[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6619652,"mediaKeyId","2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391","parentId",2829574,"title","Senate passes series of bills on third reading; summary of final roll calls","audioSeconds",1587,"startMs",3489000,"endMs",5076000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391&start=3489&end=5076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391/thumbnail_3489000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6619652/Maryland/Senate-passes-series-of-bills-on-third-reading-summary-of-final-roll-calls","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619652-176e570acd2424b62b073e43092c3fa7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776630226&Signature=jxZA5Evhl-GSQ9ASrr~v~nooXNq1NdKeQ08MTjN7cak65jrvxwNAEMKaYIFG-Yevs4ZT2K1kuUYhFGxrJ8hMyttblM6fqxJ~G4xd-pq85oZIQRc0zG~GXPf6EC0-lIQUCmPaTK6s8xaZOKeEe8JexqatwQ-TT6iI5DUInVxxcGXaQUkm146jkKZ5RYnw36yZmjbY4Qe8j7aUrNu8UIknWZmC-QYxS-oh7ylrjAgKVg2ynZwMSAGDuswyDPbYaJVUvnEKOLCQCH7OKHEdUco4RNSPoqsJ8jWKxT41~JvQ2LbXggU7v0BSJQm8IN6TboKNqq1-CC5jFvm0InNMFD~k-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Senate Sessions","date","2025-04-01T01:50:10.873Z","article","The Maryland Senate moved a number of bills on third reading during the March 31 session and recorded final roll calls on several measures. Many of these were passed on voice or recorded roll call with constitutional majorities. The following is a concise list of bills taken on third reading that were recorded in the transcript excerpt and their outcomes as announced by the clerk.

Votes recorded on March 31 (excerpted from the floor transcript):

- Senate Bill 382 — Consumer protection/right to repair powered wheelchairs: Passed (clerk announced 46 votes in the affirmative).
- Senate Bill 407 — State Board of Nursing: Advanced practice nursing licensure and reciprocity: Passed (47 affirmative votes announced).
- Senate Bill 632 — Correctional services, pre‑release services for incarcerated women (Monica Cooper pre‑release act) — emergency bill: Passed (43 affirmative votes announced).
- Senate Bill 635 — Wildlife protections and highway crossings: Passed (clerk announced 30 affirmative votes; constitutional majority declared).
- Senate Bill 653 — Procurement employee stock ownership plan preference pilot: Passed (46 affirmative votes announced).
- Senate Bill 758 — Condominiums and homeowners associations elections, financial statements and enforcement (moved back to second reader, floor amendment adopted, then ordered printed for third reading).
- Senate Bill 808 — Prince George’s County stop‑sign monitoring systems and school bus stop enforcement: Passed (36 affirmative votes announced).
- Senate Bill 921 — Health insurance step therapy for advanced metastatic cancer conditions: Passed (47 affirmative votes announced).
- Senate Bill 975 — Health insurance coverage for specialty drugs: Passed (47 affirmative votes announced).

House bills on third reading (consent calendars and individual pulls):

- House Bill 11 — Health insurance access to nonparticipating providers: Passed (47 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 577 — Business regulation enforcement study (misc. state business licenses): Passed (39 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 288 — Maryland Transportation Authority tolls and temporary adjustments: Passed (40 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 268 — Hospital financial assistance and collection of debt policies: Passed (42 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 345 — Interstate social work licensure compact: Passed (47 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 666 — Maryland Medical Assistance Program coverage for calcium score testing: Passed (42 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 723 — State Board of Dental Examiners reciprocity amendment adopted on floor, then passed (47 affirmative votes announced).
- House Bill 33, 92, 114, 411 and other consent calendar bills: Passed (various recorded tallies in transcript; several with 45–47 affirmative votes announced).

Several bills were special‑ordered for future consideration at or near sine die and some roll‑call corrections were recorded by senators after votes; the transcript indicates additional housekeeping (vote changes, conference scheduling) at adjournment. This item is a legislative roundup: the session included many technical and policy measures passed with recorded majorities; items that were debated at length (SB 429 and SB 909) are covered in separate articles.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Floor Session, 3/31/2025 #2","oneSentenceSummary","The Maryland Senate passed a batch of bills on third reading during its March 31 floor session; many measures recorded unanimous or near‑unanimous roll calls and were ordered passed or printed for third reading.","taxTitle","SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15090,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619660,"Senate debates accountability, freezes and work group proposals for Blueprint for Maryland's Future",1491,649000,2140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391&start=649&end=2140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391/thumbnail_649000.jpg","/articles/6619660/Maryland/Senate-debates-accountability-freezes-and-work-group-proposals-for-Blueprint-for-Marylands-Future","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619660-36a5b7e2dfb15d7c51895067faeace35/orig.mp4?Expires=1776630226&Signature=NwTEKlmHP5-gChnwoqwQnzLUeQpNF7ELg4UNUc58pDOcCi2h1U39xP3OZJGv-XlNk40YVdNMVXZyC~8cj1ml8TRfae61EYCFUAXmzWsA~nu~4aJf07SyMsNkbkHaBXYZpkdbaMqqE07uFBTEIDT3J2t~ljCw02A2MtOqsD~1MpqpCpQ1fjS5OvM4cJsOdRLxN9p2ag07eRsdOh3ZpS6XefKnrPt5MPR3ko7XhaxFhNIip2SeCj5GiTqXbzTmYOKolYbku7uYCFdWGq930qdp1qI7yqM6WKi~JZLQaTTLMJzhrLK0a96slx9oydr4r7M9w~Ou9O7rA3OdhhFXZHyvZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Maryland Senate debated several amendments to Senate Bill 429, the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, on March 31, with senators sharply divided over whether the state should pause or change future Blueprint for Maryland’s Future spending until student-outcome metrics are finalized.

Senators considered at least three floor amendments: one would have required the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) to develop metrics approved by the State Board of Education before Blueprint formula funding could increase above fiscal 2026 levels; a second would have formed a broad work group of local superintendents, employee organizations and parents to assess long‑term sustainability of education funding; and a third would have deleted newly added programs, including an “academic excellence” coaching program that supporters said would phase in additional instructional coaches. None of the three amendments ultimately passed on the floor.

“I am not sure how we are supposed to measure the results of the blueprint if we don't have reliable assessments,” said the senator identified in the transcript as the maker of the metrics amendment, arguing the state needs consistent measures before increasing future obligations. The amendment text would have frozen Blueprint funding and local obligations at fiscal 2026 levels until the AIB and State Board approved metrics tied directly to Blueprint programs.

Opponents, including the Senate’s floor leader, argued the AIB and State Board already have authority and aligned metrics in place. “Last summer, the State Board of Education and the Accountability and Implementation Board set aligned metrics on student achievement,” the floor leader said on the floor, urging colleagues to resist the amendment because freezing funds at FY26 levels would harm local school systems’ ability to provide basic services.

A second amendment offered to establish a stakeholder work group drew similar pushback. Its sponsor and supporters said local superintendents had recommended convening LEAs, employee organizations, county fiscal officers and advocates to examine transportation, building maintenance, operating capital, school security, health and food services, and benefits to assess overall sustainability. The floor leader countered that the AIB is already charged with engaging a broad range of stakeholders and that another adequacy‑type study was unnecessary.

The third amendment targeted newly added programs that would expand instructional coaching (the “academic excellence” program). The sponsor urged fiscal caution, noting the program’s initial cost was described at roughly $17 million and could grow in future years; the sponsor also asserted local control might better direct funds to classrooms. Supporters of the coaching program said it is based on evidence‑based practices and would be phased in — described on the floor as roughly 50 additional coaches per year — and that the program aims to address disparities in coach-to-teacher ratios across large and small LEAs.

Floor debate touched on specific figures mentioned during discussion: proponents said approximately 200 coaches would represent about 0.3% of the state’s roughly 63,480 teachers, and committee discussion reportedly indicated coaches’ compensation could be in a range that, if high, would trade off with hiring additional classroom teachers. One senator called for a recorded vote; the clerk later announced that a subsequent amendment failed “with 30 votes in the negative.” The transcript records several spoken objections and roll-call votes but does not provide a single consolidated final tally for the bill during the March 31 floor session.

The committee report and multiple committee amendments to SB 429 were adopted without objection earlier in the evening. After the floor amendments were considered and defeated, the bill was ordered printed for third reading.

The transcript shows the Senate engaged substantive, contested debate on accountability and the Blueprint’s long‑term affordability; senators repeatedly emphasized the need to align spending with reliable measurement of student outcomes, while others warned of the immediate operational consequences to local districts if funding were frozen.

Looking ahead, the record indicates decisions about metric design and the AIB’s role will remain central in follow‑up sessions; the Senate’s actions on March 31 left SB 429 positioned for further consideration on third reading.","The Maryland Senate debated several amendments to Senate Bill 429, the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, on March 31, with senators sharply divided over whether the state should pause or change future Blueprint for Maryland’s Future spending until student‑outcome metrics are finalized.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6619656,"Senate creates new energy planning office, adopts amendment seeking earlier power‑flow analysis",1134,2326000,3460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391&start=2326&end=3460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2829574-cebe0ecafd3f9fe48156f61edd46e391/thumbnail_2326000.jpg","/articles/6619656/Maryland/Senate-creates-new-energy-planning-office-adopts-amendment-seeking-earlier-powerflow-analysis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6619656-c54d2aba44bdf6859f24064a7df8add2/orig.mp4?Expires=1776630226&Signature=FyILvrsyR6qdrTH-n3xha2cga1FIWiLARFwF9MX7LZnHapiJOcv2uEOPoVAl61ac12XN~kF8wMc2sVnBeZSwur1MvqE3p7uL-UA69UdTGgmASpSlL9F-9I5FvxC7lyfJzeTfe9KXV7VmWd6ZzN92f6j8GcQ1O3EnGL4P~JyCem9Q-x-H0bQnWMPpv2NNNO9zl7SllL6tkudhr6v8wgM8FBWpb14tl19~KVoRMAZAboVQUyAL5N7cMnTJ5lP6uftsjYZN~l4yi5sevujLJHYGNWgYOnoLG7UDVgUvvLmmvNqMeX2DypZzpTN471UuvQvJ7rwCcMxPifirTnM7BDuUHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Maryland Senate advanced Senate Bill 909, the Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act, on March 31, moving the measure closer to third reading while adopting a floor amendment to accelerate delivery of some technical information.

Sponsor Senator Hester described the bill as creating a new, independent office to conduct long‑term modeling and analysis of the state's energy portfolio, with staff such as program managers, engineers, economists and data specialists. The bill’s backers said existing agencies are fragmented and the state lacks the integrated analytical capacity needed to anticipate large transmission projects, generator retirements and the effects of new, data‑center driven demand.

“How long will it take?” asked one senator. Hester acknowledged the office and modeling work will take time: “To set up the office and actually get us to a place where we can do the comprehensive modeling...it will take 3 and a half years,” she said on the floor, while signaling she would offer a follow‑up amendment to obtain sooner, interim studies.

Several colleagues expressed urgency about resource adequacy. Senators cited a statement from PJM Interconnection that raised near‑term reliability concerns and said Maryland needs earlier analysis, not only long‑term modeling. The Senate adopted an amendment requiring the Maryland Energy Administration, working with other entities, to request a power‑flow analysis from PJM and to seek technical assistance (including from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory) with an initial reporting date on or before Jan. 1, 2026. The amendment was presented as a way to get earlier, actionable information while the new office is stood up.

Debate also covered governance, costs and funding. Sponsors said the office would be financed in part through a rate‑payer assessment mechanism similar to the Office of People's Counsel and that the office would provide independent, non‑political analysis; the bill would appointment a director with a multi‑year term to support independence. Critics asked why some functions could not be assigned to existing agencies such as the Maryland Energy Administration or the Public Service Commission; supporters said existing agencies are dispersed and the new office would provide a bird’s‑eye view and coordination.

“Complicated — hold on one second — so you’re talking about hiring program managers, engineers, economists... those are the kind of people that you have, which we don't have at the People's Counsel right now, nor do we have at DLS,” the sponsor said in explaining the office’s technical staffing needs. Funding and costs raised repeated questions, and sponsors argued that, by avoiding uncoordinated investments and costly transmission projects, the office would ultimately avoid higher system costs.

On the floor the sponsor committed to pursue an amendment that would secure shorter‑term analyses. The adopted amendment asks MEA to request PJM’s power‑flow study and to report back by 01/01/2026; the amendment also seeks to include details of technical assistance already requested from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. With the amendment adopted, the bill was ordered printed for third reading.

Senators emphasized that the office is intended as an analytical resource for the legislature and other decision‑makers rather than a decision‑making body itself; sponsors said the office’s work product should inform legislative choices on long‑range energy investments.","Senate Bill 909 would create an Office of Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning to model long‑term grid needs and risks; sponsors said full modeling and staffing require years, prompting concern from colleagues and an adopted amendment to request a power‑flow analysis and interim technical assistance by January 1, 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate passes series of bills on third reading; summary of final roll calls

Senate debates accountability, freezes and work group proposals for Blueprint for Maryland's Future

Senate creates new energy planning office, adopts amendment seeking earlier power‑flow analysis