Video & Transcript Research : 'Apollo 11'
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KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (12-2-25)- part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- :11:09.800>
the <00:11:10.360>both <00:11:10.600>the <00:11:10.680>speaker's< - c> and<00:11:11.560>
the <00:11:11.640>president's <00:11:12.120>office <00:11 - 00:11:17.360>
we <00:11:17.480>speak. - <00:11:18.320>
Uh <00:11:18.400>yesterday <00:11:18.800>I <00:11:18.839>was - a with<00:11:20.560>
a <00:11:20.640>potential <00:11:21.080>person <00:11:21.440
Summary:
The commission met in open session to take action on several motions related to an adjudicatory hearing. It denied a motion to dismiss, granted a motion to quash, and granted in part a renewed motion to compel and for sanctions only to the extent it continued the hearing that had been scheduled for that day. Two motions in limine, one by Mr. Jenkins and one by Representative Grossberg’s attorney, were denied, with the chair noting that relevance issues would be decided during the hearing and that the focus should remain on the conduct and allegations at issue.
The commission then set hearing dates for January 26 and February 2, with hearings to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude before the General Assembly reconvened. It also approved the financial report/budget for October. During discussion, members noted the need to keep the commission’s work moving despite legislative schedules and the importance of not pulling members away from General Assembly responsibilities.
In other business, staff announced a current issues training/CLE event for January 7, the hiring of new general counsel Larissa Pletcher effective December 16, and the start of re-registration. The chair reported ongoing efforts to fill remaining commission vacancies through the Speaker’s and President’s offices, and members discussed a possible tentative special meeting on January 12 at noon if needed. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as<00:11:06.480>
far <00:11:06.640>as <00:11:06.880>like <00:11:07.440>um - <00:11:10.800>
to <00:11:11.040>what's <00:11:11.440>already <00:11:11.839>in - <00:11:17.839>
I <00:11:17.920>have <00:11:18.000>a <00:11:18.160>motion. - You be<00:11:24.160>
overseas <00:11:24.560>a <00:11:24.640>favor <00:11:24.959>< - >> And<00:11:26.800>
you <00:11:26.959>have <00:11:27.040>the <00:11:27.200
Keywords:
impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 50 (3-19-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:11:05.360>
Clerk, <00:11:05.600>does <00:11:05.680>that <00:11:05.800>conclude - House<00:11:08.440>
Bills <00:11:09.040>312 <00:11:10.080>and <00:11:10.280>Senate - 11:15.280>
has <00:11:15.400>had <00:11:15.560>one <00:11:15.760>previous - > It's<00:11:17.120>
now <00:11:17.280>in <00:11:17.360>the <00:11:17.400> - Two previous<00:11:23.200>
readings <00:11:23.600>on <00:11:23.800>195 <00:11:24.839
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:11:37.160>
chair <00:11:37.360>will <00:11:37.520>receive <00:11:37.800>- <00:11:46.920>
2245, <00:11:48.360>an <00:11:48.520>act <00:11:48.720>to< - the<00:11:49.120>
Digital <00:11:49.480>Coast <00:11:49.800>Act <00:11:50.040- >
of <00:11:52.640>data <00:11:53.440>of <00:11:53.520>the <00:11:53.600><- <00:11:56.480>
of <00:11:56.560>the <00:11:56.640>House <00:11:56.880>is< - <00:11:46.920>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 4/2/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:11:10.239>
We <01:11:10.480>talk <01:11:10.560>a <01:11:10.719>lot - Um,<01:11:13.600>
and <01:11:14.000>programs <01:11:14.400>like <01:11:14.560>- a way<01:11:26.400>
to <01:11:26.560>protect <01:11:26.960>public <01:11:27.280>- Um, and you<01:11:29.199>
know, <01:11:29.280>a <01:11:29.520>lot <01:11:29.679><- /c><01:11:32.560>
and <01:11:32.880>investments <01:11:33.360>has <01:11:33.600>< - Um,<01:11:13.600>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:02.880>
with <00:11:03.040>the <00:11:03.200>names <00:11:03.440>of - of all their<00:11:03.839>
guests <00:11:04.160>for <00:11:04.399>public <00:11: - 11:13.680>
back <00:11:13.839>of <00:11:14.000>the <00:11:14.160>door <00: - :11:26.480>
travelers <00:11:26.880>are <00:11:27.120>checking <00:11:27.360> - >
the <00:11:31.120>room <00:11:31.440>or <00:11:31.680>in <00:11:31.839><
Summary:
The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved.
The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/23/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- :10.959>
And <00:11:11.120>with <00:11:11.360>me <00:11:11.600>today <00:11 - <00:11:14.000>
the <00:11:14.240>director <00:11:14.560>of <00:11:14.720>our< - :23.680>
than <00:11:23.839>the <00:11:24.079>one <00:11:24.240>that <00:11 - still<00:11:45.600>
be <00:11:45.760>tasked <00:11:46.079>with <00:11:46.240> - I think<00:11:47.839>
it's <00:11:48.160>intended <00:11:48.480>to <00:11:48.640>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair's recommendation<00:11:01.360>
is <00:11:01.680>to <00:11:02.320>pass < - <00:11:29.440>
Representative <00:11:30.000>Shimizu. <00:11:30.800>Hi. - And<00:11:31.640>
Representative <00:11:32.640>Soua <00:11:33.040>is <00:11:33.360 - Chair,<00:11:34.160>
your <00:11:34.399>recommendation <00:11:34.959>is <00:11:35.200 - Thank<00:11:36.160>
you <00:11:36.320>everyone <00:11:36.640>for <00:11:36.880>
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Safety met on April 17, 2025, to hear STR20, which urges the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to re-evaluate policies on in-person contact visitation at correctional facilities statewide so incarcerated people can stay connected with loved ones who support rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson testified that the department supports the intent of the measure and would review its policies and procedures to see whether contact visits could be restarted at all facilities, noting that some facilities already allow them. The committee also acknowledged 11 written testimonies in support, and one Zoom testifier, Panda Valdono, spoke in favor, arguing that in-person visitation supports rehabilitation, mental health, family connection, and successful reentry, and that visitation is not a major source of contraband.
After testimony, the committee initially lacked quorum and recessed until 3:40 p.m. When the meeting reopened with six members present, the chair recommended passing STR20 as is. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation, with members Morikawa, Puo, Witson, and Shimizu voting aye and several members excused. The measure was approved and the meeting adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Jan 28th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.079>
going <00:11:00.160>to <00:11:00.240>make <00:11:00.399>the <00:11 - :07.040>
objections <00:11:07.600>using <00:11:08.079>previous <00:11:08.320> - :10.480>
if <00:11:10.720>not <00:11:10.959>it's <00:11:11.279>90 <00:11:11.680 - Good job,<00:11:14.480>
Senator <00:11:14.880>Smith. - >> Thank<00:11:15.360>
you <00:11:15.519>all <00:11:15.680>very <00:11:16.000
Keywords:
accountability courts, drug offenders, mental health, substance abuse, veterans, court reform, recidivism reduction, treatment programs, veterans benefits, advising, deceptive trade practices, accreditation, compensation, minority affairs, civic engagement, Alabama office, community outreach, government affairs, codification, laws
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- that and recalibrate<00:11:07.360>
it <00:11:07.600>if <00:11:07.760>you <00:11: - Well, I'm<00:11:14.880>
I'm <00:11:15.120>not <00:11:15.279>an <00:11:15.440> - actuary,<00:11:15.839>
but <00:11:16.079>I <00:11:16.160>just <00:11:16.320>< - 00:11:23.519>
you <00:11:23.680>don't <00:11:24.640>I <00:11:24.959>don't - /c><00:11:25.360>
you <00:11:25.600>wouldn't <00:11:25.760>want <00:11:25.920>
Summary:
The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills.
Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability.
Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.639>
to <00:11:01.200>a <00:11:01.399>component <00:11:01.880>of <00:11 - 00:11:27.320>
ALS <00:11:28.200>that <00:11:28.680>besides <00:11:29.480>could - >
I <00:11:32.320>mean <00:11:33.040>I <00:11:33.200>know <00:11:33.519>- and<00:11:49.760>
then <00:11:49.920>they <00:11:50.079>put <00:11:50.279>- c><00:11:51.920>
also <00:11:52.120>been <00:11:52.480>pets <00:11:53.040>who - and<00:11:49.760>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness.
Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate.
Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (6-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- data<00:11:06.000>
from <00:11:06.480>uh <00:11:06.640>48 <00:11:07.040> - <00:11:11.360>
opportunity <00:11:11.680>to <00:11:11.839>to <00:11:12.160>- <00:11:32.320>
of <00:11:32.399>of <00:11:32.720>new <00:11:33.040>s <00:11- <00:11:35.040>
Um, <00:11:35.360>so <00:11:35.680>so <00:11:35.839>that's - :11:40.480>
um <00:11:41.279>I <00:11:41.519>think <00:11:41.760>a <00:11: - <00:11:32.320>
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on State Government met for its first meeting and heard a presentation from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KY Stats) by Executive Director Matt Barry and Legislative Director Calli Arnold. The presentation reviewed KY Stats’ statutory background, its evolution from KESUS, its board membership, and its role in housing Kentucky’s longitudinal data system and labor market information office. Barry explained that KY Stats links data from multiple state sources, validates and cleans it, deidentifies it, and uses it to produce reports, evaluations, and responses to data requests for policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
Barry described the scale of the system, noting more than 6,000 active data elements, 178 unique file types, and data from 48 sources across 26 agencies. He highlighted the agency’s privacy and security practices, including separate servers for source data and deidentified reporting data, and said KY Stats does not use real-time data. He also outlined the types of reports produced, including the annual high school feedback report and a recent life outcomes report tracking the 2017 public high school cohort’s postsecondary education, completion, wages, and employment outcomes.
Members asked about the timeliness and availability of data, especially SNAP and Medicaid information, and Barry said most data arrive annually or quarterly and that Medicaid data had been used in a limited one-time project rather than as an ongoing feed. Questions also focused on artificial intelligence; Barry said KY Stats has not integrated AI but is exploring it cautiously because of privacy and security concerns. Several members encouraged further work with AI tools, while Barry emphasized that any use would need to protect confidentiality.
The committee also discussed staffing and funding, with Barry saying KY Stats has about 49 total staff and annual funding of roughly $3.1 million in state general funds, plus federal labor-related funding. Committee members praised the agency’s work and suggested legislators may not fully understand its capabilities. No votes or formal actions were taken.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- :01.920>
it <00:11:02.040>takes <00:11:02.279>a <00:11:02.440>full <00:11: - <00:11:18.360>
we <00:11:18.480>do <00:11:18.639>not <00:11:18.880>believe - parent um we<00:11:27.040>
are <00:11:27.279>concerned <00:11:27.760>that <00:11:- <00:11:40.200>
opening <00:11:40.600>up <00:11:40.720>to <00:11:40.880>their< - 11:48.360>
the <00:11:48.600>parent <00:11:49.600>but <00:11:49.839>because - parent um we<00:11:27.040>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-TCA, EDT Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:06.800>
later <00:11:07.200>how <00:11:07.519>things <00:11:07.760> - > and<00:11:08.399>
that <00:11:08.560>Japanese <00:11:09.040>national <00:11 - :10.320>
of <00:11:10.480>their <00:11:10.640>lack <00:11:10.880>of <00:11 - . um we<00:11:24.800>
do <00:11:25.040>not <00:11:25.279>hire, <00:11:26.240> - you<00:11:26.399>
know, <00:11:26.560>anyone <00:11:26.959>that <00:11:27.279
Summary:
The Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation, Culture, and the Arts heard HCR 142, which urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Transportation to expand the airport greetings program to display art in all neighbor island airports. Testimony from CARES supported the measure, emphasizing that public art and youth art competitions help educate keiki, strengthen cultural understanding, and support economic development through Hawaii’s creative industries. No one testified in opposition, and members raised no questions.
Both committees recommended passage of HCR 142 unamended. The measure was adopted by voice vote in each committee, with some members excused.
Later, the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard HTR 102, which concerns translating the real estate salesperson exam into Japanese for timeshare-related sales. Supporters, including DBEDT and ARDA Hawaii, argued the change would help Japanese-speaking applicants, improve workforce recruitment, and support Hawaii’s timeshare industry and Japanese visitor market. A representative from APAC Hawaii supported the idea but suggested considering additional languages such as Korean, Chinese, and Filipino. Some senators questioned whether the proposal adequately addressed continuing education and long-term English proficiency, and the Real Estate Commission explained it does not currently issue a limited timeshare salesperson license and that the proposal would not restrict licensees from selling other real estate products.
The committee also heard HCR 156, which asks the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to support economic diversification, high-wage jobs, innovation, and national security. HTDC and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council supported the resolution, citing the recent federal discontinuation of the local Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, Innovate Hawaii, and the loss of related staff positions as reasons to reinforce state support. Testimony and discussion stressed cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience, automation, and the need to sustain manufacturing momentum in Hawaii. Both HTR 102 and HCR 156 were recommended for passage as is and were adopted by the committee, with some members excused.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Thu Aug 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:16.320>
And <00:11:16.480>I <00:11:16.720>I <00:11:17.040>just - And I I just learned<00:11:17.440>
that <00:11:17.680>I <00:11:17.920>have <00:11 - <00:11:45.360>
Um, <00:11:46.720>let <00:11:46.959>me <00:11:47.200>start - /c><00:11:49.600>
just <00:11:49.839>commenting <00:11:50.160>on <00:11:50.399>- <00:11:51.440>
We <00:11:51.760>are <00:11:52.000>celebrating <00:11:52.480>< - <00:11:51.440>
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on hazard mitigation planning and recent tsunami and wildfire threats. Chair Dela Buladi opened by framing the meeting around the need for iterative disaster planning and lessons learned from events such as the Lahaina wildfires, the Puna Coast earthquake/tsunami, and recent wildfire activity. The committee heard first from Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Tomage Magno, who explained the federal and local hazard mitigation planning process, including the requirement for an active five-year mitigation plan to qualify for federal disaster funds. He described the plan as a living document built from prior plans, public and agency outreach, risk and capability assessments, and ongoing updates, with county departments, state agencies, and subject matter experts participating in the process.
Magno outlined several FEMA-related mitigation funding programs, including flood mitigation assistance, post-fire assistance, pre-disaster mitigation, revolving loan funds, and dam safety grants. He emphasized that the Hawaii County plan was recently approved by FEMA, that the county council approves the plan, and that the county reviews it annually with a formal revision process beginning in the fourth year. Members asked about how the plan tracks project status, how priorities and funding changes are handled, and whether federal funding programs might be affected by HR1; Magno said the county is proceeding on the assumption that funding will remain available and noted some sources have been reestablished. He also said the county encourages council participation in meetings and planning.
Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen then addressed the committee on DOT’s response to a recent tsunami threat, saying the agency had about four hours to prepare before the first wave arrival and was focused on its own operational response rather than the broader statewide planning process. In response to questions, he stated that FHWA funds cannot be used for evacuation routes, which is why prior legislative funding was important. Members also discussed specific mitigation projects such as fire breaks, bridge retrofits, and the Singing Bridge, with DOT noting that work is underway and that a replacement bridge upstream is being planned to carry traffic during repairs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :11:22.320>
to <01:11:22.480>move <01:11:22.679>on <01:11:22.800>to herd - <01:11:29.159>
to <01:11:29.440>present <01:11:29.800>to <01:11:30.000>us - >
questions <01:11:32.159>we <01:11:32.280>will <01:11:32.520>come <01:11: - :11:34.880>
of <01:11:35.040>the <01:11:35.239>next <01:11:35.440>set to - <01:11:52.480>
uh <01:11:52.600>we <01:11:52.760>also <01:11:53.000>have<
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Now<00:11:03.839>
the <00:11:04.079>basic <00:11:04.399>principle <00:11:05.440>< - I don't care<00:11:23.680>
what <00:11:23.920>a <00:11:24.079>town <00:11:24.320> - If<00:11:27.360>
Gofftown <00:11:28.000>wants <00:11:28.320>to <00:11:28.640> - buildings<00:11:30.720>
in <00:11:30.959>their <00:11:31.200>town <00:11:31.920> - <00:11:36.800>
But <00:11:36.959>it <00:11:37.120>should <00:11:37.360>be
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/21/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:11:32.720>
2 <00:11:32.880>and <00:11:32.960>1/2 <00:11:33.200>hours - Uh,<00:11:35.240>
but <00:11:35.440>11:30 <00:11:36.160>I'm <00:11:36.360>out - >
we <00:11:44.560>need <00:11:44.800>to <00:11:45.120>in <00:11:45.280>- /c><00:11:52.200>
uh, <00:11:52.280>Leno <00:11:52.560>and <00:11:52.680>I - /c><00:11:52.200>
- <00:11:53.080>
to <00:11:53.200>invite <00:11:53.560>you <00:11:54.280>to
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.320>
higher <00:11:01.320>so <00:11:01.959>uh <00:11:02.959>uh <00:11: - even<00:11:07.519>
even <00:11:08.120>uh <00:11:09.000>the <00:11:09.279> - :11:22.079>
change <00:11:22.959>uh <00:11:23.880>HB <00:11:24.360>290 <00 - this<00:11:25.680>
change <00:11:26.000>at <00:11:26.200>this <00:11:26.800> - 00:11:42.720>
handle <00:11:43.160>that <00:11:43.800>back <00:11:44.000>in
Summary:
The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars.
In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage.
Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/10/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
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