Video & Transcript Research : 'daylight saving time'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS-AEN-EIG, HHS, HHS Public Hearings 02-02-2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So we permit facilities; they need to submit reports to us from time to time.
- Thank you for your time. Thank you for your time.
- this measure um would have saved them. this measure um would have saved them.
- Neither was seen by a mental health professional in time to save their lives.
- So, 287 time certain.
Summary:
The joint HHS, Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Intergovernmental Affairs hearing focused first on SB 2262, a pollution and illegal dumping measure. The Department of Health said it stood on its written testimony, and public testimony included support from CARES with suggested amendments to involve the counties in standardized response planning and to address pollution caused by individuals. Members questioned the bill’s fines, where they would go, and how the department would handle carcasses and illegal dumping enforcement. DOH said administrative fines go to the general fund, criminal fines are collected by the Attorney General, carcasses are generally buried by the landowner under existing rules, and DOH mainly regulates solid waste and coordinates with counties and other agencies when violations arise.
After discussion, the chair recommended SB 2262 be passed with substantial amendments. The proposed amendments would add DLNR to the task force, deposit all fines into a special fund to support enforcement, allow fines below $5,000 for littering and higher fines for excessive or chronic illegal dumping, and include a January 30, 2050 effective date. The committee adopted the recommendation, with members voting aye.
The hearing then moved to the HHS calendar. On SB 2087, relating to health insurance, agencies including DHS, DCCA, the Attorney General, and Labor stood on written testimony, while several advocacy and medical groups testified in support. One Medicaid recipient opposed the bill, arguing the coverage should be immediate rather than phased in over three years. Angela Melody Young supported the bill but urged amendments to prioritize people with disabilities, kupuna, and mothers. Members questioned whether the rural health transformation program could support the bill’s deductible structure; the Department of Human Services said it was unlikely CMS would allow that level of coverage, though rural funds might help in other ways. The committee then moved on to SB 2089, which would expand services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, hearing support from OHA, DHS, and others, along with testimony about mental health access and training. The transcript also began SB 2106, relating to health and eating disorder prevention, with a student testifying in support and citing youth eating disorder harms, but the discussion was cut off before any action on that bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- are our full-time employees, our part-time<00:10:51.600>
employees <00:10:52.000>and <00 - part-time employees and consultants. part-time employees and consultants.
- projected in in general fund savings. projected in in general fund savings.
- appreciate your time and attention. appreciate your time and attention.
- It's all you this time. I'll make this time fairly easy.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- protocols and timely appointments.
- And it also saves staff time on basic salad bar prep.
- Those things all take time.
- Within this bill, or we look at an increase in time time between inspections from annually to maybe 18
- Thus began the work, 18 months of time. Time to develop a good program that works for farmers.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing no other questions at this time, Seeing no other questions at this time, thank you very much,
- This is the kind of the time series over time. And you can see the red line is the PCE index.
- So it's affordable both the time you pay and in the time you claim benefits.
- And we're doing great on time.
- We appreciate the time that you give us.
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on October 8 with introductions from council members and staff, then received a detailed presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on long-term economic assumptions and the state pension systems’ financial condition. OSA reported that the combined pension systems are currently 100% funded on a smoothed basis, with open plans above 95% funded, and that legacy Plan 1 systems remain on a path toward full funding under current policy. The actuaries recommended updating assumptions to 3% inflation, 3.5% general salary growth, and a 7.25% investment return, while keeping Plan 1 membership growth at 1%. They also explained asset smoothing, the role of recent strong investment returns, and the expected budget impacts of the recommended changes. Representatives from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and the State Investment Board offered supporting perspectives, generally describing the assumptions as reasonable and consistent with their own outlooks.
The council also heard an overview of the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WACares) from DSHS and OSA. Program staff described the program’s social insurance structure, premium collection, benefit eligibility, and upcoming implementation milestones. OSA reported that the program’s first actuarial valuation showed a positive actuarial balance under the base scenario and recommended no change to the current 0.58% premium rate during the program’s early learning phase, noting that future changes would depend on experience and the program’s risk-management framework. OSA also said the recommendation would remain the same regardless of the outcome of the pending ballot measure affecting investment options.
During public comment, a representative of the Washington State School Retirees Association urged continued work on Plan 1 funding and related legislation, while the Association of Washington Cities cautioned against increasing pension assumptions in a way that could raise future employer costs and reduce flexibility for current local government services. In action, the council adopted a motion to maintain the current long-term economic assumptions by a 4-2 vote, adopted the recommendation to keep the WACares premium rate at 0.58% by a 6-0 vote, and then elected Katie Chapman as council chair by unanimous vote. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh good afternoon, chair, Savings Board.
- And during that time, one of the accomplishments I felt most pride about during my time with that school
- And during that time, one of the accomplishments I felt most pride about during my time with that school
- And during that time, one of the accomplishments I felt most pride about during my time with that school
- thing that I've said a lot of times. thing that I've said a lot of times.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on March 6, 2026, and considered four gubernatorial nominations. For GM 690, Jesse Kola Dean was nominated for reappointment to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board. Testimony from the Retirement Savings Board and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations strongly supported Dean, citing his original membership on the board and his role in advancing implementation of the retirement savings program. Dean described his background and said the program was moving into implementation after the board approved the Connecticut consortium model; in response to questions, he said the main challenges had been finding an executive director and adapting the program from an original opt-in structure to the opt-out consortium model. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent.
For GM 634, Darlene Blakey was nominated to the board of trustees of the Employees' Retirement System. ERS and several individuals submitted support. Blakey, an executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Hawaiian Bank, said her banking and finance background and personal experience with her mother’s retirement benefits motivated her service. She told senators she had attended ERS meetings and was focused on improving retirees’ access to information, education, and retirement planning, and said she would recuse herself from matters involving First Hawaiian Bank because of a potential conflict of interest. The committee again voted to advise and consent.
The committee then considered GM 627 and GM 726, both nominations of Gina Anu Novo to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council for different terms. Written testimony from numerous supporters was read into the record. Novo, a longtime First Hawaiian Bank executive and current vice chair, described her experience building audit, compliance, human resources, and technology functions, and said she wanted to help strengthen workforce pathways, career development, retention, and outreach to youth and workers who do not pursue college. Senators asked about her plans to connect workforce development with education and financial literacy; she emphasized career pathing, training, and adapting to changing skills needs, including the role of technology and AI. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on both nominations, and the meeting adjourned after all four nominations were approved by the committee.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ECG heart screenings will save students’ lives.
- We have been doing these heart screenings in Florida for a long time, and we have saved over 400 kids
- And again, appreciate the time.
- Really do appreciate the time to talk.
- Thank you for the time; I really appreciate it.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of bills and amendments, reporting several measures favorably. Early in the meeting, CS for CS for SB 344 modernizing the Telecommunications Access System Act was approved without opposition. The committee then adopted amendments and passed CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, CS for SB 738 updating child care and early learning provider regulation, CS for SB 756 revising health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, and CS for CS for SB 1356 creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot. Later, the committee also approved CS for SB 1624 on higher education, CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, SB 178 on an agronomic study for emerging crops, SB 1162 on water access facilities and boat ramp parking, CS for CS for SB 958 creating a type 1 diabetes early detection program, CS for CS for SB 1402 expanding dropout retrieval eligibility, SB 774 requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders, SB 1516 creating an international aerospace innovation fund, and SB 994 revising driver education requirements. Most of these bills were reported favorably by roll call votes after brief explanations and, in several cases, amendments.
Several measures drew substantive discussion and public testimony. CS for CS for SB 1624 prompted questions about replacing “minority” with “underrepresented,” the role of the Florida Department of Education’s Commission for Independent Education in overseeing private religious postsecondary institutions, and whether the changes could affect access for students at institutions such as FAMU and FIU. CS for CS for SB 1070 on ECGs for student athletes received extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates describing children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and urging mandatory screenings; the sponsor said the bill would be cost-neutral for districts by encouraging partnerships with screening groups. SB 994 on driver education was discussed as a vehicle to add distracted driving instruction, and the sponsor agreed to work on that issue. SB 774 was presented as a response to a fatal delay in transmitting an ex parte order, with support from clerks and sheriffs.
The most extended debate centered on SB 810 on stormwater management systems. The sponsor said the bill, as amended, would narrow annual inspections to infrastructure identified as vulnerable by MS4 entities, but the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and Florida Stormwater Association warned the proposal could impose major costs and duplicate existing MS4 permit requirements. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether the bill would apply to FDOT or other entities, and whether annual inspections were feasible for large and small jurisdictions alike. Despite those concerns, the sponsor and several members emphasized flood prevention and public safety, and the bill remained under discussion with the sponsor indicating continued willingness to work with stakeholders.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/11/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:02:47.040>
intensity, there is a change in time, intensity, there is a change in time - , reviewed when there's a change in time, reviewed when there's a change in time, intensity,<00:04
- <00:16:23.519>
from <00:16:23.839>avoided system savings from avoided system savings - was a very difficult time in our state. was a very difficult time in our state.
- Thank you for your time. Thank carriers. Thank you for your time.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That will provide approximately $1.42 million in debt service savings for the benefit of the Greater
- Those savings will be dependent upon participation of current bondholders.
- I know you’ve been very diligent on this in New Orleans, and the mayor and Alina, through our time we
- I mean, really, as a former legislator, as a former Bond Commission member, there aren’t enough times
- I do not know that date at this time.” “Thank you. Okay. Okay.
Summary:
The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot.
Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs.
The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce Development Committee Meeting - 2026-04-16
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They said that if they do it every two years, not only is there a little bit of a cost savings and savings
- of staff time, but they can the savings of staff time, but they can do<00:07:09.759>
a <00:07: - save the businesses in Minnesota. save the businesses in Minnesota. uh<00:26:43.360>
civil policy relief like earn sick and save policy relief like earn sick and save time<00:33:39.519>- Um, paid family time discussions.
Bills:
HF3732
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/2/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your time. time. time.
- <00:46:11.119>
data <00:46:11.760>and timely more much more timely data and timely - Thank you for your time.
- Thank you for your time.
- Thank you for your time. I care policy. Thank you for your time.
Keywords:
gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration
Summary:
The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Appreciate y'all's time.<00:20:58.320>
Um time. Um time. - Uh, we have technically until 2:45, but let's try to save as much time as we can and give us an... schedule
- Um but you will let's try to save as<00:23:59.440>
much <00:23:59.600>time <00:23:59.760 - period of time has greatly increased. period of time has greatly increased.
- Because there are some times where, especially I'm from the coast, there's times where I've had five
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally.
The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide.
No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Constitution, Campaigns and Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Winter time in Alabama. >> Don't like the way you're at.
- So how many times do we get something that's saving money? Usually it's costing money.
- A lot of the larger counties will save money.
- do we get something that how many times do we get something that's<00:15:09.680>
saving <00:15 - I will spend spent more time on this.
Keywords:
HB272, LASEA, AMSTEP, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, State Department of Education, teacher loan repayment, student loan forgiveness, educator shortage, teacher shortage, acute educator shortage, acute shortage location, public K-12 schools, school systems, math teachers, science teachers, computer science teachers, charter schools, failing schools, underperforming schools, teacher recruitment
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair lays House Bill 2763 at this time. The chair leaves House Bill 2763 pending at this time.
- And he had traveled this road hundreds, if not thousands of times. of times, but little did he know that
- Orenkin's time to recover enough to be harvested.
- Just take your time. plenty of time, just go ahead.
- I really appreciate you guys taking the time.
Bills:
HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695
Keywords:
highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Economic and Workforce Development - Room 409, 31 March, 2026; 9:30 A.M.
Economic and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- currently he serves as state board of contractor board member and has for several years the college savings
- chance to look through the peer report and the other items that are there, and I will go ahead at this time
- I think the first time I ever met you was 20-plus years ago at Ole Miss.
- Plan Board uh several years ago Savings Plan Board uh several years ago at<00:02:50.760>
the < - You know, they tend to, a lot of times, maybe not stay on the straight and narrow.
Summary:
The committee considered the Lieutenant Governor’s appointment of Charles Tyler Norman to the board of MAG Core, formerly the Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation, to fill a vacancy for a term ending June 30, 2028. Members described the board’s role in prison-based workforce training and noted that most of its membership is made up of state officials, with only a few outside appointees. Norman said he has a long business background, has served on other state boards, and supports public service and workforce development, including prison work programs.
Several senators used the nomination to raise broader concerns about the effectiveness of prison workforce training and whether MAG Core should continue as a separate entity or be folded under Accelerate Mississippi. The chair said he was frustrated with workforce outcomes for incarcerated people, including the implementation of presumptive parole and the value of some training credentials, and stressed that any program should be profitable and not burden taxpayers. Norman agreed that workforce training should be practical and tied to real trades, said he has hired felons and believes in second chances, and said he would bring committee suggestions back to the board.
A senator asked about a 2008 derogatory incident in Norman’s background report; Norman acknowledged it as a college misdemeanor and said it was the only such issue. Another senator asked about the board’s composition and diversity, and staff said one remaining outside member is a governor’s appointee, later identified as Ronnie McNeil from the faith-based community. The committee then adopted a motion to report the nomination out with a do advise and consent recommendation, and Norman was reminded to keep his statement of economic interest current.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- At the same time, California has some of the most abundant critical...
- Lead times have stretched from weeks to nearly three years.
- We'll move it at the appropriate time. Thank you, Senator Arreguín.
- This bill is timely.
- She, earlier, the last time. Okay, all right.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :41.680>
funding <00:08:42.320>you of times this non-mandatory funding you of times this - the court cases you know will take time the court cases you know will take time and<00:15:45.760
- Um, and it's a timing question first.
- <00:28:38.799>
in are managing um at any given time. in are managing um at any given time. - <00:56:07.119>
in some of the most vulnerable times in some of the most vulnerable times in
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And they take up substantial time.
- I know we've known each other for a long time.
- That is 16 times again 16 times the number of service members killed in action over the same period.
- Time limit doesn't apply to this bill. Thank you. Take your time.
- I could go on on that for a long time.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (9-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the assessment time, you know, our turnaround time, how quickly are we working this.
- those savings. those savings.
- And typically, when you go into managed care for the first time, you would see some savings in the first
- <01:41:03.360>
and <01:41:03.440>time John Doe coming to ER time and time John Doe - coming to ER time and time again. again. again.
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on September 24, 2025, approved the minutes from the September 9 meeting, and then continued its discussion of Medicaid waivers with Leslie Hoffman and Carmen Hancock from the Department for Medicaid Services. Members asked for updates on the 2024 waiver waitlist management assessment recommendations, including aligning waiver policies, standardizing applications and waitlist placement, and modernizing data systems. DMS said that work is being done jointly with Aging and Independent Living and Behavioral Health/Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities through task forces, that ARPA spending delayed action, and that implementation timelines extend through March 2027.
The board also reviewed per-member waiver cost averages for fiscal years 2023 through 2025 for ABI, ABI long-term care, HCBS, Model II, Michelle P, and SCL. DMS emphasized these figures were benefit-only averages based on paid claims, not full waiver costs, and explained that true budget neutrality is calculated on an aggregate basis against institutional care comparisons approved by CMS. DMS said all six waivers remain in compliance with budget neutrality and that the most recent 18-month lag review for FY 2022 and FY 2023 found costs at or below institutional care. Members also asked about unused waiver slots; DMS said slots generally cannot be reallocated mid-year if they have been used, except in cases such as death or reserved capacity, because CMS treats participants as unduplicated for the waiver year.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the new child waiver created under House Bill 6. Legislators questioned whether the waiver’s design, including the exclusion of participant-directed services and the emphasis on high-acuity children with behavioral health, DCBS, or juvenile justice involvement, matched the bill’s intent to keep children at home. DMS said it used the $14.7 million appropriated for FY 2026 to develop the program, that there is no priority list, and that the waiver is intended to serve the highest-acuity children while also addressing residential needs for those sleeping in offices or placed out of state. Members also raised concerns about the rapid growth of the HCBS waiting list and asked for more detail on age and timing patterns, which DMS said it would provide later. Finally, DMS gave average processing times from application to eligibility determination and from approval to service start, and said the overall average from application to services beginning was about 80 days, while members requested follow-up information on the Carewise assessment contract and related costs.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- savings a health savings it results in a savings a health savings either<00:54:40.559>
to <00:54 - long time. >> Okay.
- At the same time, HB 1707 provides a one-time real estate transfer tax exemption for first-time low-
- At the same time, HB 1707 provides a one-time real estate transfer tax exemption for first-time low-
- At the same time, HB 1707 provides a one-time real estate transfer tax exemption for first-time low-
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- They will be timed at roughly two minutes each. We are very strict.
- Both support and opposition come at the same time. We would like for you guys to be quick about it.
- At the time of the initial vote, one commissioner was quoted in the LA Times as saying, 'For me, it becomes
- Yes, at the appropriate time, I would respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you. Thank you.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote at the appropriate time.