Transcript Highlights:

• problem.
• Oh, he's got a lot of problems problem.
• That's not a problem. rulemaking issue? That's not a problem.
• However, if I'm on the list in Manchester, I could go to Dover and I could gamble with no problem whatsoever
• <01:57:00.400> gaming problem gaming which was problem gaming problem gaming which was problem

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of the compulsive gambling one, I mentioned it's the administrative cost that is what's called
• In the case of the compulsive gambling one, I mentioned it's the administrative cost that is what's called
• many; there are only two statutory appropriations in this, and they're both related to compulsive gambling
• In the case of the compulsive gambling one, I mentioned it's the administrative cost that is what's called
• <01:19:45.120> but re resolve the 48 hour rule problems but re resolve the 48 hour rule problems

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• He mentions that one of the problems with this bill is about stopping transportation.
• It was news to me when he changed his position on casino gambling.
• Problems that we answered all the questions about.
• Well, he said, when we ran in '15, he said, "I'm not for expanded gambling.
• It's the product in the store that's the problem, not where the store is.

Transcript Highlights:

• Problem gaming nothing came from it other than problem gaming was funded by breakage from historic racing
• Problem gaming nothing came from it other than problem gaming was funded by breakage from historic racing
• We had a big problem.
• gambling.
• <05:20:07.798> then<05:20:08.080> then problem or part of the problem then then problem

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, House Bill 1226 originates from the problems that we have seen arise from the protests
• Not being able to identify these people is a problem.
• So with the charitable gambling, let's say there's four pull-tab machines in that particular facility
• So your committee certainly understood the problem.
• So your committee certainly understood the problem So your committee certainly understood the problem

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're not trying to solve the problem. we're not trying to solve the problem.
• I have a problem. And I have an issue. I have a problem.
• . gambling. gambling.
• is actually saying gambling. is actually saying gambling.
• . problem. problem.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Duggan, could you explain the reduction in the tax on poker rooms and why we are sort of incenting gambling
• I wouldn't say we're incenting gambling. It's already happening.
• And so I’m having a lot of problems on those main three issues that are in there that I wish there was
• I also, the poker rooms just, gambling is a luxury.
• I also, I, the poker rooms just, gambling is a luxury.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• had before this bill, they will have after this bill, but it has to come up in court because the problem
• This body has done a lot of good work in the past few years in limiting illegal gambling activities.
• However, gambling houses persist, and this bill is in an effort to continue the crackdown.
• It expands the definition of public nuisances to add gambling houses to the list of properties that can
• Those of you who are not able to come back, I have no problem with taking that testimony today.

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early measures included CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would allow qualified candidates or political parties to sue over violations of party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of it, arguing the bill removed existing limits on force and erased sentencing distinctions. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including CS/SB 7014, SB 7016, CS/SB 7012, SB 7000, SB 7002, SB 7004, SB 7006, and SB 7008, all of which extend or preserve public records or meeting exemptions for topics such as social media investigations, small business loan records, motor vehicle enforcement records, emergency shelter information, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, Public Service Commission proceedings, and Gaming Control Commission records. The committee also approved SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and opponents not appearing in the excerpt. HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably after supporters from the Florida Chamber and Associated Industries backed the bill, which limits strict liability claims involving natural geological substances on former phosphate mines but not phosphogypsum stacks. CS/SB 48 on housing, as amended, would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units, limit certain local barriers, and extend housing incentives; it drew broad support from housing, business, real estate, and advocacy groups. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 on CPA licensure modernization, SB 292 on public records protection for appellate court clerks, CS/SB 296 and CS/SB 298 on domestic and dating violence protections and related public records exemptions, and SB 386 on farm equipment warranty protections were also reported favorably, generally with supportive testimony from affected industries, advocacy groups, or public safety stakeholders. Later, the committee approved SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increase penalties and enforcement tools. It also heard but temporarily postponed CS/CS/SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after the chair allowed public testimony because many stakeholders had traveled to attend; one opponent, a longtime builder, argued the bill could criminalize contractors who withhold payment for deficient subcontractor work. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes on selected bills and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, chair calls Doctor Lauren Gamble. Good morning. I have you registered as Dr. Lauren Gamble.
• Um, I'm Doctor Lauren Gamble.
• Thank you, Doctor Gamble, for being here.
• This problem affects thousands of people like me every day.
• So I never had a problem.

Bills: HB163, HB 296

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 44, gambling amendments, sponsor Management Council.
• Senate File 44, gambling amendments, sponsor Management Council.
• Senate file 44, gambling<00:23:39.360> amendments.
• Senate file 52, gambling amendments.
• It is, and we have a problem.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They have had cases where erosion problems required an engineer to make sure the geotechnical work was
• and the contractor had with the problem and the contractor had no<00:39:35.160> penalties.
• <01:27:33.199> to relying on uh things like gambling to relying on uh things like gambling
• to fund services in depend on gambling to fund services in the<01:28:14.960> state.
• I don't have any problem with the intent of the bill.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 110, as amended by the Senate, which would establish fees for alteration-of-terrain applications and direct the Department of Environmental Services to adopt rules for a permit-by-notification process for certain projects. Trisha Milo introduced the bill for Senator Lang and noted that the department had worked on the amended language. Matt Mayberry of the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association said the industry strongly supported the bill, describing it as a public-private partnership that would speed review for developers without affecting local control, with builders paying the costs rather than taxpayers. Members focused heavily on how the bill’s fee structure and permit thresholds would work, especially for projects near shoreland, wetlands, and protected water bodies. Representative Opel raised concerns about whether the bill reduced review of habitat and shoreland impacts or shifted costs unfairly; Philip Trobridge of DES explained that the bill does not eliminate those reviews and that shoreland projects still receive greater scrutiny. He said the bill creates different tiers, with the permit-by-notification process applying to certain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet that are not in protected shoreland, while larger or shoreland-affected projects remain under the standard review process. He also said the proposed fees were based on sustaining the program, covering added habitat and species review responsibilities, and keeping reviews efficient. Trobridge said the new fee structure would generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue and help fund additional staff and related program costs. He stated that the department had worked with the regulated community and believed the fees were fair and reasonable, though he acknowledged the bill’s wording was confusing and that the threshold could be revisited later if the new process works well. Members also discussed how the state process interacts with local approvals, and Trobridge said both state and local approvals are required before a project can begin. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem isn't with safety at the state fair, it's getting to.
• . problems, encourages mitigation, and thereby minimizes the risk of Federal preemption.
• . problems.
• Doctor, I just appreciate you being here and shedding light on this enormous problem.
• So you vote by mail, and there's a problem. There's some kind of a defect.

Bills: SB1065, SB2117, SB2217, SB2363, SB2533, SB2742, SB2743, SB2881, SB2964, SB3013, SB3014

Keywords: SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• E-pull tab revenue, all lawful gambling.
• E pull tab revenue all lawful gambling.
• > formula<00:25:02.960> and<00:25:03.520> madam gambling.
• That's the formula and madam gambling.
• And are there of charitable gambling?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I had a Ninth Circuit argument a couple of weeks ago on a seizure of gambling machines that happened
• /c><00:12:30.560> a<00:12:30.640> seizure<00:12:31.040> of<00:12:31.160> gambling
• <00:12:31.560> machines ago on a seizure of gambling machines ago on a seizure of gambling
• my whole career, that I've been able to see different people's perspectives on how they approach problems
• my whole career, that I've been able to see different people's perspectives on how they approach problems

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows them to receive a gambling permit to transfer to Palm Meadows without notice.
• We were asked if we wanted to allow gambling to take place at places like Gulfstream, where Gulfstream
• So we weren't asked if we just wanted to have random gambling anywhere in Broward County.
• We're not going to go back to the residents of Broward and say, "Hey, do you still want to have gambling
• Number two: We are not going back to the voters that allowed this gambling to be there to begin with

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem that I came across was the institution.
• Christians who encounter this problem Christians who encounter this problem thank you<01:04:44.000
• They had no problem afterwards.
• <01:46:34.639> as for uh people with addiction problems as for uh people with addiction problems
• gambling, and we don't even really spend it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we can try and get um this problem that we can try and get um this problem solidified<02:12
• Big problem.
• self-exclusion list to combat problem self-exclusion list to combat problem gaming<02:48:00.560>
• gambling habits slot machine gambling gambling habits slot machine gambling car<02:52:08.160>
• it in writing, no problem.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• missing, and the amount of time that was spent on that, I do look at this as more of a socioeconomic problem
• So the current rate of $2 was set back in 1993 when we adopted riverboat gambling.
• But as somebody who watched people come in and gamble on a regular basis, there's going to be some industries

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky League on Alcohol and Gambling Kentucky League on Alcohol and Gambling and<00:09:58.200
• ,<00:16:26.839> any problems, any problems, any anything,<00:16:29.240> any<00:16:29.560
• And it was a problem. I had three constituents come to me about this specific problem.
• I had three And it was a problem.
• So, unless I'm wrong, specific problem.

Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting cut off shortly after the meeting began. This is the complete copy pulled from back ups., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the... with a knee problem saying well even with a knee problem saying well even though<01:08:
• <01:44:37.040> uh something about charitable gambling uh something about charitable gambling
• Chair, Senator Duckworth, so I'm the gambling queen.
• title on here from now on to gambling title on here from now on to gambling Queen<01:46:12.880><
• governor to help us solve that problem governor to help us solve that problem he<01:46:27.639>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee held its first hearing of the session and began with introductions from members and staff, many of whom shared personal or family connections to military service. The chair emphasized that the committee would work respectfully and invited members to raise concerns directly. No votes or formal actions were taken during the opening portion of the meeting. The main substantive item was an overview presentation from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Commissioner Brad Lindsay described the agency’s mission, statewide footprint, and strategic goals, noting Minnesota has more than 286,000 veterans and that MDVA serves veterans in all 87 counties. He outlined the department’s structure, including eight veterans homes, four state veterans cemeteries, tribal and campus outreach, and the agency’s focus on seamless support, awareness of programs, stewardship of resources, and workforce retention. Deputy Commissioner Ben Johnson then detailed the Programs and Services Division, including federal VA claims assistance, veterans employment and education support, state veterans cemeteries and memorial affairs, the State Soldiers Assistance Program, homelessness prevention, tribal veteran service officers, women veterans services, the Minnesota GI Bill, licensing and certification assistance, the state approving agency, veterans preference, emergency assistance, the LinkVet line, and the Minnesota Service Core partnership with Lutheran Social Services. He also noted the agency’s work on food insecurity and burial services. The presentation was informational only, with no committee action reported.