Transcript Highlights:

• The changes in AB 2782 are fairly minor and generally of a clarifying nature. No opposition.
• An important step to protecting patients is to empower the Attorney General to provide oversight.
• This law would require manufacturers to build monitoring systems into general fabrication tools.
• Tiffany Brokaw, Deputy Attorney General, here on behalf of Attorney General Rob Bonta and his Office
• Tiffany Brokaw, Deputy Attorney General, here on behalf of Attorney General Rob Bonta and his Office

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Realtors, as one of their general principles, stand in support of private property rights.
• So it is an actual higher intent than just general intent.
• So it is an actual higher intent than just general intent.
• Okay, but they're kind of distributing it.
• And, you know, that's what generally happens.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to remove the distributed energy...
• And then finally we have late from Ryan Cuda, General Contractors Association.
• <00:16:28.399> contractor Cuda general contractor Cuda general contractor Association<00:16
• We also have Keith Comproller, R County, and General Services. We stand...
• Keith comproller R County and general Keith comproller R County and general Services<00:27:39.279

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 4, 2025, for decision making on previously heard measures, then later held hearings on additional bills. Early action focused on several measures that were amended and advanced, including SB 161 on state project exemptions from county permitting, which was heavily revised to allow programmatic or project-specific agreements with counties, require public reporting of exempted projects, and create a working group to study broader permitting and construction coordination issues. The committee also advanced SB 635 on energy efficiency with changes shifting survey leadership to the Hawaii State Energy Office, SB 700 on resilience hubs after narrowing it to focus on emergency-service-capable hubs and removing distributed energy language, SB 869 on community outreach boards with a technical amendment, SB 1081 on a legislative budget office by converting it to a feasibility study, SB 711 on gubernatorial appointments with a salary threshold change, SB 405 on neighborhood board agendas with a committee-report note about OIP concerns, SB 381 with privacy issues deferred to Judiciary, SB 2 as a two-year pilot for fruit tree planting in selected districts, SB 239 on disaster preparedness with sheltering revisions, and SB 998 as introduced with a cost estimate for site selection work. Several measures were deferred or not advanced, including SB 615, which was deferred indefinitely, SB 1132, which the chair said would be set aside in favor of another childcare bill, and SB 111, which was not taken up further because of confusion during an earlier hearing. During the later hearing portion, SB 1175 on procurement drew testimony from the State Procurement Office, which supported the bill but corrected its estimated database revision cost from $7,500 to $30,000; the Department of Transportation also appeared, while the General Contractors Association submitted opposition. Committee members questioned whether the past-performance database should include more detailed quality information and whether a one-year post-completion review would be useful, but no amendment was adopted at that time. SB 1587 on retainage received written support from the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and no opposition in the room. SB 1543 on government accountability, which would require justification for outside consultants and cap consultant spending, drew opposition from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii, which argued it could slow procurement, reduce flexibility, and worsen delays given existing vacancies and limited in-house expertise. The Public First Law Center supported the related transparency bill discussed in the hearing, arguing it would close a loophole by making contractor-created records used in government functions subject to disclosure under UIPA, while the Attorney General’s office opposed it. The transcript ends with that testimony still underway, and no final vote is shown for the later hearing bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next change item will generate overall savings to the general fund.
• Our next change item will generate overall savings to the general fund.
• Back to general funds?
• Thank you, Attorney General Ellison. Members, any questions or comments for the Attorney General?
• Chairman, Attorney General.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's $25 million appropriated for the program coming from the state general fund.
• So, that grant is distributed so every school district has a chance at funding.
• So, that grant is distributed so every school district has a chance at funding.
• > so<00:16:25.279> every that grant is distributed so every that grant is distributed so
• Um competitive the general formula.

Bills: HF3492, HF3493, HF3494, HF3495, HF3602

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• very focused activity at the Agency for Health Care Administration specific to this issue, but in general
• AT THE AGENCY OF  HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION AS SPECIFIC   134 TO THIS ISSUE BUT IN GENERAL
• , can you provide committee staff with the follow-up information and then we can have the staff distribute
• As a reminder, ACHA will follow up with staff and distribute the follow-up items as necessary.
• I guess in general I do think there are opportunities, and there have been instances where even if an

Summary: The Health Facilities Subcommittee met to receive implementation updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration on three bills passed in prior sessions. First, Deputy Secretary Brian Meyer reported on the transfer of the Children’s Medical Services managed care plan from the Department of Health to AHCA under HB 1085. He said the move was administrative only, with no change to enrollment, providers, services, or clinical eligibility functions, and that it was intended to create efficiencies by aligning procurement and shifting staff resources between agencies. Members then questioned AHCA about reports of reductions in private duty nursing and therapy services for medically fragile children, including concerns about appeals, provider credentialing, and whether families were losing services or being transitioned appropriately. AHCA said it was reviewing denials, monitoring the plan, and using contractual remedies while focusing on maintaining access for members. The committee also reviewed implementation of a bill creating permanent Medicaid eligibility for individuals with permanent disabilities. AHCA staff explained that the agency had submitted a federal 1115 waiver request after public comment and stakeholder meetings, but CMS had indicated it did not anticipate approving the requested authority. Members pressed AHCA on why the waiver was submitted later than the bill’s directive date and on whether the delay was avoidable. AHCA said the waiver was complex and required review, drafting, and public input, and noted that DCF already has a specialized unit to help with redeterminations while the agencies work on operational changes. The committee discussed the practical impact on families who struggle with annual eligibility renewals and the need for clearer communication and faster follow-up from the agency. Finally, AHCA presented on the home health aide program for medically fragile children and related Medicaid eligibility changes. The agency described the 2023 law that created a family caregiver provider type and the 2025 changes that increased the hourly rate, expanded hours, reduced training requirements, and removed caregiver earnings from Medicaid eligibility calculations, subject to federal approval. AHCA said it had completed state public comment, submitted the waiver amendment to CMS, and was awaiting federal action. Members raised concerns that some families may have enrolled or begun work before the eligibility fix was in place and may have lost benefits, especially in Broward County. AHCA said it would work with affected families and plans, review outreach through DCF and the health plans, and continue rulemaking, system updates, and provider training. The meeting ended with the chair noting that the committee had received the updates and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
• AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
• under 33,000 generic and biosimms on the formulary less than 5,000.
• That's where the rebates are really generated from.
• If you were to, so in general, ERISA is not subject to state law.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Insurance met on May 6, 2026, and first reported HB 1241 favorably. That bill, by Chairman Furman, requires insurers to check with DCFS before paying certain insurance settlements to determine whether the recipient owes delinquent child support, and to withhold and remit arrears if found. DCFS explained that Louisiana already has intercepts and other collection tools, but no current mechanism for insurance settlements. Senators raised concerns about notice to obligors and about liability if insurers fail to withhold, but the bill was advanced without objection. The committee then heard HB 870, which would require health insurers and PBMs to cover lower-cost generic or biosimilar drugs when available and to use utilization management no more restrictively on those drugs. Supporters said the bill would improve access and lower patient costs by using wholesale acquisition cost as the comparison point. Opponents, including Louisiana Blue and the AFL-CIO, argued that WAC ignores rebates and net cost, could force plans to cover higher-cost biosimilars first, and could increase premiums and disrupt ERISA and fully insured plan design. The committee adopted a technical amendment set and then a second amendment set that added notice and reporting requirements tied to net cost calculations, and HB 870 was reported favorably as amended. Several other bills were moved with little or no opposition. HB 1176, concerning Medicare Advantage coverage for integrative cancer treatments such as cold cap therapy, cryotherapy, and acupuncture, was amended to change the effective date and then reported favorably. HB 1196, dealing with colorectal cancer screening follow-up colonoscopies, was also amended and reported favorably. HB 1162, a consumer protection bill requiring DOI to verify that a contractor named on a first-party property damage check is licensed in Louisiana, was amended and reported favorably. HB 826, which modernizes insurance referral rules to allow referrals by email or website address, was reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 1151 on insurer investment limits and solvency protections, and HB 1236 on pharmacy reimbursement and copay maximizer programs; both drew substantial testimony and concern, especially over retroactivity, PBM cost allocation, and whether copay maximizers shift costs to patients, but the transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1236.

Transcript Highlights:

• NASA is at a point of great pride for a generation.
• Thank you, Senator Sheehy, for the very generous introduction.
• It's a part of the Communications Act to advance and preserve universal service generally.
• Do you support requiring callers to disclose to consumers when it's an AI-generated call?
• I understand you cannot comment on open proceedings, so I will ask generally.

Keywords: state policy, governance, legislative processes, public concerns, policy improvement

Summary: During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
• AAM represents the generic and biosimilar manufacturers.
• Almost 90% of the claims dispensed are generic and biosimilars.
• That's where the rebates are really generated from.
• If you were to, so in general, ERISA is not subject to state law.

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill requires WIFA, within 90 days of the general effective date, to adopt rules to implement the
• Yeah, I think that generally the bill itself is a good one, because I think we need good information
• on the conservation grant fund project monies, how they were distributed, and then the follow-up.
• And I've generally been interested to have that so that when and if we're in a position to continue to
• It's $1 million from the State General Fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund

Bills: HB2029, HB2096, HB2116

Keywords: water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, cesspool remediation, cesspool replacement, forgivable principal, forgivable loan, wifa, water infrastructure finance authority, clean water revolving fund, drinking water revolving fund, wastewater infrastructure, on-site wastewater system, septic system, groundwater protection, public health, nonpoint source pollution, county water projects

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee heard three bills, all of which received do pass recommendations. House Bill 2029 would require additional disclosure from applicants to the Water Conservation Grant Fund, including plans for how saved water will be used; an amendment broadened the disclosure requirement from only certain applicants to all eligible entities. WIFA testified neutral on the bill and amendment, noting it already collects much of the information. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed 8-0, with the sponsor indicating he may reoffer the amendment on the floor. House Bill 2096 would authorize counties to seek WIFA financial assistance, including forgivable principal, to remediate, close, or replace cesspools that threaten water quality or public health, and would clarify county authority to accept such loans without voter approval. WIFA was neutral and said the bill resolves ambiguity in the statutes. Supporters from the County Supervisors Association and Gila County described widespread cesspool problems in rural counties, especially Gila County, where thousands of cesspools remain and flooding caused sewage contamination and major cleanup costs. The committee approved the bill 8-0. House Bill 2116 would appropriate $1 million from the General Fund in FY 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund. Supporters said the money is needed to prepare for possible legal challenges over Colorado River cuts, while several members emphasized they hope litigation will not be necessary and described the amount as a placeholder for future budget discussions. The bill passed 8-0 and was sent to Appropriations before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, increases in sales of general fund increase the existing maintenance factor payment in 2024
• It's reflecting a combination of higher General Fund revenues, partially offset by some lower property
• I think what this reflects is our general estimate of where we think volatility could lie.
• There is an increase of $20 million one-time General Fund to support immigration legal services.
• , how much would they generate at different levels of increasing the fee.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for TK-12 education, beginning with a Proposition 98 overview from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Finance said the May Revision increases the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee by about $6.4 billion relative to the Governor’s January budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, continued full payment of the outstanding settle-up obligation in 2024-25, and a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up amount in 2025-26. Finance also described larger mandatory and discretionary deposits into the Proposition 98 reserve, ending with an estimated $10.3 billion reserve balance. The LAO said the overall estimates were reasonable, but urged the state to fully fund the guarantee and use other budget tools, including reserves, to manage volatility rather than delay settle-up payments. Members questioned the remaining settle-up amount, the risk of revenue volatility, and possible alternatives such as advance payments or other reserve strategies. The second panel covered Department of Education proposals and trailer bill language. Finance outlined additional state operations funding and positions for CDE, along with trailer bill changes affecting community schools, preschool, literacy, special education, charter accountability, teacher-related programs, and other technical cleanups. The LAO supported the overall structure of the package but recommended changes to several items, including rejecting some additional one-time community schools, literacy, math, multilingual screener, and inclusive college proposals, while supporting the ongoing LCFF and special education increases and raising concerns about the paid pregnancy disability leave proposal’s cost and implementation complexity. CDE supported the special education increase, community schools, literacy and math investments, homelessness funding, and the paid pregnancy leave proposal, while asking for more funding for county office support, clearer homelessness definitions, and continued preschool parity. Members also asked about immigrant student supports, community schools reporting, and the rationale and cost estimate for the paid pregnancy leave proposal, which Finance estimated at $218 million annually. The final panel addressed the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Finance proposed additional legal staffing for SB 848 implementation and educator misconduct caseloads, a fee increase for clear credential renewals from $100 to $125, a $5 million one-time Proposition 98 investment to build a transcript review platform, $2 million ongoing for transcript review staffing, and $30 million one-time for the statewide residency technical assistance center. The LAO had no concerns about the legal staffing, supported the transcript review platform if the fee increase and ongoing staffing were adopted, and recommended rejecting the residency technical assistance center expansion because existing funding runs through 2029. The Commission explained that the misconduct workload has grown over several years, that AI would assist but not replace human review in transcript matching, and that the residency technical assistance center helps recruit and retain teachers and support rural districts. Public commenters largely supported special education, discretionary block grants, community schools, literacy investments, homelessness funding, and teacher credentialing alternatives, while some urged rejection of the settle-up proposal and preschool COLA reduction.

Transcript Highlights:

• So where we are today in the millennial generation is pretty spread out.
• And, well, let me ask it this way: when were these scenarios generated?
• And then part of this is because of the different sizes of those generations.
• The baby boomers are such a large generation and occupy so many homes.
• So that alone generates, even in the low-growth scenario, a demand for another 75,000 units.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census heard presentations on Massachusetts population trends and how they affect state housing planning. Susan Strait of the UMass Donahue Institute reviewed recent Census Bureau estimates, saying Massachusetts grew strongly over the last decade but that growth has slowed sharply in the newest estimates, largely because net international migration has fallen from a post-pandemic surge. She also described the four components of population change—births, deaths, domestic migration, and international migration—along with aging trends, declining fertility, the importance of the millennial cohort, and the role of foreign-born residents in births and the labor force. Committee members asked about college students in group quarters and about counting incarcerated people, and Strait explained the Census Bureau’s current methods and noted that some issues remain under discussion. Jesse Guerrero of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council then explained how MAPC uses UMass Donahue population projections to build household and local land-use forecasts for MassDOT and the statewide housing plan. He said the earlier transportation projections anticipated slower statewide growth and regional decline in western Massachusetts and on the Cape, with more growth in eastern Massachusetts. He also described how household formation, development patterns, zoning, and affordability are modeled, and noted that newer housing-plan scenarios use updated Census data and different assumptions about migration. Senator Miranda raised concerns about Cape Cod population loss and whether seasonal residents are being counted, and Guerrero and Strait said the projections focus on permanent residents, not seasonal populations. Tim Reardon of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities tied the demographic forecasts to the statewide housing plan, saying housing demand exists even under low-growth or slight-decline scenarios. He said the plan estimates about 115,000 homes are needed to address existing shortages, including doubled-up households, shelter families, seasonal conversion losses, and the need for healthier vacancy rates, plus additional units tied to future household formation. He added that the state’s total housing target is about 222,000 units, or as high as 262,000 under a higher-growth scenario. Senators pressed him on whether the scenarios are now too high given the recent drop in immigration, on affordability and out-migration, and on whether the housing plan adequately reflects homelessness and overcrowding in Boston and elsewhere. Reardon said the plan includes production, rental assistance, shelter prevention, and preservation strategies, and noted that HLC is also using grant programs and MBTA Communities-related infrastructure funding to support housing production statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• The consequences will belong to the people of Louisiana for generations.
• To the people of Louisiana for generations.
• I think if you get beyond into general revenue conversation, you are in a tax conversation.
• I think if you get beyond into general revenue conversation, you are in a tax conversation.
• How much does the generator or the emitter of the CO2 emission get for a tax credit per metric ton?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will make sure that we also distribute it electronically to the members.
• Okay, I believe we have distributed a preliminary proposed conference draft to our conferees, and we
• It requires the Attorney General to publish model policies. um, by January um, by January 1st,<00:14:
• <00:46:28.160> It's general agreement on the contents.
• It's general agreement on the contents.

Bills: HB2241, HB1163, HB1514, HB1696, HB2021, SB2135, SB2466, SB2727, SB3082, SB3097, SB2861, SCR100, SB3096, SB99, SB2138, HB2289, HB2319, HB1711, HB2270, SB3138, SB3076, HB1642, HB2338, HB2171, HB1785, SB2881, HB2505, SB2552, HB1518, HB1815, SB3125, SB3234, SCR162, SB2614, SB3118, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB2158, HB1718, HB2207, HB1801, SB3229, SB2338, SB3069, SB2600, HB2300, HB1800, HB1960, SB2999, SB2060, SB2866, SB2239, HB1741, HB1713, HB2023, HB2417, SB2877, SB2598, SB2921, SB2645, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2329, HB2339, HB1838, HB1509, HB1661, HB2271, HB2272, HB2344, HB1888, HB1707, SB2340, HB2474, HB1576, HB1853, HB1804, HB1854, HB2095, HB2050, HB472, SB3215, SB2247, SB2400, HB1618, HB1802, HB1969, HB1541, HB2310, HB2498, HB2443, HB2218, HB649, HB2104, HB1710, SB2802, HB1973, HB1974, HB1894, HB1891, HB1890, SB177, SB2101, SB3320, SB2487, HB2429, HB1870, HB1839, HB2583, HB1391, HB2094, SB2671, SB2673, SB2892, SB2057, SB3245, HB306, HB2592, SB3157, SB3204, SB3324, SB2580, SB2074, SB411, SB3025, SB2934, SB2567, SB2125, SB3238, SB2367, SB2599, SB3007, SB2001, SB2756, SB3029

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, injury recovery, employment services, return to work, commercial driving, driver's license

Transcript Highlights:

• In general, Mental health providers, general education mental health providers now use our BH Works mental
• generators in case of something like a lot of flooding or firing fires like we've seen in Riodoso and
• A survey was distributed to all LEAs to identify their desired supports and to inform the development
• There's multiple forms of engagement with this generation.
• Um, 2nd round, uh, representative distributive. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Deers would be happy to comment on that, but it can be very general.
• <00:40:13.440> energy distributed energy distributed energy resources<00:40:15.599> renewables
• It does planning for future generation power needs and transmission lines.
• :51.680> being<00:45:52.319> isn't dispassful generation isn't being isn't dispassful generation
• required<00:50:36.079> to Power generators are not required to Power generators are not

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been distributed, and I will move for its adoption. We'll start some discussion on that.
• If someone chooses to sell or distribute the most dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, meth, etc
• If someone chooses to sell or distribute the most dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, meth, etc
• So if you weren't distributing illegal drugs, the person wouldn't have died, regardless of whether you
• So just stating if they deliver or distribute a controlled substance, it doesn't need to specify that

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if that has been distributed. Okay, we might have to circle back to the A19 amendment.
• I don't know if that has been distributed. Okay, we might have to circle back to the A19 amendment.
• I don't know has that been um distributed.<00:07:58.720> Okay. distributed.
• Okay. distributed. Okay.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• hygiene items to local community shelters that provide services to women and veterans, collects and distributes
• hygiene items to local community shelters that provide services to women and veterans, collects and distributes
• and to women and Veterans<00:05:17.360> collects<00:05:17.720> and<00:05:17.919> distributes
• <00:05:18.440> school Veterans collects and distributes school Veterans collects and distributes

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural reminders that the meeting would be short, that bill changes should generally be provided with 24-hour notice, that testimony would be limited at the chair’s discretion, and that no signs were permitted in the room. After roll call established a quorum, members led the pledge and prayer. The chair also recognized Marsha Robinson of Fort Knox for her service to veterans and military families and for receiving the Association of Defense Communities’ National Military Spouse Leadership Award. The sole bill considered was Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools. The sponsor, Senator Craig Richardson, said the bill was intended to protect private property rights by clarifying that homeowners who rent out their private swimming pools through platforms such as Swimly.com would still be treated as operating private pools rather than public recreation pools subject to additional regulation. Senators asked about parking impacts in residential neighborhoods and about liability and insurance coverage. The sponsor said the bill did not address parking or homeowners association issues, and a representative from Swimly.com testified that homeowners insurance and platform-backed insurance products can provide coverage for rentals. The committee voted to advance SB 61. The roll call showed unanimous support from members present, with Senator Wilson briefly explaining his yes vote and joking that the sponsor should ask for it in the future. The chair congratulated the sponsor on getting his first bill through committee and said it would be heard again on the floor. The meeting ended with an announcement about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25, and an invitation for families to contact the Senate clerk for details.

Transcript Highlights:

• This location was being used to build, program, and distribute these illegal machines all throughout
• That's where it's being sold and distributed throughout the state.
• And again, there's a close-up of the hub that's being used to program and distribute these machines.
• the manufacturers of some of these different types of machines actually manufacturing them and distributing
• have for you is: we know who the manufacturers are, which means that they're being released and distributed

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.