Transcript Highlights:

• matter up without leg a legislative fix. matter up without leg a legislative fix.
• Can I have a caucus, please, Mr. Can I have a caucus, please, Mr. Speaker? Speaker? Speaker?
• I do know that I'm a legislator.
• I do know that I'm a legislator.
• I do know that I'm a legislator. or not. I do know that I'm a legislator.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's caucus priorities.
• So we are obviously the frugal, you know, thoughtful committee, but and so for their caucus priorities
• So we are obviously the frugal, you know, thoughtful committee, but and so for their caucus priorities
• It's<00:19:25.960> caucus<00:19:26.360> priorities.
• We're still what It's caucus priorities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman Caucus.
• Uh the Colorado<00:29:05.320> Sportsman<00:29:05.800> Caucus<00:29:06.400> is<00
• :29:06.800> a Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a Colorado Sportsman Caucus is a sub-chapter<00:29:
• sub-chapter of the Congressional sub-chapter of the Congressional Sportsman<00:29:08.960> Caucus
• This is a bunch of Sportsman Caucus.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I obviously support that legislation.
• And through that work, I’ve done SNAP outreach and education and I’ve also... legislation.
• Um I think it's an legislation.
• Thank you. >> I want to have a Republican caucus on this and the other bills that are out there before
• on this and the have a Republican caucus on this and the other<00:29:05.440> bills<00:29:05.720

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this piece of legislation gives that to them. Representative Allen.
• Seeing none, reminder, we will have a second caucus after floor for the budget bill, so please come back
• really at crunch time and we have families and children that really need help and this piece of legislation
• And this piece of legislation gives that to them. Representative Allen.
• Seeing none, reminder, we will have a second caucus after floor for the budget bill, so please come back

Summary: The meeting covered seven Senate-amended House bills on the caucus agenda. HB 248 was described as changing prior language about private process servers and, in the Senate strike-everything version, prohibiting more restrictive utilization controls for FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications than those applied to opioid or narcotic drugs, with a repeal date of September 1, 2028. HB 2265 would continue limiting certain court fees charged to criminal defendants, though the Senate removed the provision barring courts from creating new fees without express legislative authorization. HB 2404 would require authorized transporters for certain mental health transports; the sponsor explained the Senate changes delay implementation until 2030 and preserve officer involvement when safety concerns exist. HB 2611 would strengthen DCS group foster home safety rules, including drug screening consequences for employees and additional security standards, with the sponsor emphasizing child safety and accountability. HB 2950 would authorize tourism improvement areas and lodging assessments, with the Senate shifting assessment approval to the governing body and removing some new-business assessment requirements. HB 2986 made multiple ADEQ-related changes, including replacing the recycling fund with the solid waste fee fund and expanding its uses. HB 2995 revised child custody and domestic violence standards to make domestic violence a dominant factor in custody decisions, with Senate amendments adjusting findings, evidence standards, burdens of proof, and adding an emergency clause. Most bills were met with sponsor concurrence and no recorded opposition. HB 2404 drew questions about whether peace officers would still be involved in transports; the sponsor clarified officers would still handle the initial pickup and could be recalled if the person remained high risk or aggressive. HB 2611 was supported as a child-protection measure based partly on recommendations from youth in group homes. HB 2950 was described as a private, opt-in tourism financing tool that would cost taxpayers nothing. HB 2986 was noted as having passed the Senate unanimously. HB 2995 generated the most discussion. Supporters said it addresses coercive control and financial abuse in domestic violence cases and was developed through a lengthy stakeholder process, including court input, to better protect children and families. One member objected that the bill’s wording could sweep in ordinary marital conduct, such as managing finances, making demeaning remarks, or threatening to call police or file for divorce, and urged an amendment to narrow the language. Supporters responded that the bill is aimed at coercive control in custody disputes, that the emergency clause reflects immediate need, and that fixes could be revisited later. The caucus ended with a reminder about a second caucus after floor for the budget bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• HPD endorses this legislation that creates a class A felony.
• > that HPD endorses this legislation that HPD endorses this legislation that creates<00:05:10.560
• And when, as part of the Women's Legislative Caucus, about 10 years back, we found that the section 853
• when as part of the women's legislative when as part of the women's legislative caucus<00:07:24.319
• Uh we convened a good government caucus.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• about that as a caucus and we'll let Mr. about that as a caucus and we'll let Mr.
• So do you want some time to discuss it with your caucus?
• <03:06:13.760> is seems to me that this legislation is seems to me that this legislation is
• 49:52.160> care, legislation does not restrict care, legislation does not restrict care, love,
• <04:19:04.560> is think the purpose of this legislation is think the purpose of this legislation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative
• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Speaker, Democratic Caucus, and the members last. Members, we will be recessing.
• The Democratic Caucus will meet in the members' lounge. The quorum call remains in place.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This resolution rather puts together a task force with legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives
• As the co-chair of the Aviation Aerospace Caucus here in the General Assembly, I appreciate your good
• As the co-chair of the Aviation Aerospace Caucus here in the General Assembly, I appreciate your good
• As the co-chair of the Aviation Aerospace Caucus here in the General Assembly, I appreciate your good
• What the legislation does do, however, is define what street legal special purpose vehicles are.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Pieces of legislation passed in many, many years.
• may comment on any other legislation in a newsletter.
• It refers to the immediately preceding legislative session.
• Outside social media, trying to use legislative resources. All right.
• It is caucus social media. And they are not bound by EYA.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The meeting focused on ethics guidance for legislators’ official newsletters and social media posts about a major tax bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members and staff debated whether existing board guidance, which allowed comments on legislation previously before the legislature, should also apply to social media and to the current biennium rather than only the immediately preceding session. Several members argued that legislators should be able to state how they voted on the bill and discuss it as part of their legislative record, while others stressed that using state resources to advocate for or against a ballot measure is prohibited and that posts could become an indirect appeal to voters. The discussion also covered whether there should be a bright-line cutoff tied to the primary election date, after which official communications should stop discussing the bill if it is now a ballot measure. Staff and members raised concerns about tone, tenor, and proximity to the election, and whether official social media, caucus communications, and newsletters should be treated differently. One motion to extend the prior rule to the full biennium and apply it to social media failed. A second motion then passed establishing the primary date as a date certain for monitoring these discussions, with the understanding that official communications should be more limited after that point. Members noted that personal social media and campaign resources remain separate from official legislative resources. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered, before a brief break and executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite the dramatic testimony we heard today, what's the likelihood of any significant gun legislation
• >> Well, I think you probably have to ask the governor and the legislative leaders more than us.
• I think, you know, I can't speak for each individual member or legislator, but we are having conversations
• If legislators vote the way their districts as a whole would want them to vote, I think it is realistic
• the governor and our legislative the governor and our legislative leadership<00:05:03.040> that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's also recognizing a Kappa Caucus that's here.
• the journal for the prior legislative the journal for the prior legislative day.<00:12:28.320>
• as a house as legislators as a house as legislators to<00:30:53.480> make<00:30:53.640>
• we work together as legislators. we work together as legislators.
• legislators since Maryland is different. legislators since Maryland is different.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And... ...pieces of legislation passed in many, many years.
• may comment on any other legislation in a newsletter.'
• It refers to the immediately preceding legislative session.
• If it’s a legitimate expression of legislative work, otherwise it’s...
• It is caucus social media. And they are not bound by EYA.

Summary: The meeting focused on whether legislators and legislative staff may use official resources, including newsletters and social media, to comment on a bill that has since become a ballot measure. Members discussed older ethics guidance allowing comments on legislation previously before the legislature, but questioned whether that rule still applies to modern social media posts and to ballot measures, especially when the language is strong or could be seen as an indirect appeal to voters. Several members argued that once a bill becomes a ballot measure, using state resources to advocate for or against it is prohibited, while others emphasized the importance of allowing officials to explain their votes and speak to their legislative record. The group debated possible guardrails, including whether comments should be limited to the bill itself, whether tone and timing should matter, and whether the rule should apply only to members not subject to election-year restrictions. One motion proposed extending the prior ethics guidance from the immediately preceding legislative session to the full biennium and applying it to social media, but that motion failed. Members then shifted toward a brighter-line approach tied to the primary election date, with discussion that after the primary officials should not use state resources to talk about a bill that became a ballot measure or is subject to ballot challenge. A second motion to use the primary date as the cutoff for monitoring these discussions was made, seconded, and passed. The chair then noted that officials are still free to speak on personal or campaign accounts, and to respond to questions, but the board’s guidance would help distinguish permissible official communications from campaign-like advocacy. The meeting then moved toward adjournment of the public portion, with no public testimony offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker referred to the bill as a matter of legislative procedure and discussion.
• Lakal caucus litom kee toh barittô buxah daqaaral baarissam duddah tonnah tonnal toh dubuk culussam.
• Lakal caucus litom kee toh barittô buxah daqaaral baarissam duddah tonnah tonnal toh dubuk culussam.
• Angoyyi faxe yab legisl quukah.
• um kee Demokraasi Caucus um kee Demokraasi Caucus um <01:37:11.685>dooro <01:37:12.010>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Carol Alvarado, Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
• system, our colleagues decided that they didn't want to do anything to really put some teeth in the legislation
• And I'm going to ask Senator Menendez, Chair of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, to come up please.

Summary: Senate Democratic Caucus leaders held a press availability to criticize Senate Bill 689, the DEI bill they said had passed and would roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Texas government. Chair Carol Alvarado opened by saying colleagues had raised serious concerns and that the bill would set the state back. Senator Royce West argued Democrats had offered a better approach, including a complaint-review process through the Texas Workforce Commission and real penalties for discrimination, but said the majority rejected meaningful enforcement and left only “hollow words.” Senator José Menéndez said claims of a purely merit-based, color-blind system ignore systemic discrimination and the need for offices that support equity and inclusion. He said the bill sends a message that Texas does not care about diversity or inclusion and noted that an amendment to create real consequences for discrimination was defeated. Senator Borris Miles warned that DEI had been demonized without evidence that public hiring was based only on DEI rather than qualifications, and said minority- and women-owned business programs and protections for disabled veterans businesses could be put at risk. Senator Nathan Johnson added that the Senate had just confirmed Justin Berry to the T. Cole position while emphasizing merit, which he called contextually inconsistent. He described the debate as “misdirected passion,” saying lawmakers should focus on more serious problems rather than efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in government offices. No votes or other formal actions were taken during the remarks, which ended with questions from reporters.

Transcript Highlights:

• caucus co-founded by myself and Senator Dave Cortese.
• Well, members of the Legislative On-Time Caucus, I hope that you enjoyed the pastries that were in the
• Women's Caucus.
• This is the type of legislation that we all should support, but it's also the type of legislation that
• California wouldn't be alone in passing this legislation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was in my first weeks as a freshman legislator, and he was a colonel in the Vermont National Guard
• :26.080> a<00:03:26.239> colonel<00:03:26.560> in<00:03:26.720> the legislator
• and he was a colonel in the legislator and he was a colonel in the Vermont<00:03:27.200> National
• But what I did not in legislative work.
• On behalf of the legislature, the National Guard and Veterans Caucus, and the committee I serve as chair

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House met to take up a special action item: reading HCR 196, a concurrent resolution honoring U.S. Army Major General and Vermont Adjutant and Inspector General Gregory Knight for his service to Vermont and the nation. The resolution recounted his career in the Coast Guard, Burlington police, Vermont Air National Guard, and Vermont Army National Guard, including his deployment to Iraq, later promotion to major general, and his appointment as adjutant and inspector general in 2019. It also noted his military honors and leadership during his seven-year tenure, and directed the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to Knight and the Vermont National Guard. Several members offered remarks praising Knight’s leadership, humility, humor, and commitment to service. Speakers highlighted his role in strengthening the Vermont National Guard, building accountability and institutional capacity, and supporting needed change within the organization, including for women in uniform. One member recalled first meeting Knight during his campaign for adjutant general and described him as a strong, detail-oriented leader and collaborator. The House also welcomed Knight, his family, and guests to the State House. A member announced that a reception would be held later in the Cedar Creek Room in his honor. No vote on the resolution was described in the transcript, and the House then recessed until later in the day, with instructions to return for the joint assembly with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I kind of liken this to this legislative session 3.0.
• I mean, we've seen the DFL over the last couple of weeks be very united as a caucus on voting against
• I mean, we've seen the DFL over the last couple of weeks be very united as a caucus on voting against
• I mean, we've seen the DFL over the last couple of weeks be very united as a caucus on voting against
• is going to be a time that legislators is going to be a time that legislators here<00:08:13.800>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:55.200> It legislation doesn't say the 30th. It legislation doesn't say the 30th.
• expedient to legislate. expedient to legislate. >> Thank<01:22:18.960> you.
• >> Want to caucus? >> Okay. Um, we will uh recess at this time for a caucus to discuss uh HP 1094.
• >> Want<01:33:47.679> to<01:33:47.760> caucus? >> Want to caucus?
• >> Want to caucus?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senator from Fergus Falls, and one of the big concerns that our caucus also has is around waste
• on crime legislation that reduces sentences<00:07:21.440> and<00:07:21.639> releases<00
• Would you be willing to comment on the Blue Dog caucus and your faith in their ability to, you know,
• Office of Inspector General and legislative auditor—those things seem like maybe they have bipartisan
• Inspector General and legislative Inspector General and legislative auditor<00:13:43.199> those

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republican leaders held a press conference to roll out their “Minnesotans First” agenda, framing it as a response to Democratic control and arguing that recent budgets and policies have increased costs for families and businesses. They said the agenda centers on balancing the budget without tax increases, reducing mandates, lowering costs, and limiting government growth. Specific proposals mentioned included addressing inflation and energy costs, reinsurance and housing issues, child care tax changes, repealing or reducing certain taxes and fees, and creating a government efficiency board. Several senators outlined issue-specific priorities. On spending and taxes, Karin Housley criticized the state’s budget growth, said Republicans would not support a budget that raises taxes, and objected to shifting costs to counties and school districts. On fraud and accountability, Jordan Rasmusson said Minnesota has a fraud problem and backed a statewide Office of Inspector General, stronger legislative auditor powers, and tighter anti-fraud oversight of grants and agencies. On public safety, Michael Kreun called for repealing what he described as soft-on-crime laws and for tougher penalties on violent and repeat offenders. On education, Julia Coleman said Republicans want to pause mandates, increase local control, adjust funding to address disparities, and improve school safety. In the question-and-answer portion, leaders said some items could attract bipartisan support, especially anti-fraud measures such as an Inspector General office and strengthening the legislative auditor. They also discussed concerns about the governor’s budget, including proposed shifts in human services costs, nursing home and disability waiver funding, and benefits for undocumented immigrants. The group said it would continue working under the Senate’s power-sharing agreement for now, though they acknowledged uncertainty about whether it would remain in place for the rest of the session.