Video & Transcript Research : 'orphaned animals'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/24/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Yet they're causing animal suffering by Yet they're causing animal suffering by decline<00:47:51.480>
- Requires members to be knowledgeable in animal agriculture, animal health, or pets and companion animals
- animal health or pets and companion animal health or pets and companion animals.<00:56:19.119>
Requires - on down to the board of animal health. on down to the board of animal health.
- Section seven amends animals.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It also narrows the focus to be an animal cruelty bill.
- Number one, it specifically makes it a third-degree felony to commit animal cruelty, sex acts with animals
- and prevented from ever owning an animal again.
- Number four, it requires juveniles who either commit animal cruelty or aggravated animal cruelty to undergo
- We have Travis Moore, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, waving in support.
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry.
The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition.
Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, HOU-HHS, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Allows HPHA to remove a vicious animal to protect persons or property.
- Humane World for Animals in support. Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain in support.
- help to accommodate the owner and the animals that need shelter.
- help to accommodate the owner and the animals that need shelter.
- help to accommodate the owner and the animals that need shelter.
Summary:
The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors.
During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources.
In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/03/2026)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- . animal. animal.
- not allow hunting of a certain animal. not allow hunting of a certain animal.
- We need to be their protectors. enjoy killing animals. We enjoy killing enjoy killing animals.
- <03:10:59.359>
and I'm here to represent the animals and I'm here to represent the animals - behalf of the animals. behalf of the animals.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/05/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a crucial step in making New York State free of animal cruelty.
- IT IS A CRUCIAL STEP IN MAKING NEW YORK STATE A FREE OF -- FREE OF ANIMAL CRUELTY.
- exploit animals.
- , no dog, no cat, no bird, any other animal, is left behind.
- home does not allow them to take that animal or dog or cat with them.
Summary:
The Senate met on May 4, 2026, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of resolutions and floor bills. The chamber first adopted a resolution honoring Carlos Beltran on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, with several senators praising his Mets career, athletic achievements, and philanthropy in Puerto Rico. The Senate also adopted resolutions recognizing the 2026 Women of Distinction, including tributes to living honorees and posthumous recognition of Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Dr. Hazel Dukes, and later adopted resolutions commemorating May Day and Panama’s Black Heritage Month. A Queens Chamber of Commerce resolution also prompted extensive remarks celebrating Queens’ diversity, small businesses, immigrant communities, and cultural institutions.
On legislation, the Senate recalled two bills from the Assembly and restored them to the third reading calendar by a 62-0 reconsideration vote. The chamber then passed a long list of bills, including measures affecting public health, agriculture and markets, insurance, criminal procedure, public officers, labor, not-for-profit corporations, and executive law. Several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, while a few drew recorded opposition, including the environmental conservation bill on animal cruelty and the public health bill on Calendar 840. Supportive floor explanations emphasized animal welfare, protections for abandoned pets, and other public-interest reforms.
The Senate also heard brief explanatory remarks on some bills, such as concerns about animals left behind in vacated housing and the treatment of wild animals in traveling circuses. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one, it specifically makes it a third-degree felony to commit animal cruelty sex acts with animals
- This makes animal fighting or baiting involving a minor a Level VI offense and sexual acts with animals
- prevented from ever owning an animal again.
- Number four, it requires juveniles who commit animal cruelty or aggravated animal cruelty to undergo
- We have Travis Moore from the Animal Legal Defense Fund waiving in support.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:43:02.800>
or quality computerenerated animation or quality computerenerated animation - animation. Yeah. What is the content? animation. Yeah. What is the content?
- So, child and it's in a 3D animation.
- <00:50:22.640>
or quality animation or quality animation or ultrasound<00:50:24.480>and - a animated a animated video<00:51:44.240>
I <00:51:44.400>think <00:51:44.480>is
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (3-13-25) - Upon Recess
Transcript Highlights:
- It quite simply requires Animal Control Officers to undergo training, whether in person or online, to
- Control Advisory Panel, who is the governing body of all animal control, that way all the materials
- <00:02:38.360>
Control simply it requires Animal Control simply it requires Animal Control - will be um provided to the Animal will be um provided to the Animal Control<00:03:07.280>
advisory - <00:03:11.280>
control governing body um of all animal control governing body um of all animal
Keywords:
This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 1:00PM est.
Roll Call - 00:03
Discussion on HB 508 – 00:34
Vote on HB 508 – 03:52
Discussion on 805 – 05:00
Vote on HB 805 -09:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first adopted a Senate committee substitute covering House Bills 718 and 194, then heard testimony on House Bill 508, House Bill 805, and the committee substitute for Senate Bill 111. HB 508 would let applicants for the Kentucky Employee Child Care Assistance Program view and download the required agreement and submit it by mail, email, or online, codifying a change the Cabinet for Health and Family Services had already agreed to make. The child-protection portion of the committee substitute would require animal control officers to receive training to identify child abuse and neglect, with the sponsor saying the training materials would be provided at no cost to local governments.
For HB 805, the sponsor said the committee substitute mainly cleans up last year’s juvenile justice legislation, including changing “plaintiff” to “victim,” narrowing language on confidentiality of juvenile records when information is disclosed in a civil suit, and changing a status offender provision from mandatory to discretionary charging for escape when absent without leave from a DJJ facility. The bill also incorporates “Baby Maya’s Bill,” requiring the Cabinet to physically locate a child within a set time and, in certain cases involving prior removals, contact law enforcement if the child cannot be found. A committee member asked whether the changes would affect public access to records for juveniles transferred to circuit court on felony charges, and the sponsor said they would not.
The committee then voted on HB 805 as amended by the committee substitute and passed it 7-0 with favorable expression. A title amendment was also adopted. After brief thanks and comments from members, the committee adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Animal agriculture in those areas is what, Animal agriculture in those areas is what most of the producers
- But this doesn't say while hunting supplemental feed provided to big game animals may not.
- That's a natural thing that wild animals do, particularly deer.
- That's a natural thing that wild animals do, particularly deer.
- I don't see Game and Fish growing crops in most cases to feed the animals.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial message listing numerous bills signed by the governor. The chamber also handled conference committee business, including appointing conferees for House Bills 1003 and 1169 after refusing to concur with Senate amendments, and adopting a conference committee report on House Bill 1053, which repealed a Century Code section related to the length of the state highway system.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2137, which would allow supplemental feed for hunting and include an expiration date. The House divided the proposed amendments into two parts. Division A, dealing with baiting limits and setbacks near livestock facilities, drew extensive debate over private property rights, enforceability, livestock protection, and hunting access, and failed 14-76. Division B, requiring chronic wasting disease surveillance and a report to Legislative Management, also drew debate over whether the reporting requirement was necessary or too late to be useful; it failed 44-46. With both divisions defeated, the House then passed the underlying bill 56-34.
The House also laid over Senate Bills 2340, 2326, and 2289. Later, it defeated Senate Bill 2325, which would have created a process for non-federal easements on wetland areas, by a vote of 4-84. It passed Senate Bill 2210, directing a legislative management study on watershed-based water management, 85-3; Senate Bill 2387, establishing rights for sexual violence survivors, 89-0; and Senate Bill 269, allowing state agencies to satisfy legal notice requirements by posting on their websites if newspaper publication is missed, 72-17. The House then excused absent members and adjourned until Monday, April 14, 2025.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- . animation, visual effects, and extended reality.
- safety for both the animals, staff, and the visiting public.
- But we do have plenty of other animals to see out at the State Fair of Texas.
- It keeps animals healthy and that sort of thing, so that's a big deal.
- If they harvest an animal, not one with a tag, do they have to test that animal for CWD?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1568 relates to the issuance of animal-friendly specialty license plates.
- Members, companion animal overpopulation is a public health issue in Texas due to warm weather and a
- But since 1997, the animal-friendly funded license plate has raised more than $6 million for free or
- It's a special animal-friendly plate.
- The words "animal-friendly" are important in conveying this message.
Keywords:
education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR/AEN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Nov 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:14.240>
industry administrator of the animal industry administrator of the animal industry - >> And so then let's branch over to animal side. And so then let's branch over to animal side.
- So, it has to be a declared pest, maybe through the animal industry plant animal board declared pest.
- So, it has to be a declared pest, maybe through the animal industry plant animal board declared pest.
- So, it has to be a declared pest, maybe through the animal industry plant animal board declared pest.
Summary:
The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species.
The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination.
Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:17:55.840>
used been convicted of harming animals used been convicted of harming animals - Look, I'm a huge animal rights advocate. And so I want people who abuse animals to be deported.
- Look, I'm a huge animal rights advocate. And so I want people who abuse animals to be deported.
- I'm a huge animal rights advocate. I'm a huge animal rights advocate.
- And so I I want people who abuse animals And so I I want people who abuse animals uh<02:35:32.720
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:07.519>
boarding animal boarding animal boarding facilities.<00:16:10.560>We <00 - <00:24:07.360>
boarding regulation of private animal boarding regulation of private animal - <00:30:10.000>
getting problem out there and animals getting problem out there and animals - animals.
- that then we're eating those animals that then we're eating those animals.<01:27:52.560>
And <
Summary:
The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent.
The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent.
Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Up next, PCS for HB 255, Aggravated Animal Cruelty, by Representative Cheney.
- Animal abuse is considered a strong predictor of potential violence toward humans.
- And two, animal abuse can serve as early warning signs for family violence.
- Thank you for standing up for animals.
- When we keep animals safe, we keep our community safe. With that, I close.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably.
The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition.
Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we have Animal Rights Hawaii in support via Zoom, not present. Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- Next, we have Animal Rights Hawaii in support via Zoom, not present. Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- Next, we have Animal Rights Hawaii in support via Zoom, not present. Animal Legal Defense Fund.
- HB 319 relating to cruelty to animals exempts from the crime of cruelty to animals in the second degree
- >
the crime of cruelty to animals in the crime of cruelty to animals in the second<01:12:57.960
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-20 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This will allow the Division of Animal Welfare to gather information about animals in the state.
- about animals in the state.
- on the animal.
- ,<01:09:21.359>
rescue pet dealers, animal shelters, rescue pet dealers, animal shelters, - /c><01:09:23.600>
to organizations, and animal breeders to organizations, and animal breeders
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-TRS, EDT-AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:33:19.279>
producers, for local animal feed producers, for local animal feed producers, - <01:35:26.159>
to uh people to uh to have their animals to uh people to uh to have their animals - Cedric Len Muramaru from Pacific Pet Alliance. amount of animals that could potentially amount of animals
- Animal Industry Division. Yeah, it's Animal Industry Division.
- We still want to animals are breeders.
Keywords:
biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229.
The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor.
A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Horse racing is a very useful— Horse racing is a very dangerous sport for the competing animals.
- It's just completely awful for anybody who loves animals.
- The animals are just widgets that help them to earn more money.
- , Berkshire Voters for Animals, virtual.
- Uncompetitive animals, including thoroughbreds bred for racing but who never make it to the racetrack
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates.
Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/25/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Animal rights activists will put them up.
- Animal rights activists will put them up. Um, you know, things like that.
- Animal rights activists will put them up. Um, you know, things like that.
- We had some real concerns about its ability to put animals down and wound animals, and so going to the
- to put animals down and wound animals to put animals down and wound animals and<00:32:31.200>