Video & Transcript : 'Peter Westbrook' :
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Peter Fritz, individual in support on Zoom. My name is Peter Fritz.
- My name is Peter >> Uh thank you, Chair.
- So, first I want to start off and just thank the testimony from Peter Fritz.
- So, first I want to start off and just thank the testimony from Peter Fritz.
- So, first I want to start off and just thank the testimony from Peter Fritz.
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation heard several measures and took action on each after testimony. SB 2697 SD1 would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, authorize towing or impoundment of vehicles with expired registrations of three or more years, increase certain fines and penalties, and require annual reporting; the Department of Transportation supported it, and the committee later adopted amendments and recommended passage. SB 2399 SD2 would provide a general excise tax exemption for aircraft maintenance materials, parts, tools, and related facility construction; it drew support from industry groups and comments from the Department of Taxation and Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and was also passed with amendments. SB 2665 SD2 would require driver’s license renewal applicants with a recent traffic citation to complete a road-safety course and exam; DOT supported it, the Public Defender opposed it as not clearly linked to safer driving, and the committee amended the bill to raise the trigger from one citation to two citations within five years before recommending passage.
The committee also heard SB 2851 SD1, which would allow deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation visible to law enforcement; the Disability and Communication Access Board supported it, Peter Fritz testified in support while urging amendments on verification and threshold issues, and the committee adopted amendments and passed the measure. SB 3102 SD2 would clarify DOT’s role in port pilotage standards and appeals; DOT, DCCA, pilots, maritime interests, labor, and harbor users supported it, and it was passed with amendments. SB 2521 SD1 would exempt emergency medical services personnel from CDL requirements, require emergency-vehicle training, and update the definition of authorized emergency vehicle; DOT, DOH, Honolulu emergency services, and UPW supported it, and it too was passed with amendments.
Finally, SB 3157 would transfer unencumbered automated speed enforcement special fund balances above a set threshold to the general fund. DOT supported the concept, but members questioned whether excess funds would ever accumulate and whether the money should instead support safe routes to school; the committee increased the threshold from $12 million to $25 million, discussed but did not adopt a transfer to another special fund, and passed the bill with amendments. The chair noted the next hearing would be held the following Tuesday, likely at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Apr 14th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Children and Families
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Peters. Here. Ranking Member Prouty. Representative Koslow. Representative Dolan. Here.
- Vice Chair Peters. Aye. Ranking Member Proudie? Aye. Representatives Costlow. Representative Dolan?
- Vice Chair Peters. Aye. Ranking Member Proudie. Representatives Koslow. Dolan. Costlow. Dolan?
- Vice Chair Peters. Aye. Ranking Member Proudie. Aye. Representative Koslow. Dolan. Aye. Elliott.
Committee:
House Children and Families
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So in the West Gallery, our Pinellas County Commissioner, Kathleen Peters, if you wouldn't mind, please
- Welcome to the Florida Senate, Commissioner Peters. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
- So in the West Gallery, our Pinellas County Commissioner, Kathleen Peters, if you wouldn't mind, please
- Welcome to the Florida Senate Commissioner Peters welcome to the Florida Senate.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day.
The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays.
On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0.
Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Task Force on Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance 12/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Yeah.<00:21:09.919><c> Peter,</c> >> Yeah. Peter, >> Yeah.
- >> Yeah,<00:27:04.480><c> Peter,</c> >> Yeah, Peter, >> Yeah, Peter, >> Mr.<00
- Bricky what >> what did we uh Peter uh Mr.
- Yeah, Peter, Mr.
- >> Yeah, Peter, Mr. Chairman, I' I' I'd go >> Yeah, Peter, Mr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. John J. Cronin. Peter J. Durant. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman? Yes. Adam Gómez. Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul R. Feeney. Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Paul W. Mark? Patrick M. O'Connor? Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Yes. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul R. Feeney. Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Ryan C. Fatman. Barry R. Feingold. Yes. Adam Gomez. Jason M. Lewis. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated.
The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously.
Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So that stuck with me, and I'm very grateful that I got to work a few years with Peter Douglas and all
- And in closing, I would just say that when I had a role in one of Peter Douglas' retirement events, there
- well-dressed person standing next to me, and it was only when he was introduced that I realized it was Peter
- And the reason. only when he was introduced that I realized it was Peter Ueberroth.
- And the reason Peter Ueberroth was saluting Peter Douglas is that in an adversarial process as it started
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote.
The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services.
Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Mar 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Peters, Kelly, Laubinger, Mansur, Peters, Schmidt, Whaley. Whaley? Yeah, she, yeah, I did.
- Representative Peters, do you want to explain your changes? Yes, ma'am.
- Representative Peters, do you want to explain?
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye.
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye. 16 and no. Waley? Aye. 16 or no?
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Peters, Peters, Schmidt, Whaley. Whaley? Yeah, she, yeah, I did. Thank you.
- Representative Peters, do you want to explain your changes? Yes, ma'am.
- In discussion on that, Representative Peters, do you want to explain?
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye.
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye. 16 and no. Whaley? Aye. 16 or no?
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a substitute for House Bill 1962, then voted House Committee Substitute for HB 1962 do pass by 16-0. The substitute was described as making changes related to an epinephrine-related database and pricing. The committee then adopted a substitute for House Bill 2371 and voted House Committee Substitute for HB 2371 do pass by 16-0; the sponsor said the bill would codify existing Medicaid/state-plan coverage for a blood pressure-related issue and make the private insurance language consistent. House Concurrent Resolution 28 was also voted do pass by 16-0.
The committee then heard House Bill 3457, “Maddie’s Law,” which would create an electronic medical-record alert for medically complex children so hospitals can quickly access individualized emergency care plans. Representative Burns presented the bill as a response to the death of a child named Maddie, and multiple family members and advocates testified in support, describing repeated emergency-room delays, the burden of carrying binders of records, and the need for one-click access to care plans. Questions focused on how the alert would work with existing systems, whether QR codes or bracelets might help, whether the bill should also apply to adults, and how the voluntary language fits with the goal of ensuring the information is available. An SSM Health lobbyist testified for information purposes, explaining that the STARS program is a voluntary EMS care-plan system started in 2014 and now includes about 1,800 children in Missouri and Illinois; he said the sponsor was willing to work on the language.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3401, which would require hospitals to develop workplace violence prevention plans, multidisciplinary committees, risk assessments, training, reporting, and incident review processes, while keeping the bill flexible for different facilities. The sponsor and several health care groups cited high rates of threats and assaults against emergency and hospital staff and argued that violence is a preventable workplace risk that contributes to burnout and staffing shortages. Witnesses from emergency physicians, nurses, the Missouri Hospital Association, and other medical groups supported the bill, with some suggesting the signage language be broadened or simplified. No votes were taken on HB 3457 or HB 3401 before the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Yes. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Feeney. Dylan A.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Yes. Yes. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fatman. Paul Arfini.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Paul Arfini. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Adam Gómez. I'm called up.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul O. Yes. Ryan C.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremonial welcome for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School crew team, which was congratulated for winning the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association spring championship. The chamber also adopted several congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Henry Skolsky, Gregory de Rochman, Colin Bauker, and Gabriel Bennett.
The Senate then took up and passed two sick leave bank bills for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees: House No. 4104 for Daniel Yender and House No. 4161 for Mark Kratman. It also ordered a series of other calendar items to third reading without debate. The chamber later considered Senate No. 2550, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with Senator Preen explaining that the bill would align Massachusetts with other states, reduce forum shopping, and better protect left-behind parents; the bill was amended by Ways and Means, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0.
The Senate next took up Senate No. 2551, the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Senator Eldridge described provisions to raise garnishment protections, lower post-judgment interest rates, prohibit imprisonment for consumer debt, and shorten the statute of limitations on debt collection, while noting support from consumer advocates and the Attorney General. After adopting a technical Ways and Means amendment, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The chamber also adopted committee reports placing Senate Bills 137 and 1034 on the Orders of the Day and advanced a Ways and Means-recommended substitute draft for a bill on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The session adjourned in memory of Mark Sullivan.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you kind of talked about this at the start, but Peter Murphy, um, earlier today was kind of saying
- How would you characterize the session as Peter Murphy's probably difficult session?
- How would you characterize the session How would you characterize the session as<00:09:28.320><c> Peter
- </c><00:09:28.640><c> Murphy's</c><00:09:29.040><c> probably</c><00:09:29.760><c> difficult</c> as Peter
- Murphy's probably difficult as Peter Murphy's probably difficult session?
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, I'll yield to Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Seeing no more announcements, I yield to Senate Floor Majority Leader Peter Wirth to take us to that
- Seeing no further announcements, **Senator Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth**, take us to that next
- Having no further bills to introduce, I'll yield to **Senate Floor Majority Leader Peter Wirth** (member
- Seeing no further announcements, I'll yield to Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- this beautiful Valentine's Day here in the Senate chamber, and I'll yield to Senate Majority Leader Peter
- Senator Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President. I just have one announcement today.
- Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth takes us to the next order of business. Mr.
- Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
- As amended, Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended.
Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules.
The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jul 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter Blocker, the California Taxpayers Association, we're in opposition.
- Peter Blocker, with the California Taxpayers Association, in support. Thank you.
- Peter Blocker at the California Taxpayers Association in support. Thank you.
- Peter Blocker at the California...
- Peter Blocker of the California Taxpayers Association in support.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused on transit funding, veterans’ tax relief, clean energy incentives, housing development costs, and tax conformity. SB 63 would authorize a Bay Area regional sales tax measure for transit agencies facing fiscal shortfalls; supporters said it was needed to avoid major service cuts, while the California Taxpayers Association opposed it on Proposition 13/218 concerns. SB 56 would exclude veterans’ disability compensation from income calculations for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, and SB 296 would expand property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses; both drew broad veterans’ support. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exemption program, including fusion energy, and SB 302 would conform state tax law to federal clean energy credit monetization provisions; both were backed by industry, labor, and clean energy advocates. SB 328 would cap Department of Toxic Substances Control fees on contaminated-soil remediation for infill and master-planned housing projects, with housing groups arguing the current fee structure can make projects infeasible. SB 711 would update California’s tax conformity date to January 1, 2025 to reduce complexity and inconsistencies with federal law, and was supported by tax professionals and business groups.
Several bills were held or sent to suspense, while others advanced with amendments. After quorum was established, SB 63 passed the committee 4-2 and SB 86, SB 302, SB 328, and SB 711 were referred to suspense, with SB 86 and SB 302 later approved out of suspense with amendments. SB 56 was held in committee, SB 296 was made a two-year bill, and SB 284 and SB 723 were held. The committee also approved a number of additional suspense-file bills, including SB 293, SB 359, SB 419, SB 587, SB 603, SB 663, SB 710, and SB 785, while SB 591 was approved with amendments and SB 353 was made a two-year bill. The hearing concluded with the committee adjournment after final roll calls and bill actions.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth: Thank you, Mr. President. Unanimous consent.
- Senator Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth: Mr.
- Senator Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth, Mr.
- I'll yield to Senate Majority Authority, Senator Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Going back to the next order of business, Senator Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we're robbing Peter to pay Paul, and I don't know what that impact will be.
- It's like it is truly robbing Peter to pay Paul, and so I would like to try and find a different source
- Um, same concerns, where we're literally robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking from one to give the other
- Same concerns: we're literally robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking from one to give the other.
Keywords:
cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, Alzheimer's, dementia, memory care, cognitive decline, brain health, caregiver support, long-term care, in-home care, public health, health services, state plan, dementia services program, Arizona Department of Health Services, aging
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/29/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If there was a building or school or place that did not have an American flag, Peter Carlo made sure
- And God bless Peter Carlo and his family, and God bless those that served in our United States Armed
- If there was a building or school or place that did not have an American flag, Peter Carlo made sure
- And God bless Peter Carlo and his family. >> Senator Borrello on the resolution.
- CONSTITUENTS, ALSO A COUSIN OF MINE, PETER CARLO WHO PASSED AWAY A FEW MONTHS AGO AT THE AGE OF 94, A
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day.
The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Mar 4th, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll now open the hearing on House Bill 1960, sponsored by Representative Peters.
- We'll now open the hearing on House Bill 1960, sponsored by Representative Peters.
- Bill 1960, sponsored by Representative Peters. Representative, you may begin when you're ready.
- We will now return to House Bill 1960, sponsored by Representative Peters.
- House Bill 1960, sponsored by Representative Peters.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
Summary:
The Special Committee on Tourism met with 11 members present, established a quorum, and first went into executive session, where House Bill 2796 was voted do pass unanimously, 13-0. The committee then moved to public hearings.
House Bill 2307, sponsored by Rep. Hayden, would designate the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico as the official military academy of the state. The sponsor and supporters said the academy is active, nationally recognized, and important to tourism, recruitment, and the local economy. The academy president testified that it brings an estimated $20 million to $22 million in economic impact and employs 122 people, and other supporters, including alumni and staff, described its educational value and statewide visibility. Members asked about the closure of other military academies and whether the bill would bring tourism and help recruitment.
House Bill 3264, sponsored by Rep. Johnson, would make Kansas City the barbecue capital of Missouri. The sponsor highlighted Kansas City’s barbecue history, meatpacking roots, signature styles, and major restaurants and events. Members joked about Kansas City versus St. Louis barbecue and discussed possible promotion, but no opposition was offered. House Bill 3074, sponsored by Rep. Fountain Henderson, would designate April 30 as William Lacy Clay Sr. Day. The sponsor and NAACP testimony emphasized Clay’s civil rights leadership, long congressional service, and legacy of public service and education, with support also noting plans for community and school observances.
House Bill 1960, sponsored by Rep. Peters, would designate the smooth chanterelle as Missouri’s official state mushroom. The sponsor and a long list of witnesses from the Missouri Mycological Society, educators, and children testified that the mushroom is native, edible, easy to identify, ecologically important, and tied to Missouri’s hardwood forests and outdoor education. Members asked about safety, look-alikes, and whether it was hallucinogenic; witnesses said it is not psychoactive and is generally safe when properly identified. The chair closed by praising the testimony and indicating support for advancing the bill, and the committee adjourned after concluding the hearing on HB 1960.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 9th, 2026 at 11:18 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
- I'll yield to Senate Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
- I’m going to yield to Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Mr.
- Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senator Peter Wirth. Thank you, Mr. President.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter or Megan, whichever one this was for, but correct me if I'm wrong: this piece of legislation is
- Peter Claude Fultor, committee staff, starting with item number two on your executive session agenda
- Peter, Representative Dufault, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Peter. That was very helpful.
- Dufo thank you madam chair thank you Peter that was very helpful I'm interested in the CPA the Consumer
- Teamsters on this proposed substitute that more clearly defined this bill from kind of what our staff, Peter
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think maybe my question is for staff, Peter or Megan, whichever one this was for, but correct me if
- Peter Claude Fultor, committee staff, starting with item number two on your executive session agenda
- We have a question for you, Peter. Representative Duerr, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Peter.
- Dufo thank you madam chair thank you Peter that was very helpful I'm interested in the CPA the Consumer
- Teamsters on this proposed substitute that more clearly defined this bill from kind of what our staff, Peter
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2291, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, and then moved into executive session on several bills. Staff explained that HB 2291 would license kratom retailers and processors, set age 21 purchase limits, require labeling, child-resistant packaging, independent testing, an LCB-approved product directory, and an 11% excise tax, while banning certain synthetic or adulterated kratom products and restricting online/mail sales and public consumption. The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to regulate natural kratom while banning the synthetic or chemically altered forms, and several witnesses supported stronger youth protections and product standards. Others opposed the bill’s licensing fee, statewide preemption of local bans, or the regulatory approach, while some testified that natural kratom helps with pain or recovery. The hearing on HB 2291 was then closed without action.
In executive session, the committee took action on multiple bills. HB 2439, dealing with cigarette, vapor product, and tobacco product policy, was amended and reported out with a do pass recommendation; the adopted amendments limited Consumer Protection Act enforcement to the Attorney General, adjusted coupon language, and restored state preemption over local retail regulation. HB 1078 on pet insurance, HB 1701 on shared liquor-license premises, HB 2207 on bonded beer warehousing, and HB 2501 on real estate oil-tank disclosure were all reported out with do pass recommendations, with HB 1701’s substitute removing a Public Records Act exemption and HB 2207’s substitute aligning beer warehousing more closely with spirits warehouse rules. HB 2361, which raises the maximum small loan amount, was amended to make inflation adjustments biennial and to change publication requirements, then passed out of committee.
The committee also approved HB 1932, which would authorize cannabis consumption events in regulated environments. The substitute bill would create a cannabis consumption event organizer license, allow limited adult-use events subject to local approval, and establish permit and budtender training requirements; members discussed the bill as a way to provide lawful consumption spaces while others objected to expanding cannabis access. In the final votes, HB 2439 passed 12-3, HB 1078 passed unanimously, HB 1701 passed 14-1, HB 2207 passed 14-1, HB 2501 passed unanimously, HB 2361 passed 13-2, and HB 1932 passed 11-4, all with do pass recommendations.