Video & Transcript : 'fairness in mitigation' :
Page 159 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be arranged for folks in another room in this building.
- Thank you, Madam Chair. in the in the No, thank you, Madam Chair.
- Those in the audience wishing to speak in support, please step forward.
- It doesn't mean that it still can't be adjusted in a plea agreement, mitigated down, made an attempt
- That's currently in the law. You've already put that in place.
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 38, which would require insurance coverage for specialized wheelchairs, activity chairs, and related mobility devices for people with limb loss or other disabilities, with guardrails limiting the number of covered devices over time. The sponsor and supporters, including the Office of Superintendent of Insurance, Disability Rights New Mexico, the Disability Coalition, physical therapists, and disability advocates, said the bill would improve access, inclusion, and physical activity without significant premium impact. Questions focused on the substitute language, the device limits, and how Medicaid would handle coverage separately. The committee ultimately passed the House Health and Human Services Committee substitute for HB 38 on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then approved House Bill 165, which expands the C-PACE financing program to businesses using industrial revenue bonds and clarifies that counties and municipalities are not liable for payments. Support came from economic development and business groups, who said the bill would remove a barrier to energy- and water-efficiency upgrades and encourage investment. The bill passed on a 10-0 vote.
House Bill 127 also passed unanimously after discussion of its three parts: a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians, a telehealth registry for out-of-state providers, and changes to expedited licensure. Supporters said it would help address provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, while the sponsor explained that the amended version includes safeguards such as exam requirements, supervised practice, and a provisional-to-restricted-to-full licensure path. The committee voted 11-0 to advance the bill.
House Bill 72, which would increase penalties for distributing certain controlled substances, including methamphetamine, to minors, drew strong support from law enforcement and the chamber of commerce but significant concern from the Public Defender and several members over strict liability, mandatory sentencing, and the breadth of the penalty. After debate over whether the bill could reach low-level or peer-to-peer conduct and whether the penalty was proportionate, the committee voted to table the bill by a 6-4 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 151, a revised childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations bill. The sponsor presented a committee substitute that changed commission appointments, added reporting and solvency-related provisions, and adjusted procedures for compensation and appeals. Members raised concerns about parity, definitions, administrative costs, and how awards would be determined, but the committee approved the committee substitute on a 7-0 vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We will be arranged for folks in another room in this building.
- Those in the audience wishing to speak in support, please step forward.
- It doesn't mean that it still can't be adjusted in a plea agreement, mitigated down, made an attempt
- Not in this statute, not in the other statutes where the schedules are.
- That's currently in the law. You've already put that in place.
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 247 provides a fair and reasonable solution by ensuring that any increase in a property's
- That's better than any chicken in every power, got Herbert Huber elected in 1928. Lectures in 2030.
- It's a 501(c)(4) non-profit that attempts to increase fairness in the Texas property tax system. to speak
- Be in court. Be in court amendment. This seems to be...
- We built over 20,000 homes in Texas in 2024.
Bills:
SB2784, HB23, HB247, HB1533, HB2011, HB2013, HB2273, HB2421, HB2464, HB3120, HB3424, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HJR34, HB23, HB247, HJR34
Keywords:
Somervell County, hospital district, board of directors, elections, local governance, staggered terms, third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, border security, tax exemption, ad valorem, real property, infrastructure
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- In the last 18 months, we’ve had six deaths in Bonneville County related to kratom.
- , not in May, but in March.
- I know we're in Idaho.
- I know we're in Idaho.
- Is there anyone in the audience who would like to testify in House Bill 638?
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from Monday, March 2. It then considered RS 33585, a resolution on Idaho’s energy future that emphasized reliable, dispatchable baseload generation, ratepayer protection, private property rights, and concerns about large energy and transmission projects. Members debated language around natural gas and “responsibly developed” energy; an amended substitute moved the phrase to apply to all listed energy sources and struck it from the natural gas clause. The amended substitute passed unanimously, and the resolution was introduced.
Next, the committee heard RS 33601, which would create a task force to study sex torsion, its impact on victims, prevention, and response. Representative Boyle noted that “task force” is not a term used in committee rules and moved to replace it with “interim committee.” Representative Green agreed, and the committee adopted the change and sent the measure to second reading.
The committee also considered RS 33587, dealing with kratom and synthetic alkaloids derived from it. Representative Pohanka cited deaths in his district and support from local law enforcement, while other members raised concerns about whether the bill would affect natural kratom used in treatment settings and whether more medical testimony was needed. A substitute motion to narrow the bill to synthetic alkaloids failed 12-1, and the original motion to introduce RS 33587 passed, with Representative Scott recorded as voting no. Finally, House Bill 638, which would restore Idaho’s presidential primary to March and include a ballot-access fee, received testimony from the Secretary of State and others; supporters argued it would increase participation, while the Secretary preferred a May primary for cost and consolidation reasons but still favored a primary over caucuses. The committee sent HB 638 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. RS 3347 was then held subject to the call of the chair, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- in that community.
- A change in the scenario, a change in what people had expected to be there.
- AARP Waves in support. Colton Medell, Florida Chamber of Commerce. Waves in support.
- Some of those are aspirational talk that's not rooted in anything in the statute.
- There's a contradiction in terms, even in that definition.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard three bills. First, the committee considered Senator Osgood’s home hardening products bill (CS/SB 78). An amendment was adopted that changed the sales tax exemption for impact-resistant doors and windows into a refund process, limited eligibility to homeowners with site-built homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, capped the refundable tax at $500,000 per property, and set the refund period for two years beginning July 1, 2026. After the amendment, the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then took up Senator McClain’s SB 208 on land use and development regulations. The bill would define compatibility and infill residential development, allow administrative approval of certain infill projects, and set standards for local development-related fees. Several members and stakeholders discussed possible changes to the compatibility and fee provisions. Testimony included opposition from Audubon Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, and 1,000 Friends of Florida, who raised concerns about sprawl, public participation, the 100-acre infill threshold, and impacts on rural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Support came from Highland Homes and several groups that waived in support, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Industries of Florida. The bill was reported favorably after debate.
Finally, the committee heard Senator Trumbull’s SB 118 on special assessments for recreational vehicle parks. The bill clarifies that if a local government levies a special assessment on an RV park space or campsite, the assessed square footage cannot exceed the maximum square footage allowed for a recreational vehicle. An amendment clarified the maximum square footage as 400 square feet. After brief discussion and no opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- in that community. ...a change in the scenario, a change in what people had expected to be there.
- AARP Waves in support. Colton Medell, Florida Chamber of Commerce. Waves in support.
- Some of those are aspirational talk that's not rooted in anything in the statute.
- There's a contradiction in terms, even in that definition.
- I've seen it, at least in my area, it has slowed some, but growth in general is going to continue.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard three bills. First, the committee considered Senator Osgood’s home hardening products bill (CS/SB 78). The sponsor offered and the committee adopted a strike-all amendment that changed the sales tax exemption for impact-resistant doors and windows into a refund program. The refund is limited to homeowners with site-built homesteads valued at $700,000 or less, requires application to the Department of Revenue with proof of eligibility, caps the refundable tax at $500,000 per property, and runs for two years beginning July 1, 2026. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then took up Senator McLean’s land use and development regulations bill (SB 208), which would redefine compatibility, define infill residential development, allow administrative approval in certain cases, and set standards for local development-related fees. Members and stakeholders discussed concerns about the compatibility definition, the scope of administrative approval, and whether 100 acres is too large to qualify as infill. Testimony came from Audubon Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, the Florida League of Cities, Highland Homes, 1,000 Friends of Florida, and others, with supporters emphasizing housing supply and affordability and opponents warning about sprawl, reduced public participation, and impacts to rural lands and the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The sponsor said he would continue working on the language, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard Senator Truenow’s bill on special assessments for recreational vehicle parks (SB 118). The bill clarifies that if a local government levies a special assessment on an RV park space or campsite, the assessment may not exceed the maximum square footage allowed for an RV site. An amendment clarified that maximum as 400 square feet, resolving confusion about the cross-reference in current law. After brief discussion and one appearance form in support, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will start because I see the good Senator Harris here in the front row, ready to testify in his bill
- As background, in 2024 the Legislature first established statutory limits on lead in cookware.
- you again in 2026.
- Our current lead-in-cookware law in this state is the most health-protective in the nation, and over
- narrowed the bill, put in many exemptions, and changed the standards in that.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on two main bills. ESSB 5975 dealt with lead limits in cookware and a proposed striker that would shift more of the standard-setting and testing process to the Department of Ecology under Safer Products for Washington. Supporters, including industry groups, Ecology, the Department of Health, and environmental advocates, said the striker would provide clearer, science-based, and more workable standards while still reducing lead exposure. Some witnesses, including environmental groups, argued the bill should remain stronger, while others said the striker was an acceptable compromise. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 5360, which would create tiered criminal penalties for violations of the Water Pollution Control Act, Clean Air Act, and Hazardous Waste Management Act, including felony penalties for knowing or negligent conduct in certain circumstances. The prime sponsor and Attorney General’s Office said the bill targets egregious polluters, adds whistleblower and worker protections, and responds to serious environmental harm cases. Tribal, environmental, and advocacy witnesses supported the bill as a way to hold repeat polluters accountable. Labor, business, industry, county, utility, and forestry representatives opposed it, warning that the language could expose workers and permit holders to criminal liability for mistakes or routine operations and that the bill needed more stakeholder work.
At the end of the meeting, the committee took executive action on Substitute Senate Bill 6269, which updates the Motor Fuel Quality Act by modernizing the definition of motor fuel and folding alternative fuels into that definition. The bill passed the committee on a 19-0 vote, with two members excused, and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 1st, 2025
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We will start because I see the good Senator Harris here in the front row, ready to testify in his bill
- As background, in 2024 the legislature first established statutory limits on lead in cookware.
- you again in 2026.
- Our current lead-in-cookware law in this state is the most health-protective in the nation, and over
- narrowed the bill, put in many exemptions, and changed the standards in that.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (02/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- to come in and say we need some changes here to make the playing field fair.
- to come in and say we need some changes here to make the playing field fair.
- to come in and say we need some changes here to make the playing field fair.
- to come in and say we need some changes here to make the playing field fair.
- It creates an official and transparent record that is crucial in the event of an appeal, ensuring fairness
Summary:
The House Children and Family Law Committee opened its February 4, 2025 hearing with a business item on House Bill 553, appointing a subcommittee chaired by Representative Greg and including several named members. The committee then took up House Bill 486, which would revise New Hampshire’s grandparents’ visitation law. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to address gaps in current law, especially in situations involving divorce, separation, kinship care, and parental substance use, so that children can maintain important relationships with grandparents or other kin caregivers. He emphasized that the proposal was meant to supplement existing law rather than replace it, and said the language was modeled on statutes from other states.
Several witnesses testified in support of HB 486, describing painful family separations and arguing that current law can be interpreted too narrowly. One grandmother said the existing statute had been used to dismiss her visitation case because she was restricted while the parents were separated, and she asked for language changes so courts could still order visitation in similar circumstances. Another witness, testifying online, urged passage of the bill as being in the best interest of children. A third witness described a family living arrangement in which grandparents had been a consistent presence in their grandchildren’s lives but were later cut off during a contentious separation, and said the bill would help repair those relationships. Committee members asked about the six-month timeframe in the bill, whether the proposed language would affect cases where a grandparent does not live with the child but is still a regular caregiver, and whether the sponsor had written amendment language; the sponsor said the six-month language was taken from other states’ statutes and that the new language would not change existing visitation rights but would add to them.
After hearing the testimony, the chair said the committee would hold HB 486 aside for a week or two while awaiting additional information before voting. The hearing then moved to House Bill 320, an act relative to enforcement of marital property settlements. The sponsor explained that the bill would require courts to enforce final property decrees and would clarify the difference between enforcement and contempt, arguing that courts should have clear authority to fashion remedies and that litigants, especially self-represented parties, need clearer statutory guidance. Committee members questioned the legal distinctions the sponsor drew, including whether the bill was aimed at enforcement rather than contempt and how the proposed language would operate in practice. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 320.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to add my voice in support of the corporate fair share.
- I want to add my voice in support of the corporate fair share legislation filed by Rep.
- And so, you know, I really think of this in terms of tax fairness.
- And it's not fair for nobody in the country, not in Massachusetts, that this corporation keep the money
- When the legislation failed to pass the Fair Share legislation, the voters stepped in.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised.
Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We had southern flooding in Broward County in June.
- Mitigation works. We have to put these controls in place. We have to elevate. We have to harden.
- being in the dark.
- In some areas, ma'am, certainly not in all.
- here in Florida.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- that will promote fair trials and therefore fair judgments in the state of Texas.
- It just happened in 2025 in the 14th Court of Appeals.
- We want to make sure that those people are made whole, but we do want it done in a fair way.
- McCoy's strongly believes in our legal system and access to fair compensation for those with legitimate
- that way to make sure that the... that the system is running in a fair manner, and I've done that.
Bills:
SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429
Keywords:
gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights.
The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 23rd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that a fair statement? And my basic understanding was like 75 to 80,000 acre-feet in play.
- In place since 1996, this agreement has helped ensure fair trade practices and price stability for the
- in other ways in the GMA process.
- Fair statement in growth. But let's set that issue aside; what it ultimately...
- In favor, please vote in the Senate.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) Mar 5th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- There are several provisions in these two bills that basically ensure there's transparency and fairness
- in It's more.
- , you're probably going to miss that, but, uh, and just in all fairness, some people probably don't even
- We applaud Senator Miles for his commitment to mitigating the missteps that resulted in. vulnerable Texans
- The hemphill family who are... very fair, work out in the ranch, in the sun, and we didn't even sunburn
Keywords:
SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We deliver in unmarked vehicles and in brown paper bags.
- These bills would allow fairness in accessing delivery of cannabis by licensed delivery operators.
- These bills would allow fairness in accessing delivery of cannabis by licensed delivery operators, allowing
- These bills would allow fairness in accessing delivery of cannabis by licensed delivery operators, allowing
- in a banned town, they would have limited access to cannabis, and this is not acceptable nor fair.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed.
A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses.
Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/28/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> rules in line with the rule R in rules in line with the rule R in neighboring<00:10:00.760><c> states
- </c> odd juncture in the in the development odd juncture in the in the development of<00:34:18.240><c
- </c><00:39:46.880><c> about</c> that in in what we're talking about that in in what we're talking about
- </c> long they've been in the in the queue long they've been in the in the queue but<01:15:21.719><c>
- </c> change that but in the in the language change that but in the in the language of<01:28:01.880><c
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- In comparison to our last budget, we are spending $150 million less in general funds in this budget.
- </c> study ohrv use in New Hampshire is in study ohrv use in New Hampshire is in support<01:23:51.760
- </c> ourselves in a situation in New ourselves in a situation in New Hampshire<01:37:18.360><c> where
- fairness?”
- He was born in Kentucky, moved to Indiana, and ended up in Illinois, very close to where I grew up in
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> uh in having observed these bills uh in uh in having observed these bills uh in different<00:39:
- </c><01:01:23.599><c> in</c> program started in 2010 in Oregon but in program started in 2010 in Oregon
- year</c> bill in Colorado in one year bill in Colorado in one year um<01:02:28.480><c> but</c><01:02:
- ><c> into</c> bringing in in additional Revenue into bringing in in additional Revenue into the<03:42
- :43:07.359><c> body</c> well as members in our in our own body well as members in our in our own body
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs.
Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled.
Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're boxed in, and we're not getting a fair price because we have two people that set the price, and
- We're here in favor to speak in favor of 5971.
- We are signed in, in part, due to the fact that this program is not included in the governor's budget
- again to $2,199 in the second year of the phase-in.
- hopefully, in bigger income in two to three years.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs.
The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.