Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, Jerome Graham Jr., Baltimore City, Digital Harbor High School. >> Oh, very good. 46th district
• Pretty close to me. >> Uh, Jerome Graham Jr., Baltimore City, Digital Harbor High School. >> Oh, very
• Pretty close to me. >> Uh, Jerome Graham Jr., Baltimore City, Digital Harbor High School. >> Oh, very

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session with only three members present. The presiding officer welcomed several new student pages from across the state and noted that, despite the light floor schedule due to a snow day, committees were still active and more substantive debate was expected the following day. The chamber then considered the reading of the journal and introduced one bill, Senate Bill 390, a Wicomico County measure concerning Class A beer, wine, and liquor license alterations, which was referred to the Finance Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also introduced: one from Senator Brooks for 234 Main Street and one from Senator King for Washington Grove Playground; both were referred to the Budget and Taxation Committee and then ordered to the capital budget subcommittee. No floor votes were taken on the bill or bond initiatives. After a quorum call confirmed the Senate remained in session, the majority leader moved adjournment, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• threats, we can feel secure that we are preparing the next generation to navigate an increasingly digital
• media. ...are safe online, and young people are asking for education to help them navigate the digital
• Research consistently shows that equipping young people with digital literacy tools and open lines of
• It doesn't cover all the other issues of the digital space and the digital economy.
• Nowadays, so many people are forced to endure toxic, non-consensual digital spaces.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most critically, this bill silences our tribal partners who rely on digital opportunities, while the
• proponents... ...this bill silences our tribal partners who rely on digital opportunities, while the
• Digital commerce offers legitimate business opportunities to fund essential services such as health care
• Digital commerce offers legitimate, legitimate business opportunities to fund essential services, such

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee before quorum was established, then heard three measures. AB 770 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to create a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who cited jobs, tourism, and financing benefits; there was no opposition testimony. Members asked about the job estimates and the connection between signage revenue and convention center expansion. SB 451, presented by Senator Archuleta, would clarify that a 50-50 charitable raffle may be conducted at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related ambiguity. Supporters from the NFL and the 49ers said the change would preserve charitable fundraising for Super Bowls 60 and 61 and would not alter other raffle rules. CalNonprofits raised concerns about fairness, gambling expansion, and the special treatment of pro sports raffles, while members discussed how charities receive funds and the program’s audit process. AB 831 by Assemblymember Valencia would prohibit online sweepstakes using dual-currency models that allow cash payouts, while leaving non-cash social sweepstakes untouched. Supporters, including several tribes, the Sports Betting Alliance, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers, and preserves tribal gaming sovereignty; opponents, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance and numerous tribal members and representatives, argued it would eliminate a legal industry, harm smaller and less advantaged tribes, and was advanced without sufficient consultation. After extensive debate about consumer protection, tribal equity, and online gaming regulation, all three bills were approved, and the committee adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:34.320> plus endure what have been double-digit plus endure what have been double-digit
• versus the double digits we see today. versus the double digits we see today.
• consecutive years of double digit consecutive years of double digit increases<01:42:51.560> that
• by double digits and paying them<01:43:08.200> that.
• And that's why we've had double-digit increases.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be about access into our systems through like a digital certificate.
• However, beyond that, inverters are digitally active components.
• They are digitally active, online, and conduct real-time control of the solar array.
• You've heard a lot about digital technology and its influence, and clearly the increasing use of digital
• As Doctor Stewart said, any digitally connected device is vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 470, Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force Establishment.
• House Bill 658, Maryland Department of Health Forensic Review Boards and Community Forensic Aftercare

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings. Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously. Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.

Transcript Highlights:

• App stores are the digital gatekeepers of children's online lives.
• App stores are the digital<00:08:13.599> gatekeepers<00:08:14.319> of<00:08:14.479>
• children's<00:08:14.960> online digital gatekeepers of children's online digital gatekeepers
• we are trying to do with this app store bill is the same thing that we do in a physical store on a digital
• we are trying to do with this app store bill is the same thing that we do in a physical store on a digital

Bills: HB161

Keywords: building codes, standardization, commercial construction, architectural services, energy conservation, federal compliance, local governance, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just curious, has your agency started exploring the possibility of digital driver licenses?
• I feel like everything right now that I have in my phone is a digital ID or digital insurance card, digital
• Just curious, has your agency started exploring the possibility of digital driver licenses?
• You know, I feel like everything right now that I have in my phone is a digital ID or digital insurance
• card, digital credit card.

Summary: The committee met to receive a base budget overview for agencies under its jurisdiction, which include the Division of Emergency Management, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Staff explained the budget format and noted that the Legislature appropriated more than $20.2 billion to these agencies in the current fiscal year, a 66.7% increase over 10 years. The Department of Transportation then presented on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing it as a $7 billion effort to advance 20 major congestion-relief projects statewide. Secretary Jared Perdue said the department is ahead of schedule, with 14 of 20 projects expected to be underway by the end of the calendar year. He highlighted major projects including I-4 in Polk and Osceola counties, I-75 improvements, Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Fruitville Road, Capital Circle in Tallahassee, and I-275, and discussed innovations such as aggregate supply grants, modified phase design-build, workforce hiring events, and voluntary acceleration. Senators asked about business impacts from construction, tourism-related transit funding, aggregate sourcing, and labor shortages; the secretary said FDOT works with local businesses and that additional revenue sources for transit would require legislative action. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reviewed motorist services, revenue collection, licensing, vehicle titling, specialty plates, insurance compliance, driver safety, and commercial driver licensing. Officials said the department collected about $2.9 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023-24 and described modernization efforts, including electronic verification systems, Real ID compliance, mobile licensing units, and a planned digital driver license. Members asked about the driver license backlog in Miami-Dade and Broward, and the department said service delays were driven by growth and staffing constraints but should improve with $7.5 million in recent funding and the eventual transition of services to county tax collectors. Questions also addressed temporary paper licenses and birth certificate fraud prevention. The Department of Commerce presented on the Job Growth Grant Fund and Visit Florida. Commerce said the grant fund, created in 2017, has awarded $257 million to 70 projects in 37 counties since 2019, with demand exceeding supply about four to one. Officials emphasized that the program supports targeted industries and workforce and infrastructure projects, and they highlighted examples in CDL training, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Senators raised concerns about small businesses affected by transportation construction, and Commerce said it has an Office of Small Business Innovation and other tools, though the grant fund is limited by statute to targeted industries. Visit Florida then described its public-private tourism marketing role, saying the state’s $80 million appropriation is matched by private investment and that the latest EDR review found a $3.30 return in tax revenue for every state dollar spent. Visit Florida reported record visitation and tourism spending, along with hurricane recovery marketing and rural promotion efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was introduced by the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure.
• now walk through the bill section by section, which can be found as passed on the House Energy and Digital
• The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee voted the bill out 8-0-1.
• <00:29:25.679> House<00:29:26.000> Energy<00:29:26.480> and<00:29:26.720> Digital
• The House Energy and Digital The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure<00:29:27.840> Committee

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks from Representative Mark Higley, who read poems about maple sugaring and Groundhog Day and offered a Valentine’s Day reminder to give maple sugar candy. The chamber then recognized the first class of legislative pages for their service during the 2026 session, presented them with pins, and took photos. Several guests and groups were welcomed, including representatives from Vermont’s natural resources conservation districts, members of the St. Albinstown Fire Department for its 50th anniversary, and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition, which highlighted housing, land conservation, and historic preservation work supported by the Housing and Conservation Board. The House also recognized former legislators in the gallery and several members’ birthdays. On the legislative calendar, H.900, relating to exempting Social Security benefits from Vermont income tax, was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. HCR 164, congratulating the St. Albinstown Fire Department on 50 years of service, was read and adopted. The House also voted to relieve the Committee on Education of H.750, relating to school districts pursuing construction projects during the moratorium on state aid, and commit it to Ways and Means. Later, H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. § 248A, passed third reading, and J.R.S. 37, supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging gender-equal new Olympic sports, was adopted in concurrence. The House then took up H.898, concerning copper-to-fiber telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections. The committee explained that the bill requires advance written notice to customers and state agencies, reporting on backup power and E911 issues, public safety coordination, consumer education, and ongoing monitoring by the Department of Public Service. The committee reported an 8-0-1 vote, and after a question about whether the bill would affect provider-of-last-resort obligations, the House ordered the bill to third reading. The session ended with announcements about an upcoming report on Women, Work, and Wages and a motion to adjourn until the next meeting day, which was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those of us in the room, you know, we took it a tour to the Florida digital service during our last
• State term contracts include IT, Staff, Augmentation Services, digital security solutions and it independent
• Could the to the digital service today absorb review of every project over a million dollars. >> Thank
• Can you remind us of the triggers whether statutory or in rule that require digital service have eyes
• That type of thing. >> So when we visit Florida digital service, Miss Marks was, you know, we spent some

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2169, Lowenthal, Digital Choice Act, held in committee. 1909 Lowenthal covered platforms, due pass
• AB 2169 Lowenthal Digital Choice Act holding committee. Maybe 22, 23 low and thought.
• AB 2169, Lowenthal, Digital Choice Act, held in committee.
• AB 2285, Valencia, digital financial asset banking, do pass. That's out on an A roll call.
• AB 1921, Ward, digital games, do pass with author's amendments to limit to new games.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The example in the bill before you is just a simple digit was left off of a statutory reference, that
• in the bill before you is just<00:03:28.000> a<00:03:28.080> simple<00:03:29.000> digit
• left<00:03:29.920> off<00:03:30.160> of<00:03:30.360> a just a simple digit
• was left off of a just a simple digit was left off of a a<00:03:31.280> statutory<00:03:32.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• safe and to rescue us and do all the things that we need them to do when we just dial those three digits
• , you know, rescue us and do all the things that we need them to do when we just dial those three digits
• This bill would create a carefully limited statutory framework to hold and manage a strategic digital
• This is a responsible step to better protect Floridians' finances in an increasingly digital economy,

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Sen. Wright. That bill expanded the state recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, created a DFS grant review panel, and established a PTSD institute within DFS for first-responder behavioral health. Fire chiefs, the Florida League of Cities, and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks by Sen. Rousan. A substitute amendment was adopted that clarified daily transaction limits, registration requirements, expiration rules, and OFR authority to deny registrations. Testimony focused on protecting seniors from crypto-ATM scams while giving the industry regulatory certainty. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 198. Members next approved CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504, which updates insurance customer representative licensing pathways by allowing a high school insurance and personal finance course to count toward pre-licensure education. The committee also favorably reported Sen. Gruters’ CS/SB 1038 and CS/SB 1040, which together create the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and its trust fund framework, and CS/SB 1440, which expands public records exemptions and cybersecurity-related protections for financial institutions, loan originators, money service businesses, and credit unions. Sen. Burton’s SB 1668 on the NICA program drew extensive testimony from a NICA board member and family advocate, who urged stronger funding to preserve lifelong care for catastrophically injured children; the bill was reported favorably despite concerns from the Florida Justice Association about benefit restrictions and retroactivity. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 570, creating a DFS task force on payment scams, after an amendment reduced FDLE’s required representation. At the end of the meeting, Sen. Burton requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1286, and Sen. Passidomo requested affirmative votes on tabs 3, 5, and 9; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• To Energy and Digital Infrastructure. H653. To Environment. H654.
• age 651 651 651 >> to<00:02:47.120> energy<00:02:47.440> and<00:02:47.680> digital
• <00:02:48.160> infrastructure >> to energy and digital infrastructure >> to energy
• and digital infrastructure >> H65<00:02:49.440> 52 >> H65 52 >> H65 52 >

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the introduction of 23 House bills by number only after suspending the rules. Members then made several announcements, including birthday recognition for a member from Derby, a farm-to-school and universal school meals observance highlighting local agriculture, school nutrition, and five years of universal school meals, and welcomes for guests including the Garvey family, who were connected to legislation that became H.613. Additional announcements noted upcoming caucus meetings for Working Vermonters, Vermont’s economy, the rural caucus, and House Progressives, along with a reminder that a House photo and workplace training would follow adjournment. On the action calendar, the House took up H.28, relating to adding an affirmation option to oath requirements in titles 1 through 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. The bill was read a third time and passed on voice vote. The chamber then considered H.409, relating to procedures for bail revocation. Representative Goodnau of Brattleboro offered an amendment, which was adopted on voice vote, and the amended bill was then read a third time and passed on voice vote. The discussion on H.409 referenced a Judiciary Committee straw poll and described the amendment as making the bill a more accurate reflection of its purpose. After completing the day’s orders, members made final caucus and scheduling announcements. The House Democrats and House Republicans said they would not caucus that day, while House Progressives announced a noon meeting in Room 44. The House then voted to adjourn until Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., with the motion approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, the second one I had was, uh, page 34 Broadmed and digital infrastructure.
• point out those that I think are Uh, important, uh, as well is, um, in addition to the broadband and digital
• And I think where I'll leave it is um the proposed borderplex digital um campus down on the southern
• Um, it, it, from my understanding, it'll be one of the first kind of digital campuses, um, like it in

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please turn to your digital<00:30:36.399> action<00:30:36.720> sheets<00:30:37.120
• > by<00:30:37.360> clicking<00:30:37.600> on<00:30:37.840> the Digital action
• give notice of the intent to agree to the amendments to House Bill 622 HD1, as referenced on your digital
• Members, please reference your digital action sheets once again.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, forensic interview training scholarships are in this bill.
• "This bill makes an investment in trauma-informed forensic interviews to protect children when they are

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 719, the capital investment/bonding bill, and members spent much of the debate praising committee staff and describing the bill as a bipartisan product shaped by statewide bonding tours and negotiations. Supporters highlighted major infrastructure and public facility projects, including water and sewer work, transportation projects, housing, natural resources, and specific local needs such as Grand Marais, the Manomomen County hospital/nursing home, and airport tower funding. Several members emphasized that the bill was a “Team House” effort and argued that infrastructure funding should not be treated as partisan. During debate, members also focused on the bill’s water infrastructure investments and the need for broader, dedicated funding to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination, and rising wastewater costs. Representative Lee noted that more than $400 million in the package went to water infrastructure, while other speakers pointed to transportation funding and a one-time reduction in tab fees as important elements of the bill. Representative Franson and others urged support, saying the package reflected statewide needs and was a down payment on larger asset-preservation needs. The House adopted three technical amendments to House File 719, then gave the bill its third reading. After floor discussion, Representative Niska moved to lay House File 719 on the table, and the motion prevailed, tabling the bill. The chamber then moved on to House File 2484, the cash portion of the infrastructure package, where members again described the measure as a small but important funding bill and discussed a Lower Sioux Indian Community Dakota language item and the limited size of each caucus’s cash allocation.

Transcript Highlights:

• detainees, that's a different process, can lead to the state hospital, but that's on the criminal and forensic
• detainees, that's a different process, can lead to the state hospital, but that's on the criminal and forensic

Bills: SF0023, SF0057

Keywords: mental health, involuntary hospitalization, examiners, public safety, Wyoming legislature, hospital pricing, healthcare transparency, public health, civil penalties, shoppable services, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have three child advocacy programs across the state who would do forensic interviews for child
• And those services range from forensic interviewing to counseling services that are offered to the family

Bills: HB0008, HB0009

Keywords: stalking, minors, felony, protection orders, criminal penalties, grooming, sexual offenses, child protection, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the Chief of Staff at the Harris County Institute. of Forensic Sciences.
• The Institute of Forensic Sciences strongly supports this bill.

Bills: HB46, HB35, HB4490, HB4454, HB2188, HB3078, HB4743, HB2556, HB46, HB5342, HB4783, HB3785, HB5278, HB1639, HB2581, HB4224, HB4070, HB4099, HB4882, HB3794

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits