Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate streaming session for Friday, March 27, 2026'
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Transcript Highlights:
- Senate of Maryland is back in order in a pro forma session.
- Thank you for your assistance Senate. Thank you for your assistance and<00:03:14.480>
support. - Thank you for your State Senate.
- Thank you Senate for advice and consent.
- With four members in the chamber and a quorum being present for this pro forma session, the Senate of
Summary:
The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session. After roll call, the chamber welcomed a guest, recognized two senators’ birthdays, and approved the prior day’s journal. The main business was transmitting messages to the House of Delegates on Senate Bill 282, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026; in both cases, the Senate refused to concur with House amendments and requested that the House recede, while also naming conference committee members and advisory members.
The Senate also received a message from Governor Wes Moore submitting Supplemental Budget No. 2 as an amendment to the FY 2027 budget, which was journalized and referred to the Budget and Tax Committee and the conference committee later that day. In addition, the Governor sent one executive nomination for Senate confirmation, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and a separate notice withdrawing a previously submitted nominee, also referred to that committee.
No substantive debate or votes occurred beyond adopting the messages and ordering them journalized. The session concluded with thanks to the pages and a motion, adopted without objection, to recess until 6:30 p.m. Monday.
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13th, Annapolis, Maryland, March the 13th, Annapolis, Maryland, March the 13th, 2026.<00:02: - March 27th, 2026.
- At this point, the message is for the Senate.
- This session for us to work this out.
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up <00:27:31.920>for <00:27:32.040>a <00:27:32.080>sub [laughter
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer, quorum call, and recognition of two House resolutions honoring student achievements. One resolution congratulated the Henry E. Lackey High School boys basketball team for winning the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference title and the Maryland State Championship; the other recognized Charles County spelling bee champion Ethan Ntanga, who will represent Maryland at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The chamber also received Governor Moore’s Supplemental Budget Number Two for fiscal 2027, which was referred to Appropriations.
On third reading, the House passed House Bill 843, relating to Washington County tax sale notice changes, by 125-0, and House Bill 888, relating to eligibility for a Washington County property tax credit for disabled veterans, by 124-1. The House then took up Senate Bill 5, as amended, concerning special elections to fill legislative vacancies and related constitutional questions. Members debated whether the bill’s amendments violated the single-subject rule and whether it advanced voter control or, conversely, represented a partisan power grab and a threat to minority representation. Several members explained green or red votes on those grounds.
Senate Bill 5 passed the House 93-33. The House and Senate then exchanged messages on the fiscal 2027 budget bills, Senate Bill 282 and Senate Bill 284, after each chamber declined to recede from its amendments and agreed to conference committees. The House appointed conferees for both measures. The session concluded with committee and personal announcements, including upcoming committee meetings, a Jewish Caucus and Women’s Caucus lunch event, a disabilities art show reception, recognition of the doctor of the day, and a motion to recess until Monday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m.
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- . >> All right, senators, on this beautiful Friday, February 27th, we are so pleased Friday, February
- Seeing none, Senate Bill 448 is hereby ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 453.
- It establishes that for the July 1st, 2026, and 27 calculations of the cost of living rate adjustment
- 2026 and 27 calculations the July 1st, 2026 and 27 calculations of<00:12:29.279>
the <00:12:29.519 - Triple E will meet immediately after session for a brief voting session.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate met on Friday, February 27, with an invocation by Reverend Howard Travers and several guest introductions, including family members, defense organization leaders, a South Asian Herald editor, Eagleton Institute fellows, and physicians from Johns Hopkins. The chamber journalized the prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then moved into bill introductions, House messages, and committee reports. Several measures were advanced without objection, including Senate Bill 338 to extend a work group report deadline on transfer of retirement system member services, Senate Bill 448 authorizing Carroll County public facilities bonds up to $27 million, Senate Bill 453 clarifying that the Arabian horse race associated with Preakness can be run at Laurel Park, Senate Bill 614 allowing Dorchester County detention officers to join the correctional officers retirement system if the county opts in, and Senate Bill 724 making a technical emergency adjustment to cost-of-living calculations for retirees because October CPI data was unavailable during a government shutdown. Each of those bills received favorable committee reports and was ordered printed for third reading after no objections or amendments were offered.
Two bills were postponed for later consideration: Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles tied to organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams was special ordered to Wednesday of the following week, and Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement was special ordered to March 3 while members worked on possible amendments. Senate Bill 56 on the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center and third-party data sharing was also special ordered to the following Wednesday because committee discussion was ongoing. House Bill 6 and House Bill 372 were received and referred to the appropriate standing committees.
The Senate also took up Executive Nominations Committee Report No. 3 and, after no nominations were separated out, confirmed the executive nominations by a vote of 41 in the affirmative. Later, the chamber heard a personal privilege statement from a Montgomery County senator about Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald schools in Maryland, highlighting preservation efforts and an upcoming Scrabble tournament fundraiser at a Rosenwald school. The Senate then confirmed a quorum, and the Majority Leader moved that the Senate stand in recess until Monday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m., which was adopted without objection.
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- Questions for the floor. Senator may proceed. Thanks.
- Senator may >> Questions for the floor. Senator may proceed. proceed. proceed.
- We must plan<00:27:23.760>
for <00:27:24.240>the <00:27:24.480>bill <00:27:24.960 - >
before <00:27:25.440>you <00:27:26.640>creates <00:27:27.120>a plan for - I rise to ask for a special order till the next session for a purpose of amendment. All right.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 38 members present and a quorum, then began with an invocation and several ceremonial introductions. The chamber recognized pioneering women of the Maryland State Police for Women’s History Month, including the original six female graduates and other firsts in the department, and also introduced the day’s doctor and a student intern. The Senate agreed to journalize the remarks honoring the Maryland State Police guests.
The body then took up several Finance Committee bills, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection on Senate Bills 385, 387, 389, 753, 469, and 608, each of which was ordered printed for third reading. SB 385 concerns immunization, screening, and preventive-service recommendations and pharmacist administration; SB 387 restricts predatory pricing and use of personal data by food retailers and delivery services; SB 389 makes transit-oriented development changes; SB 753 addresses financial exploitation protections for seniors and vulnerable adults; SB 469 authorizes a Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund affordability program; and SB 608 requires coverage for pharmacogenomic testing.
Senate Bill 626, dealing with birth certificate sex designation changes and related identification documents, was briefly set aside at the request of a senator seeking possible amendments, with the presiding officer agreeing to hold it until the next session. Senate Bill 739, a climate change, homeowners insurance, and emergency management study bill, was also introduced with one amendment and sparked debate over its scope and funding, including discussion of a $150,000 Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocation and whether the study would examine the General Assembly’s own climate policies. The transcript ends during that discussion, before any final action on SB 739.
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- organizations, Local News for Maryland Communities Act of 2026. >> Senate Bill 459 is on third reading
- program act of 2026. >> Senate Bill 352 is on third reading for final passage.
- program act of 2026. >> Senate Bill 352 is on third reading for final passage.
- program act of 2026. >> Senate Bill 352 is on third reading for final passage.
- ,<01:57:08.239>
for <01:57:08.560>the senator for working, I believe, for the senator
Summary:
The Senate reconvened with a quorum and quickly moved through committee reports and second-reader bills, adopting committee amendments and sending several measures to third reading without objection. Bills advanced included SB 10 on State Highway Administration approval timelines for speed monitoring systems; SB 487 on speed monitoring systems in safety corridors; SB 689 creating a task force on post-release services and re-entry; SB 811 requiring reporting of new home sale prices in multiple listing services; SB 877 authorizing a Baltimore City stop sign monitoring pilot in the 41st district; SB 937, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, limiting use of criminal history in tenant screening; SB 984 barring private immigration detention facilities; SB 465 on out-of-court statements and second-degree assault; SB 187 on pre-release services for incarcerated women; SB 388, the Decade Act, revising multiple economic development and tax credit programs; and SB 844, the annual corrective bill.
Most of the floor discussion focused on explaining amendments and the policy effects of the bills. Supporters described the housing bill as expanding second-chance opportunities while adding safeguards, and a senator asked detailed questions about how landlords could screen for serious offenses and sex offender registry status. SB 984 was described as an emergency measure preventing state and local approval of private detention facilities and authorizing enforcement by the Attorney General. SB 465 was presented as closing a gap in Maryland law on witness intimidation and aligning the state with broader practice. SB 187 would rename and expand the women’s pre-release facility into a re-entry facility and require progress reports.
The most extended debate came on SB 165, the on-site wastewater systems bill. One amendment to exempt redevelopment properties from inspection was offered and failed by roll call with 27 votes in the negative. A second amendment to require consultation with Maryland Realtors in developing regulations was then offered; supporters argued it would help avoid delays in property settlements and bring real estate professionals into the regulatory process, while opponents said the bill concerned broader wastewater regulations, not just property transfers. The transcript cuts off during that amendment’s discussion, before the final vote is shown.
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Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Senators, on this beautiful March 6th. Actually, it's not so beautiful.
- Senate Bill 767, Senator Ferguson, property tax credit for commercial buildings rented to small businesses
- Senate Bill 776, Senator Smith, Commission on the House of Reformation and the Instruction for Colored
- . for a voting on Monday at 1:00 p.m. for a voting session.<01:08:40.279>
Monday, <01:08:40.720 - meeting for a voting session. meeting for a voting session. All<01:09:23.080>
right.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jermaine Turner, followed by welcoming remarks for visiting students and a quorum call confirming the chamber was in session. The body then moved through introductions and began considering bills and messages, including a supplemental budget message from the Governor that was journalized and referred to Budget and Taxation for incorporation into the FY27 budget. The chamber also handled several committee reports and amendments, with multiple measures ordered printed for third reading after no objections.
Among the notable committee actions, the Senate adopted amendments and advanced Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles for organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams, Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement, Senate Bill 328 on property tax credits for disabled or fallen public safety and judicial officers, Senate Bill 587 funding the Maryland Patient Safety Center Fund, Senate Bill 765 on property tax sales heir protection and tax credits, and Senate Bill 767 on property tax credits for commercial buildings rented to small businesses. The chamber also adopted favorable reports for Senate Bill 503 on the Growing Family Child Care Opportunities Program and Senate Bill 519 on delaying and studying the Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on a series of bills, passing measures including Senate Bills 540, 544, 578, 581, 634, 638, 852, 897, 69, 177, 241, 323, 776, and 439. The final bill, Senate Bill 439 on employment discrimination related to fire and rescue public safety employees’ use of medical cannabis, prompted extended discussion about off-duty cannabis use, impairment, and the difference between prescribed opioids and medical cannabis recommendations. The bill sponsor and other senators debated whether cannabis can be prescribed, the role of physicians, and the lack of a measurable standard for impairment, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill is shown.
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Transcript Highlights:
- >> Annapolis, Maryland, March the 7, 2026.
- >> Annapolis, Maryland, March the 7, 2026.
- :10.320>
for <00:27:11.120>uh <00:27:11.279>Maryland <00:27:11.840>families - c><00:27:12.240>
and <00:27:12.480>why access for uh Maryland families and why access for- House 604, Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026.
- c><00:27:12.240>
Summary:
The House met in Annapolis with 107 members present and proceeded through the journal and a series of Appropriations Committee reports. Several bills were advanced on favorable reports without amendment, including measures on constitutional officers’ salaries, correctional officer retirement systems for Dorchester and Allegany counties, Carroll and Calvert County public facilities bonds, higher education financial assistance for incarcerated individuals, and a bill on community college promise scholarship eligibility for Delmar High School graduates. Other bills received amendments before being ordered for third reading, including measures on community college trustee membership, Frederick Community College board meeting and training requirements, Howard County school funding disclosures, courts administrative judges’ stipends, correctional officers retirement membership clarifications, the Children’s Cabinet Fund, and a law enforcement pension bill limiting military service credit eligibility to helicopter pilots in state aviation units.
The chamber also considered HB 1581 on horse racing facility ownership, development, licensing, and operations. Amendments expanded the bill to include additional economic development provisions for the Prince George’s County Blue Line corridor, Pimlico-related funding and community input requirements, a larger lottery-fund distribution for the racing community development financing fund, and changes to the bus rapid transit grant program. The bill’s favorable report as amended was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading. During debate on a separate amendment to HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, members argued over project labor agreements: opponents said PLA requirements raise costs and limit competition, while supporters said the provision was optional, supported stability and predictability, and was part of a broader compromise. The amendment was rejected after discussion, and the bill remained amended.
The House also took up HB 1430 on charter school facilities funding, adopting amendments that reduced the per-pupil amount and narrowed eligibility for certain districts, then advancing the bill as amended. In addition, HB 1248 was amended to convert a part-time state employment pilot program into a work group, and HB 680 was amended to adjust future appropriations for local management boards. Across the session, most actions were routine committee report adoptions and amendment votes, with no recorded roll-call counts in the excerpt except the initial quorum call.
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Transcript Highlights:
- >> Second session? >> Yeah, we'll know for sure in a little bit, but to the next session.
- The Health Committee will meet 15 minutes after floor for voting session.
- after floor for voting session. Health. after floor for voting session. Health.
- Please listen floor for voting session.
- <02:03:57.360>
Subcommittee for a voting session. Subcommittee for a voting session.
Summary:
The House met with 125 members present and began with the pledge, prayer, and opening formalities. Two House resolutions were presented and adopted by voice vote: one honoring the pioneering women of the Maryland State Police and State Fire Marshal’s Office during Women’s History Month, and another recognizing the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Infant and Childhood Loss on its 50th anniversary. Both resolutions highlighted the honorees’ service and contributions, and the clerk read each resolution into the record.
The chamber then received Senate bills introduced in the House, including Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 551, which were read the first time and referred to committee without objection. The House also took up multiple committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and ordering bills printed for third reading. Measures advanced included bills on residential real estate contract contingencies, Maryland data privacy, local alcoholic beverages licenses and fees in several counties, county salary study commission membership, sheriff and municipal enforcement matters, estates, health occupations background checks, school book fair tax exemptions, school board compensation and voting, and a Calvert County medical center bill.
Several bills were amended before advancing. House Bill 443 on Prince George’s County small event center alcohol licensing received a capacity-related amendment; House Bill 348 on Baltimore City alcohol license extension received a technical amendment and a change expanding coverage to transfers of ownership before July 1, 2029; House Bill 682 changed a license classification from Class C to Class GC; House Bill 405 on EV recharging equipment in condo/HOA documents was amended to clarify budget treatment; and House Bill 895 on dynamic pricing and predatory pricing received amendments clarifying definitions, disclosures, and enforcement. After extended discussion of HB 895, including questions about whether it bans dynamic pricing for food, how it treats discounts and loyalty programs, and whether supply-and-demand pricing changes are affected, the House agreed to special order the bill until later in the day.
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Transcript Highlights:
- Introductory House Bond Initiatives number 61, March 6th, 2026, referred to Appropriations.
to number 60, March 6th, 2026, referred to number 60, March 6th, 2026, referred to Appropriations- So much be considered the reading of Senate Bill 9 be considered the reading for all the bills on the
- Bill 9 be considered the reading Senate Bill 9 be considered the reading for<00:03:20.560>
all <00:03:32.680>The >> March 6th, 2026.
Summary:
The House met on February 24, 2026, with 110 members initially present and later 126 present after additional quorum calls. The chamber handled routine introductions and referrals, including House bills 1629-1631 and Introductory House Bond Initiatives 60 and 61, and received Senate Bill 9 and Supplemental Budget Number One, both of which were read and referred to the appropriate committees. The supplemental budget was submitted as an amendment to the fiscal 2027 budget and referred to Appropriations.
The House then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. House Bills 311 (public schools, individuals with disabilities, accessibility, and emergency planning), 359 (property tax credit for urban agricultural property alterations), 396 (residential child care programs and training), 430 (family child care providers and reserve component members), 735 (earned income tax credit assistance program implementation delay and study), and 851 (Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council legal status) all passed, with HB 396 receiving four negative votes and the others passing overwhelmingly or unanimously. House Bill 805, the Building Homes Act, also passed after brief floor questions about whether the tax credit would apply to nonprofits and what safeguards existed; the sponsor explained it was an enabling bill and that local governments could set their own requirements.
The floor session included several personal and guest recognitions, including visitors in the gallery, a doctor of the day, a birthday recognition, Women in Construction Week, African Advocacy Day, District 16 night, and a foster youth shadow day announcement. Members also discussed the addition of children’s books in the lounge and thanked the pages for their work. Committee and subcommittee announcements followed, and the House recessed until Monday, March 9, at 8:00 p.m. legislative day February 25.
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- >
the <00:27:00.880>advocates <00:27:01.440>for <00:27:01.640>this Silver - 02:10:44.200>
a we don't Senator, are you asking for a we don't Senator, are you asking for a - Thank you for the answers. Thank you, Senator.
- <03:27:47.680>
Um <03:27:48.480>Thank <03:27:48.640>you, <03:27:48.720>Senator - c> this<03:27:53.080>
for <03:27:53.240>a the point.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation by Associate Pastor Justin Wills of Miracle Temple Church in Lothian, followed by remarks recognizing his family’s ministry and requesting that the prayer be journalized. The chamber then moved through several introductions, including Johnston Square Elementary students who were recognized for strong grades, education-related guests, and staff and family members of senators. After the roll confirmed a quorum, the Senate returned to business.
On third reading, House Bill 563, concerning emergency response animals, was amended to align the House and Senate versions. The amendment added self-defense as an affirmative defense, included horses used in search and rescue within the definition of emergency response animal, added a definition of law enforcement unit, and adjusted penalties. The bill then passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 159 on EMS vehicle supplies and neonatal care; the chamber refused to concur in House amendments and sent a message asking the House to recede or appoint a conference committee.
The Senate introduced House Bill 420 and referred it to Rules. In Judicial Proceedings, Senate Bill 791 on immigration enforcement prohibitions in correctional facilities was reported favorably with three amendments, including technical changes, limits tied to certain convictions, notice requirements for state facilities, and authorization for judges or commissioners to consider immigration detainers in bail decisions. The minority leader and others requested that the bill be special ordered for more time to review and prepare amendments, arguing the issue was controversial and had been fast-tracked; supporters of the committee report said the bill had already been heard and discussed. The debate over the special-order motion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.