission staff, chief of staff, ethics, Gift Act, revolving door, post-employment restrictions, consumer complaints, telecommunications, pipeline safety, natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, license fees, regulatory oversight, administrative cleanup

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> A QUORUM IS PRESENT. OKAY THERE IS A QUORUM.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being two present, a quorum will be established as the meeting progresses.
• No votes or action will be taken in the absence of a quorum.

Bills: HB346, HB1851, HB2974, HB5596, HCR118, HCR127, HCR141

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, surplus vehicles, law enforcement equipment, school districts, Texas Facilities Commission, economically disadvantaged areas, HB 5596, voter-approval tax rate, property tax, ad valorem tax, Tax Code, Texas municipalities, coastal municipality, eligible coastal municipality, municipal hotel occupancy tax, hotel occupancy tax revenue

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee heard and laid out several measures focused on school safety, Texas-Taiwan relations, defense manufacturing, business formation, hotel tax policy, and NASA relocation. HB 1851 would allow surplus DPS vehicles and law enforcement equipment to be transferred to school districts in economically disadvantaged areas for use by school police and security personnel, with a two-year resale restriction. HCR 127 expressed support for the Texas-Taiwan relationship and trade ties, HCR 118 supported expanding warship manufacturing in Texas, HCR 141 urged Congress to move NASA headquarters to Houston, HB 346 (with a committee substitute) revised business filing and fee authority while making permanent a franchise tax exemption for new veteran-owned businesses, HB 2974 was an omnibus hotel occupancy tax and qualified hotel project bill, and HB 5596 addressed accountability for municipal hotel occupancy tax revenues in coastal communities. Witnesses generally supported the measures, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association on HB 2974 and resource witnesses from the Texas Veterans Commission and Secretary of State on HB 346; no opposition testimony was registered on the laid-out bills. After public testimony, the committee took up pending business and adopted committee substitutes where applicable. HB 1851, HB 346, HB 2974, and HB 5596 were each reported favorably to the full Senate, with HB 346 and HB 2974 also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. HCR 127 and HCR 118 were reported favorably as well, and HCR 127 and HCR 141 were likewise recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also reported HB 4320 favorably, though the transcript repeats that motion several times. The meeting ended with the committee standing in recess until 7:00 a.m. subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• A quorum is present. All right. Yeah. ready.<00:05:06.000> Ready? Thank<00:05:23.039> you.
• 00:06:02.080> close<00:06:02.320> the roll.<00:06:16.960> A<00:06:17.199> quorum

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Quorum is present.
• Yeah, we have to have quorum, but we can do a formal later in the week. Okay. Thank you.

Bills: SB500, SB1522, SB1137, SB1266

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Transcript Highlights:

• A quorum will be established as the meeting progresses.
• No votes or actions will be taken in the absence of a quorum.

Bills: HB1240, HB2768, HB2788, HB3146, HB4850, HB5032, HCR90

Keywords: border region, infrastructure, economic development, government operations, education, HB 2768, Texas information technology apprenticeship, state IT credential, information resources workforce, junior college, technical institute, apprenticeship program, workforce development, state agency hiring, job classification, career ladder, bachelor's degree substitution, associate degree, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state auditor classification officer

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, we don't have a quorum, so we won't call the roll yet.
• We'll wait to adopt it when we have a quorum. You are recognized on the committee substitute.

Bills: HB135

Keywords: civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal, animals

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending. The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> A QUORUM IS PRESENT MR.
• CHAIR. >> Vice Chair Avila: THANK YOU MARILYN, A QUORUM BEING PRESENT THESE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A quorum is present. Thank you. Senator Simon, here. Senator Yarborough, here. A quorum is present.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met with a quorum present and took up three bills. SB 1618, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a broad education package affecting VPK through grade 12. It included changes to VPK enrollment flexibility, repeal of the Council for Early Grade Success, agriculture and financial literacy curriculum updates, reading intervention requirements, limits on certain public-school spending, corporal punishment consent, educator certification and screening provisions, and changes to the school recognition program. A late-filed technical amendment clarifying prior legislation for certain private schools in Brevard, Clay, Sarasota, and Bradford counties was adopted. Senator Osgood raised concerns about the bill’s school recognition provisions and the impact on paraprofessionals and other support staff, and the sponsor said she would continue those discussions. SB 1618, as amended, was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1058, which would update Florida references from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state, district, and charter school materials beginning after July 1, 2025, without requiring existing materials to be changed. The bill was presented by Senator Calatayud on behalf of Senator Gruters and was reported favorably without amendment or opposition. Next, the committee heard CS for SB 1470 on school safety, which would align school security guard training with guardian program requirements, refine locked campus and classroom rules, and improve panic alert and digital map coordination. Several amendments were adopted, including a late-filed amendment capping guardian training fees, creating a stakeholder work group for a Florida Institute of School Safety, adjusting locked-zone requirements and exceptions, requiring substitute teachers to receive safety protocol training, and a funding amendment providing $450,000 in recurring funds for a centralized panic alert and digital map system. Support was voiced by school district, sheriff, and safety representatives, and Senator Osgood praised the recurring funding as avoiding an unfunded mandate. The committee also passed SB 1472, linked to SB 1470, extending a public records exemption to school security guards’ records held by FDLE, with the exemption set to sunset in 2030 unless renewed. President Gaetz questioned the need for the exemption, and Senator Burgess responded that it was intended to protect school safety personnel from exposure of personal information after an incident. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, a quorum is present.
• Westland Westrom Wickland Jang<00:04:04.079> members<00:04:05.000> a<00:04:05.239> quorum

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Financial Services. by proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the determination of a quorum
• Proposing a Constitution Amendment relating to the determination of a quorum of the house.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a quorum. We have a quorum, so let's get business done. Go for it, Senator Paul. Thanks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, a quorum is present.
• 00:04:13.840> and John<00:04:17.519> members<00:04:18.079> a<00:04:18.320> quorum

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a call of the Senate was imposed, and the Sergeant at Arms was directed to bring in absent members. Reverend Jennifer McNally delivered the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established after the roll call, and the Senate proceeded from the agenda dated Thursday, February 6, 2025. The body adopted the committee reports printed in the agenda. Senate File 310 received its second reading. During first readings and referrals, several bills were assigned to committees, including SF 107 to Education Policy, SF 1049 and SF 1069 to Health and Human Services, SF 1063 and SF 1120 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 1070 to Elections. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate approved re-referrals of SF 554 from Health and Human Services to Human Services and SF 929 from Commerce and Consumer Protection to Health and Human Services, with both committee chairs in agreement. The Senate also excused Senators Weber and Howley for the day. The chamber then adjourned on motion of Senator Murphy until Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> A QUORUM IS PRESENT MR. CHAIR. >> THANK YOU STEPHANIE AND A QUORUM IS PRESENT FOR THE RECORD.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here at least we have a quorum today, right now. Um, and we are glad you're all here.
• before<00:01:00.760> us<00:01:01.680> and But in light of all of that, we do have a quorum

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met with a quorum but, because agency representatives did not attend, the chair said no official action would be taken and no bills would be passed at this meeting. The purpose of the session was to provide an opportunity for agencies to present an overview related to the governor’s proposed budget for Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development, but that discussion was postponed to a later date. Most of the meeting focused on committee procedures and expectations. The chair reviewed the committee’s initial rules, emphasizing that members should speak through the chair, keep respectful order, and notify the committee administrator if they cannot attend. The chair also said the committee would try to accommodate testimony time depending on the agenda and would allow virtual participation by Zoom to ensure broader public access. The chair explained that any proposed bill changes must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. the day before a hearing so staff can prepare amendments and share them with members. Minutes were noted as presented without a motion to approve. Near the end, members confirmed the windchill was about 37 below, and the chair announced there would be no meeting the next day, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• With 42 members in the chamber and a quorum being present, the Senate of Maryland is again back in session
• With 42 members in the chamber and a With 42 members in the chamber and a quorum<00:00:48.000> being
• 48.200> present,<00:00:48.560> the<00:00:48.680> Senate<00:00:48.960> of quorum
• being present, the Senate of quorum being present, the Senate of Maryland<00:00:50.040> is<00
• ahead and do a quorum call. ahead and do a quorum call. Mr.<02:09:28.040> President.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted. The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading. Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.

Transcript Highlights:

• With 42 members of the chamber and a quorum being present, the Senate of Maryland is again back in session
• And if we could do a quorum call. Mr. President. Has everyone recorded their presence?
• With 43 members in the chamber and a quorum being present, the Senate of Maryland remains in session.
• being present, the Senate of quorum being present, the Senate of Maryland<01:36:38.160> remains
• Um, can we do a quorum call quickly, please? Mr. President. Has everyone recorded their presence?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will ask our secretary to please call the roll to establish a quorum. Gipson? Here. Gipson here.
• We have a quorum. Thank you very much. A quorum has been established.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have quorum. We're pretty robust as a commission, but we know that...
• We do have quorum. We're pretty robust as a commission, but we know that... We do have quorum.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Ellen Story Commission for Postpartum Depression held its spring meeting with a large turnout, beginning with roll call and a review of the agenda. Co-chairs Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda highlighted progress from the recently enacted maternal health omnibus law and the Moms Matter Act, including creation of a midwifery board, expansion of out-of-hospital birth options, doula services, lactation support, MassHealth coverage changes, and a trust fund for community-based behavioral health and substance use grants. Members also discussed implementation of the new law, the commission’s annual report, and the need to continue supporting birth centers and perinatal mental health services. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on commission membership and vacancies. Commissioners discussed whether to remain on the body, the need to fill several open seats, and whether the commission’s statutory composition should be updated to better reflect current practice and expertise. Members suggested adding more clinicians working directly with perinatal families, infant mental health experts, and a representative from PSI of Massachusetts, while also noting the value of having regulators and professional society representatives at the table. Several participants said any changes to membership would likely require legislation, and the co-chairs said they would explore options and possibly circulate a flyer or other invitation process for nominations. The commission also discussed meeting structure and future planning. Members generally supported moving to quarterly virtual meetings, with a preference for a 4 p.m. start time, and some suggested one annual in-person gathering. The group agreed to postpone the usual May Advocacy Day because the Great Hall was unavailable and instead aim for a fall event, with volunteers stepping forward to help plan it. Commissioners raised top-of-mind issues including postpartum depression screening reimbursement, care for people after miscarriage or abortion, access for undocumented pregnant people, and the impact of federal cuts. The meeting ended with agreement to crowdsource legislative priorities for the next quarter, consider future presentations from outside organizations, and send updates between meetings, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony can be given directly to the committee, and with that we're going to go ahead and establish a quorum
• Quorum call: Ransom present. Hadwick present. Arambula here. Bains. Bennett here. Calderon here.
• So we have a quorum present, and next we have a first and second to move the consent calendar, which

Keywords: 988, house, all