Transcript Highlights:

• I've distributed a... I don't trust Colin.
• I've distributed a vintage wine chart, if anybody is interested in seeing it, that shows, you know, the
• I've distributed a vintage wine chart, if anybody is interested in seeing it, that shows, you know, the
• Senator Bettencourt sends up, and it has been distributed to the members.
• out Senate Bill 2420, Senator Paxton's bill about the regulation of platforms for the sale and distribution

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• The affirmative defenses to the crime of sale, distribution, or trade. display of harmful material to
• They raised funds and they distributed thousands and thousands of. copies of the Ten Commandments and
• asterisk on the display in schools mentioning to them that this is the one that Charlton Heston distributed
• these posters, of this law, if this bill becomes law, to a. the central administration for them to distribute
• just think, as someone who represents an urban community, that this would. be the safest way to distribute

Bills: SJR18, SCR5, SCR13, SCR25, SB3, SB6, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB18, SB35, SB388, SB412, SB441, SB495, SB666, SB687, SB706, SB740, SB815, SB842, SB917, SB925, SB995, SB1006, SB1281, SB1300, SB1379, SB1451, SB1902, SJR36, SJR18, SJR12, SCR13, SCR25, SCR5, SCR22, SB565, SB372, SB495, SB842, SB765, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB290, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB412, SB441, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB917, SB925, SB388, SB1902, SB1121, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB35, SB6, SB815, SB3, SB1281, SB1379, SB1300, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB1451, SB1061, SB15, SB65, SB241, SB304, SB402, SB499, SB621, SB974, SB1023, SB1024, SB1025, SB1106, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB400, SB609, SB1447, SB670, SB502, SB427, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1555, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB893, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB509, SB985, SB965, SB17, SB1119, SB1505, SB12, SB24, SB57, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1268, SCR12, SCR24, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB840

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 385 requires the Secretary of Health to issue, publish, and distribute recommendations for
• Thank you. >> Pages will collect and distribute the Senator's amendment. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Pages will collect and distribute the senator's amendment. Okay, I think maybe I spoke too soon.
• distributes food to individuals<01:02:20.079> in<01:02:20.319> need.
• Pages will collect and distribute the senator's amendment. Senator, may explain the amendment.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 38 members present and a quorum, then began with an invocation and several ceremonial introductions. The chamber recognized pioneering women of the Maryland State Police for Women’s History Month, including the original six female graduates and other firsts in the department, and also introduced the day’s doctor and a student intern. The Senate agreed to journalize the remarks honoring the Maryland State Police guests. The body then took up several Finance Committee bills, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection on Senate Bills 385, 387, 389, 753, 469, and 608, each of which was ordered printed for third reading. SB 385 concerns immunization, screening, and preventive-service recommendations and pharmacist administration; SB 387 restricts predatory pricing and use of personal data by food retailers and delivery services; SB 389 makes transit-oriented development changes; SB 753 addresses financial exploitation protections for seniors and vulnerable adults; SB 469 authorizes a Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund affordability program; and SB 608 requires coverage for pharmacogenomic testing. Senate Bill 626, dealing with birth certificate sex designation changes and related identification documents, was briefly set aside at the request of a senator seeking possible amendments, with the presiding officer agreeing to hold it until the next session. Senate Bill 739, a climate change, homeowners insurance, and emergency management study bill, was also introduced with one amendment and sparked debate over its scope and funding, including discussion of a $150,000 Strategic Energy Investment Fund allocation and whether the study would examine the General Assembly’s own climate policies. The transcript ends during that discussion, before any final action on SB 739.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was always our intention to make sure that the agency produces and distributes it to make it really
• to make sure that the agency distribute to make sure that the agency distribute produces<01:20:05.840
• > and<01:20:05.920> distribute<01:20:06.320> to<01:20:06.560> make<01:20:
• 06.640> it produces and distribute to make it produces and distribute to make it really<01:20:
• The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of labor and industry to create and distribute an

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I got a chance to work on CBD distribution in 2015 with health food stores and head shops.
• And with accessibility to medicine, we find that making it available with more distribution points gets
• points available with more distribution points gets<01:24:06.719> the<01:24:06.880> medicine
• If you could provide us with your presentations, we will distribute that.
• <02:06:47.280> that presentations uh we will distribute that presentations uh we will distribute

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The balance between the two will naturally shift based on the distribution of the two, resulting in a
• The balance between the two will naturally shift based on the distribution of the two, resulting in a
• The balance between the two will naturally shift based on the distribution of the two, resulting in a
• The balance between the two will naturally shift based on the distribution of the two, resulting in a
• made by both electric distribution made by both electric distribution companies<00:55:27.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we looked at the distribution of this and at who the benefits go to, you know, it would, because it's
• Um, if we're trying to distribute, how does it work?
• agency would pool that then the agency would determine<01:09:36.240> the<01:09:36.359> distribution
• <01:09:37.040> within<01:09:37.279> that determine the distribution within that determine
• the distribution within that general<01:09:37.759> pool.

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we'll move to the testifiers, and we will be following the order on the agenda that's been distributed
• 33.120> we'll<00:06:33.360> begin<00:06:33.680> with<00:06:33.919> Mike distributed
• So, we'll begin with Mike distributed.
• detachable magazine<00:34:55.520> production<00:34:56.000> and<00:34:56.159> distribution
• magazine production and distribution magazine production and distribution demonstrating<00:34:57.599

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3433 and House File 3402 together, both aimed at restricting assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The bill authors described the measures as bans on the sale and possession of enumerated military-style semi-automatic weapons and magazines over 10 rounds, while allowing current owners to keep firearms through a BCA certification process. They framed the bills as a response to the Annunciation School shooting and broader gun violence, emphasizing public support and the need to act to protect children and communities. Testimony in support came from Annunciation families and a Hennepin Healthcare emergency physician. Survivors and family members described the shooting’s aftermath in personal detail, including the death of children, severe injuries, long-term trauma, and ongoing medical treatment. They argued that the type of weapon mattered because it increased the speed and severity of the attack, and that limiting access to these weapons could slow future mass shootings and save lives. The physician said the injuries he treated showed how high-velocity rifles cause far greater tissue damage and urged swift action to limit access. Opposition testimony came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center and the NRA. They argued the bills would not have prevented the Annunciation shooting, contended that the 1994 federal assault weapons ban did not reduce crime, and said the legislation would likely face constitutional challenges because the firearms and magazines are in common use and protected by the Second Amendment. They also raised concerns about the bill’s grandfathering, registration, renewal, inspection, storage, and ammunition restrictions, and suggested lawmakers should instead focus on mental health intervention and other upstream causes of violence. The hearing ended with the committee moving into member discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the districts also apply for grants independently of the executive council distributing some
• It's distributed. You're talking about those monies, too.
• distributing the federal<01:05:33.200> some<01:05:33.440> of<01:05:33.520> those
• <01:06:12.880> It's<01:06:13.280> distributed. branch agencies.
• It's distributed. branch agencies. It's distributed.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, what this bill is doing is just reallocating funds within the oil distribution fund.
• Chair, what this bill is doing is just reallocating funds within the oil distribution fund.
• Okay. distribution fund. And u I'm not certain distribution fund.
• So, I'm not sure I want that to be so broadly distributed yet. not duplicating efforts amongst all the
• <01:09:46.640> Then<01:09:46.960> identify Broadly distributed yet.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A recommended policy mirrors guidelines proposed by national alcohol distribution and retail associations
• How do you distribute your product? How do you get out to the... Sure.
• It is and so we distribute, you know, we sell to them and then they distribute to the retailers whether
• How do you distribute your gummies? It's the same way, to a lesser degree.
• What I will suggest to you is if you look at the packet that I've had distributed to all of you.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and the distribution for the new $20 fee, because we’re making the changes from the original HB
• Okay, and the distribution for the new $20 fee, because we’re making the changes from the original HB
• Would that suffice, Senator, because a $20 fee now we need to ensure that distribution section F and
• > the section section uh three and four on the section section uh three and four on the distribution
• <00:25:52.480> would<00:25:52.760> that distribution would that distribution would that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• If your intention is to continue funding the board, and we hope you do, we did distribute a technical
• > a<00:27:42.720> technical<00:27:43.120> amendment<00:27:43.720> that distribute
• a technical amendment that distribute a technical amendment that would<00:27:44.320> uh<00:27
• So, during that last presentation, we were distributed statutory language.
• last presentation we were distributed last presentation we were distributed statutory<01:12:51.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support. Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders. A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report. Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will encounter and do encounter situations involving weapons, intent to distribute all kinds of
• things that should not be distributed, and using their observation skills, they might notice that weapon

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel. The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family. PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are still a lot of unknowns around paraquat and its distribution in the state.
• There are still a lot of unknowns around paraquat and its distribution in the state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, all amendments which have been distributed will not be read in full.
• Without objection, all motions which had been distributed will not be read in full.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on the federal level, I appreciate that it really touches everybody's district as we see food distribution
• Last year was the busiest in our history, with our distribution up nearly 20% overall.

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows them to distribute information and have meetings there, and the only real requirement in terms
• 1.22, modifies the Bring It Home... statewide rental assistance program to allow the agency to distribute

Transcript Highlights:

• These rules were distributed to each member of the committee for their review prior to this hearing.
• Well so okay so you're prohibiting the antibacterial soap from all manufacturing sale and distribution

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a lot of restrictions in how local districts can... ...spend the dollars that they are distributed
• This allows for more effective distribution of resources according to individual needs.

Keywords: 1136, house, all