Senate Floor Session, Proceeding No. 26 (Legislative date: February 15, 2026) [Source] Translate

The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Isaac Vineyard, emphasizing wisdom and compassion for the senators. A quorum was established with 40 members present, and administrative tasks were completed, including the reading of the previous day's journal and the introduction of Senate bills. Senate Bill 979, related to local consumer protection codes' statute of limitations, was introduced and sent to committees. Bond initiatives, including one for the Elks Lodge 2528, were reviewed and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Secretary of the Appointments Office presented 292 appointments for the Moore-Miller administration's 2026 green bag, highlighting diversity among appointees. The Senate moved to second readings of bills. Senate Bill 91, aimed at streamlining voting for domestic violence survivors, was adopted. Senate Bill 218, allowing the state superintendent to declare a prolonged state of emergency for virtual instruction, was adopted after amendments. Senate Bill 225, designating interjurisdictional hazard watersheds, passed with one amendment. Senate Bill 257, requiring annual reporting on the Mel Nolan Woodland Incentives and Fellowship Fund, was adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 280, updating terminology related to state parks, was also adopted without objection. Senate Bill 306, reducing the membership of the Baltimore County Board of Community College trustees, was adopted. In budget and taxation matters, Senate Bill 77, exempting certain contracts from prohibited provisions, was adopted. Senate Bill 109, expanding eligibility for a property tax deferral program in Anne Arundel County, was adopted with one amendment. Senate Bill 194, concerning income and property tax incentives for Space Force members and veterans, was introduced, and two amendments were adopted without objection, leading to its order for third reading. Senate Bill 403, proposing a sales and use tax exemption for book fairs at schools, had its committee amendment adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 450, allowing the denial of commercial permits for unpaid personal property taxes in Carroll County, also had its technical amendment adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 895, regarding the Public Safety Department's School Mapping Data Program, was reconsidered and re-referred to appropriate committees. The Senate voted to advise and consent to executive nominations on report number two, with 38 votes in favor. Upcoming meetings were announced, including a Finance Committee meeting for alcohol-related bills and reminders from the Education, Energy, and Environment Committee about future bill hearings. Various senators shared district event announcements, and the Executive Nomination Committee scheduled a meeting for February 23rd. The meeting concluded with a tribute to civil rights leader Joanne Bland, who recently passed away, and the Senate adjourned in her memory, recessing until February 23rd at 8 PM.