Transcript Highlights:

• And as a matter of fact, we do certain things with local companies, breweries, and distilleries.
• You can do projects with other breweries, wineries, or distilleries, and you work on creating something
• If it's a brewery, a farm brewery, they can do direct.
• of a farmer brewery they can do direct if it's a distillery it still goes through the the wholesaler
• House 478, an act relative to small-sale beverages provided by brewery; those all received favorable

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted. A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk. The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• products from a winery or a brewery.
• products from a winery or a brewery.
• Uh, at one point in time, our brewery, Hobs Brewing Company, was the largest self-distributed brewery
• <02:30:51.280> across offer this to all the breweries across offer this to all the breweries
• because we can have other breweries because we can have other breweries process<02:33:58.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the CFO of the Alchemist Brewery, the Executive Director of the Vermont Brewers Association, and the
• Street Alliance and owner of<00:08:42.159> the<00:08:42.399> Alchemist<00:08:42.880> Brewery
• ,<00:08:44.000> CFO,<00:08:44.560> the of the Alchemist Brewery, CFO, the of the Alchemist
• Brewery, CFO, the Alchemist<00:08:45.440> Brewery,<00:08:46.880> Executive<00:08:47.360
• > Director<00:08:47.600> of Alchemist Brewery, Executive Director of Alchemist Brewery,

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a brewery, I think, out in California called the 21st Amendment Brewery.
• There's a brewery, I think, out in California called the 21st Amendment Brewery.
• There's a brewery, I think, out in California called the 21st Amendment Brewery.
• business in the robust um micro Brewery business in the state<00:15:42.639> of<00:15:42.800><
• Our largest brewers are not near that cap, so all of Minnesota’s breweries can have a tap room.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• been interpreted to guarantee that beer wholesalers receive fair market compensation in the event a brewery
• protect wholesalers by ensuring they receive fair market value for their distribution rights when a brewery
• that the statute applied only to beer manufacturers, allowing non-brewing entities that acquire a brewery
• necessary fix, it reaffirms the original intent of California's alcohol laws, ensuring that when a brewery

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee met with a quorum present and first took up routine business. Members adopted the committee rules and approved three measures on the consent calendar: AB 77 (Aguiar-Curry), AB 233 (Gibson), and AB 720 (Rogers). The committee then heard AB 344 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would update and clarify the definition of “successor beer manufacturer” in California alcohol law to address a recent court ruling that supporters said created a loophole affecting wholesalers’ fair market compensation when breweries are sold. The California Family Beer Distributors supported the bill, while the California Craft Brewers Association said it was neutral based on ongoing negotiations and sponsor commitments. AB 344 passed the committee on a due pass to Appropriations vote, with the roll left open for additional members. The committee also heard AB 509 by Assemblymember Flora, which concerned alcohol service training and verification procedures. The California Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying it would recognize good-faith use of technology in entry and verification processes and help restaurants meet their obligations. There was no opposition testimony. The author accepted committee amendments, and the bill was moved on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. Additional members later added votes to the consent items, committee rules, AB 344, and AB 509 before the committee adjourned at 2:07 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• California has more breweries than any state in the country, with current counts numbering over 1,000
• independently owned craft breweries that produce 1 in 5 craft beers in the United States.
• Our craft breweries are nationally and internationally recognized, receiving numerous accolades from
• These breweries stand as a model for sustainable practices.
• strategies and techniques in the private sector, and is seen by the legacy that craft breweries have

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California has more breweries than any state in the country, with current counts numbering over 1,000
• independently owned craft breweries that produce 1 in 5 craft beers in the United States.
• Our craft breweries are nationally and internationally recognized, receiving numerous accolades from
• These breweries stand as a model for sustainable practices.
• strategies and techniques in the private sector, and is seen by the legacy that craft breweries have

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a series of procedural motions to re-refer bills, suspend rules, and remove items from the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing family milestones, a youth leadership program from Assembly District 13, a delegation of Japanese business leaders, and a Michoacan delegation. Later, members adopted several resolutions and consent items, including California Craft Beer Week, the Freedom Flag as a 9/11 remembrance symbol, Probation Services Week, and California Wildfire Week, along with other consent-calendar measures. The main floor debate centered on SB 417, a $10 billion housing bond for the ballot, with supporters emphasizing the state’s housing shortage, homelessness crisis, and funding for multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, farmworker housing, student housing, tribal housing, infrastructure, and preservation of existing affordable units. Opponents criticized the proposal as adding debt without enough reform and objected to the use of veterans in the measure’s messaging. The Assembly passed SB 417 on urgency and on the measure, 54-7, and sent it to the Senate. Members then adopted ACA 20, which would expand and modernize the state Rainy Day Fund by increasing its cap and changing deposit rules; it passed 54-8 and was transmitted to the Senate. The Assembly also approved SB 623, a transportation-related bill addressing rideshare safety and medical lien practices. Supporters said it would curb abusive billing, restrict attorney conflicts and kickbacks, require stronger background checks for TNC drivers, and allow women riders and drivers to request women-only matches. The measure passed unanimously, 67-0. Later, the House adopted ACA 21, which removes ACA 13 from the November ballot, by 62-0, and ACA 22, which amends a ballot measure affecting taxation and local fiscal resources, by 64-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dorothy Viola Calvin, followed by announcements, recesses, and final adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:40.959> that the face of the small breweries that the face of the small breweries that
• brewery, distillery, and the brewery, distillery, and the restaurants,<00:19:57.039> we<00
• I’m a bigger fish in a very small pond, but still not a big brewery.
• Um I can tell you uh in this breweries.
• <00:25:33.679> Um but still not a big brewery. Um but still not a big brewery.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of them are filled at the brewery in the exact same way.
• Both of them are filled<01:03:22.240> at<01:03:22.400> the<01:03:22.480> brewery
• There are over 10,000 breweries in our country today.
• c> in<01:05:12.160> the breweries, 79 breweries actually in the breweries, 79 breweries actually
• There are over 10,000 breweries country.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee amendments would clarify that the holder of a limited brewery license, cidery and meadery
• As introduced, the bill provided that only limited brewery licensees may coordinate with these vendors
• Require farm brewery license holders to produce malt alcoholic beverages that contain at least 51% of
• license may coordinate with food vendors, as introduced, the bill provided that only limited brewery
• Require farm brewery license holders to produce malt alcoholic beverages that contain at least 51% of

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And to your point, when I visited, and I've been to breweries, I mean, it was like going to a brewery
• Oh, I've been to a brewery. I've been to a winery.
• It was like going to a brewery, right, because that's the same.
• Oh, I've been to a brewery. I've seen, I've been to a winery.
• Brewery in San Francisco that sadly didn't make it through the pandemic.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its first informational hearing to examine the state of alternative protein research, industry growth, and policy needs in California. The chair opened by noting California’s $5 million public investment in UC research in 2022 and framed the hearing around three panels: the climate, environmental, and security potential of alternative proteins; industry scaling and commercialization; and university-led research and workforce development. Members emphasized that the committee will continue with site visits and additional hearings across the state. The first panel focused on the case for alternative proteins as a climate, land, water, biodiversity, and food-security solution. Shana Fertig of the Good Food Institute argued that plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated proteins can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use while helping California meet its climate and conservation goals. Zane Swanson of CSIS added that alternative proteins could reduce risks tied to zoonotic disease, antimicrobial resistance, supply-chain disruption, and broader national security concerns. In questions, members discussed the role of pharmaceuticals in animal agriculture and how alternative proteins might complement, rather than replace, traditional farming by creating new markets for California crops and helping farmers diversify. The second panel featured industry leaders Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat, Myra Passick of Upside Foods, and Arye Elfenbein of Wildtype. Brown highlighted plant-based meat’s health and climate benefits, criticized misinformation campaigns against the sector, and urged better labeling, reduced subsidies for factory farming, and more plant-based food in public institutions. Passick described cultivated meat as a scalable food-production technology, said Upside Foods has already produced millions of pounds annually at its Emeryville facility, and asked for grants, low-interest loans, and possible participation in cap-and-trade or similar revenue programs. Elfenbein described cultivated seafood as a way to address overfishing, contamination, traceability problems, and the heavy import dependence of the U.S. seafood supply, while also noting conservation benefits and the need for California to remain a hub for the industry. The final panel centered on research and workforce development. UCLA’s Amy Rowat described state-funded work on technical bottlenecks such as growing fat cells and creating edible scaffolds, along with a Future Food Fellows program that trains students across science, engineering, law, and policy. UC Santa Cruz economist Galina Hale argued that alternative proteins are necessary to meet future protein demand while reducing food-system emissions, and said California must support the sector through grants, loans, procurement, and research centers to avoid losing leadership to other states and countries. The hearing ended with the chair thanking the witnesses, noting that all materials would be posted online, and saying the committee would continue building policy and budget proposals to support the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• beverages are a real Minnesota creation and something that is nation-leading, productive for our local breweries
• It's a problem, but a lot of our little craft breweries across Minnesota are struggling right now due
• A lot of those breweries really took the initiative and built this industry that has spread across the
• It's kept a lot of breweries in Minnesota that otherwise would have gone out of business in business,
• There are local breweries in my district, in Coon Rapids and Anoka, that are important parts of our community

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, aside from that, there's no way for a brewery to opt out of that.
• Additionally, aside from that, there's no way for a brewery to opt out of that.
• Additionally, aside from that, there's no way for a brewery to opt out of that.
• Additionally, aside from that, there's no way for a brewery to opt out of that.
• Additionally, aside from that, there's no way for a brewery to opt out of that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first discussed scheduling, noting that Town Meeting Day would cancel the next Tuesday meeting, that they would meet Wednesday instead, and that remaining bills would be handled through subcommittees and a likely final executive session on the 19th to meet the deadline for committee action on the 20th. The committee then took up several bills, with repeated roll calls and votes, often placing measures on the consent calendar after committee approval. House Bill 185 on ambulance reimbursement rates was described as a perennial issue and was voted inexpedient to legislate, with members noting concerns that an any-willing-provider approach would make premium impacts hard to evaluate. House Bill 186 on cannabis legalization was retained for further work, with members saying the bill addressed stopping marijuana arrests but that the sales and implementation details still needed more development. House Bill 241 on treatment alternatives to opioids was also retained because the sponsor could not attend and the committee wanted more time to continue work. The committee then considered House Bill 302 on state treasury investments in digital assets and precious metals. The amendment narrowed the proposal, removing more complicated provisions like stable tokens and staking, lowering the authorized allocation from 10% to 5%, and limiting eligible digital assets to those with very high market capitalization; members discussed volatility, the treasurer’s discretion, and oversight through bond-rating concerns. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Other measures moved quickly: House Bill 451 on a paint product stewardship program was amended to remove direct funding and framed as manufacturer-run enabling legislation, then passed and was placed on consent; House Bill 499 made technical corrections to insurance laws and passed unanimously; House Bill 538 on relocating Liquor Commission positions passed unanimously; House Bill 552 on children covered under the state retirement insurance plan was cleaned up to remove a student requirement and passed unanimously; and a blockchain/digital currencies bill was amended to address noise and local regulation concerns for data mining operations, with supporters emphasizing energy-use issues, municipal authority, and a separate commission studying regulation. That bill also passed and was sent to consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• And both my dad and aunt worked there, and now it's actually a really cool brewery.
• You can go to a really sweet brewery and know that you're helping out the neighbors of Fridley.
• And both my dad and aunt worked there, and now it's actually a really cool brewery.
• So, um, it's the really cool um brewery.
• <00:32:04.960> helps Forgotten Star Brewery that helps Forgotten Star Brewery that helps housing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Brandon and Pony are the co-founders of Hawaiian Vinegar and Spice Company, a vinegar brewery that
• Hawaiian Vinegar and Spice Company, a Hawaiian Vinegar and Spice Company, a vinegar<00:04:43.360> brewery
• <00:04:43.759> that<00:04:43.919> transforms vinegar brewery that transforms vinegar
• brewery that transforms off-grade<00:04:44.960> produce<00:04:45.360> into<00:04:45.600

Bills: HB9, SB2069, SB2342, SB2861, SB3123, SB2623, SB585, SB2211, SB2446, SB2919, SB2125, SB2116, SB2999, SB2656, SB2001, SB3169

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, SB2069, Hawaii housing

Transcript Highlights:

• desserts from being automatically denied, and their argument is essentially that there is a local brewery
• essentially that there is a company<00:11:49.399> a<00:11:49.519> local<00:11:49.800> Brewery
• ><00:11:50.240> in<00:11:50.399> New<00:11:50.639> Hampshire company a local Brewery
• in New Hampshire company a local Brewery in New Hampshire that<00:11:51.600> spent<00:11:51.959

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with routine business, approving the minutes and adopting the consent calendar. It then took up an interim rule from the Department of Safety concerning a definition of “medical provider” in a rule affecting veterans. Staff explained that the original language unintentionally excluded VA-affiliated physicians who are licensed in another state, which had caused some veterans to be denied benefits tied to medical notes. The department proposed a conditional approval with edits to include physicians licensed in any U.S. state who are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with conforming changes to the related form. Members asked a clarifying question about the form language, and the committee voted to grant conditional approval as amended. The committee next discussed an emergency rule from the Liquor Commission involving beer label approvals. Staff said the existing rule denying labels that might be perceived as advertising to children had been applied ambiguously, and the emergency rule would clarify that desserts are not automatically denied. The commission argued the issue created a financial emergency because a New Hampshire brewery had spent about $200,000 on new labels and could not get its product on shelves. Members discussed whether that financial impact met the standard for an emergency rule, with comments that the burden was arguably self-imposed but still financial in nature. No formal motion was made to object, and the committee did not take further action on the emergency rule. The meeting concluded with a brief update that two objection responses were still outstanding, with one expected in April and another pushed to May. The committee also agreed to cancel the mid-month continued meeting, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:39:08.000> are also an issue um that breweries are also an issue um that breweries are
• I'm going to switch to my own brewery perspective now.
• All of our names as small breweries out across the state.
• All of our names as small breweries out across the state.
• There are many cool breweries. Careful there, Senator. All right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Craft Brewers Guild is the non-profit trade association for small and independent breweries
• Our membership consists of more than 500 Texas businesses, including operating breweries, brewpubs, breweries
• As an industry, there are over 440 total... operating Texas craft breweries and brewpubs contribute more
• intends to reduce... to some of the administrative burden felt by distributing businesses, including breweries
• So whenever you have these duplicate UPCs... ...it can go across different breweries that are going to

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• To the chairman's point on that, the original concept of this was did come from the nano brewery statute
• /c><00:32:22.720> from<00:32:22.960> the<00:32:23.120> nano<00:32:23.440> brewery
• was did come from the nano brewery was did come from the nano brewery statute<00:32:24.880> back
• So an example would be... >> I was worried about, say, a Sam Adams purchasing one of these small breweries
• purchasing one of these small breweries purchasing one of these small breweries and<00:37:41.839

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tex Craft Brewers Guild is a nonprofit trade association for small and independent breweries and brewpubs
• Our membership consists of more than 500 Texas businesses, including operating breweries, brewpubs, breweries
• As an industry, the over 440 total operating Texas craft breweries and brew pubs contribute more than
• which intends to reduce some of the administrative burden felt by distributing businesses, including breweries
• So whenever you have these duplicate UPCs, it can go across different breweries are going to have the