Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to revolve around site-specific data that's going to drive that decision-making.
• It's going to revolve around site-specific data that's going to drive that decision-making.
• So if what I’m hearing correctly, this is” “I guess the regulatory decision making is based almost entirely
• Put the rules in the regs and let us make the decision.
• Put the rules in the regs and let us make the decision whether or not we want to come to your state.

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 706 by Representative Riser, which would set a more detailed process for commercial saltwater disposal wells, including site-specific modeling and pressure review. Riser and industry witnesses argued the bill would provide clearer, more predictable rules for operators who have faced long delays and changing requirements, while Department of Conservation and Energy officials said they are already developing guidance and that any pressure standard must remain site-specific to avoid fracturing confining layers, protecting drinking water, and staying within EPA primacy requirements. The department emphasized that geology varies widely across Louisiana and that a fixed pressure number in statute could be unsafe in some locations. Members also discussed the fiscal note, the need for additional staff, and whether the bill would tie the department’s hands or force approvals; witnesses said the bill’s modeling requirements were conservative, but opponents warned the statutory pressure ranges could conflict with site-specific safety determinations. After a technical amendment was adopted, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a 6-6 tie. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 4 by Representative McCormick, which would suspend Louisiana’s deer baiting ban for 18 months in areas affected by chronic wasting disease (CWD). McCormick and Hunter Nation representatives argued that baiting bans have not stopped CWD in other states, that deer feeders and food plots are part of hunting culture, and that Louisiana should rely on science and a more flexible approach. They cited Wisconsin as an example where CWD spread despite long-standing feed bans and said there has been no proven human transmission. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries officials said bait bans are one of the few tools available to reduce artificial congregation of deer and help limit disease spread, and they explained that the department is also working with a CWD task force and another proposal that would tie restrictions to a 1.5% prevalence threshold rather than an across-the-board suspension. The discussion ended with the department providing information on the impacts of both measures, but no final action on HCR 4 was recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• makes the usual motion. makes the usual motion.
• So we have to make a decision about what we're doing. And with that, Mr.
• So we have to make a decision about what we're doing. And with that, Mr.
• <06:49:09.920> a this language, and that we make a this language, and that we make a decision
• So we have to make a decision<06:49:32.320> uh<06:49:32.558> about<06:49:32.878> what

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, received an invocation from Dr. Lenon Duncan, and led the pledge of allegiance. Routine business followed, including unanimous consent to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including a governmental affairs representative, a doctor of the day and medical student, a county leadership group, agricultural youth council participants, a former senator’s spouse, and MSMS students. The chamber then took up several appropriations and finance measures. Senate Bill 2189, the transfer bill for state funds and agency budget setup, passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2190 increased the Working Cash Stabilization Reserve Fund minimum balance from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue; supporters said it would strengthen the state’s fiscal position, and it passed by morning roll call after no questions. Senate Bill 2480, a capacity project bill providing $265 million from CAPEX to MDOT for highway projects in Madison and Rankin counties and initial work on Highway 90, was amended to make it effective upon passage and then passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2832 extended the railroad tax credit repealer to 2029, and Senate Bill 2847 required state and local tax calculations to round to the nearest nickel in response to the federal penny phaseout; both passed by morning roll call. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 2191, which expands the purposes for which municipal use tax funds may be spent to include sidewalk repair and building acquisition/rehabilitation, after questions about municipal and subdivision sidewalks. Senate Bill 2885 created the Mississippi Work and Save Program, a voluntary retirement savings option for small employers and employees, with the sponsor emphasizing that participation is optional and that the program is intended to help workers without access to retirement plans; it passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2834, the omnibus tag bill, and Senate Bill 2838, the omnibus qualified resort area bill, were each amended with committee substitutes and passed by morning roll call. Later, the Senate suspended the rules and took up a large block of resolutions and commemorative measures, including sympathy and congratulatory resolutions, arts awards, sports championships, and other recognitions, along with House concurrent resolutions and two House bills designating observances. The transcript ends while the clerk is reading the long list of titles in the block.

Transcript Highlights:

• believe that the Pu is intended to make believe that the Pu is intended to make decisions<00:23:
• the decisions they can make by giving them just a little teeny bit of what they need to invest to make
• the decisions they can make by giving them just a little teeny bit of what they need to invest to make
• the decisions they can make by giving them just a little teeny bit of what they need to invest to make
• the decisions they can make by make the decisions they can make by giving<05:26:25.840> them<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you live in a blue state, you can make your decision that you and your family... ...determine is best
• Because that's exactly what makes ... Because that's exactly what makes this country special.
• Oppression makes a wise man mad. Oppression makes a wise man mad.
• But I need to make a point.
• In this era, each citizen In this era, each citizen must make a vital decision to ensure our nation and

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that we make a strategic decision that doesn't put the state in further financial burden when it
• Can you walk us through the decision-making process at DCF regarding the launch of this anti-marijuana
• Can you walk us through the decision-making process at DCF regarding the launch of this anti-marijuana
• It is a job where you make a lot of people angry based on the decisions you make.
• My aim, whether I'm at my desk or a dinner table, is to be a respected voice at a collaborative decision-making

Bills: S0688, S1414, S0186, S0902, S0196, S1574, S0878, S1092, S1032, S1684, S1686, S1760

Keywords: cytomegalovirus, education, maternal health, newborn care, infectious diseases, student health, epilepsy, seizure disorders, school safety, training requirements, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis, neurofibromatosis, healthcare, state regulations, child care facilities, public safety, grant program, uterine fibroids, health database

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cordderero's attorney, they could make that request. >> They could make that request.
• Um, we're going to recess and do decision-making at 11:30 because that is the practice of the committee
• We are convening our 11:30 a.m. decision-making agenda in the Committee on Public Safety.
• <01:32:17.760> decision<01:32:18.239> making<01:32:18.560> agenda<01:32:19.440
• > in<01:32:19.679> the 11:30 a.m. decision making agenda in the 11:30 a.m. decision making

Bills: HB1997, HB2343, HB2566, HB2493

Keywords: students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THIS IS INCLUSIVE OF ALL RELIGIONS.
• WE ALLOW PEOPLE NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU COME FROM, WHATEVER DECISIONS YOU MAKE, WE ALLOW PEOPLE
• NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU COME FROM, WHATEVER DECISIONS YOU MAKE, YOU THE FREEDOM TO DO IT.
• THE BILL IS DEFINITELY GOING TO THE VOTERS WE ARE MAKING A DECISION TO MAKE SURE THE VOTERS HAVE A SAY
• IN THE DECISION WE ARE MAKING TODAY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Key decisions by the U.S. government and industry have played a very large role.
• The industrial base is very seldom a consideration when most acquisition programs make certain decisions
• I just wanted to make sure.
• Would you look at any... statutory changes to be able to make it work and make it identify truly what
• And getting them engaged in military production as well as making F-150s.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I want to make sure that we are tracking these statistics effectively so that we can make the decision
• But I want to make sure that we are tracking these statistics effectively so that we can make the decision
• Does that make sense to you? It certainly makes sense.
• a decision not to go out of network.
• We want to make sure it gets done, but we also want to make sure, because the firefighters' survivor

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, being brought up, that would put the city in a situation to make these decisions was really just
• OK, so these people that are then making the decision on how much money they're getting paid, if they
• Well, the city council's elected, so they're represented the people that are making the ultimate decisions
• No, I'm saying city council makes the ultimate decision.
• Does that make sense?

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• Living as ambassadors of kindness would help to make our world the very best place to live.
• California counties are faced with the difficult decisions of diverting money away from other public
• He makes us very happy as grandparents.
• Speaker, I rise to make a comment on the condition of the file. Thank you. Mr.
• DeMaio, this is the decision of the Chair that there will be no condition in the file today.

Summary: The Assembly met with an initial quorum call, then proceeded through routine floor business, guest introductions, and several procedural motions. Members approved requests to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, removed some bills from the consent calendar, and re-referred or withdrew several measures. The chamber also took up a number of second-reading and concurrence items later in the day. Two major bills drew floor debate. SB 762, a tax measure allowing eligible local governments to seek voter approval for transactions and use tax rates above the statutory cap, was presented as a response to local fiscal pressures and was described by supporters as giving voters local choice rather than imposing a tax increase. It passed with an urgency vote of 54-13 and was sent immediately to the Senate. AB 126, the education budget trailer bill, was presented as a major investment in TK-12 education, special education, community schools, and educator leave; one member supported many provisions but objected to policy changes affecting charter schools being included in a budget bill. The Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments on AB 126 by a vote of 56-1. The Assembly also concurred in AB 35, an urgency environmental protection bill intended to speed implementation of Proposition 4-funded projects by narrowing administrative delay; supporters said it would accelerate wildfire prevention, water, and other environmental projects. The measure passed unanimously, 66-0. The consent calendar was then adopted, including AB 2796 on criminal history information, which passed 67-0. The session concluded with multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remarks honoring victims of a B-52 test flight crash at Edwards Air Force Base, former West Covina Mayor Lloyd Johnson, civil rights leader Harold Brown, educator and activist Kiyoko Nancy Oda, and Auburn Mayor John Mike Holmes, followed by announcements of summer recess and adjournment until August 3.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all know that, no matter what the statistics are, crime is making people feel less safe, whether it's
• Crime is making people feel less safe, whether it's a Ring camera that catches the robbery or the carjacking
• I'd want to make sure that we're not violating any data privacy laws in it.
• He then said he wanted to make one comment about funding.
• He then said he wanted to make one comment about funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• effective can make a big difference for families.
• And that's in part why I filed this bill: it's to assure informed decision-making.
• that families have to make.
• that families have to make.
• It's not a decision most of us would ever want to make.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities. The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:02.000> their a long time and never making their a long time and never making their
• Number one, in the vast majority of cases, judges already make these decisions quickly, but every now
• Number one, in the vast majority of cases, judges already make these decisions quickly, but every now
• <00:30:52.720> these cases the um judges already make these cases the um judges already make
• comma and to make the sentence clear up. comma and to make the sentence clear up.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The timelines proposed would require insurers to make non-renewal decisions almost immediately upon writing
• Well, ultimately, I mean, the Attorney General would do an investigation and make a decision whether
• progress and make adjustments.
• Make yourselves comfortable.
• Insurance laws by imposing automatic interest penalties when insurers delay making coverage decisions

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I welcome hearing it so that we can make sure that we don't make a decision without at least hearing
• But I want you to think about legislators making decisions in terms of hard decisions of prioritizing
• And just by articulating this, it's going to help us make budget decisions.
• So those are really important questions that make it hard to make the decisions that are really hard
• So those are really important questions that it makes it hard to make the decisions that are really hard

Summary: The hearing focused on California wildfire resilience, with the first panel discussing statewide funding, policy, and strategic priorities, and the second panel shifting to home hardening and defensible space. The LAO outlined the state’s wildfire risk, the large increase in resilience spending in recent years, and the fact that most funding has been one-time rather than ongoing. Testimony emphasized that wildfire risk varies greatly by region, that the state must balance response spending with prevention, and that success should be measured more carefully than by acres treated alone. Witnesses also noted the importance of local, federal, utility, and Proposition 4 funding sources, as well as the need for long-term maintenance and strategic prioritization rather than scattered projects. Cal Fire leadership and other witnesses stressed that California’s wildfire problem is not uniform: forested areas, chaparral, and wildland-urban interface communities require different strategies. In Northern California and forested watersheds, speakers emphasized fuels reduction, prescribed and cultural burning, strategic fuel breaks, watershed protection, and maintaining forest health. In Southern California, testimony focused on wind-driven fires, ember intrusion, ignition prevention along roads and power lines, and the limits of large-scale vegetation clearing. Several witnesses argued that the state should invest where it can leverage local and regional partnerships, support capacity-building programs like Regional Forest and Fire Capacity, and improve data systems to track treatment effectiveness and project outcomes. Members repeatedly pressed witnesses on how to prioritize limited funds, asking what should be done more of, less of, and first. The chair argued that protecting homes and communities through hardening and defensible space should be a major priority, especially near structures, while also acknowledging the need for broader landscape work and watershed protection. There was discussion of incentives such as insurance discounts, property tax treatment, and community certification for hardened homes, along with the need for multiple payers rather than relying on the state alone. Cal Fire reported new and expanding data tools, including treatment trackers, defensible space inspection dashboards, and a fuels treatment effectiveness program that evaluates whether nearby treatments affected wildfire behavior. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we want to make sure that we do this right and that we make sure that... ...we're not impeding
• These are statewide elected officials with huge districts making critical decisions on behalf of millions
• Are we underestimating the ability of Texans to make good, knowledgeable decisions about how to use their
• The house and putting them under pressure and making a quick decision. Absolutely.
• to make the choice as to...

Bills: HB1342, HB2889, HB3002, HB3254, HB4820, HJR40, HJR40

Keywords: private activity bonds, housing, residential rental projects, low-income, affordable housing, bond measures, funding equality, political subdivisions, public communications, election fairness, debt collection, consumer rights, disclosures, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, settlement agreements, State Board of Education, group benefits program, health insurance, state employees, dependents eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Contracting the services out, I think, is the best vehicle and decision-making for taking care of our
• Contracting the services out, I think, is the best vehicle and decision-making for taking care of our
• I think that is the best vehicle and decision-making for taking care of our kids.
• Give us just one second to get composed here, and we'll go into decision-making.
• We're ready to go into decision-making. So up first is House Bill 1422 relating to motor carriers.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• All decisions must be approved unanimously.
• We cannot make policy decisions based on fake generalizations and unverified claims.
• I know we are making tough decisions. We have views based on our political parties.
• It's a major difference in the potential flight risk incorporated by the judge before they make the decision
• They are trying to make ends meet.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just curious about the thinking, whether it was a decision or there is some law regarding making
• or there is some law regarding decision or there is some law regarding uh<02:19:15.559> making
• They will make more decisions on what is important in their community.
• make more decisions on taxes they will make more decisions on what<03:51:58.960> is<03:51:59.159
• <03:52:13.399> some<03:52:13.640> decisions people will make some decisions people

Keywords: 928, house, all

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.