Transcript Highlights:

• But among the underage population, it wasn't so cut and dry what happened to those disproportionalities
• But for the underage population, we don't expect that to be happening.
• So we are able to look at the underage population and the legal age population.
• As I mentioned before, we study the underage population separate from the legal-age population.
• You know, Disorder diagnosis among the underage population.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Summary: The committee held a work session on earthquake insurance and later on Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) cannabis and I-502 research. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner explained that earthquake coverage is usually excluded from standard property policies, is expensive, and often carries very high deductibles. Staff also described admitted versus surplus line insurers, and introduced parametric insurance and captive insurance as specialized risk-transfer tools mainly used by commercial and sophisticated buyers. OIC data showed about 226,000 admitted earthquake policies in 2023, with most personal policies concentrated in the Puget Sound and Vancouver areas and commercial endorsements more broadly distributed. A second panel, including insurance and banking representatives, focused on potential catastrophic earthquake exposure for commercial buildings and collateralized loans. They argued that many commercial properties may lack earthquake coverage, leaving banks and the broader economy exposed if owners default or surrender damaged properties after a major quake. They discussed the Nisqually earthquake, the Cascadia subduction zone, building age, soil and slope conditions, retrofit standards, pollution remediation, and the need for property resilience assessments and inventories of vulnerable buildings. Members asked about consumer impacts, affordability, education, and whether legislation like prior work on unreinforced masonry buildings could help reduce risk; the Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is costly and that affordability is a major concern. Committee members also discussed inventories and risk assessment efforts, including state geologist work on school buildings and whether similar approaches could be extended to nearby private structures. The presenters said banks likely have good inventories of their collateral but may not know which properties are most vulnerable to earthquake damage. The discussion ended with a request for follow-up information on consumer education and disaster planning resources. WSIPP then presented its long-running evaluation of Initiative 502 and cannabis legalization. Staff explained WSIPP’s nonpartisan role and its legislatively directed 20-year study, with final benefit-cost work due in 2032. The presentation summarized prior findings that cannabis misdemeanor convictions dropped sharply after legalization, though racial disproportionalities persisted at lower absolute levels. WSIPP also reported that shorter drive times to cannabis retailers were associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving local drivers, higher THC-positive rates among blood-tested crash drivers, and higher cannabis use disorder diagnoses and co-occurring substance use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. For high school students, nearby retail access was associated with more reported use, more unexcused absences, and a lower likelihood of graduating on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, WSIPP said retailer openings were associated with higher cannabis use disorder diagnoses, hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, while emphasizing that the analyses show associations rather than direct causation and that results are specific to Medicaid enrollees.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's why a lot of these properties have these 21-and-under thresholds, because they don't want underage
• > invites all their friends over and invites all their friends over and there's<00:16:30.959><c> underage
• ><00:16:31.519><c> drinking</c><00:16:31.839><c> and</c><00:16:32.079><c> everything</c> there's underage
• drinking and everything there's underage drinking and everything that<00:16:32.639><c> leads</c><00:
• :55.920><c> want</c> uh thresholds because they don't want uh thresholds because they don't want underage

Summary: The subcommittee took up Senate Bill 19, which was described as repealing an archaic requirement that hotel keepers post rental-rate notices in rooms. Most of the discussion focused on an amendment addressing whether hotels may refuse rentals to people under 21. Supporters argued the bill’s purpose was to clean up outdated, unenforceable laws and that the amendment would clarify the age-discrimination issue by allowing businesses to set and consistently apply their own policies, such as 21-and-under thresholds, to avoid problems like underage drinking, property damage, and liability. A representative from the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the current language is unclear because it does not define the age threshold, creating uncertainty about whether a hotel could be compelled to rent to very young minors. Several members emphasized that owners should be able to set policies for their properties, including age-based rental restrictions, so long as they are clear and consistently applied. One member said the amendment should be more explicit about policy and thresholds, while another noted a future bill might further tighten the language. The discussion also touched on vacation rentals, deposits, and the practical differences between hotels and other rental properties. The amendment was approved by the subcommittee, and the bill was then moved as amended. In the later executive session, the committee voted 11-0 to adopt amendment 1689, then voted 11-0 ought to pass as amended, and finally voted unanimously to place the bill on the consent calendar.

Bills: SB1638 , SB504 , SB2072 , SB1283 , SB1216 , SB1655 , SB2011 , SB1643 , SB1446 , SB1256 , SB1258 , SB1441 , SB1224 , SB1448 , SB1496 , SB1597 , SB1621 , SB1827 , SB2066 , SB2104

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Governmental Tort Claims Act, liability limits, claims, medical negligence, tort reform, state liability, public health, claims adjustment, compensation limits, SB504, marriage, child marriage, minor marriage, age of consent, minimum marriage age, underage marriage, teen marriage, parental consent, judicial approval, marriage license

Transcript Highlights:

• SNACK PRODUCTS, OTHER PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET PLACE NOW THAT PARCEL ALL ATTRACTIVE TO CHILDREN AND UNDERAGE
• WE SEE THOSE ALL OVER THE UNDERAGE INDIVIDUALS. WE SEE THOSE ALL OVER THE STATE BEINGS SOLD.
• THINGS LIKE THE PENALTIES FOR SELLING THESE LEVEL PRODUCTS, THE PENALTIES FOR SELLING TO UNDERAGE AND
• LIKE THC AND SLUSHY DRINKS HIGH DOSES AND ACCESS TO UNDERAGE PEOPLE.
• ESPECIALLY UNDERAGE PEOPLE AT RISK OF OVERCONSUMPTION.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this bill does the banning of sales to underage and the marketing to underage, and it does direct
• Okay, so who's going to police that the product is not being sold to underage individuals?
• Excuse me, I mean, how would a police officer know that a retailer sold this product to an underage individual
• Whether that's reviewing surveillance footage or the division has a program called our Cooperating Underage
• Witness program, where we take underage kids to see if they can purchase age-restricted items and go

Bills: HB305 , HB395 , HB341

Committee: Senate Health & Social Services

Summary: The committee met in late June with Senators Hansen, Buckson, Siegfried, Townsend, and Huxable present, and first approved the meeting minutes by voice vote. The opening bill, HB 341, would limit DFS from filing child support in foster care cases unless doing so would not hinder reunification; Children’s Department staff said the department has already decided to stop filing in all such cases, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $140,000 annually. Public testimony from the League of Women Voters supported the bill as a compassionate measure to help families reunite. The committee then heard HB 446/related anaphylaxis legislation for colleges and universities, which would allow institutions to stock and use intranasal epinephrine alongside auto-injectors and update training and reporting requirements. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America supported the measure, emphasizing the need for needle-free options and faster treatment of anaphylaxis. The committee also took up HS1 for HB 356 on PFAS, which would ban firefighting foam containing PFAS beginning in 2028, require disclosure if PPE contains PFAS, and address recalls; DNREC and the fire service supported it, saying most departments have already transitioned away from PFAS foam. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 305, a diabetes wellness pilot program that would use continuous glucose monitoring, app-based care coordination, lab testing, and DHIN data analysis to shift care toward prevention and remission. Sponsor Senator Siegfried described the bill as a response to Delaware’s high diabetes costs and prevalence, and the Medical Society of Delaware supported it as a proactive model. The committee also discussed HB 395, which would regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products and synthetic cannabinoids by classifying products over a THC threshold as marijuana and creating penalties for unlicensed sales; the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner supported the bill, while hemp industry representatives and Senator Hoffner warned it could harm legitimate hemp retailers and access to hemp products. The final item, HS1 for HB 332, would ban sales and marketing of kratom products to those under 21 and direct the state to study testing and regulation of kratom and synthetic variants. Supporters, including the Delaware Healthcare Association and several recovery advocates, said age-gating is a reasonable first step and that synthetic products are the main concern; opponents and some senators argued the bill should go further and fully ban kratom or better distinguish synthetic products from natural leaf kratom. No formal roll-call votes were taken on the substantive bills during the transcript, and the meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines that have to do with selling to underage
• folks, and underage is 21, or I should say under 21.
• tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines that have to do with selling to underage
• folks, and underage is 21, or I should say under 21.

Summary: The caucus reviewed several bills and Senate or conference committee amendments, with members generally noting whether the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2749 would let courts enter a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction for certain lower-level felony convictions, with the Senate amendment requiring at least five years since completion of sentence before eligibility. HB 2082 would create a childhood cancer and rare childhood disease research commission and adjust funding rules, including a five-million-dollar threshold tied to appropriations or federal grants. HB 2096 would allow counties to seek WIFA assistance for cesspool remediation, with the Senate adding an alternative compliance path using ADEQ’s nonpoint source management plan. HB 4001 would regulate alternative nicotine products through the Department of Liquor Licensing and Control; members discussed whether some tobacco-related products remain outside the bill, tribal enforcement limits, and the absence of a tax provision. The presenter said the AG and governor support the bill. The caucus then shifted to conference committee bills. HB 2003 would lower the learner’s permit age from 15.5 to 15 and increase supervised driving time, but several members raised safety concerns and questioned whether the change was needed; the conference amendment would let current instruction permit holders qualify for a license after six months, while still requiring age 16 for licensure. HB 2133 would impose content-verification requirements for commercial websites publishing sexual material, with conference changes exempting pre-effective-date motion pictures and television programming. Members noted the Motion Picture Association still had concerns, though the changes addressed some retroactivity issues. HB 2874 would change campaign finance penalty rules, including a five-day publication requirement for committees owing late-filing penalties, a $5,000 cap on penalties per late report, and retroactive relief for certain inactive committees that filed no-contribution/no-expenditure reports and later terminated; one member said they still had not received the outstanding fee totals requested on the floor. HB 2010 would regulate digital goods sellers and refunds for revoked access to licensed digital content; the conference version kept a five-year refund structure but changed the refund amount to 20% per year, clarified refund procedures, and removed the refund requirement if alternative access is provided. The caucus took no votes in the transcript and ended after the bill presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, they are just as concerned about denying access to underage youth and regulating the industry
• And these are the kids that have... that's the underage access to... ...that's the underage access to
• It would ban sales in gas stations and convenience stores, preventing easy access for underage consumers
• There needs to be stiff penalties if you do sell underage, like we do with alcohol.

Bills: HB194 , SB87 , SB237

Committee: Senate Healthcare

Keywords: healthcare, advanced practice nursing, nurse collaboration, medical board, nursing board, committee structure, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, hemp, hemp beverages, psychoactive cannabinoids, psychoactive hemp products, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC

Transcript Highlights:

• watching it, they would allow advertising that we’re saying if it’s more than 10% of the audience is underage
• can’t market it on TV or newspaper or social media or anywhere if more than 10% of the audience is underage
• audience<00:10:01.160><c> is</c><00:10:01.320><c> not</c><00:10:01.640><c> is</c><00:10:01.800><c> underage
• </c><00:10:02.720><c> you</c> audience is not is underage you audience is not is underage you shouldn't

Transcript Highlights:

• tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines that have to do with selling to underage
• folks, and underage is 21, or I should say under 21.
• tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines that have to do with selling to underage
• folks, and underage is 21, or I should say under 21.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having the third highest rate of fatal crashes involving underage drunk drivers, the bill requires electronic
• in a vehicle crash, highlighting Texas's third highest rate nationally of fatal crashes involving underage
• did change because electronic verification systems can more reliably detect fake IDs, preventing underage
• Underage drinking is problematic in Texas. But we can change that. We can change it.
• Our platform uses advanced age, identity, and geolocation verification technology to prevent underage

Bills: SB650 , HB3667 , SB28 , HB3201 , SB1184 , HB1800 , SB 28

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine

Transcript Highlights:

• We support businesses with clear guidance and provide education to prevent underage access and promote
• Underage.
• Provides underage youth to us.
• Probably not surprising to anybody, we're seeing the most underage sales for vape products.
• We know there's a big problem with sales of vape products to underage kids right now.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• watching it, they would allow advertising that we're saying if it's more than 10% of the audience is underage
• watching it, they would allow advertising that we're saying if it's more than 10% of the audience is underage
• watching it, they would allow advertising that we're saying if it's more than 10% of the audience is underage
• watching it, they would allow advertising that we're saying if it's more than 10% of the audience is underage
• watching it, they would allow advertising that we're saying if it's more than 10% of the audience is underage

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he wanted to highlight a few areas of opposition, beginning with underage drinking.
• drinking um one of the issue of underage drinking um one of the reasons<01:17:50.760><c> that</c><01
• He said he could get rates of underage drinking, but he did not know them off the top of his head.
• Further, underage drinkers are not going to be buying the premium-priced beverages that would be sold
• a decrease in underage drinking further underage<01:23:53.639><c> drinkers</c><01:23:54.080><c> are<

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation. The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• somebody mentioned Madam Chair, Representative: What is the penalty for buying this product for an underage
• Representative, I guess where I have trouble is, I guess where I have trouble is we're regulating the underage
• that... ...serve to stiffen the penalties for people that give, allow this product to be used by underage
• You know, but what I guess I'm getting at is if somebody of age doesn't buy the product, the underage
• The underage are not going into a store and going through the shelf and buying the product.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• somebody mentioned, Madam Chair, Representative, what is the penalty for buying this product for an underage
• Madam Chair, Representative, I guess where I have trouble is we're regulating the underage consumption
• be better served to stiffen the penalties for people that give, allow this product to be used by underage
• You know, but what I guess is if somebody of age doesn’t buy the product, the underage has no chance
• The underage are not going into a store and going through the shelf and buying the product.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 294, the Cannabis Product Packaging Regulation Act, with a committee substitute. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would tighten cannabis packaging rules to reduce appeal to minors by limiting colors, materials, and design elements, while allowing some color for warnings and approved logos; the substitute also addressed misbranding and third-party manufacturing liability. Public testimony was split: cannabis industry representatives and related businesses argued the bill would create major packaging costs, waste inventory, hurt small businesses and tertiary industries, and was better addressed through education, safe storage, and stronger enforcement; supporters from public schools, state police, and a cannabis company said the bill would help protect children and make violations easier to identify. Committee members debated whether “reasonably appealing” should be defined in statute or rulemaking, whether packaging changes would actually reduce youth access, and whether stronger penalties or warning labels would be more effective. The committee adopted the substitute and advanced HB 294 on an 8-3 do pass vote. The committee then heard HB 298, as amended, which would create a 50% state income tax credit for maintaining or replacing existing short-line railroad track, capped at $5,000 per mile, after an amendment removed a proposed credit for new rail and reduced the fiscal impact. The sponsor and railroad representatives said the measure would help preserve and improve short-line infrastructure that supports mines and other customers, while committee members asked about the amendment, the scope of the credit, and why the state should be involved in what they viewed as a local economic development tool. The bill drew no opposition in testimony and passed unanimously, 10-0, as amended. Finally, the committee considered SB 58, which would extend the property tax abatement period for metropolitan redevelopment areas from seven years to up to 14 years, with flexibility for shorter terms under the Senate amendment. Supporters from the City of Albuquerque, Realtors, and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce said the change would improve project feasibility, attract investment, and help revitalize blighted areas; the sponsor explained that MRAs are locally designated redevelopment districts and that the longer abatement period reflects current construction costs and project timelines. Committee members asked about which areas qualify, how abatements work, why the state sets the term, and whether local governments could do this on their own. The bill passed on an 11-0 do pass vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was turned away from a domestic violence shelter because I was underage.
• shelter<00:04:07.760><c> because</c><00:04:08.239><c> I</c><00:04:08.560><c> was</c><00:04:08.720><c> underage
• </c> shelter because I was underage. shelter because I was underage.

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• If you allow underage drinking or drinking dangerously in your home, you are responsible for what occurs
• behavior, not responsible adults, and states with strong social host laws have seen a reduction in underage
• Not responsible adults, and states with strong social host laws have seen a reduction in underage drinking
• Many states specify this to— Many states specify this to underage drinking and to providing alcohol to
• an underage individual in your home.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined. Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:42.560><c> person</c> is slipping drinks to an underage person is slipping drinks to an underage
• Let alone the license turned sideways, it's that of an underage person.
• But any automation comes with some... underage person um and like I said the underage person um and like
• </c> age reducing the the risk of underage age reducing the the risk of underage sales<01:44:54.199><
• underage use the only thing that I was underage use the only thing that I was hoping<01:46:37.199><c>

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained. The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• 9:00 to join Goals Hawaii and Mothers Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness on drunk driving, underage
• to raise awareness on<00:22:04.320><c> drunk</c><00:22:04.560><c> driving,</c><00:22:05.000><c> underage
• </c><00:22:05.480><c> drinking,</c><00:22:06.080><c> and</c> on drunk driving, underage drinking, and
• on drunk driving, underage drinking, and alcohol<00:22:06.840><c> abuse.

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Transcript Highlights:

• is the dangerous addictive nature of gambling combined with the fact that we're dealing with an underage
• is the dangerous addictive nature of gambling combined with the fact that we're dealing with an underage
• Number two, these these uh ch anybody underage has to be in there with the with the uh their parent that
• Underage person, a minor who, uh, is being exposed to this and it's designed to attract people and works
• </c><00:29:44.399><c> has</c> these these uh ch anybody underage has these these uh ch anybody underage