The Maryland Senate convened in Annapolis on Jan. 15 with the presiding officer noting a quorum of 45 members was present and opening the day with an invocation by Reverend Sheridan Almond of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church in Kensington.

"Eternal source of wisdom and justice, we seek your guidance as the senate convenes to fulfill its responsibilities," Reverend Almond said during the invocation.

After the invocation the clerk began reading bills on the calendar, including a reference to "Senate Bill 232," and the presiding officer said the measures would be referred to their appropriate standing committees for consideration. No final action on the bills was taken on the floor during this session.

Committee chairs used the floor to announce organizational meetings. The chair of the Finance Committee said the panel will meet at 1:00 p.m. for an organizational meeting followed by briefings on the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Office of Financial Regulation. The chairs of the Education, Energy and the Environment Committee and the Judicial Proceedings Committee also announced 1:00 p.m. organizational meetings and encouraged members to bring staff.

The Ethics Committee announced it would meet at 2:00 p.m. The Senate also heard several short introductions and guest recognitions, including a 2023 Crofton High School graduate, Carter Pry, who was shadowing a senator on the floor, and two interns introduced by the minority leader.

The session proceeded on routine business and the presiding officer confirmed that bills read on this day would be referred to standing committees for further action. No floor votes on legislation were recorded during this portion of the session.

The Senate adjourned later in the day by unanimous consent to a pro forma session scheduled for Jan. 16 at 11:00 a.m.