Video & Transcript Research : 'labeling'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes cannabis policy bill, SF2370 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- who are licensed to produce non-compliant products by Minnesota OCM standards, as long as they are labeled
- And it also requires those products to be tested and labeled.
- standards as long as they are labeled standards as long as they are labeled for<00:02:52.720>
- <00:03:05.519>
Uh <00:03:05.840>this <00:03:06.080>also tested and labeled. - Uh this also tested and labeled.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The reason we even have a party system or labeling system is because it helps individuals say...
- The reason we even have a party system or labeling system is because it helps individuals say, you know
- The reason we even have a party system or labeling system is because it helps individuals say, you know
- Allowing school board candidates to run with party labels and extending their terms from three to four
- I don't believe a partisan label adds any new knowledge to the skill or capability of the people who
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school levy/bond questions to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor argued the change would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, and better align school board decisions with the broader electorate. Supporters echoed those points, saying April elections have low turnout, campaigning is difficult in winter, and November voting would give more residents a voice.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued the bill unnecessarily singles out St. Charles County, could politicize school board races, and might bury local issues on crowded November ballots. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and warned that four-year terms and the loss of staggered elections could reduce continuity and institutional knowledge. Others said limiting levy and bond questions to November could delay urgent district needs and reduce local flexibility. Some supporters and opponents also debated whether the bill should be statewide rather than county-specific.
After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1002 “do pass” by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee also voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1135 “do pass” by the same 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present margin.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The reason we even have a party system or labeling system is because it helps individuals say, you know
- The reason we even have a party system or labeling system is because it helps individuals say, you know
- Allowing school board candidates to run with party labels and extending their terms from three to four
- I don't believe a partisan label adds any new knowledge to the skill or capability of the people who
- So you're in favor of being bipartisan and not having the partisan labels on school board elections.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and school bond/levy questions from April to the November general election, extend school board terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The bill sponsor and several supporters argued that November elections would increase turnout, broaden parent and taxpayer participation, reduce the influence of a small April electorate, and potentially save money. Supporters also said the change could make campaigning more feasible and help voters identify candidates’ general viewpoints.
Opponents, including school board members, parents, the Missouri NEA, and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, argued that the bill unnecessarily singles out one county, would politicize school board races, and could bury local education issues on crowded November ballots. They also warned that moving levy and bond questions to November could reduce districts’ flexibility to address urgent needs, and that four-year terms could make recruitment harder and reduce accountability or institutional continuity. Several witnesses said school boards should remain nonpartisan and focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than party labels.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about why the bill applies only to St. Charles County, whether staggered terms would be lost, and whether partisan labels would help or harm voters. Some members expressed support for the concept as a pilot or model, while others objected to the county-specific approach and the addition of party affiliation. The transcript does not show a final committee vote or other action on the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The label says to agricultural use user.
- You know, sometimes there's misunderstanding about a federal label and a state label. And maybe Mr.
- Every pesticide label that is approved by the EPA is unique.
- Other products like Roundup have a caution label.
- Other products like Roundup have a caution label.
Keywords:
bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Labeling has been a bit of a challenge, meaning that people want fewer labeling requirements on the private
- It still would have a label.
- Slide 14 gives you a sample of what those labels look like.
- on it, but maybe the spec sheet or the owner's manual would have the label within it.
- There are things that are on the shelf or have the right exemptions and labels.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If the original label remains, the remanufacturer shall place the new label adjacent to the original
- label and...
- Label adjacent to the original label and clearly identify the original label as obsolete.
- If the original label remains, the repurposer shall place the new label adjacent to the original label
- and clearly identify the... ...label and clearly identify the original label as obsolete. 17(2) Ensure
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (1-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- You've harmed him because you haven't labeled that as a parody or an artificial creation.
- harmed him because you haven't labeled harmed him because you haven't labeled that<00:58:07.839>
- labeling things. labeling things.
- Labels are a form of compelled speech.
- what's allowed to be labeled. what's allowed to be labeled. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
KentuckyWired Communications Network Authority 00:01:20
Artificial Intelligence and Free Expression 00:38:40, 958, all
Summary:
The committee questioned KCNA officials about the Kentucky Wired network refresh, focusing on whether the equipment truly needed replacement now and what the vendor end-of-support dates were for the network’s layer 1, 2, and 3 equipment. Senators and representatives pressed for invoices, purchase orders, and vendor documentation, and KCNA staff explained that end-of-support dates vary by specific model and component, not just by broad product family. KCNA agreed to provide a detailed list of components, part numbers, and support dates, and acknowledged that some requested documentation had not yet been produced.
A major point of discussion was the timing of the system refresh. KCNA said the 10-year refresh schedule comes from the project agreement, specifically Schedule 19, Section 2.1B, which requires the first system refresh to be completed by September 3, 2026. Committee members argued the network equipment appears to remain in service life for at least the next two years and questioned why an upgrade would be needed immediately. KCNA responded that failing to complete the refresh could excuse the service provider from contractual obligations and could constitute a material breach or default under the project and bond documents.
Members also asked about network capacity and the impact on schools and state users. KCNA said it would need to check with Quark for an exact utilization figure, while the chair cited prior testimony that schools account for about 80% of traffic and KCNA about 20%. The committee raised concerns about schools not connected to the network and the effect of KCNA’s actions on continuity of service, while KCNA disputed that K-12 service had been put at risk. KCNA also explained the contract and payment structure: the Commonwealth’s project agreement runs through Kentucky Wired Infrastructure Corporation/Quark, with KEDA-issued bonds and funds flowing through Quark in a waterfall structure.
The meeting ended with KCNA agreeing to request underlying vendor invoices from Quark, provide the requested contract documents, and supply information on the status of the wholesaler replacement procurement and related litigation. No formal vote was taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:44.960>
also corrected that and the labeling also corrected that and the labeling also - “Another thing is, meat will be labeled that it’s from a non-...
- That product is then labeled not for sale.
- Basically, it’s going to be on the label.
- Basically, it’s going to be on the label.
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then an executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after earlier drafting issues were corrected. She explained that the amendment now limits the amenable species language to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, fixes labeling language, removes an exemption from federal law, strikes a seasonal date range, and restores a section that had been removed. She also said the amendment distinguishes between amenable and non-amenable species and keeps a registration statement acknowledging the federal-law conflict.
Committee members and witnesses debated the policy. Representative Howard questioned whether the bill should educate farmers rather than legislate them and raised concerns about requiring a farmer to register as violating federal law. Representative Comtois argued the bill supports small farmers, year-round meat processing, and intrastate activity, and described problems she said had occurred at USDA facilities. Representative Miner and others expressed support for moving the amendment forward. DHHS food safety officials testified that the department has no oversight of custom exempt facilities, that USDA is the only inspector in that system, and that if the bill passed there would be very limited regulatory oversight unless there were complaints or a foodborne outbreak. They also noted the original September 1 to April 30 date range had been tied to bison because of size and temperature concerns, and said the current language appeared to address bison, elk, and red deer documentation rather than the livestock species named in the bill.
The New Hampshire Farm Bureau’s policy director, Rob Johnson, said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail until federal law changes, and that he needed to consult further with leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the term “beef cattle” for consistency with livestock statutes. In executive session, Representative Comtois moved to approve amendment 2025-3090H, Representative King seconded, and members reiterated both support and reservations. The transcript ends during executive-session discussion, with no final recorded vote on the bill shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (05/04/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:44:07.000>
So, label for one of these things. So, label for one of these things. - be a labeling there's no labeling<00:45:09.880>
requirement <00:45:10.640>on <00:45:10.880 - So, the labeling requirement on it.
- <00:45:24.120>
And million because it's not labeled." - And million because it's not labeled."
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0.
Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Tue Mar 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- It requires any product labeled, marked, or sold as poi to contain a label stating whether the poi product
- So we'd like maybe to tweak that to be similar with our macadamia nut labeling and even our coffee labeling
- you uh grown you have to put the label you uh grown you have to put the label versus<00:26:10.840
- :26:23.679>
that may not have that label we believe that may not have that label we believe that - 41:06.120>
laws of 100% similar to other labeling laws of 100% similar to other labeling laws
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/31/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- :47.040>
would Uh, better labeling requirements would Uh, better labeling requirements would be - These are supposed to be used according to the label. Off-label use is illegal.
- These are supposed to be used according to the label. Off-label use is illegal.
- These are supposed to be used according to the label. Off-label use is illegal.
- These are supposed to be used according to the label. Off-label use is illegal.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Why would you label it? products are marijuana. Those are intoxicating products.
- Why would you label it? I'm not sure what your question is. Why would we do that?
- Labeling it marijuana is not marijuana, though. There are two different things.
- But again, still, why would we label it marijuana?
- We need to have packaging, labeling, potency types of regulations.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Jun 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd be remiss not to mention that this is also putting a moratorium on these electronic shelf labels.
- a dummy label.
- Also, I just want to reiterate that concern with the moratorium on electronic shelf labels.
- Labels that are consistent. Is that accurate? Yes, absolutely.
- . they are more accurate. reason to ban the electronic shelf labels.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care.
The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects.
A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported.
The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- form the State Commission on anti-Semitism to make sure nobody can criticize Israel without being labeled
- formed the State Commission on anti-Semitism to make sure nobody can criticize Israel without being labeled
- here to urge you not to adopt the definition of anti-Semitism proposed by the IHRA, because it would label
- Two, reject recommendations that criminalize or label education or advocacy on U.S. government policies
- Thank you, Laura. graders may be labeled as hate.
Summary:
The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism.
Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate.
A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Mar 4th, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Even if participation is labeled voluntary, children often feel pressure.
- Even if participation is labeled voluntary, children often feel pressure.
- Students who opt out are singled out or labeled as outsiders.
- Students who opt out are singled out or labeled as outsiders.
- Students who opt out are singled out or labeled as outsiders.
Keywords:
SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Labeling requirements for appliances.
- hour 8 hours debating labeling hour 8 hours debating labeling requirements<02:38:27.399>
for< - Speaker, do not want to see me debating labeling requirements for pool heaters.
- Speaker, do not want to see me debating labeling requirements for pool heaters.
- want to see me debating labeling want to see me debating labeling requirements<03:06:58.279>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Place names and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves
- <00:01:26.479>
of <00:01:26.720>a names and motifs on the label of a names and motifs - Implements cooperative labeling and consumer disclosure. Where's my Where's my All right.
- Manufacturers and distributors must permanently affix the label.
- Labeling and disclosure consumer requirements take effect December 31, 2025.
Summary:
The conference committee first took up HB 496 HD2 SD1 on mamaki tea. Members described the agreed conference draft as prohibiting misleading use of Hawaiian words, imagery, place names, and motifs on tea packaging unless all tea or dried leaves were grown, harvested, and dried in Hawaii. The bill also included an appropriation for a measurement standards inspector position at the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, with $65,000 in each of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The House and Senate managers recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by unanimous votes from the members present, with some members excused.
The committee then recessed and reconvened several times to manage a larger agenda of conference bills, moving some items to later times and rooms. Among the measures adopted were HB 862, addressing school transportation shortages by allowing certain nontraditional vehicles under safety conditions; HB 667, retitled the Microchip Identification Act, requiring DOT and counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips and notify animal services; HB 958, regulating electric bicycles and other micromobility devices with safety, labeling, registration, and age requirements; HB 934, relating to broadband and the digital equity office, with appropriations and positions; HB 960, raising DOT capital advancement contract thresholds and annual caps; HB 697, updating automated speed enforcement rules and appropriating $2 million; and SB 26, creating an affordable housing land inventory task force with a $250,000 appropriation. Each of these measures was adopted with amendments by conference vote, with some members excused and several brief recesses taken for quorum or agenda management.
Not all bills were resolved. HB 732, relating to the film industry tax credit cap, was deferred after conferees said they had not reached agreement, despite comments supporting the industry and local workers. HB 437, concerning an office in the Philippines under DBED, was also deferred for lack of agreement. The committee adjourned after stating that the remaining measures on the agenda would be deferred indefinitely.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (11/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've corrected that and the labeling also said it only states that it's exempt from state inspection
- <00:05:44.960>
also corrected that and the labeling also corrected that and the labeling also - That product is then labeled not for sale. >> Okay.
- Basically, it's going to be on the label.
- Basically, it's going to be on the label.
Summary:
The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a work session and then executive session on HB 396, which would allow processing of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at facilities not certified by USDA. Representative Comtois presented a revised amendment after prior drafting issues were corrected. The changes narrowed the bill to cuts of meat rather than meat food products, clarified labeling for amenable and non-amenable species, removed an exemption from federal law, struck a seasonal date range at Representative Bixby’s request, and reinstated a previously removed section. Supporters said the amendment now had clearer language and better safeguards, while some members still expressed reservations about the underlying policy.
Testimony from DHHS food safety officials emphasized that the department does not inspect custom-exempt facilities and would have little oversight unless there were a complaint or foodborne outbreak. They noted concerns about removing the September 1 to April 30 date range, explaining it had been included in the original bill because of temperature and storage concerns for large animals, and they also said the amendment appeared to focus documentation requirements on bison, elk, and red deer. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the proposal would create food safety risks, whether farmers should instead be educated and helped to aggregate processing capacity, and whether the bill would expose farmers, retailers, and restaurants to federal enforcement risk.
Rob Johnson of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau said the organization had recently voted down a policy opposing state regulations that would allow uninspected meat sales at retail, and he said he needed to consult further with Farm Bureau leadership before taking a position on HB 396. He suggested the bill should use the broader term “dairy and beef cattle” rather than “beef cows” for consistency. Supporters argued the bill would help small farmers, expand local food access, and reflect an intrastate policy choice despite conflict with federal law. The committee then moved into executive session and voted to approve amendment 2025-3090H, with members stating they would likely have different views on the bill itself.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Very few products, if any, had the label match the actual contents.
- Very few products, if any, the label match the actual contents.
- Those packages were clearly labeled at 44% THC. Labeled. Labeled. Does that mean actual? Correct.
- In court, labels don't decide cases; lab reports do.
- Our products are clearly labeled. They've got QR codes.
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children.
Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available.
Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 24, 2026 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- You sentenced him, labeled him for life.
- Do we not want him to save your child or your grandchild because of his label of sex offender?
- You've labeled everyone a sexual offender for a variety of levels of an offense, so you are capturing
- saying is they can't live here in Florida, and I don't know that should apply equally to everybody labeled
- neighborhood around my children, but I don't know that should apply equally to everybody with that label