Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 45'
Page 227 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2398, an act amending Section 5-301, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Title 5, Chapter 3, Article
- House Bill 2398 amends Title 5, Chapter 3, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 5-342.01
- House Bill 2991, an act amending Title 44 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Chapter 42, relating
- House Bill 2991, an act amending Title 44 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Chapter 42, relating
- House Bill 2457, an act amending Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 6.2 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- title midwife, licensed midwife, or engage in a practice of midwifery unless licensed under this chapter
- ><00:30:27.120>
this read it is not a violation of this read it is not a violation of this chapter - 27.919>
person <00:30:28.159>invited <00:30:28.559>by <00:30:28.640>a chapter - for a person invited by a chapter for a person invited by a patient<00:30:29.039>
to <00:30:29.200 - and we also change the defective chapter and we also change the defective date<00:30:44.320>
but<
Summary:
The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on April 1, 2025 considered several measures previously heard in committee and took action on each. HB 228 HD1 SD1, relating to license plates, was recommended to pass with amendments defining the terms “cover” and “shield”; it was adopted with votes of aye from the chair, vice chair, Senator McKelvie, and Senator Richards, and a no from Senator Awa. HB 125 HD1, relating to firearms and secure storage notice requirements, was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted, though Senator McKelvie noted reservations and Senator OA did not vote. The committees also noted they would wait for a full complement on some JDC votes before finalizing all actions.
HB 1194 HD2 SD1, relating to midwives, drew the most discussion and testimony. The recommendation was to pass with amendments, including DCCA-proposed changes and a revised effective date; members discussed concerns about regulation, the role of unlicensed birth attendants, and whether the bill could criminalize people present at births. The chair explained the intent was not to criminalize invited, uncompensated birth attendants who do not use the title “midwife,” while also clarifying limits on practicing midwifery without a license. The measure passed with reservations from Senator McKelvie and a no vote from Senator Awa.
HB 348 HD1 SD1, relating to single-use plastics, was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted without objection. HB 874 SD1, concerning trust accounts for minors in theatrical employment, was recommended to pass with amendments accepting the Attorney General’s suggestion to remove rulemaking authority; it passed in both committees without opposition. After the CPN portion adjourned, JDC also took up HB 125 and HB 1194, adopting the same recommendations and passing both measures, with the midwifery bill again reflecting the committee’s intent to preserve invited, unpaid attendance at births while restricting unlicensed practice.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
- Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
- Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal language. Line 320 to 322, again federal language request.
- Line<00:02:18.959>
279 <00:02:19.840>and <00:02:19.920>chapter <00:02:20.400> - 21<00:02:20.879>
added <00:02:21.280>federal Line 279 and chapter 21 added federal
Summary:
The committee first took up a placeholder bill related to the Medicaid “L tax” for long-term acute care hospitals. The sponsor explained that these hospitals pay into Medicaid but do not receive Medicaid reimbursement, and said members had reached a general consensus that a solution is needed. The bill was described as a dummy bill with no firm language yet, and the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient do pass; the bill was reported despite one opposing vote.
Members then heard a detailed explanation of the committee’s Medicaid technical bill. The sponsor said it was much lighter than in prior years because of uncertainty around federal Medicaid conditions and the lack of a signed bill in recent years. Most changes were described as federal-language updates, cleanup, or department-requested revisions, including changes from “shall” to “may” to give the department more flexibility, shortened notification and care-period timelines, and removal of outdated provisions. Substantive items mentioned included allowing the department to review value-based payment models, adding pediatricians to a covered list, increasing ambulatory surgery center reimbursement from 80% to 85%, approving “treat in place” for ambulances, allowing supplemental payments to hospitals, and reestablishing the Medical Advisory Council.
After brief questions, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient do pass on the tech bill and reported it, again with one opposing vote. The chair then announced a follow-up hearing for the next day at 1:30 p.m. in Room 216 on the L tax, the hospital bed tax, a Medicaid 101 overview on hospital financing, and a briefing on nonopioid medications and a device intended to prevent or reduce epilepsy seizures.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 094 Apr 18th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Those<00:45:12.640>
individuals <00:45:13.920>have <00:45:14.160>to <00:45:14.319 - That's<00:45:38.160>
hard <00:45:38.400>enough <00:45:38.720>for <00:45:39.040 - And<00:45:41.040>
then <00:45:41.359>consider <00:45:41.839>that <00:45:42.079>- Many<01:45:05.440>
students <01:45:05.760>do <01:45:06.000>not <01:45:06.159>- >
campus <01:45:07.920>to <01:45:08.159>take <01:45:08.320>a <01:45:08.480 - Many<01:45:05.440>
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's under Chapter of the Laws of 2025.
- And then to Chapter of the Laws of 2025.
- And that's been to chapter of law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Myrie. In favor?
- Miller, Senator Mayer, Chapter 12, Krueger.
- And add to met a chapter of laws of 2025. Moved by Senator May, seconded by Senator Harckham.
Summary:
The Committee on Rules convened for its first 2026 meeting and considered a long list of Senate and Assembly bills, mostly moving them from committee to the floor. The transcript reflects routine motions, seconds, and voice votes on measures spanning election law, public authorities, public health, real property, insurance, labor, environmental conservation, general business, local tax, domestic relations, state finance, and New York City administrative code provisions, along with several chapter amendments and bills from 2025. No substantive debate or testimony is recorded in the excerpt; the discussion is largely procedural, with bill numbers and sponsors announced as they were reported out.
Most items were approved without objection and reported to the floor, including Senate Print 324 and numerous bills such as 568, 1035, 1036, 1085, 8604, 8646, 8754, 8761, 8762, 8764, 8768, 8772, 8774, 8778, 8783, 8800, 8822, 8823, 8824, 8825, 8827, 8831, 8832, 8834, and 8835, as well as several Assembly bills. The chair noted that all bills would go to the floor, with seven to be taken up and returned to session shortly. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the years, changes to Chapter 631 have balanced the needs of good providers to ensure they had a
- 627 to Chapter 626, and finally clarifies that the exception to the citizens authorized appointment
- 627 to Chapter 626.
- 627 to Chapter 626.
- And, fun. and S insurers from Chapter 627 to Chapter 626.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony.
The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably.
Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Committee OKs bill to strengthen whistleblower protections for reporting waste, fraud 2/11/25
Transcript Highlights:
- These are largely covered, but not exclusively, in Chapter 13 of the Minnesota Data Practices Act.
- I do not believe so, because currently it's not impacting the Chapter 13 issues.
- 00:15:20.720>
impacting <00:15:21.320>the <00:15:21.759>the <00:15:22.079>chapter - <00:15:22.480>
13 not impacting the the chapter 13 not impacting the the chapter 13 issues - <00:15:26.399>
13 issues I do think the chapter 13 issues I do think the chapter 13 questions
Summary:
House File 23, authored by Representative Robbins, was heard on a motion to advance it to the next committee. The bill, as amended by the A1 author’s amendment, would clarify the statutory definition of abuse, fraud, and waste and expand whistleblower protections for state employees who report those issues to legislators, the legislative auditor, or constitutional officers. Robbins said the measure is intended to protect state workers and align whistleblower language with existing Inspector General definitions; he also cited recent fraud investigations as the backdrop for the bill and noted a Senate companion, SF 475, with bipartisan support.
Devon Bruce of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees testified in support of the bill’s protective intent but raised concerns that it only covers classified state employees, creating uneven treatment between classified and unclassified workers and between state and local public employees. Bruce also warned that the bill does not fully address data practices issues, including the handling of nonpublic, private, or proprietary information, and suggested broader privacy protections for whistleblowers’ identities. In response to questions, Robbins said the bill was not meant to change data practices law and that those issues should be addressed separately.
Members debated whether the bill was ready for further consideration and whether it should also go to the fraud oversight committee or Judiciary. Motions to lay the bill over and to re-refer it to the fraud prevention and state oversight committee both failed. After a roll call vote, the committee approved the bill 7-6 and sent House File 23 to Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Research Commission (7-8-26) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- years of leadership, your dedication, your professionalism, and all the best wishes for what new chapters
- years of leadership, your dedication, your professionalism, and all the best wishes for what new chapters
- years of leadership, your dedication, your professionalism, and all the best wishes for what new chapters
- <00:04:44.919>
you <00:04:45.040>have wishes for what new chapters you have wishes - for what new chapters you have ahead<00:04:45.480>
of <00:04:45.600>you.
Summary:
The commission met following an executive session on personnel matters and announced its intent to move forward with hiring Katie Comstock as the new director of the Legislative Research Commission. Members then approved, by roll call vote, a motion to adopt the October 1, 2025 minutes with specified exceptions, approve items under new business, accept and refer communications items 1 through 151 as indicated, and approve the report of the director selection committee. The motion carried with multiple aye/yes votes and no recorded opposition from those present.
In other business, President Stivers thanked Speaker Pro Tem Meade and staff for their work preparing for the Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, noting the event’s size and expected exposure for the area. Meade credited LRC staff, Jay Hartz, and partisan staff for the work, saying his role had mainly involved phone calls and meetings.
Several members then offered extended remarks recognizing Jay Hartz for his leadership, professionalism, responsiveness, and long service to the commission and the building. Speakers said his work had set a standard for staff and legislators alike and wished him well in his next chapter. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 40 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:51 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 is hereby repealed. Section 4.
- Section 77, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, Section 16C of Chapter 71 of
- While these needs are important, they're no less important than our overall Chapter 7 funding.
- Chapter 70 funding is up 2.8% over last year and up to a half million above the governor's proposal.
- Section 77, subsection B of section 2 of chapter 18 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020...
Summary:
The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty.
The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms.
The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 248A, can you please offer us a motion to suspend rules to take up House Bill 527 off the notice
- Chapter 248A.
- <00:02:14.840>
The <00:02:15.000>bill sunset of 30 VSA Chapter 248A. - The bill sunset of 30 VSA Chapter 248A.
- Chapter 248A. 527, an act relating to extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. Chapter 248A.
Summary:
The House took up House Bill 527, which extends the sunset of 30 V.S.A. Chapter 248A governing telecommunications siting. The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee explained that the House version would have extended the process through 2030 and required a Public Utility Commission stakeholder process, but the Senate instead shortened the extension to July 1, 2029 and added immediate statutory changes: written notice to municipalities and regional planning commissions, a required public meeting before filing applications, attendance by the applicant and the Department of Public Service, and other transparency measures. The committee recommended concurrence with the Senate amendment on a 6-3 straw poll.
Representative Pritchard of Poultney then offered a further amendment to shorten the sunset further, from July 1, 2029 to July 1, 2027. He argued that the Section 248A process has long-standing problems, that rural towns lack resources to participate effectively, and that the legislature should address the issue sooner rather than continue extending the sunset. He cited concerns from Tinmouth and the Westmore tower case, and requested a roll-call vote. Supporters of the Senate position responded that the Senate changes would provide immediate improvements and that a shorter sunset could create risks by expediting more permits and worsening the situation.
The committee reported its view that the Pritchard amendment was unfavorable by a 6-3 vote and asked the House to vote no on it. After that exchange, the House stood at ease and then went into recess for a caucus.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Government Organization Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:03 am
Transcript Highlights:
- through each of the specific things, but this bill relates to those licenses that are issued not by Chapter
- 30, but by Chapter 21 and Chapter 29 of the code.
- This bill relates to licenses issued not by Chapter 30, but by Chapter 21 and Chapter 29 of the code.
- of the polygraph examiner, it says instead of the rational nexus standard that we use throughout Chapter
Summary:
The Committee on Government Organization met with a quorum present, approved the minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, most of them related to licensing, local government administration, and agency operations. House Bill 5063 would let county commissions appoint a county commissioner as a voting member of a convention and visitors bureau board, including for multi-county CVBs; it was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 5087 would join the interstate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to obtain multi-state practice privileges in compact states, and it was also reported. The committee then took up a strike-and-insert amendment for House Bill 4793, which combined provisions affecting barbering/cosmetology apprenticeships and lowered certain age and education requirements; after adopting a Jefferson amendment clarifying the salon training language, the bill was reported as amended.
Members next approved a strike-and-insert for House Bill 5638, which clarifies the State Chief Information Security Officer’s duties, changes cyber risk review procedures, and updates references to the Office of Technology head as the chief information officer; it was reported as amended. House Bill 4483, dealing with the Board of Funeral Examiners, was amended to change the effective date for licensee-in-charge requirements and make technical corrections, then reported as amended. House Bill 5653, requested by the Department of Revenue, would expand confidentiality protections to cover audit manuals, guidelines, procedures, algorithms, and related materials to prevent taxpayers from gaming audit selection, and it was reported. House Bill 4452 repeals acreage limits on church property ownership, and House Bill 4801 expands permissible uses of hotel occupancy tax funds to include demolition of unsafe structures and planning or improvement of public property; both were reported.
The committee also advanced House Bill 5622, which creates an expedited process for municipalities to conform local election terms and procedures to the state requirement that municipal elections be held with statewide primaries or general elections, and recognizes the Secretary of State as keeper of municipal charter rolls. House Bill 4546 would allow business entities to file reports biennially instead of annually, with higher biennial fees and updated enforcement provisions; its strike-and-insert amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 5613 would define and regulate telematics for state fleet vehicles, require reporting on unsafe driving and corrective actions, and include cost-benefit information in annual reports; it was reported. House Bill 5323 would let the Division of Natural Resources adjust license and stamp fees for inflation by removing a prior CPI-based restriction, and House Bill 4819 would revise criminal-record standards for certain non-Chapter 30 occupational licenses, shifting to a direct-relationship standard while preserving existing exclusions for violent sexual offenses; both were reported. The committee then adjourned after closing remarks from the chair and vice chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/27/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:45:01.400>
I <00:45:02.360>um <00:45:02.800>appreciate <00:45:03.320>so< - :05.720>
one <00:45:05.880>of <00:45:05.960>the <00:45:06.040>other <00:45 - is<00:45:07.560>
making <00:45:07.920>sure <00:45:08.200>that <00:45:09.080>< - I<00:45:47.240>
mean, <00:45:47.400>it <00:45:47.480>addresses <00:45:47.960> - <00:45:51.960>
I <00:45:52.040>know <00:45:52.160>we've <00:45:52.320>had
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:02.599>
be <00:45:03.000>a <00:45:03.240>report <00:45:03.640>going - >
I <00:45:14.200>would <00:45:14.960>um <00:45:15.359>ask <00:45:15.720>< seeing <00:45:25.599>none <00:45:26.599>uh <00:45:26.760>when <00:45:27.000- :45:28.160>
him <00:45:28.280>to <00:45:28.400>call <00:45:28.599>the <00: - motion<00:45:30.040>
is <00:45:30.240>ought <00:45:30.480>to <00:45:30.760>pass
Summary:
The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill.
Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns.
Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/18/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- There is reference to this in the current chapter on medical cannabis in 152.
- there is reference to this in the there is reference to this in the current<00:16:13.399>
chapter - on<00:16:13.839>
medical <00:16:14.120>cannabis <00:16:14.440>in current chapter - Some sections amending chapter 152 are changes that align with the comparable section in chapter 342
- 152 which is the current align chapter 152 which is the current medical<00:26:15.840>
program
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- As we noted in our testimony, as written, the bill appears to conflict with Chapter 89.
- Uh, basically, wages under Chapter 89 are reserved to collective bargaining.
- Uh basically uh<00:20:48.040>
wages <00:20:48.920>under <00:20:49.120>chapter <00 - are reserved uh wages under chapter 89 are reserved to<00:20:51.000>
collective <00:20:51.280> - <01:05:50.480>
89A pricing as subject to chapter 89A pricing as subject to chapter 89A as<
Keywords:
harassment, restraining order, temporary restraining order, injunction, protective order, public employer, public servant, public employee, government employee, state employee, legislator, judge, judicial branch, executive branch, local government, political subdivision, workplace violence, threats, stalking, employee safety
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:45:03.680>
lower <00:45:04.280>increases <00:45:05.160>over <00:45:05.480>- >
um <00:45:08.280>we <00:45:08.440>will <00:45:08.640>not <00:45:08.839><- /c><00:45:13.240>
that <00:45:13.440>the <00:45:13.720>tobacco <00:45:14.440>- <00:45:21.920>
in <00:45:22.079>their <00:45:22.319>price <00:45:22.640>of - :45:35.520>
Hampshire <00:45:36.000>is <00:45:36.200>now <00:45:36.680>under< - >
Summary:
The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars.
In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage.
Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (11/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The chapters had, I think, gotten up to 26 or plus chapters of rules.
- Typically, we have between five and seven chapters.
- The chapters had I duplicative pieces.
- Typically, we have chapters of rules.
- <00:13:44.880>
So, between five and seven chapters. So, between five and seven chapters.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its October 3 meeting unanimously. It then reviewed follow-up status on prior performance audits, beginning with the Department of Corrections’ sex offender treatment program. DOC said all audit items from the 2016 review were resolved except one related to tracking benchmarks, progress, and recidivism. Officials explained that a new offender management system, Chorus, was recently implemented but has had rollout problems affecting operations, including restitution checks, and that they hope the system will be stable enough within about six months to begin tracking the needed metrics. Members asked about treatment inside prison and after release; DOC described in-prison treatment, parole aftercare, probation and parole oversight, administrative restrictions, and reassessment if conditions are not met.
The committee next heard from OPLC on the Real Estate Commission audit. OPLC reported that all but one finding is substantially or fully resolved, with the remaining issue involving review of applicants’ adverse financial history and liabilities. The delay is tied to ongoing rulemaking, and OPLC said the commission is amending its criteria and integrating universal application procedures into board rules. The office estimated substantive completion by March 2027, with rule filing expected sooner. The committee then took up the Board of Pharmacy audit, where OPLC said most findings remain partially resolved because the board is in the middle of a major rule overhaul and a new licensing software project. Officials described a shift toward a compliance bureau and more routine, risk-informed inspections, rather than inspections driven only by complaints, and said updated manuals and forms will follow the new rules and technology.
Finally, the Legislative Budget Assistant reported on ongoing audits. For special education, staff said they are writing the report, have 25 completed observations, and have expanded to 70 identified observations, with a full draft expected in the first quarter of 2026 and a final report by summer 2026. For education freedom accounts, 40 observations have been identified, 15 finalized, and a draft is expected by midspring with a fiscal committee presentation in summer. For the Doorway program, the audit plan was finalized with DHHS help, financial activity was isolated, fieldwork is expected to finish by Thanksgiving, and a draft report is planned for January or February 2026, with a final report by March or April 2026. The committee discussed scheduling its next meeting for February 6 at 10 a.m. and emphasized the value of follow-up on older audits; the meeting adjourned after members agreed the follow-up process should continue.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My concerns are that the provisions of Labor Code Chapter 410 don't necessarily mesh with the provisions
- Now, the biggest ambiguity I can see in the bill, as it written now is under Texas Labor Code Chapter
- Judicial review under Chapter 410, there are two. types.
- This will review under Labor Code Chapter 410, a substantial evidence review, which is just a review
- To Chapter 607 of the Government Code, which covers firefighters and police officers for specific diseases
Keywords:
peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- sitting in the blue in the gallery, and specifically I have a few of my constituents from the Maui chapter
- And we have Lauren Akit, who's the Maui president of the Maui chapter and also the University of Hawaiʻi
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Summary:
The Senate convened, called the roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard several introductions recognizing staff, visiting students from Do Middle School participating in Working Families Day, and advocates from organizations including H-CAN, Hawaii Workers Center, Aloha Care, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the American Association of University Women Hawaii. The clerk then reported gubernatorial messages withdrawing several nominations to boards and commissions, transmitting one nomination to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and House communications sending House bills to the Senate for first reading and committee referral.
The chamber adopted multiple groups of standing committee reports, including reports requiring 48-hour notice and one-day notice, and then took up third reading of Senate bills. Several bills passed third reading by unanimous consent or near-unanimous votes, including measures relating to water pollution, spaying and neutering animals, condominiums, marine life conservation districts, mental health, geothermal resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, and aircraft. Senate Bill 841 SD1 and SB 1042 SD1 each passed 22-1, SB 1197 SD1 passed 21-2, and SB 319, relating to marijuana, failed on third reading with 11 ayes and 12 noes.
The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for Senate Bill 1621 SD1 to the Committee on Ways and Means so it could meet the first taking deadline, and gave one day’s notice for third reading. The session concluded with a motion adopted to leave the journal open until 11:00 p.m. for additional committee reports and to recess until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Kappa Alpha serves people around the world through the efforts of the 360,000 members and over 1,000 chapters
- Speaker: ...around the world through the efforts of the 360,000 members and over 1,000 chapters in the
- The Texas chapter of the American Public Works Association are here in the gallery today.
- congratulating Heather Keister of Lubbock for being named 2024 Engineer of the Year by the South Plains Chapter
- Way, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers South Plains Chapter