Video & Transcript Research : 'spirits'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Apr 7, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 40
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR39, HCR43, HR178, HCR188, SB3144, SB3102, SB2053, SB3248, SB2256, SB3118, SB2245, SB2519, SB3055, SB2090, SB2765, SB2169, SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, HR63, HCR69
Keywords:
pedestrian safety, crosswalks, traffic calming, school zone, Honolulu, community safety, raised crosswalks, traffic infrastructure, agritourism, agricultural tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, HTA, working group, farm tourism, regenerative tourism, working lands, agricultural land use, county ordinances, permitting, farm bureau
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 37 Apr 8th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1287, SB1983, SB1796, SB1806, SB1558, SB2135, SB483, SB1198, SB1265, SB2154, SB2139, SB1552, SB2118, SB1775, SB259, SB1344, SB1380, SB2007, SB1572, SB2074, SB1423, SB1425, SB1502, SB1503, SB1833, SB1561, SB1555, SB2044, SB1749, SB904, SB1565, SB1500, SB667, SB1484, SB1562, SB1644, HR1045, SB227, SB1627, SB1475, SB1966, SB2049, SB1531, SB80, SB1734, SB1630, SB1894, SB1975, SB1432, SB1437, SB1812, SB346, SB710, SB1489, SB1614, SB2045, SB1250, SB1304, SB1501, SB1946, SB592, SB65, SB1257, SB444, SB640, SB2178, SB1242, SB1642
Keywords:
abstraction, licensing, Oklahoma Abstractors Board, criminal background, good moral character, SB1983, foster care, resource family partner, resource family partners, Department of Human Services, DHS, child welfare, foster homes, foster children, placement data, data sharing, de-identified data, aggregated data, sibling groups, placement disruptions
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
- The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
- The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
- The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
- The legacy of Bob Marley, alongside the Aloha Spirit, remains a beacon of unity and peace.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions.
After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection.
In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as special counsel to the Spirit Lake Tribe.
- Spirit Lake, Minnewakan, that's our lake.
- And it would really probably impact Spirit Lake as well.
- Stated us on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
- As the years progress, the Spirit Lake Tribe, Spirit Lake Nation, has bought some of that acreage back
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as special counsel to the Spirit Lake Tribe.
- Spirit Lake, Minnewaukan, that's our lake.
- And it would really probably impact Spirit Lake as well.
- Stated us on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
- As the years progress, the Spirit Lake Tribe, Spirit Lake Nation, has bought some of that acreage back
Summary:
The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff.
A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial.
The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee May 13th, 2026
Tribal and State Relations Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as special counsel to the Spirit Lake Tribe.
- You know, Spirit Lake, Minnewaukan, that's our lake.
- And it would really probably impact Spirit Lake as well.
- As the years progress, the Spirit Lake Tribe, Spirit Lake Nation, has bought some of that acreage back
- And that's exactly what we did here at Spirit Lake.
Summary:
The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded.
The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners are American Meadows, August 1st, AA's Home Care
- And whereas the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners are American Meadows, August 1st, AA's Home Care
- Presents the Spirit of the ADA award to businesses that reflect the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities
- Winners of the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award.
- We just heard the reading of the resolution for the spirit of ADA Awards this year.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue.
The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities.
The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber.
On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:44.480>
Competition San Francisco World Spirits Competition San Francisco World Spirits - Bennington in order to create spirit Bennington in order to create spirit beverages<00:08:05.640
- Maple Bourbon, a small-batch spirit Maple Bourbon, a small-batch spirit crafted<00:08:17.240>
- <00:08:52.800>
Competition Francisco World Spirits Competition Francisco World Spirits Competition - <00:09:44.600>
Competition San Francisco World Spirits Competition San Francisco World Spirits
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a.
The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized.
The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Jan 29, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- the same association for spirits, to figure out how that works the best.
- the same association for spirits, to figure out how that works the best.
- the same association for spirits, to figure out how that works the best.
- the same association for spirits, to figure out how that works the best.
- the same association for spirits, to figure out how that works the best.
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism.
Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments.
Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Debate on bill to bar transgender athletes from girls sports 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- trans are nonbinary people to Spirit trans are nonbinary people to Spirit folks<01:20:28.960>
- We need trans and Two-Spirit children to become trans and Two-Spirit adults because they are the ones
- important we need trans and two spirit important we need trans and two spirit children<01:22:12.120
- children to become trans and two spirit children to become trans and two spirit adults<01:22:14.600
- <01:24:47.040>
and Savannah Ryan Williams a two spirit and Savannah Ryan Williams a two spirit
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Creative spirit, spread your spirit through this place.
- Creator Spirit,<00:05:47.199>
spread <00:05:47.680>your Spirit, spread your Spirit, spread - Create a spirit. Spread your grace. Create a spirit.
- Creator spirit, spread your serve.
- Creative spirit, spread your spirit<00:06:50.360>
through <00:06:51.360>this spirit through
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And then finally, Giwadinung, which is the north, the spirit of the north.
- First, to the queer, trans, non-binary, two-spirit communities: you are seen. You are respected.
- Because the first children that they came for were two-spirits and trans kids. as a target.
- We need trans and two-spirit children to become trans and two-spirit adults because they are the ones
- , we also lost Savannah Ryan-Williams, a two-spirit and Latina relative.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 8th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- That same spirit lives in our card rooms today.
- That's the Texas Grit and Spirit.
- It does not change the tax. on spirit-based RTDs or any other spirits-based product. 2077 elevates the
- Spirits and spirit-based products have been confined to the liquid. stores. Yes. Package stores.
- Versus spirits, versus. beverage and wine based products.
Bills:
HB679, HB1764, HB1788, HB2186, HB2204, HB2418, HB2885, HB2983, HB2996, HB3250, HB3352, HB3756, HB3816, HB3913, HB3928, HB4077
Keywords:
environment, regulation, land use, public health, community development, alcohol, Sunday sales, local option election, Texas, business hours, alcohol sales, liquor, off-premise consumption, alcoholic beverages, CPA, Certified Public Accountant, licensing, accountancy, state regulation, continuing education
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Apr 8th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- That same spirit lives in our card rooms today.
- That's the Texas grid and spirit.
- It does not change the tax on spirit-based RTDs or any other spirits-based product.
- Spirits and spirit-based products have been confined to liquor stores, package stores.
- The bill only deals with definitions and provisions of spirit coolers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Give to those entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, compassion, and understanding.
- Guide them with the spirit of counsel and insight. Gift them with a spirit of knowledge.
- <00:01:02.359>
of <00:01:02.519>wisdom authority the spirit of wisdom authority the - spirit of wisdom compassion<00:01:04.000>
and <00:01:04.559>understanding <00:01:05.519 - >
knowledge gift them with a spirit of knowledge gift them with a spirit of knowledge Grace<00
Summary:
The House convened with prayer by Reverend Justin Grim of the St. Paul area and the Pledge of Allegiance, then the clerk called the roll and announced a quorum was present. The House approved the Journal of the previous day without objection and adopted the reports of standing committees and divisions.
During the order of business, the chief clerk reported House Files 194 through 309 for first reading. The House also took up non-controversial motions, which prevailed without objection. No bill debate or substantive policy testimony occurred in this segment.
In announcements, Representative Nisa moved that when the House adjourns it do so until 3:30 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025. The motion prevailed, and the House adjourned accordingly.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, we currently regulate spirits, but... ...Yeah, we currently regulate spirits, but we don't regulate
- . they're already selling spirits anyway.
- Quite frankly, spirit-based products are a lot better. There's a lot more versatility with spirits.
- You can do a versatility with spirits. You can do a lot more with them.
- So you might lose some beer sales, you might lose some spirit sales. I don't know.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Spirit of Life, Spirit of Justice, Spirit of the ancestors who dreamed of liberty and who fought for
- there is cynicism, may we nurture the roots of hope; where there is injustice, may we rise in the spirit
- We ask this not in the name of one tradition or faith, but in the spirit of beloved community, in the
- <00:02:38.319>
of rise in the spirit of rise in the spirit of repair<00:02:40.120>grant - of Beloved Community in the name spirit of Beloved Community in the name of<00:02:59.239>
all
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 29 January, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- God, I ask that you would anoint this place with your spirit.
- Let it fall upon Lieutenant your spirit.
- but your spirit and your kingdom<00:06:24.880>
are <00:06:25.199>eternal. - <00:06:28.400>
hatred <00:06:28.800>that spirit of disunityity and hatred that spirit - In that spirit, may we as a united people rise to meet the great task before us.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a roll call, invocation, and pledge, then quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guest introductions followed, including members of the Junior League of Jackson, the Mississippi Dental Association and Dental Hygiene Association for oral health day, school counselors and college admission counselors, and other visitors. Senators also recognized individual guests such as a dentist from Newton and a constituent from Senatobia.
The chamber then took up two resolutions in block: Senate Bill 2766 designating the Friday before Memorial Day as Buddy Poppy Day in Mississippi, and Senate Resolution 25 commending the Lamar School Raiders football team and Head Coach Jacob Lan for winning the MHSAA 4A Division 3 state championship. The Lamar Raiders were present on the floor, and Coach Lan addressed the Senate after the resolution was read. Both measures were adopted by voice vote, with roll call final passage requested and granted without objection.
The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 21, which calls a joint session for the Governor’s State of the State address. A strike-all amendment was adopted to move the event date and location because of weather, shifting it to the second floor rotunda rather than outside or in the House chamber. The Senate then moved through a series of pass-and-retain actions and announcements, including committee meeting notices and cancellations, campaign finance report reminders, and several adjournment-in-memory requests. The body recessed until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 9:00 a.m. the next day.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- On-premises retailers sell beer, wine, or spirits.
- I'm Matt Allen, founder and CEO of Dark Door Spirits out of Tampa, Florida.
- And I'm also the treasurer of the Florida Craft Spirits Association.
- Florida Craft Spirits Association has, I think, around 60 distillery members now.
- Some stats, or some other stats: 35% of our sales in Florida are spirits.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system.
Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space.
Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill has come out of conversations with the Texas Distilled Spirits Association, the Wine and Spirits
- First, thank you, Senator Parker, TABC, and the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association of Texas for
- First, thank you, Senator Parker, TABC, and the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association of Texas for
- Or spirits for resale. So there's the problem right there, right?
- They currently have them, and they currently sell both liquor, which is spirits, into Texas...
Keywords:
immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.