House Floor Session, Proceeding No. 27 (Legislative date: February 18, 2026) [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with a prayer emphasizing gratitude and unity, followed by a quorum call confirming 124 members present. The previous day's journal was read, and various petitions were acknowledged. The Deputy Majority Leader recognized Erin Hopwood's birthday, prompting applause. The Committee on Appropriations presented several bills, all adopted without amendments, including those related to the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Environmental Service authorizations, National Guard tuition assistance, and the Purple Star Schools and Colleges Program. The Committee on Environment and Transportation reported favorably on bills concerning motor vehicle transfer on death designations and state parks terminology. The Committee on Government, Labor, and Elections presented bills on public financing, state procurement, and election law, all adopted favorably. The Committee on Health discussed bills on emergency pregnancy-related medical conditions, dental examiners, and health insurance for scalp cooling systems, which sparked a discussion but was adopted favorably despite some opposition. Additional bills related to health insurance, food establishments, and consumer health information also received favorable reports. The Committee on Judiciary discussed a bill on non-domesticated animal prohibitions, which was special ordered for amendments. The meeting included a request to special order House Bill 1017 for possible amendments, which was approved. House Bill 1018 concerning correctional services and immigration detention facilities was read, with several amendments adopted, including provisions for the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards. House Bill 439 regarding the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing had technical amendments adopted, and the bill was auto-printed for third reading. House Bill 6 concerning pregnant and parenting students in public higher education was read, with an amendment clarifying the definition of student data adopted. House Bill 387 related to public art and artist rights was discussed, with amendments requiring a publicly available database of registered art adopted. House Bill 351 addressed public safety and federal agents' digital unmasking, with several amendments adopted, including provisions for the Attorney General to direct law enforcement. House Bill 95 regarding marriage license applications had technical amendments adopted, and House Bill 284 concerning licensed firearms dealers and notification of security compromises was discussed, with amendments clarifying notification requirements adopted. The meeting also covered notification requirements for dealers regarding security system breaches, with penalties outlined for violations. Amendments were made to bills concerning police-initiated towing and local government regulatory powers regarding invasive tree species. Education-related bills were discussed, with amendments enhancing transparency requirements for local boards of education meetings. House Bill 442 concerning professional liability insurance for nursing homes and assisted living facilities was read, with amendments adopted. House Bill 445 related to the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and health insurance coverage for orthosis and prosthesis was presented, with an amendment adopted. House Bill 672 concerning the Maryland Pediatrics Cancer Fund was introduced as an emergency measure. House Bill 747 focused on the Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in Nursing Homes, with an amendment adopted. House Bill 813 regarding obesity treatment coverage had amendments adopted. The meeting concluded with committee announcements for upcoming bill hearings and subcommittee meetings. A special Black History moment highlighted significant figures in Maryland's civil rights history. Personal guest announcements included tributes to military veterans and community leaders. The Irish caucus recognized Speaker Jocelyn Pena-Melnick as Legislator of the Year. The meeting ended with a quorum call confirming 130 members present, and the majority leader moved to adjourn until February 25th, concluding with well wishes.