Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Property Code'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this makes it a violation to be in a state-maintained right-of-way, that is defined as any land, property
- , or infrastructure under land, property, or infrastructure under the<00:33:32.600>
jurisdiction Whiteside of Texas. Whiteside of Texas.- of Cadets at Texas Tech University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in government. where he
- , he served as associate professor Texas, he served as associate professor of<01:04:14.240>
Air
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Kentucky utilize barcodes or QR codes for the purposes of tabulating votes?
- Um, Hart InterCivic is a company based in Austin, Texas. We've been in business for over 110 years.
- ,<01:16:16.080>
um, in Austin, Texas, um, in Austin, Texas, um, nearby<01:16:18.719>our - in Austin, Texas. in Austin, Texas.
- We are located in Austin, Texas, where our manufacturing facility is.
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf.
Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that enslaved people in Texas
- The slaves of Galveston, Texas had to wait for more than two years after Lincoln's decree to receive
- We were thought of as property, chattel property, to be bought and sold and traded and beaten and raped
- or have Texas roots.
- last enslaved African Americans in the United States were informed of their freedom in Galveston, Texas
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel.
On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Mar 24th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think if we want to create generational wealth and get property owners... that are paying property
- have increased, and being able to defray those costs with income on revenue streams on people's properties
- California's unique in that we're split up into regions everywhere, but Texas happens to be split up
- And so what they do is they learn the different systems, they learn the computer code, then they have
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It'll basically double its tax revenue or property tax revenue because of this project.
- We, because our college district is countywide, will also double our property tax revenue.
- The screwworm is currently active with 13 cases in the state of Tamaulipas, south of Texas.
- Well, it has transitioned into other states, and specifically probably to the Texas High Plains.
- Well, it has transitioned into other states, and specifically probably to the Texas High Plains.
Summary:
The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the year, with members introducing themselves and the chair emphasizing Arizona’s role in foreign relations, especially with Mexico. The committee then heard presentations from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and related local partners about the region’s importance as a trade, tourism, agriculture, logistics, and mining corridor. Chamber representatives described efforts to support small businesses with bilingual resources, digital and procurement assistance, entrepreneurship training, Google certificates, and workforce development tied to the South32 mine and other emerging industries. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts to counter negative perceptions of Nogales, noting increased online engagement and stronger visitor activity.
Members asked about state and federal improvements that could help trade, and witnesses said the top needs were infrastructure upgrades, especially roads and port-of-entry access, along with more pedestrian-friendly crossings and housing to retain workers. The Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District described its unusual provisional status, its contract with Pima College, and the challenge of limited spending authority despite expected revenue growth from mining. The college said it is expanding workforce training, especially in AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, and is working toward eventual accreditation.
The committee also heard from cattle industry representatives from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. They urged the reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports, arguing that Sonoran cattle are safe, traceable, and vital to Arizona’s economy and the national beef supply. Witnesses said the New World screwworm-related border closure has reduced imports, raised beef prices, hurt feedlots and packing plants, and shifted cattle trade to other states. They asked lawmakers to advocate with USDA for a Sonora-specific reopening and to support Arizona’s livestock infrastructure and grazing lands. No bills were heard and no votes were taken.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Property tax revenue.
- But that doesn't make it any easier to pay my property tax bill. The property tax bills are high.
- The school property tax, yes, depends on what your school property tax is.
- The school property tax, yes, depends on what your school property tax is.
- that levy property taxes.
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gross-slitch, stateable 834-inch-H-H-H-Hout-11, both for Nacklander Property, Section 23. Mr.
- Chair, State Bill 834-Hpike, Health, 31, Bill, for NACLAiner, Property, 27 reached by statute brass in
- , and defined and redefine to redefine terms of the just personal property, light, or tenant, and act
- , for certain certification, examination, county, perches, traffic, property, tax minister, to change
- of certain county assessor chief provisions, to the top property tax assessments, change to the line
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 28th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We show you registered as Clifford Porter on behalf of the Texas Public Policy Foundation and yourself
- Uh, so I'm the senior fellow for healthcare at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, whom I represent.
- Called Texas Direct Medical Care. So this is an excellent bill.
- Representative Bryant, has the TMA weighed in on this, Texas Medical Association? They have.
- Texas ranks number one amongst all states for a population of living veterans.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas, on Sunday, April 22, 2026, AVH was crowned as Tier VIB champions in Dallas, Texas.
- minority leader from the House Democratic Caucus in the state of Georgia, Carolyn Hugley, and the Texas
- Senate Bill 83 by Senator Edmonds is an act to amend Title 46, the Children's Code, relative to human
- Senate Bill 33 by Senator Cloud is an act to amend the Children's Code relative to child in need of care
- Senate Bill 33 by Senator Cloud is an act to amend the Children's Code relative to child in need of care
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're not taking anybody's house, and they're not taking small pieces of property.
- This is only very large pieces of property that are specifically for research, development, testing,
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
- It mirrors several of our other states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado
Summary:
The House Civil Law Committee met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several bills and resolutions. It reported favorably without objection Senate Bill 466, which bars foreign adversaries from using expropriation authority in Louisiana and creates a narrow expropriation category for very large aerospace/LED projects of at least 20,000 contiguous acres with no residential structures. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 986, requiring child support payments from persons convicted of vehicular homicide for the benefit of a child who lost a parent.
The committee then considered two constitutional amendments by Senator Morris. Senate Bill 123 would allow judges to be removed for cause by a majority vote of the legislature and certification by the governor; it was amended to change the ballot language to refer to removal for malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence, and was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 5 yeas and 1 nay, with Representative Carter voting no. Senate Bill 97 would require prosecutorial consent for a defendant to waive a jury trial, except in capital cases; after adopting Amendment Set 5277 to clarify the capital-case exception, the committee heard opposition from Chris Alexander of the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group and then reported the measure favorably by a 5-1 vote, again with Representative Carter voting no.
The committee also heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 35, which urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to study remote online notarization for authentic acts. Testimony in support came from the Louisiana Bankers Association, which argued the study is needed because of declining notary availability, especially in rural areas, and noted similar practices in other civil law jurisdictions. SCR 35 was reported favorably without objection. Finally, House Bill 1098, by Chairman McFarland, was reported favorably without objection; it provides a limited liability framework for FAA-licensed aerospace flight entities operating in Louisiana. House Bill 375 was voluntarily deferred, and the meeting adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Retirees are treated differently under our tax code.
- If that state, Texas, or wherever had withholdings, then it sounds like I would have to file proving
- If that state, Texas, or wherever had withholdings, then it sounds like I would have to file proving
- A gentleman, I can't do anything about the tax laws in the State of Texas or any of those.
Summary:
The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session and first took up Senate Bill 1032, a tax deduction bill tied to the birth or adoption of a child. Vice Chair Davis offered a committee amendment to broaden eligibility by changing the trigger from “gives birth or adopts” to “attains legal parentage,” expressly including surrogacy, adoption, and legal parent-child relationships by operation of law, while keeping the $2,400 deduction amount and limiting it to one claim per child. Members discussed the bill’s limited practical tax benefit, with supporters saying it would help families and opponents arguing the deduction would amount to only about $112.80 in reduced taxes and would not meaningfully change behavior. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, but the final do-pass motion failed on a 4-4 vote, so House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1032 did not advance.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 3294, sponsored by Representative Mayhew, which would eliminate the need for active-duty military personnel to file a Missouri income tax return when their military pay is already exempt from state income tax. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would prevent unnecessary withholding and refund processing, reduce administrative work for the Department of Revenue, and leave service members with the same benefit but without paperwork. Members asked about residency, withholding, retirees, and how the change would work for service members stationed in or out of Missouri; the sponsor explained the bill applied only to active duty and that Missouri residents serving elsewhere would still be governed by residency rules. No vote was taken on House Bill 3294 before the committee adjourned, and the chair noted it was likely the last committee hearing of the session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 55 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- recognize, seated in the first division, guests of Representative Barber all the way from Arlington, Texas
- authorizing the city known as the town of North Attabro to establish a means-tested senior citizen property
- opportunity seated in the First Division guests of Representative Barber all the way from Arlington, Texas
- An act authorizing the City of Newton to place municipal charge liens on property in the City of Newton
- Municipal charge liens on property in the City of Newton for non-payment of any local charge fee or fine
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. Members adopted a resolution designating August 8 and 9, 2026, as a sales tax holiday, concurred with the Senate on a sick leave bank petition for Edward Suber of the Department of Youth Services, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two additional petitions to move forward: one concerning contract and coverage standards for health care worker platforms and another allowing firefighters of the Adams Fire District to continue serving past age 65. The House also received and approved a scheduling report for several bills, including two additional sick leave bank measures and a bill on firefighter and police officer age requirements.
The chamber then moved through third-reading and engrossment actions on several bills. It passed Senate Bill 2574, providing accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, and Senate Bill 2967, addressing ownership and maintenance of the Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook culverts and dams. The House also enacted House Bill 5392, authorizing the town of North Attleborough to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Later, it passed to engrossment House Bill 4716, amending the charter of the city of Pittsfield, and House Bill 5358, authorizing the City of Newton to place municipal charge liens for unpaid local charges or fines.
The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Michael P. Higgins of Woburn, recognizing his long service to the community, local courts, politics, and addiction awareness efforts. The session concluded with adoption of an order to meet again Monday at 11:00 a.m., followed by adjournment to an informal session at that time.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/18/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- It impacts every district. reliance on local property taxes and reliance on local property taxes and
- not the family's local property taxes. not the family's local property taxes.
- Most families local property taxes.
- don't pay 20,000 a year in property don't pay 20,000 a year in property taxes.<00:31:54.640>
- Um and as and most recently Texas.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, April 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas, Mr. Moran, is recognized for one Texas, Mr.
- , the distinguished gentleman from Texas, the distinguished gentleman from Texas, Mr.
- HR22 offered by Miss Johnson of Texas. HR22 offered by Miss Johnson of Texas.
- McCall of Texas, chair, Mr. Valado Mr. McCall of Texas, chair, Mr.
- Cruz of Texas. Cruz of Texas.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (04/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- remains even without the the property remains even without the the law,<00:18:40.080>
the <00: - causing damage to others others property causing damage to others others property given<00:18:55.679
- It would be fine for a larger state like Texas or California, but we have a smaller population.
- It would be fine for a larger state<00:24:19.840>
like <00:24:20.080>Texas <00:24:20.400 - or California but we state like Texas or California but we have<00:24:21.679>
a <00:24:21.760>
Summary:
The committee opened with routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes and adopting the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians and the Board of Accountancy items to next month, with a waiver granted for the dieticians item so it could be carried over. The committee also noted that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule would be discussed further, and staff flagged a specific concern about authority over kindling size for category 3 fires under NCR 5601.04.
The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff said the board had addressed editorial comments, but raised one substantive issue about the drug formulary: the statute requires posting it online but does not clearly exempt it from rulemaking, suggesting a possible legislative carveout may be needed. The committee agreed to add that issue to a list of legislative suggestions for later consideration.
The DNCR interim fire rule was the main contested item. Committee members and staff discussed whether the rule exceeded authority by regulating kindling for category 3 fires, and the agency explained that the regular rules had expired and interim rules were needed quickly for public safety and permit enforcement. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval on the interim rule 25-4, with the understanding that the agency would continue regular rulemaking and address the objection.
The Board of Examiners’ dental rules were then reviewed. The agency explained that it revised the rules to address prior concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, a pediatric minimal sedation permit, and a moderate sedation permit with pediatric qualification. Members also discussed whether the rules were consistent with House Bill 470; staff and members concluded they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee approved the dental rules, and then adjourned after no further business.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- So the final special item is actually sponsored, if you will. you will, by the Texas Trucking Association
- And so, this will stand up somewhere between six inches. training centers spread across Texas in a strategic
- CDLs include bus drivers for school districts, CDLs include the tank battery trucks in West Texas that
- The fact that we can't levy property taxes means that we last decade, which is more than double the average
- We now educated Texas A&M 79,000 students.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, December 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Roy, is recognized for 60 Texas, Mr.
- I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.
- Even as there are almost 300 mosques in Texas and more mosques being built in Texas every day than any
- , A new Muslim community in Texas, A new Muslim community in Texas, not<03:37:43.520>
even - and more mosques being built in Texas and more mosques being built in Texas Texas Texas every<03:38:
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under tab 1 is a committee substitute for Senate Bill 332 on public meetings and private property rights
- A committee substitute for Senate Bill 332 on public meetings and private property rights is before the
- then are you also aware that the TRIM, the truth-in-millage notices, are prepared and mailed to property
- I work in the municipal code compliance division.
- I've taught in Ohio, Texas, and now Florida. I want to keep teaching and retire with dignity.
Summary:
The committee took up several bills and confirmations. It reported favorably SB 332, as amended, on a narrow public-meetings/public-records exemption for legal strategy and settlement communications during the pre-suit period in Burt Harris claims; SB 464, requiring K-12 schools to formally observe Veterans Day; SB 984, clarifying firefighter cancer/death-benefit provisions and related prevention language; SB 576, expanding and codifying the local government cybersecurity protection program under Florida Digital Service; SB 964, revising how certain gifts and honoraria are reported to the Commission on Ethics; SB 1612, requiring local governments to accept electronic payments with exceptions and a delayed effective date; SB 830, creating public-records exemptions for certain local government administrators and their families; SB 1096, clarifying the filing deadline for Florida Civil Rights Act complaints; and SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship.
The committee also considered a large confirmation package. Jeffrey Aaron’s appointment to the Public Employees Relations Commission was discussed separately after Senator Polsky raised concerns about his political connections and prior work; the committee still recommended him favorably. The remaining appointees on tabs 12 through 30 were also recommended favorably in one vote.
The longest and most contentious item was SB 1296, with a committee substitute, on the Public Employees Relations Commission and public-sector unions. The PCS would change union certification/recertification rules, require a recent showing-of-interest form, create different voting thresholds for public safety and non-public safety employee organizations, limit paid union leave for non-public safety unions unless reimbursed, require equal access to certain employer communication spaces, and speed up impasse procedures for legislatively funded salary increases. Senators raised constitutional concerns, especially about the single-subject rule and collective-bargaining rights, and many speakers opposed the bill as union-busting and harmful to teachers, bus drivers, nurses, utility workers, and other public employees. Supporters argued it would improve accountability, ensure genuine member support, and prevent taxpayer-funded union activity. The committee continued debate on SB 1296 after extensive testimony, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 17th, 2026 at 09:11 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- If you look on line 30, there's 100 million for a new state fair site selection, property acquisition
- executive recommended 5 million to the Taxation and Revenue Department. to implement changes to the tax code
- performance-based funding formula, and now again on line 28... 3 million to create a tax motor vehicle code
- In terms of the tax and motor vehicle code changes, you all typically include some kind of appropriation
- It just seems so incredibly high to me for that to be the cost to change a tax code. So, Mr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- Our games of chance include Texas Hold’em and LCR tournaments, where prizes are based on the cost of
- town hall lacked sufficient meeting and storage space, was out of compliance with federal and state codes
- During our research, we created a survey, and we put a QR code around the school with the flyers, which
- However, what might not be as apparent is that this bill would also indirectly... ...property.
- operators, Penn Entertainment, have worked hard to create quality employment opportunities on the property
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.