Video & Transcript Research : 'Apollo 11'
Page 102 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/23/26 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The<00:11:12.320>
bill <00:11:12.839>also <00:11:13.160>clarify <00:11:14.000> - Our<00:11:30.440>
children <00:11:30.839>should <00:11:31.000>never <00:11:31.240 - 11:32.480>
confusion <00:11:33.000>in <00:11:33.120>statute <00:11:34.040>and - The clerk<00:11:40.240>
will <00:11:40.360>give <00:11:40.520>the <00:11:40.600>< - I<00:11:48.560>
recognize <00:11:49.120>the <00:11:49.200>member <00:11:49.480>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/10/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Really<00:11:16.800>
what <00:11:17.200>what <00:11:17.440>this <00:11:17.600> - >
is <00:11:19.040>invest <00:11:19.440>in <00:11:19.600>a <00:11:19.839>< - Uh so<00:11:40.399>
for <00:11:40.640>those <00:11:40.880>reasons, <00:11:41.279> - :11:43.440>
vote <00:11:43.839>ought <00:11:44.000>to <00:11:44.160>pass. - And with<00:11:44.800>
that, <00:11:44.959>I'd <00:11:45.200>be <00:11:45.360>
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We<00:11:06.160>
also <00:11:06.399>dedicated <00:11:07.040>$4.47 <00:11:07.519>< - which<00:11:18.160>
are <00:11:18.399>critical <00:11:18.720>to <00:11:18.959>- Looking<00:11:26.480>
at <00:11:26.640>specialty <00:11:27.120>court <00:11:- >
are <00:11:34.640>going <00:11:34.720>to <00:11:34.800>be <00:11:34.959>- <00:11:42.240>
to <00:11:42.399>be <00:11:42.560>in <00:11:42.800>green. - Looking<00:11:26.480>
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We<00:11:08.480>
I <00:11:08.800>assure <00:11:09.120>you <00:11:09.600>every - <00:11:14.079>
I <00:11:14.240>was <00:11:14.399>going <00:11:14.560>to - <00:11:16.800>
you <00:11:16.959>don't <00:11:17.200>you <00:11:17.440>don't< - I I I would<00:11:22.959>
if <00:11:23.120>I <00:11:23.279>may, <00:11:23.519>- I I do believe<00:11:25.120>
that <00:11:25.360>it <00:11:25.600>is <00:11:25.839 - <00:11:16.800>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN-JDC, HHS-CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- :11:01.839>
ARP <00:11:02.480>in <00:11:02.800>support. - <00:11:10.079>
Gosk <00:11:11.120>Gosk <00:11:12.399>in <00:11:12.720>support - Next<00:11:13.920>
we <00:11:14.160>have <00:11:14.320>Capono <00:11:14.880>Chong - ,<00:11:32.480>
thank <00:11:32.560>you <00:11:32.720>very <00:11:32.959> - <00:11:37.600>
islands <00:11:38.079>and <00:11:38.399>rural <00:11:38.640>Aahu
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused.
The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused.
In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations.
The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/04/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:11:14.160>
all <00:11:14.320>three <00:11:14.560>of <00:11:14.640>them. - >> I<00:11:17.440>
don't <00:11:17.519>know <00:11:17.519>if <00:11:17.680> I <00:11:17.839>can <00:11:18.000>link <00:11:18.560>um <00:11:19.760>- <00:11:22.640>
just <00:11:22.800>cop <00:11:23.120>I <00:11:23.279>can - :12.800>
you <01:11:13.120>know <01:11:13.199>what <01:11:13.360>we <01:11 - :12.800>
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:04.320>
let <00:11:04.560>it <00:11:04.720>be <00:11:04.880>so <00: - And<01:11:04.719>
ladies <01:11:04.960>and <01:11:05.199>gentlemen, <01:11:06.080 - of the governor to<01:11:20.560>
enter <01:11:20.800>into <01:11:21.120>a <01:11 - for<01:11:26.159>
processing <01:11:26.800>a <01:11:27.199>rare <01:11:28.000>- <01:11:44.239>
agreed <01:11:44.560>to <01:11:44.719>a <01:11:44.880>loan. - <01:11:44.239>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/19/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- :11:03.360>
this <00:11:04.120>uh <00:11:04.760>house <00:11:05.040>file < - 1 1800<00:11:07.000>
as <00:11:07.200>amended <00:11:07.720>is <00:11:07.880> - you<01:11:06.760>
chair <01:11:07.040>Mohler <01:11:07.800>thank <01:11:07.960>< - >
this <01:11:27.120>to <01:11:27.280>be <01:11:27.480>cute <01:11:27.800> - ><01:11:29.280>
I <01:11:29.400>think <01:11:29.520>it's <01:11:29.640>a
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (02/04/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:02.480>
today <00:11:02.880>you <00:11:03.000>could <00:11:03.279> - EMTs<00:11:07.079>
they're <00:11:07.360>all <00:11:07.519>out <00:11:07.760> - ><00:11:08.600>
going <00:11:08.720>to <00:11:08.880>run <00:11:09.120>into - could<00:11:10.399>
be <00:11:10.760>any <00:11:11.000>number <00:11:11.279>- :11:20.000>
to <00:11:20.360>to <00:11:21.079>to <00:11:21.519>uh <00:11:22.160 - could<00:11:10.399>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-HSH Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I<00:11:27.920>
thought <00:11:28.079>my <00:11:28.320>director <00:11:28.640> - >> So,<00:11:30.000>
but <00:11:30.160>we <00:11:30.320>do <00:11:30.480>- Um,<00:11:31.920>
and <00:11:32.079>obviously <00:11:32.480>I'm <00:11:32.560>- :41.200>
in <00:11:41.360>the <00:11:41.519>past <00:11:42.399>few <00:11:- <00:11:48.320>
18 <00:11:49.040>who <00:11:49.200>did <00:11:49.360>not - Um,<00:11:31.920>
Bills:
HB2284
Keywords:
energy assistance, low-income households, electricity costs, Hawaii home energy assistance program, energy efficiency, 910, house, all
Summary:
The hearing covered House Bill 2284, which would create the Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Human Services to help qualifying households pay energy bills and direct the Public Utilities Commission’s public benefits fee administrator to provide information and assistance to recipients. Testimony from the Division of Consumer Advocacy, DHS, and the Public Utilities Commission was in support. A committee member asked about how the program would interact with existing TANF-related energy assistance and whether rules could be adjusted to avoid duplicative benefits; DHS said logistics would need to be worked out and that the agencies would make the rules. The committees noted the bill’s $1.5 million appropriation and moved it forward with amendments, including blanking out amounts and noting them in the committee report. Both committees voted to pass HB 2284 with amendments, with the recommendation adopted.
The committee then heard House Bill 2486, relating to plug-in or balcony solar. DCCA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission stood on prior testimony in support of the bill’s intent. Multiple advocates and organizations, including Carbon Cashback Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Bright Saver, Sierra Club of Hawaii, and others, testified in support, arguing that plug-in solar would lower electricity bills, expand access for renters and condo residents, and reduce emissions. Several speakers urged the committee to remove or avoid registration, reporting, feed-in tariff, interconnection fee, and other requirements they said would create barriers. Bright Saver testified that the systems are safe and would not back-feed during outages. No vote was taken on HB 2486 during the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1568, which would prohibit the importation or storage of LNG in the state and the construction of related infrastructure. State agencies including the Consumer Advocate, Hawaii State Energy Office, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill, with the Energy Office arguing LNG would perpetuate oil use on Oahu and expose the state to price volatility. Supporters included Life of the Land, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Earthjustice, Our Hawaii, and others, who argued LNG would lock Hawaii into another fossil fuel dependency, create major infrastructure costs and safety risks, and undermine the state’s renewable energy goals. Several testifiers cited climate and affordability concerns and urged the committee to reject LNG. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1568, before any committee action or vote is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- born in 1996<00:11:04.600>
no <00:11:04.920>no <00:11:05.079>I <00:11:05.200> - well I'm<00:11:08.680>
glad <00:11:09.120>that's <00:11:09.440>why <00:11:09.680 - issues and<00:11:54.079>
it <00:11:54.320>also <00:11:55.120>deals <00:11:56.120 - 11:25.720>
stuff <04:11:26.000>has <04:11:26.159>to <04:11:26.319>go <04:11 - 05:11:07.520>
a <05:11:07.798>out <05:11:07.920>of <05:11:08.040>a <05:11:
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the new session with opening remarks, member introductions, and a discussion of committee logistics. Members described their backgrounds and priorities, including criminal justice, right-to-know and privacy issues, domestic violence, death-with-dignity legislation, abortion, firearms, landlord-tenant policy, housing, and technology/privacy concerns. The chair noted there were already 34 bills assigned to the committee and expected more, and said the committee would likely continue to have a heavy workload this session.
The chair also outlined how the committee would operate: meetings would generally be on Wednesdays, with possible Mondays as needed; hearings would not require a quorum, but executive sessions would; and members were asked to provide updated phone numbers and email addresses, especially cell numbers. He explained that the committee would continue its practice of seating members in a mixed partisan arrangement to encourage communication, and that the new clerk had joined the committee.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on procedures for executive sessions and meeting times. The chair said the committee would follow the traditional rule allowing executive sessions on bills heard that day if proper notice was given, but he would avoid taking up controversial matters without full attendance. Members then discussed whether meetings should start at 9, 9:30, or 10 a.m., with concerns raised about long commutes, evening obligations, and winter driving after dark. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated he would try to accommodate the committee’s preference while balancing the workload.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 05/07/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- for all<00:11:03.240>
further <00:11:03.520>proceedings <00:11:04.000>on <00:11:04.120 - All<00:11:10.360>
those <00:11:10.760>in <00:11:10.960>favor, <00:11:11.240>please - Those<00:11:13.000>
opposed, <00:11:13.320>say <00:11:13.440>no. - That motion is adopted.<00:11:15.360>
It <00:11:15.440>is <00:11:15.640>on <00:11 - :15.760>
its <00:11:15.920>way <00:11:16.040>to <00:11:16.120>the <00:11:16.200
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:16.320>
was <00:11:16.560>on <00:11:16.720>line <00:11:17.040>21 - <00:11:19.839>
the <00:11:21.120>um <00:11:21.360>the <00:11:21.600>bill <- 00:11:21.839>
to <00:11:22.000>be <00:11:22.160>June <00:11:22.480>30, <00- 11:47.200>
gave <00:11:47.360>you where<00:11:51.440>you <00:11:51.600>see - c><00:11:51.760>
it <00:11:51.920>says <00:11:52.160>$6.45 <00:11:52.560>$45< - <00:11:19.839>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:05.839>
Members, <00:11:06.320>there's <00:11:06.560>a <00:11:06.880>lot - Um,<00:11:17.200>
this <00:11:17.440>issue <00:11:17.920>came <00:11:18.160>up - 11:37.600>
in <00:11:37.839>a <00:11:38.000>vegetative <00:11:38.800>state - car<00:11:46.560>
and <00:11:46.800>she <00:11:47.040>recovered <00:11:47.519>- >
and <00:11:52.560>the <00:11:52.800>family <00:11:53.120>was <00:11:53.519 - car<00:11:46.560>
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 11th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- >
right <00:11:21.360>now <00:11:21.680>on <00:11:22.399>um <00:11:23.120> if <00:11:23.360>you <00:11:23.600>look <00:11:23.839>at <00:11:24.000>- :24.480>
law <00:11:24.880>reads <00:11:25.200>on <00:11:25.519>on <00:11:- <00:11:29.360>
hold <00:11:29.600>a <00:11:29.839>contract <00:11:30.320>- :31.040>
a <00:11:31.200>meeting <00:11:31.519>for <00:11:31.760>up <00:11- :24.480>
Keywords:
business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- > must<01:11:12.640>
be <01:11:12.800>spent <01:11:13.040>on <01:11:13.280>- 11:15.679>
12% <01:11:16.400>must <01:11:16.719>be <01:11:16.880>spent <01- >
and <01:11:29.120>then <01:11:29.520>5% <01:11:30.560>um <01:11:31.040><- >> So<01:11:35.600>
I <01:11:35.760>don't <01:11:36.080>if <01:11:36.239>- > I<01:11:36.400>
may <01:11:36.560>follow <01:11:36.800>I <01:11:36.960> - 11:15.679>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Brad Tabke Press Conference 3/17/26
Transcript Highlights:
- it<00:11:44.160>
clear <00:11:44.320>that <00:11:44.560>we <00:11:44.800> - Tapkey to more tightly regulate<00:11:47.680>
and <00:11:48.000>control <00:11:48.240>< - c><00:11:52.560>
to <00:11:52.640>ensure <00:11:52.880>that <00:11:52.959>ALPR - >
court <00:11:57.600>order <00:11:57.839>or <00:11:58.000>judicial <00:11 - It's<00:11:59.279>
going <00:11:59.360>to <00:11:59.440>require <00:11:59.680>
Summary:
At a morning press conference, lawmakers and advocates discussed a bill by Rep. Tabke aimed at tightening Minnesota’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) laws. Speakers argued that license plate data is being misused, especially in connection with immigration enforcement and “Operation Metro Surge,” and said motorists expect privacy for the personal information tied to their plates. Several individuals described incidents in which they believed federal agents used ALPR data to identify their homes, photograph their houses, or otherwise intimidate them after they had observed ICE activity.
John Beler of the ACLU of Minnesota said ALPR systems capture plate numbers, time, date, and location, and that private vendors and out-of-state agencies can access the data with little oversight. He cited public records showing large numbers of searches, including one metro agency with about 425,000 searches in six weeks and another with nearly 100 searches explicitly for civil immigration enforcement. He said the bill would prohibit sharing ALPR data outside Minnesota unless authorized by a court order or judicial warrant, require data-sharing agreements among agencies, require signage for private ALPR use, and bar sale or transfer of the data without consent or legal process.
In response to questions, speakers said the bill is intended to regulate local law enforcement and private vendors rather than federal agencies directly, by limiting how data is shared and accessed. They compared the issue to prior bipartisan concerns about driver’s license lookups and said they hoped the measure would advance out of judiciary later that morning and then to public safety, though they said they could not guarantee support or passage.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (04/03/2025)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:34.240>
Um <00:11:34.720>I'm <00:11:35.040>here <00:11:35.279>to <00:11:37.040>Uh <00:11:37.360>it's <00:11:37.680>already <00:11:37.920> - Uh<00:11:46.720>
so <00:11:47.279>this <00:11:47.519>is <00:11:47.680>open <00:11:49.839>But <00:11:50.000>I'll <00:11:50.240>add <00:11:50.800>that - <00:11:58.079>
with <00:11:58.320>the <00:11:58.640>person <00:11:58.959>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/09/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- :11:14.240>
and <00:11:14.640>pass <00:11:14.880>it <00:11:15.680>so <00:11 - :11:16.959>
House, <00:11:17.920>have <00:11:18.160>it <00:11:18.320>passed,< - c> and<00:11:20.880>
then <00:11:21.120>hand <00:11:21.279>it <00:11:21.519>< - :11:23.920>
have <00:11:24.079>the <00:11:24.320>vote <00:11:25.040>to <00 - <00:11:27.279>
under <00:11:27.600>the <00:11:27.760>town <00:11:28.000>council
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1331, which would allow the town of Derry to incorporate the Derry Cooperative School District as a department of the town through a charter amendment. The prime sponsor and several supporters argued the change would increase local control, streamline overlapping town and school functions, and potentially help align school spending with Derry’s tax cap. Supporters also said Derry is large enough to warrant a structure more like Manchester or Nashua, and one witness cited a 2018 nonbinding Derry ballot question that passed 597 to 547 in favor of seeking authorization for this change.
Opposition came from NEA New Hampshire President Megan Tuttle, who said the association and the Derry Education Association opposed the bill because schools are not simply another municipal department and because Derry voters had already rejected merging the district into town government. She argued the state should respect local control and the community’s prior decision. Committee members asked about the scope of the proposed charter change, the role of the school board, and the reported prior vote, and the sponsor clarified that the amendment would be limited to this specific purpose rather than opening the entire charter.
The hearing then moved to House Bill 1374, which would change the procedures for withdrawing from a cooperative school district. Representative Mary Murphy said current law gives other cooperative towns too much control over a withdrawing town’s decision, and her bill would remove the requirement for approval by the other towns while raising the withdrawing town’s approval threshold to a supermajority. She pointed to Francis Town’s 2024 withdrawal vote and said the bill was intended to protect students and local decision-making. The sponsor asked for an ought to pass recommendation, and committee members asked follow-up questions about the prior withdrawal vote and the number of voters involved.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:02.720>
And <00:11:03.200>uh <00:11:04.240>I <00:11:04.480>can - <00:11:06.160>
it <00:11:06.320>by <00:11:06.560>a <00:11:06.800>dollar - .<00:11:07.519>
they <00:11:07.760>raised <00:11:08.000>it <00:11:08.160>by - c><00:11:08.320>
a <00:11:08.560>$1.50 <00:11:09.200>a <00:11:09.519>pack. - Uh<00:11:10.800>
in <00:11:10.959>addition, <00:11:11.440>most <00:11:11.680> - .<00:11:07.519>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase.
Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase.
Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.