Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:26.799> with problem, but the updated code with problem, but the updated code with
• ><00:26:42.799> residential<00:26:43.360> code building code and the residential code building
• code and the residential code correct<00:26:44.480> errors<00:26:44.880> in<00:26:45.200
• coordination with the fire code issues. coordination with the fire code issues.
• House Bill 134 is the one we just heard, and this is on the code building code.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• full stop on a separate matter, the legislation that I'm carrying for you related to the procurement code
• So we're just trying to modernize the procurement code with the rising costs.
• move forward, I just want to suggest to the colleagues here that as we move forward, you know, in Texas
• under the Department of Transportation, they have a very effective campaign called "Don't Mess with Texas
• It's kind of a Texas thing that we need as a state to take a more serious, almost like a big ad campaign

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a bunch of states who have already set up offices: Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri,
• And we have a bunch of states who have already, you know, set up offices, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky,
• And then 10, Delaware should amend the Delaware Code to allow open bids for nuclear power.
• last one, I don't know that it should go under this entity because it is recommending amending the code
• Any call for holding on to this recommendation regarding the Delaware Code?

Summary: The meeting focused on finalizing recommendations from the Delaware Nuclear Energy Task Force, with most of the discussion centered on how the state should organize itself to evaluate and potentially pursue nuclear power. Public commenters strongly supported nuclear energy, emphasizing energy reliability, economic competitiveness, data center demand, and the need for Delaware to act quickly. Several speakers argued that Delaware is falling behind neighboring states and should not delay if it wants to attract developers and preserve access to federal tax incentives. Members then worked through revisions to the recommendations, especially the section on state actions moving forward. There was broad agreement that Delaware needs a clearly empowered leadership structure, but disagreement over the best form: a cabinet-level energy agency, an expanded existing agency such as DENREC, a dedicated coordinator, an expanded Sustainable Energy Utility, or a separate quasi-independent authority. Some members favored a nimble, one-off entity with bonding and financing authority; others cautioned against creating a new body outside state government and stressed the need for coordination with existing agencies, public oversight, and cost discipline. The group also discussed adding responsibilities such as site identification, public engagement, coordination with PJM and federal agencies, and financing tools, while removing or folding in items that seemed duplicative or too broad. The committee also revised earlier modules to broaden the focus from small modular reactors to nuclear power more generally, while keeping the task force’s original SMR work in view. Members agreed to keep recommendations on state and local regulatory readiness, financial mechanisms, permitting coordination, and public engagement, and to add a recommendation for Delaware to participate as an observer in the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative through NASEO and NARUC. The committee approved the revised Module Four recommendations by vote, with one abstention from Tom Noyes. Minutes from the prior meeting were also approved with minor corrections.

Transcript Highlights:

• code and figure out what violations are. code and figure out what violations are.
• I I mean, I'm again, this is DHCD code.
• <00:53:17.520> I to give you an entire book of code.
• I to give you an entire book of code.
• House Bill 1135, Health Occupations, Pharmacist Vaccination Orders.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties. Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees. The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rest of the U.S. typically is benchmarked to WTI, which is a Texas index, and the California one
• Because if we just use the example of Texas, Texas is long on refining, Texas is long on crude oil, but
• Because if we just use the example of Texas, Texas is long on refining, Texas is long on crude oil, but
• The map I'm showing you is a map of tankers heading from the Middle East to Texas, where over the last
• Prices in Texas are up about $1.40 per gallon, which is very close to the price increase in the rest

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on California’s petroleum supply and price volatility amid the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Committee members and administration witnesses focused first on short-term supply conditions: the California Energy Commission said crude and refined-product imports were still arriving at healthy levels, West Coast inventories were generally adequate, and there was no expected near-term supply shortfall, though diesel inventories were tighter than gasoline or jet fuel. Officials said California’s reliance on imports has grown as in-state refining capacity has declined, and they described ongoing work to track import flows, inventories, refinery outages, and pricing. The Division of Petroleum Market Oversight said the conflict was driving real price increases, but also highlighted California’s persistent branded-gasoline premium and unusually wide station-to-station price dispersion. DPMO reported that some major-brand stations were charging far above the statewide average, that several outlier stations reduced prices after contact from the division, and that investigations and subpoenas were ongoing. Professor Severin Borenstein argued that while crude oil is a global price driver, much of California’s higher retail price gap is a downstream “mystery gasoline surcharge,” not explained by crude costs alone, and he said the state should focus on imports, port and storage capacity, and competition rather than expecting refinery subsidies or an E15 blend to solve the problem. Industry and labor witnesses took different positions on the causes and solutions. The Western States Petroleum Association said state policy had weakened California’s refining system, making it more dependent on long, fragile supply chains and vulnerable to global shocks, and urged the state to protect remaining refining capacity and reduce regulatory burdens. United Steelworkers Local 675 emphasized that refinery reliability and staffing matter for market stability. Members pressed witnesses on whether California should set fuel-supply targets, how to prepare beyond the next six weeks, whether more import dependence increases risk, and what additional data or authority the state needs. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations.
• of State Governments has facilitated the development process for all, I believe, now 21 active occupational
• of State Governments has facilitated the development process for all, I believe, now 21 active occupational
• <00:08:55.200> licensing<00:08:55.839> compacts occupational licensing compacts occupational
• licensing compacts um this occupational licensing compacts um this compact<00:10:46.160> will

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September 25 minutes, and heard several informational presentations on occupational licensing and workforce access. The first major topic was the dietitian licensure compact, presented by Rep. Vanessa Gracel, Whitney Duddy, and Caitlyn Bison. They said the compact would be revenue-neutral, improve licensure portability, support military families, expand telehealth and rural access, and preserve state regulatory authority. Testimony noted that 15 states had joined the compact, including Ohio and Tennessee, and that Kentucky would have a seat on the compact commission if it enacted the measure. Members asked about bordering states and possible telehealth competition concerns; witnesses said they had not seen evidence of harmful effects in other compacts and described the compact as expanding access rather than displacing local providers. The committee then heard testimony on music therapy licensure, with Chris Millet, Laura Elliot Buckner, and Dr. Kimberly Cinemore speaking in support of Senate Bill 42. They described music therapy as a clinical, board-certified profession requiring formal education, supervised training, and national certification, and argued that state licensure would protect the public, clarify scope of practice, and help retain Kentucky-trained professionals. Witnesses said the bill would not require new state funding, could be administered through a self-sustaining licensing structure, and would not prevent others from using music in their work. In response to questions, they said licensure could help open doors to insurance, waiver, and HSA reimbursement, but would not guarantee coverage. Finally, the committee heard testimony on expanding physician access through a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians. Adam Meyer of the Cicero Institute said Kentucky faces a severe physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued that qualified international physicians should not have to repeat residency if they meet strict criteria, including an employment offer, prior training and experience, good standing, U.S. exam passage, and a three-year provisional period before full licensure. Rapender Carr of Baptist Health supported the concept, saying it could help fill hard-to-recruit positions across the state and improve access in rural markets. No votes were taken on these policy topics during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:54:38.639> guide In America, these religious codes guide In America, these religious codes
• We see them doing this in Texas, Minnesota, and elsewhere.
• We see them doing this in Texas, Minnesota, and elsewhere.
• is basically it's a guide it's a code is basically it's a guide it's a code for<02:14:18.400>
• As I'm watching what's in Texas.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session. The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required. Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• simple and common-sense change, removing the notary requirement from trespass letters filed under Penal Code
• Removing the notary requirement from trespass letters filed under Penal Code Section 602.
• Unauthorized occupants of vacant lots and buildings is the leading cause of structural fires, especially

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the challenges we have experienced is lack of affordable units that have been ready for occupancy
• haven't been formally adopted, the city has been open to discussing them with law enforcement and code
• Chair, thank you for your answer, but also when you talk about codes, I mean we're also seeing a kind

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take up late filed Amendment bar code 3, 4, 3, 7, 0, 0, and you are recognized to explain the
• And we do have one amendment that is amendment bar code 2, 0, 2, 2, 8, 4, by Senator Rodriguez and you're
• dismissed with prejudice, which means Walton County cannot sue again for customary use Forest Occupational

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• removing property ownership restrictions, potentially enabling investor ownership and reducing actual occupancy
• removing property ownership restrictions, potentially enabling investor ownership and reducing actual occupancy
• removing property ownership restrictions, potentially enabling investor ownership and reducing actual occupancy
• 01.279> actual investor ownership and reducing actual investor ownership and reducing actual occupancy
• occupancy by our working families. occupancy by our working families.

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549, HB1737, HB1628, HB1769, HB2493, HB2264, HB1997, HB2168, HB2427, HB1805, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469, HB2233, HB2519, HB2141, HB1904, HB2201, HB2410, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2349, HB2235, HB1872, HB2416, HB2291, HB2292, HB2263, HB2359, HB2455, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB1648, HB2164, HB2323, HB1825, HB2172, HB1888, HB2005, HB2387, HB2358, HB2119, HB2276, HB2472, HB1714, HB2325, HB1541, HB1960, HB2140, HB2315, HB2367, HB2388, HB1696, HB2333, HB2138, HB2332, HB2283, HB2059, HB2057, HB2589, HB2417, HB2337, HB1588, HB2217, HB2020, HB1915, HB1742, HB2026, HB1965, HB1546, HB2360, HB1563, HB1749, HB2614, HB1511, HB1753, HB1849, HB1641, HB2161, HB2194, HB1721, HB2284, HB2188, HB1897, HB1880, HB1573, HB1876, HB20, HB2137

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• other states have already passed similar legislation, including Utah, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas
• other states have already passed similar legislation, including Utah, Indiana, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas
• And just last Idaho, Nevada, and Texas.
• ><00:47:54.800> liens<00:47:55.600> related<00:47:56.680> to<00:47:56.840> code
• citations, or liens related to code citations, or liens related to code enforcement<00:47:58.000

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas.
• <00:47:59.280> Texas.
• Texas. The state put it in perspective. Texas.
• Lawson talked about Texas.
• Um I do urge the committee Texas.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1552, which would make the attorney general the interim chief election officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying it could create a conflict of interest if the attorney general were both the state’s lawyer and the chief elections officer in any related litigation. The League of Women Voters supported having some interim backup for the office, but said it was not necessarily advocating that the attorney general fill the role. Several other testifiers, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, opposed the bill, arguing the current law already provides for a prompt commission appointment and warning about partisan bias and concentration of power. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said an interim mechanism is needed to ensure election certification in a crisis. The chair also asked whether any statutory acting capacity already exists, and the attorney general said none was known. The committee then took up House Bill 2125, which would bar corporations operating under state law from engaging in election activity. The attorney general opposed the bill, citing Citizens United and arguing that corporations have First Amendment-protected political speech rights and that the bill would likely be unconstitutional. Indivisible Hawaii supported the measure, saying it would keep elections focused on the will of the people rather than corporate influence. Libertarian Party testimony was mixed: one witness supported the goal of reducing corruption but warned the bill could suppress organized dissent and sweep too broadly by treating many associations as corporations. The bill’s introducer asked whether the legislature could still enact it as a policy matter, but the attorney general maintained federal constitutional law would control. No vote was taken on either bill during the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment, which would set procedures and compensation for people whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and whose charges are dismissed. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the bill’s intent but objected to language assigning it responsibility for helping released individuals secure housing, identification, health coverage, and other reentry needs, saying it no longer has jurisdiction after release and suggesting the courts or a community-based contractor handle that role. The Office of the Public Defender strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the harm of wrongful conviction and the need for compensation, case management, and medical coverage after release. No action or vote was reported on this measure in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This change benefits occupations like nursing, early childhood education, and other fields where accredited
• This change benefits occupations like nursing, early childhood education, and other fields where accredited
• This change benefits occupations like nursing, early childhood education, and other fields where accredited
• Occupations like nursing, early childhood education, and other fields where accredited programs are often
• By keeping these exemptions occupations.

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from Southeast Texas. I like to say Southeast Texas.
• would be for Texas to do now what this letter urges Texas to do.
• By lynchings in Texas. Many of those lynchings occurred in Texas.
• governs Texas.
• Not in Texas.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that would only be applicable to certain occupations.
• So that would only be applicable to<01:16:17.600> certain<01:16:18.640> occupations.
• Um that wouldn't to certain occupations.
• <01:44:21.760> that employers under certain NAKES codes that employers under certain NAKES
• codes that have<01:44:22.320> sites<01:44:22.639> in<01:44:22.880> Minnesota<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've actually seen that courage in many of you as you protected your communities during the recent occupation
• the<00:04:58.880> recent communities during the recent communities during the recent occupation
• :01.120> on<00:05:01.320> both<00:05:01.600> sides<00:05:01.960> of occupation
• And some on both sides of occupation.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: This was a farewell floor speech by Representative Moller of Ramsey reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House and thanking constituents, volunteers, family, friends, staff, and colleagues. She singled out her son and father, noted mentorship from Melissa Hortman, and expressed appreciation for bipartisan work, especially on gender-based violence issues and with Chair Novotny. She also spoke warmly about Minnesota and the people she has met across the state, saying they made her proud to serve. A major theme of the speech was courage and civic responsibility. Moller praised Minnesotans who welcomed immigrants, respected tribal nations, and supported equity and justice, and she referenced recent tragedies and public responses, including the June 14 events, the vigil for Mark and Melissa, the Annunciation families, and community support during a federal occupation. She also mentioned lawmakers speaking out against racial profiling and harm from HR 1, and recalled the 2021 House resolution condemning the January 6 insurrection and affirming support for democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. She urged members to continue showing courage, warning against silence in the face of wrongdoing and comparing the moment to The Emperor’s New Clothes, where someone must speak the plain truth. The speech ended with gratitude for Minnesota and the institution, and the chamber responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are accredited through the Council on Occupational Education, and we are also licensed by the Minnesota
• We are accredited through the Council on Occupational Education, and we are also licensed by the Minnesota
• education where we Council of occupation education where we also<01:09:37.239> are<01:09:37.400
• We have over 130 zip codes that students are attending Summit from.
• Over 130 zip codes that students are attending Summit from.

Bills: HF500, HF718, HF1096, HF1246, HF1469

Keywords: nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, workforce development, job training, economic stability, low-income, career pathways, education funding, Summit Academy, employment, STEM programming, GED preparation, Neighborhood Development Center, NDC, small business, entrepreneurship, business training

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 460 was a technical fix to better align the code on ESO procurement.
• Governor's recommendation adds service-disabled, veteran-owned, and military-family-owned businesses to the code
• House Bill 796 relates to professions and occupations, adjustment of fees by regulatory boards, recovery
• They actually restore the language to Virginia Code section 15.2-2279 that the bill proposed to strike
• permanent injunctive relief, enjoining the administration, enforcement, and imposition of Virginia Code

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important to note that this does not raise the occupancy tax on anyone.
• The occupancy tax revenue has increased by 60%.
• Other states like Maine index their spending on tourism—Maine at 5% from the occupancy and meals tax,
• New Hampshire at 3.5% from occupancy and meals tax.
• modernizing the tourism trust fund, we're talking about reinvesting just a tiny bit more of that occupancy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.