Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Maryland Senate opens Feb. 23 session, honors Denise Henderson Hector and fallen service members
Summary
The Senate of Maryland convened Feb. 23, 2026, opened with an invocation by Reverend David Drake, adopted a resolution honoring mortician Denise Henderson Hector for more than 50 years of service, held a veterans remembrance with taps and a moment of silence, noted new bills for committee referral, and adjourned to Feb. 24.
ANNAPOLIS — The Senate of Maryland convened Feb. 23, 2026, opening with an invocation from Reverend David Drake of the Church of the Resurrection in Timonium and proceeding to recognize guests, introduce legislative items, and adopt a resolution honoring a long-serving mortician.
Reverend David Drake delivered the invocation, asking legislators to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” as they carry out their duties, a prayer the president asked the clerk to journalize for the record. The Senate then turned to routine introductions and formal recognitions.
Senators honored Denise Henderson Hector, described in remarks as a licensed mortician since 1975 and the director of Reese and Sons Mortuary in Annapolis. The clerk read a resolution extending the body’s "sincerest congratulations to Denise Henderson Hector in recognition of your more than 50 years of leadership, dedication, and compassionate service," and directed that the resolution be presented on Feb. 23, 2026. Colleagues offered congratulations and appreciation following the reading.
The chamber also observed a veterans remembrance led by the chair of the veterans caucus and Senator Brooks, who read biographies of fallen service members including Staff Sergeant Jared Allen Finnery and Petty Officer First Class Dakota Collinson. The Senate prepared the floor for the playing of taps followed by a moment of silence.
Members introduced visitors from advocacy groups and a new cohort of Senate pages from districts across the state, and Senator from Prince George’s welcomed Arnesha Arrington, identified as executive vice president of Ebony and Jet Magazine. The clerk announced Dr. Sarah Merritt as the doctor of the day and a constituent of District 46.
On legislative business, the clerk read Senate Bill 984, described as concerning correctional services and zoning requirements for private immigration detention facilities; the measure was referred to the Rules Committee. The clerk also read bond initiatives (including an item associated with Senator Hershey) for referral to the Capital Budget Subcommittee and transmitted a message from the House on House Bill 146 (Delegate Guyton) concerning on-site wastewater systems inspection and pumping requirements; that bill was referred to the appropriate standing committee.
With limited further business, senators deferred a third-reading calendar to the next day. The Senate recessed after hearing announcements from party caucuses about their meeting times and, on a motion, adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Actions taken at the Feb. 23 session were procedural: the body journalized the invocation, adopted and ordered the presentation of a ceremonial resolution honoring Denise Henderson Hector, referred introduced bills and bond initiatives to committee, and agreed to adjourn until Feb. 24.
