Video & Transcript Research : 'Article 331'
Page 102 of 258
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then they went and showed that article to anyone who was considering supporting the initiative in
- And then they went and showed that article to anyone who was considering supporting the initiative in
- to anyone who was that that article to anyone who was considering<03:09:40.240>
supporting <03 - There's a great<04:43:53.120>
article <04:43:53.520>I <04:43:53.680>think <04:43: - I think it may have been great article I think it may have been an<04:43:54.560>
economist <04
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But elsewhere in the article I don't see it right now, but elsewhere in the article it does say that
- But elsewhere in the article I don't see it right now, but elsewhere in the article it does say that
- But elsewhere in the article I don't see it right now, but elsewhere in the article it does say that
- But elsewhere in the article I don't see it right now, but elsewhere in the article it does say that
- But elsewhere in the article I don't see it right now, but elsewhere in the article it does say that
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Part One, Article 2, on natural rights, was amended in 1974 to add: 'Equality of rights under the law
- Part One, Article 2-A, the bearing of arms, was added on December 1, 1982: 'All persons have the right
- <00:10:54.160>
2A <00:10:55.000>the uh part um part one article 2A the uh part um part - one article 2A the bearing<00:10:55.480>
of <00:10:55.639>arms <00:10:56.040>was <00:11:28.839>15 cases part one Article 15 cases part one Article 15 no<00:11:30.079>
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses.
The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I was strongly something I read in an American Jewish Week article was focused on and a sentence read
- Could you post an article in a local paper the way I did when I found an antisemitic protest in my town
- The article has spread awareness to your town. Put your plan into action and make a change.
- I first learned about the stickers from an app, later read an article about it on NBC 10 News.
- From an app, I later read an article about it on NBC 10 News.
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The article profiled, among others, Marjani Williams, a 47-year-old public works department employee
- majority of town meeting members voted to submit a 25% compliance plan through a citizens-sponsored article
- A 25% compliance plan through a citizens-sponsored article, despite it being based on an older proposal
- House and Senate bill supporting exceptions, exemptions, and extensions for implementing the MBTA Article
- the town of Marblehead, as well as the town council for other towns in the area, and I've seen how Article
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing.
On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character.
A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- That's Article 6, Clause 2, which Congress explicitly states that federal law supersedes state and local
- Article 9, Section 1 of the Louisiana Constitution states that the natural resources of the state...
- didn't hear any of that same kind of advocacy using our own state constitution just a month ago on Article
- 4, Article 1, Section 4, when we were dealing with the state constitution and eminent domain.
- I read the other day an article. I don't know.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's Article 6, Clause 2, which Congress explicitly states that federal law supersedes state and local
- That's Article 6, Clause 2, which Congress explicitly states that federal law supersedes state and local
- Article 9, Section 1 of the Louisiana Constitution states, 'The natural resources of the state...'”
- didn't hear any of that same kind of advocacy using our own state constitution just a month ago on Article
- I read the other day an article. I don't know.
Summary:
The committee took up public comment on a package of similar local-option bills related to carbon capture and sequestration, including House Bills 5, 6, 497, 498, 501, and 504. The bills would let parishes, or in some cases specific parishes such as Rapides and Livingston, decide by local vote whether Class VI wells, CO2 sequestration, and related pipeline infrastructure could be permitted. The chair grouped the bills together for testimony, adopted a three-minute public comment rule, and noted that the bills were not yet under consideration for a vote during the public-comment portion.
Supporters, including Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson, parish officials, local activists, and residents, argued that communities affected by carbon capture projects should have a direct voice through local option elections. They said the bills were about self-determination, local control, and allowing residents to decide whether the risks are worth the benefits. Several speakers said their parishes had passed resolutions opposing carbon capture or asking for local choice, while others emphasized concerns about eminent domain, aquifer protection, lack of public understanding, and the need for more information about project impacts and financial benefits. Some supporters also said a local vote would force industry to engage more directly with communities and could improve transparency.
Opponents, including representatives of the Department of Conservation and Energy, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, warned that the bills would create uncertainty, undermine Louisiana’s primacy over Class VI permitting, and invite litigation under federal preemption and the Supremacy Clause. They said the state already has a strict permitting process with public input and technical review, and that allowing parish-by-parish approval could delay or block billions of dollars in investment, jobs, and export-related projects. The department testified that if the state adopted a local-option referendum system, EPA could determine Louisiana was not implementing the program consistently and could move to remove primacy. No committee vote was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think she said it best when she said in an MPR article that we all watched Melissa.
- And I think she said it best when she said in an MPR article that we all watched Melissa.
- And I think she said it best when she said in an MPR article that we all watched Melissa.
- she said<00:16:06.920>
in <00:16:07.080>an <00:16:07.200>MPR <00:16:07.760>article - <00:16:08.240>
that said in an MPR article that said in an MPR article that we<00:16:09.840
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- There are hundreds and thousands of peer-reviewed journal articles that speak to the efficacy of the
- I'm not sure where the previous speaker is getting his information about hundreds of thousands of articles
- in the medical His information about hundreds of thousands of articles in the medical literature, it's
- , I assure you, there are not hundreds of thousands of articles in the medical literature supporting
- Supreme Court Justice here in the state of Florida, Justice Lawson, argued there actually was an article
Bills:
S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included.
Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs.
The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting.
In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 11th, 2026 at 11:30 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Under Article 5, Section 5, the governor had the ability to remove a commissioner for any reason.
- It's Article 5, Section 5, which gives the governor the ability to nominate and, with the consent of
- Prior to that language being in the law, again, under Article 5, Section 5, the governor has the absolute
- A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 4, Section 5 of the Constitution of New Mexico,
- A joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 4, Section 5 of the Constitution of New Mexico,
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- November-December edition of the American Society of Addiction Medicine journal, they published an article
- /c><00:43:21.520>
an Medicine journal they published an Medicine journal they published an article - talking<00:43:23.839>
about <00:43:24.240>barriers <00:43:24.960>to The article - And the article actually said that, you know, clinicians who are not specialists, but who also have the
- And the article actually said that, you know, clinicians who are not specialists, but who also have the
Keywords:
00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program
00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134
00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134
00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations
01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met.
Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort.
Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Mar 4th, 2025
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll get started on the public safety and criminal justice article, Article 5.
- Article 5.
- Article 2, you're going to hear all about it, and we do our adjustments.
- educational programs, and they actually come in through a different budget item, so they're not on Article
- Educational programs, and they actually come in through a different budget item, so they're not on Article
Bills:
SB 1
Keywords:
campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard a presentation from the Legislative Budget Board on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Article 5 budget. LBB recommended $3.7 billion in all funds for 2026-27, a 5.2 percent decrease from the base, while FTEs would rise by 856.7. Major items included funding for driver license services, DPS facilities, troopers and recruit schools, crime labs, vehicle and aircraft operations, border security, and rider changes. The committee also reviewed DPS exceptional items not included in the recommendation, including additional staffing, technology, and facility requests.
Members focused heavily on driver license operations, criticizing long wait times, call abandonment, and repeated staffing increases without clear process improvements. LBB said the agency’s call-answer rate was about 9 percent in fiscal 2024, with average hold times around 34 minutes, later reduced to roughly 22-25 minutes. Senators questioned whether more FTEs alone would solve the problem and urged a broader efficiency study and better use of technology. DPS officials said they were pursuing process changes, including appointment-system upgrades, online pre-population of forms, and remote issuance options, while noting that Real ID requirements and population growth continue to drive demand.
DPS leadership then outlined the agency’s priorities: completion of the Williamson County training academy, recruitment and retention of troopers, capital needs for vehicles and aircraft, and expanded responsibilities at the Capitol complex and the Alamo. Officials said the new trooper funding would help address staffing shortages, public safety, and border operations, and that overtime and deployment patterns had been adjusted to reduce burnout and improve flexibility. They also discussed Operation Lone Star, saying DPS spending is largely overtime, travel, and fuel, and that the agency continues to coordinate with federal partners while awaiting clarity on possible federal reimbursement for border security costs. Senators also raised concerns about oilfield theft, cartel activity, high-speed pursuits, bilingual pay, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and DPS said it would follow up on some of those issues.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-EDU Informational Briefing 01-14-2025 (Continued)
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But, so for instance, you guys there was an article about you receiving an F for Farm to School.
- those positions were created, a year after evaluating it every year before you wait to, like, this article
- guys had your own auditors doing it, I mean the board's auditors doing it, versus you waiting for an article
- <00:28:38.720>
like <00:28:38.919>that <00:28:39.080>to an article like that - to an article like that to happen<00:28:40.840>
there <00:28:40.960>should <00:28:41.159
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 10, February 20, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And my concern is are we within the requirements of Article 16, Section 6 of the constitution?
- Are we within the bounds of Article 16, Section 6?
- Are we within the bounds of Article 16, Section 6?
- Are we within the bounds of Article 16, Section 6?
- That constitutional article. Um, my thoughts are no.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- In Epsom, New Hampshire, Warren article.
- them they have to vote on Ward articles. them they have to vote on Ward articles.
- I put a cap on my town warrant article for the school last year, last March.
- I put a cap on my town warrant article for the school last year, last March.
- Look at part two of our constitution, article 9.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Mar 26th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR70, HR71, HCR35, HB31, HB326, HB1013, HB1014, HB1015, HB1016, HR65, HR66, HR67, HR68, HR69, HCR33, HCR34, HB1006, HB1007, HB1008, HB1010, HB1011, SB2, SB13, SB24, SB28, SB40, SB47, SB48, SB70, SB79, SB80, SB109, SB127, SB139, SB154, SB181, SB199, SB200, SB208, SB277, SB317, SB336, SB349, SB357, HR15, HR20, HCR14, HB51, HB58, HB69, HB82, HB93, HB143, HB166, HB199, HB201, HB202, HB218, HB222, HB223, HB224, HB231, HB235, HB246, HB338, HB349, HB352, HB379, HB405, HB429, HB535, HB547, HB577, HB588, HB626, HB636, HB652, HB653, HB669, HB688, HB691, HB721, HB738, HB749, HB806, HB843, HB851, HB857, HB861, HB889, HB904, HB907, HB908, HB929, HB955, HB1009, HB952, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB337, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB739, HB842, HB875, HB919, HB52, HB228, HB289, HB735, HB796, HB901, HB193, HB400, HB570, HB733
Keywords:
Northside High School, basketball, state championship, sportsmanship, athletic recognition, commendation, criminal justice, community contributions, Bridget A. Dinvaut, law enforcement, tax delinquency, property sale, rehabilitation, Louisiana State Law Institute, legislation, retirement, police benefits, disability, municipality, Social Security
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- At our 2025 meeting, voters approved Article 27 authorizing the Select Board to petition the legislature
- But that's basically it, and if you did have any questions about our warrant article, I'm happy to...
- ...have any questions about our warrant article, I'm happy to answer them.
- They all... have any questions about our warrant article I'm happy to answer them thanks seeing none
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy.
A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay.
Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll actually give you links to some newspaper articles and television stories that talk about how the
- There's a very compelling article called Smart Phone Gambling Is a Disaster, and the authors offered
- But, you know what, I feel like I have to say this because I read an article, and anyone here later on
- But, you know what, I feel like I have to say this because I read an article, and anyone here later on
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- subsection A shall apply to any existing and retroactive tax liabilities under sections of the insurance article
- <00:20:56.640>
of <00:20:56.720>the <00:20:56.760>insurance <00:20:57.160>article - <00:20:58.040>
I <00:20:58.160>am sections of the insurance article. - I am sections of the insurance article.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week.
The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems.
On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.