Video & Transcript Research : 'congratulation'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, HRE Public Hearings 04-17-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations to all of you, and we will see you for the final vote in the Senate. Thank you.
- <00:52:30.720>
So <00:52:30.880>with <00:52:31.119>that <00:52:31.440>congratulations - So with that congratulations together.
- So with that congratulations all<00:52:32.559>
of <00:52:32.640>you <00:52:32.880>and
Summary:
The committee first heard HCR 96, which encourages the University of Hawaiʻi to evaluate and expand student mental health services. University of Hawaiʻi Associate Vice President Farah Marie Gomes testified in support and noted the system’s mental health and basic-needs efforts across all 10 campuses. Members discussed staffing and funding constraints, including that the system had 27 adult mental health positions, 21 filled and six vacant, with one vacancy open for about four years. The resolution was adopted unanimously, unamended.
The committee then took up several gubernatorial appointments. GM 785 nominated Wendo Hensel to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), and GM 784 nominated Terry George to the same body. Both nominees testified about the value of Hawaiʻi’s participation in WICHE; Hensel emphasized the importance of sharing policy ideas and best practices, while George highlighted Hawaiʻi’s unique higher education needs and the benefits of learning from other western states. Both nominations were supported and moved forward.
The committee also considered multiple appointments to the Hawaiʻi Commission for National and Community Service. Kylie Alakard described wanting to serve as a youth voice and role model, and Ray Galas spoke about his prior volunteer board experience and desire to help people connect through service. Sandra Larson said volunteerism and community service were important to her and that she wanted to give back. The committee then heard GM 771 and GM 772 for Ken Kawahara to the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi; Kawahara said he would bring business and government experience to help with internal operations, education, and strategic goals, though he acknowledged he was still learning the organization’s details. Members also began hearing GM 624 for Joshua Famuina to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, with student caucus testimony in strong support emphasizing his attendance, communication, and engagement with students.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Congratulations. Look forward to hearing it on the House floor. Thank you.
- Congratulations. Look forward to hearing it on the House floor. Representative Neighbors? Yes.
- Congratulations. Look forward to hearing it on the House floor. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 90 / Senate Bill 17, a birth-related measure backed by the Kentucky Birth Coalition. Sponsors said the bill had been worked on for several years and described changes including a transfer agreement, insurance requirements, proximity to a hospital, informed consent, and accreditation/medical director standards that helped win neutral or non-opposition from the Hospital Association. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote with unanimous support.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 65, presented by Senator Steve West and Representative Derrick Lewis. They said the bill would make regulations found deficient through the committee review process null and void by statute, and would bar agencies from reissuing the same or similar language for up to a year. Supporters argued this was needed to hold agencies accountable because deficiency findings alone had not led to action. After questions about specific Medicaid behavioral health regulations and concerns about legislative overreach, the bill passed the committee on a roll call vote, with some members passing or explaining reservations.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 84, with a House committee substitute. Sponsors said the substitute was intended to strengthen the bill and reflect the U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision by ending Chevron deference and requiring courts, not agencies, to interpret law. Opponents, including Audrey Ernsberger and Katherine Hargraves, argued the bill would intrude on the judiciary, violate separation of powers, and could harm public health, environmental, and workplace protections. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the bill told courts what standard to use; sponsors responded that agencies could still present persuasive arguments, but courts should not defer to them. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill then passed the committee on a roll call vote, with several members passing or expressing constitutional concerns.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration Work Session on HB 145, HB 271 (02/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's all referral, so this—congratulations to your dietician compact—you are plowing the field first
- 45.759>
so <01:09:46.560>this it's all referral so this it's all referral so this congratulations - <01:09:47.839>
to <01:09:48.040>your <01:09:48.239>dietician congratulations to - your dietician congratulations to your dietician compact<01:09:49.359>
you <01:09:49.440>are
Summary:
The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications.
Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate.
Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 16 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the retirement and service of Roberta Dupre; resolutions filed by Representative Hogan of Stow, congratulating
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up reports from the Temporary Committee on Rules. The committee recommended adoption of three resolutions: honoring Roberta Dupre’s retirement and service, congratulating Chief Michael A. Noble on his retirement as police chief of Maynard, and recognizing the legacy of Representative Patricia A. Haddad. The House suspended the rules and adopted all three resolutions by voice vote.
The House also adopted an order setting the next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m. Speaker Mariano then moved that the House adjourn in respect to the memory of former Representative Carol A. Doherty of Taunton, who served from 2020 to 2024; that motion was adopted. Finally, on motion of Mr. Wong, the House adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- O'Connor, resolutions congratulating Jake Graziano on his elevation to the rank of Eagle Scout.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up reports from the Committee on Rules concerning several Senate petitions. On motion to suspend Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12, both suspensions were approved, allowing the matters to be referred to their respective committees. The chamber also welcomed a guest from the Hawaii Senate Clerk’s Office before briefly recessing while awaiting additional documents.
After the recess, the Senate adopted a congratulatory resolution for Jake Graziano on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The House then returned Senate No. 2540, the fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill, with a House amendment striking everything after the enacting clause and substituting House Document No. 4265. Senator Roderick moved that the Senate non-concur in the House amendment and request a committee of conference, and the Chair appointed Senators Roderick, Comerford, and O'Connor to that committee.
The Senate also adopted an order, offered by Senator Tarr, setting the next meeting for Thursday at 12:00 noon in a full formal session with a calendar. The chamber then adjourned to that time.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 1 Mar 17th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations. Members, would you please stand? Let's welcome Representative Godfrey.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 26 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolutions filed by Representative Hogan and others, congratulating
Summary:
The House first took up a resolution reported by the Committee on Rules congratulating the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health on LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, March 17–21, 2025. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution by voice vote.
The House then considered House No. 62, "An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency." The Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill ought to pass, and the House suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by voice vote.
Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it finished for the day and to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned to that time in an informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 62 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Rules reports recommending that the resolution filed by Representative McKenna of Sutton congratulating
Summary:
The House received a gubernatorial message returning the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (House No. 4244) with disapprovals, reductions, and recommended amendments. The message was filed as House No. 4250, and the portions concerning disapprovals and reductions were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means under Joint Rule 30, with the remaining matter referred to the Committee on Bills and Third Reading.
The House also considered a committee-reported resolution congratulating Fire Chief Brian C. Hickey on his retirement from the Town of Webster Fire Department. After suspension of the rules, the resolution was adopted. In addition, the House took up House No. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District in Linfield. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered the bill to a third reading, and advanced it accordingly.
Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it next adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m. Mr. Jones of North Reading then moved immediate adjournment, and the House adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations, Mr. Fisher, for being nominated.
- Congratulations, Mr. Fisher, for being nominated.
- Congratulations, and we look forward to working with all of you. With that, we are adjourned.
- <01:41:00.680>
Congratulations, you, and thank you all. - Congratulations, you, and thank you all.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making.
The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future.
The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so I know that there's not been a lot of study about cannabis and PTSD. and congratulations to Chair
- Congratulations on getting this far.
- Congratulations<01:54:21.520>
on <01:54:21.760>getting <01:54:22.000>this <01:54: - <01:54:22.719>
Um Congratulations on getting this far. - Um Congratulations on getting this far.
Summary:
The committee met and approved the minutes from its August 27 meeting. It then received a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislators on the Medicaid provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill, referred to as HR1. She explained that the bill is estimated by CBO to save the federal government $911 billion over 10 years, with more than 20 Medicaid-specific provisions, most of the savings concentrated in five policies and largely backloaded into 2030-2034. She emphasized that the bill’s effects will vary by state, but that expansion states and hospitals are expected to be most affected, in part because of changes to eligibility, provider taxes, and state-directed payments.
Castanza highlighted several new funding and flexibility provisions, including a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund for 2026-2030 and a new home- and community-based services waiver option effective July 1, 2028, with $100 million in grants in fiscal year 2027. She also outlined major eligibility changes for Medicaid expansion adults: work or community engagement requirements effective January 1, 2027; twice-yearly redeterminations for the expansion population effective the same date; and new cost sharing for certain expansion adults effective October 1, 2028. She noted that Kentucky, as an expansion state, would be subject to these changes and that state agencies would face significant implementation demands, especially because federal guidance and timelines are tight.
A substantial portion of the presentation focused on financing changes. Castanza described new limits on provider taxes, including a 0% safe harbor for new taxes and a phased reduction for existing taxes in expansion states beginning in 2028, while nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities are exempt from the reduction if already taxed. She also explained that state-directed payments will be capped and phased down over time, with existing arrangements grandfathered only briefly; she said Kentucky has 11 approved state-directed payments and could see significant fiscal effects. She added that the bill also bars Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood or similarly situated providers for one year, changes immigrant eligibility rules effective October 1, 2026, lowers the federal match for certain emergency services, and expands the scope of the federal erroneous payment recoupment provision effective October 1, 2029. Throughout, she stressed that federal savings may translate into state cost shifts and that implementation timing will be critical.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas, highest commendations and congratulations are herein proudly presented to Dr.
- Mark Sullivan is hereby most highly commended and congratulated for being named the 2025 to 2026 Outstanding
- is hereby most highly commended Sullivan is hereby most highly commended and<00:14:13.000>
congratulated - for being named the and congratulated for being named the 2025<00:14:15.640>
to <00:14:15.720> - Congratulations. Congratulations.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- A New Hampshire Senate resolution: Be it known that the New Hampshire Senate extends its congratulations
- <00:17:09.679>
in Senate extends its congratulations in Senate extends its congratulations - All right, so congratulations. Well, thank you, Senator Innis, and thank you, guys.
- Congratulations to both of you. Very well done.
- Congratulations to her for a job well done. the late session are there any the late session are there
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 12 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Ayers of Quincy, Representative Mariano of Quincy, and Representative Chan of Quincy, congratulating
Summary:
The House took up several routine matters reported by the temporary Committee on Rules. Members adopted resolutions congratulating Joseph G. Finn for his work to end homelessness in Massachusetts and recognizing February 3 as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome Awareness Day. The chamber also adopted an order setting Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as the date for the special election to fill the vacant 6th Essex District House seat.
All of these items were handled by suspension of the rules and adopted without recorded opposition. The House then briefly recognized Governor’s Councillor Nora Dolan and her brother, Thomas Dolan, who was visiting the chamber.
Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn and scheduled its next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m., with a formal session and roll calls at 1 p.m. Democratic members were notified of a caucus at noon in Room A1.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Rush: Resolutions congratulating Mark D.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commending the Ark of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod on its 50th anniversary, and another congratulating Mark D. Drazen on his retirement from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The chamber then received a favorable committee report from the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on Senate 2135, a bill concerning the disposition of certain property in Upton, and, after suspending the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading.
The Senate also recognized Katie Lee of Balanced Acupuncture and the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts, with remarks noting concerns that the Group Insurance Commission is one of the few coverage carriers not to cover acupuncture services. Later, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to their respective committees.
The remainder of the session consisted largely of welcomes to visiting guests, including members of the Caribbean American Leaders Forum and representatives from Caribbean diplomatic and community organizations. At the close of business, the Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and then adjourned.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 30 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to congratulate the Mid-Atlantic Milk Bank on 10 years I want to congratulate the Mid-Atlantic
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received committee reports from Banking and Insurance and Judiciary. Several leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber took up calendar and procedural motions, including re-referrals and tabling actions on multiple bills. House Bill 1102 and Senate Bill 911 were re-referred to Appropriations, House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 599 were briefly laid on the table and then returned to the calendar, and House Bill 2400 and Senate Bill 746 were also sent to Appropriations. The Senate later agreed to consider a discharge-related motion on minimum wage, but the motion to make it a special order of business failed by a vote of 23-27.
On final passage, Senate Bill 1182 passed 50-0 after Senator Boscola described it as a modernization of the Board of Vehicles Act to address software-based vehicle features, warranty reimbursement, data protections, loaner vehicles, and related dealer/manufacturer issues; she noted amendments had been adopted to address stakeholder concerns. Senate Bill 1334 also passed, 29-21, after the Senate rejected Amendment A44049, which would have exempted certain cardiology technicians from licensing requirements if credentialed and supervised; supporters argued the exemption reflected existing practice and credentialing, while opponents said the bill was needed for patient safety and consistent oversight. Senate Bill 1372 passed 50-0, and House Bill 2426 was re-referred to Appropriations.
The latter part of the session focused heavily on minimum wage and budget timing. Senators Tartaglione, Hughes, and Costa argued Pennsylvania had gone 20 years without raising the minimum wage and urged action on a House-passed minimum wage measure, while Senator Pittman said Republicans were willing to “meet in the middle” but opposed the House proposal as written. Members also discussed the state budget, the rainy day fund, and whether the Senate should remain in session; after debate, Senator Pittman’s motion to recess to the call of the President pro tempore was adopted 27-23, and the Senate stood in recess.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations on the nomination, and thank you for putting your name in for it.
- So I've got a number of questions for you, you know, congratulations on the nomination and thank you
Summary:
The Senate Executive Committee met in hybrid format and first considered two gubernatorial judicial appointments. Morgan T. Zurn, nominated to the Delaware Supreme Court, described her background in public service, the Court of Chancery, DOJ, and federal clerkship, and answered extensive questions about judicial philosophy, precedent, statutory interpretation, access to justice, AI and deepfakes, corporate law stability, civility, social media, and public confidence in the courts. Christy N. Vitola, nominated to be Commissioner of Family Court, discussed her Delaware upbringing, legal career in family law and child support, and experience with pro se litigants and high-volume dockets; she was questioned about handling family court cases efficiently, the best interests of the child, and correcting calculation errors. No votes on the nominations were taken during the portion shown.
The committee then moved to legislation. House Bill 443, concerning background checks for volunteers and mentors in the Department of Education’s mentoring program, was presented as a technical update to allow DOE to continue receiving wrap-back reports and to ensure mentors undergo state and federal criminal background checks. There was no public comment or committee debate on the bill. House Bill 431 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Representative Bush and Senator Hoffner, would allow composting of yard waste, food residue, and other organic materials to divert waste from landfills, extend landfill life, reduce disposal costs, support farmers by returning nutrients to the soil, and reduce methane emissions; it also preserves county/local control over siting and inspection. Senator Townsend asked whether composting was currently allowed, and Senator Hoffner explained that the bill would authorize it under the stated controls. No public comment was offered on either bill.
At the close of the meeting, the chair noted that the bills and nominee backers had been circulated for signatures. Senator Hocker moved to adjourn, Senator Townsend seconded, and the committee adjourned without objection.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, congratulations.
- Representative Eaves, congratulations on finding your desk. You are recognized to explain the bill.
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Next on our agenda.
- Congratulations. And now we are going to go through the roll. And we will lift some calls.
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee first established a quorum and then approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointments, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D. and Gerald Talbert, M.D. to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with all of those items receiving unanimous 5-0 votes.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made in response to the Girardi scandal, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, improved auditing and investigative procedures, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, and steps to address a growing backlog amid staffing vacancies and rising complaints. Senators questioned him about Girardi-related safeguards, backlog and funding pressures, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the State Bar’s use of AI; public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others testified in support. The committee advanced Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Jones withholding support.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed’s confirmation as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized fiscal stability, public trust, and operational improvements, and said the Bar is addressing the troubled February 2025 remote bar exam through audits, internal investigations, and a forthcoming recommendation to the Supreme Court on the exam’s future. Senators asked about the budget deficit, the bar exam failures, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and how the Bar is preparing for future fee and staffing pressures. Supporters from the State Bar Board of Trustees, SEIU Local 1000, the California Defense Counsel, and a colleague testified in favor, and the committee approved her appointment to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The meeting concluded with thanks and a farewell to Senator Jones, who was leaving the committee, followed by a cake presentation and adjournment of the public portion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I just wanted to congratulate her for all she's done, and I wish her a happy Assistance Day.
- I rise for a point of personal privilege to welcome and congratulate our assistants.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and then spent much of the opening portion of the session recognizing administrative assistants and other guests in the gallery, including a doctor of the day and a visiting robotics team. Members repeatedly thanked their staff for keeping offices and the chamber running, and one member also welcomed civic leaders from Buckeye and a foreign delegation connected to a circular economy forum.
The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole on a series of Senate bills. SB 1060, concerning voting eligibility for certain overseas-born children of service members, drew opposition from one member who argued it would disenfranchise military families; the bill still received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1093, described by opponents as an anti-protest bill, also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1162 and SB 1270 were both advanced as amended after committee and floor/subfloor amendments, and SB 1814, dealing with substance use disorder-related issues, was amended with a friendly change and advanced with comments about the need for broader study and bipartisan work on fraud, waste, and abuse in that area.
The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1345 and SB 1401. SB 1345 was amended to focus on licensure timing and DHS collaboration, then advanced. SB 1401, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, was amended after debate over affordability standards and public benefit; supporters said it would speed permitting and reduce housing costs, while critics wanted stronger affordability requirements. The bill was ultimately advanced as amended. The House also took up third reading on SB 1041, a health care institutions bill, where members explained yes votes by citing a recent abuse case in assisted living and arguing the measure would help protect vulnerable adults. The transcript ends during vote explanations on SB 1041.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Be it hereby known to all that the Senate of Maryland offers its sincerest congratulations to the Cherry
- Thank you and congratulations. >> [applause] >> Thank you all so much for being here.
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 25, 2026, with an invocation by Father Frank Crumble III, who was introduced as the guest of the Senator from the 36th District. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including leaders from Cherry Hill on the occasion of the community’s 80th anniversary, Doctor of the Day Maryam Diallo, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, students from Andrew Jackson Academy, and several women honored for Women’s History Month. Additional recognitions included the Greater Baltimore Committee, Boy Scouts, Tarbiyah Academy, and a Senate intern.
The main floor action was a special resolution congratulating the Cherry Hill community on the 80th anniversary of Cherry Hill Homes, a purpose-built community for African Americans returning from World War II. Senators spoke about Cherry Hill’s history, resilience, and recent community investments such as new schools and a recreation center. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 890, concerning an insurance premium tax receipts exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems, was special ordered for another day at the sponsor’s request.
The Senate also took up Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. After brief remarks praising the committee’s work and the statewide investment program, the bill passed third reading by unanimous vote. Committee and delegation announcements followed, including Finance, Triple E, and Judicial Proceedings holding House bill hearings at 1:00 p.m., and the Prince George’s County delegation meeting later that day. The Senate then remained in session long enough to confirm a quorum and adjourned until March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.