Transcript Highlights:

• This is estimated license renewal.
• </c> as a result of online driver's license as a result of online driver's license renewal<00:19:57.120
• Um, that's for licensed in Minnesota.
• </c><00:33:27.039><c> plate</c> authorizes a new specialty license plate authorizes a new specialty license
• </c><00:37:59.359><c> can</c> situations when a person's license can situations when a person's license

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• What I walked into instead was a religious organization where someone who was not a licensed medical
• </c><00:55:04.359><c> medical</c> someone who was not a licensed medical someone who was not a licensed
• or as volunteers and are sometimes licensed in unrelated specialties.
• </c><01:02:01.720><c> medical</c> when there are licensed medical when there are licensed medical professionals
• We have a licensed social worker who does care management.

Bills: HF25, HF1, HF428

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices

Transcript Highlights:

• the Medicaid program. and administer them from licensing and and administer them from licensing and
• We also are working through the DHS licensing.
• There really aren't OIG functions, and potentially DHS licensing is one.
• There really aren't OIG functions, and potentially DHS licensing is one.
• </c> way too high of a bar I'm a licensed way too high of a bar I'm a licensed Elementary<01:15:28.199

Bills: HF1, HF779, HF1034

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> at one point in the in the liquor at one point in the in the liquor commission's<01:23:23.960><c
• And just for transparency, the licenses in Maine and the licenses in Massachusetts, and I believe in
• in Maine and transparency the licenses in Maine and the<01:34:32.440><c> licenses</c><01:34:33.040><
• </c><01:35:02.239><c> and</c> buy a license you own that license and buy a license you own that license
• </c> and people were getting licenses and people were getting licenses emergency<03:27:21.600><c> licenses

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions. Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later. The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires on-premise and off-premises liquor licenses and state liquor stores to display a health warning
• </c> on premise licenses. on premise licenses.
• </c> &gt;&gt; No, this was the that the liquor &gt;&gt; No, this was the that the liquor license. license
• For the record, Mark Armaganian, Director of Liquor Enforcement and Licensing.
• . licenses. licenses.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency. Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally. Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2096 allows the Department of Licensing to issue confidential driver's licenses and identity
• It allows the Department of Licensing to issue confidential driver's licenses and identicards to investigators
• By way of background, the Department of Licensing can issue confidential driver's licenses and identity
• The Department of Licensing would issue confidential driver's licenses and identicards to investigators
• Representative Reed, why did the Department of Licensing stop this?

Summary: The committee opened by noting it would hear three bills and adjourn before 5 p.m. House Bill 2323, the Blue Envelope Program bill, was briefed as a Department of Licensing program to help neurodivergent drivers communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops by providing a blue envelope with instructions and documents such as registration and insurance. Representative Carolyn Eslick described the bill as a voluntary, free tool modeled on programs in other states, and several supporters testified that it could reduce stress, improve communication, and prevent misunderstandings during stops. A committee member asked whether the program could be broadened to other people with disabilities, and Eslick said anyone could request a blue envelope. No vote was taken. House Bill 2096 would allow the Department of Licensing to issue confidential driver’s licenses and identicards to investigators in the Attorney General’s Office for undercover civil and criminal investigations. Staff said the bill would have no fiscal impact and that current practice already requires credentials to be returned when assignments end. Representative Julia Reed said the measure would protect investigators working on consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental enforcement, while the Attorney General’s Office testified that investigators sometimes need to use real IDs in covert work and could be exposed or doxed. The sheriffs and police chiefs association raised concerns that the AGO investigators are civilian staff, not commissioned officers, and questioned whether existing law enforcement agencies should handle such work instead. A tobacco-control advocate supported the bill as a tool to strengthen enforcement against illegal tobacco sales and youth access. No action was taken. House Bill 2134 would require certain regional transportation planning organizations to include greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled reduction goals in regional transportation plans for specified counties. Staff said the Department of Transportation had no fiscal impact, while local governments reported an indeterminate impact. Representative Davina Duerr said the bill would align regional plans with existing local climate planning requirements and state emissions targets. Supporters from Futurewise, Transportation Choices Coalition, and Spokane Reimagined said the bill would improve consistency in planning, support transit and active transportation, and help address transportation-related climate pollution. An industry representative opposed the bill, warning it could bias funding away from road preservation at a time of underinvestment and weather-related stress on the system. The public hearing on HB 2134 then closed, and the meeting ended with a reminder about caucus timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026.
• licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026, House Number...
• licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026.
• licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026.
• licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I took the liquor license and I got it held in receivership.
• And the day that I got that liquor license in receivership, that worker got paid.
• And this was a seven-year-old claim. ...day that I got that liquor license in receivership, that worker
• You can't do it with every single thing, but you can do it with liquor licenses in certain cases.
• Or it lets the receiver, you hire a receiver like a trustee to take the liquor license or whatever the

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to Liquor Establishment, Games Licensed to Liquor Establishment, sponsored<00:23:47.360><c> by</c><00
• But clearly the liquor law licensing situation is they need a barrier similar to this barrier.
• But clearly the liquor law licensing situation is they need a barrier similar to this barrier.
• But clearly the liquor law licensing licensing licensing situation<00:34:30.320><c> is</c><00:34:30.879
• Liquor licenses, when they're given to a business, it covers the entire square footage.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring us to carry a liquor license when we are a non-alcoholic bottle shop kind of goes against what
• We are not a liquor store and should not be regulated as one.
• As Urban Flow, we are not a liquor store and should not be regulated as one.
• We don't go into ABC Liquors.
• If we are regulated as a liquor store and having to pay those fees for liquor licensing, that could be

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders. The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection. Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of our licenses are currently in use, and we have evidence that demand for licenses will come in
• Two more district licenses are being requested in the next year, and three all-alcohol licenses that
• licenses.
• We believe we will only see an increase in the demand for liquor licenses to support the opening of our
• They had no licensing there.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with testimony taken both in person and virtually. The chairs reviewed hearing logistics and testimony limits, then heard a series of bill presentations covering public health, alcohol licensing, professional licensure, consumer issues, and automotive warranty reimbursement. Committee members asked questions throughout, particularly on interstate licensure compacts and the structure of proposed regulatory changes. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide to curb recreational misuse and protect young people, and members echoed concerns about its health risks. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported H 488, seeking an extension of district liquor licenses to match delayed downtown revitalization and business development. Leslie Ross and Keith Buckout testified on S 2636, a cosmetology licensure compact, with Buckout explaining that compacts improve mobility for workers and military families; Melissa Willett of the Defense State Liaison Office also supported the compact for the same reason. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H 559, proposing a commission to study the effects of electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing on students and affordability. George Cronin of MassPack supported H 4597, which would limit new alcohol retail licenses within 500 feet of another alcohol seller after 2026 to address oversaturation; he said the bill would not disturb existing licenses. Luke Van Horn testified for H 559 and also raised concerns about H 4719, describing the burden of costly course materials and access codes on students. Mike Capuccio and Ryan Williams supported H 4719, which would create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, arguing it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy outcomes; no opposition was heard on that bill in the excerpt. On H 4019, the Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association supported a change to warranty reimbursement rules, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Subaru New England opposed it, warning it would raise costs and allow overpayment using aftermarket time guides. The committee concluded by reading the agenda items and then voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• licenses.
• We believe we will only see an increase in the demand for liquor licenses to support the opening of our
• They had no licensing there.
• Licensing on reciprocity yet.
• license?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with both in-person and remote testimony. Committee chairs reviewed logistics for public testimony and then heard a series of bill presentations on topics including nitrous oxide sales, liquor license extensions and alcohol license density, cosmetology licensure compacts, electronic textbooks, HVAC supervisor licensing, and automotive warranty reimbursement rates. Several members asked questions about the public health, consumer protection, economic mobility, and regulatory impacts of the proposals. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H. 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, arguing it is a public health measure aimed at reducing recreational misuse by young people while preserving legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported a local liquor license extension bill, saying delayed revitalization and staffing disruptions from the pandemic-era “Great Resignation” had slowed development and postponed demand for the licenses. MassPack supported H. 4597 to limit new alcohol retail licenses near existing stores after 2026, citing oversaturation and public health concerns, while the committee also heard testimony on a cosmetology compact bill from industry and state-government representatives who said it would improve workforce mobility, especially for military spouses, though members questioned its fee structure and interaction with existing reciprocity rules. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H. 559, which would create a commission to study electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing, arguing that digital course materials can limit consumer choice, raise costs, and reduce students’ ability to share or resell materials. Student testimony echoed those concerns. The committee also heard strong support for H. 4719, a bill to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, from industry witnesses who said it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy implementation; and opposition testimony on H. 4019, which would change how auto dealers are reimbursed for warranty work, with dealers supporting a fix to manufacturer reimbursement practices and manufacturers warning the bill would raise costs and allow overpayment. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read the agenda items and the committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I don't represent just liquor stores.
• The costs to become licensed, or for someone to become licensed? For either or both? Okay.
• part or for someone to become licensed for for either or both okay so to become licensed it would be
• This would just focus on actually getting a license.
• This would just focus on actually getting a license.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• could purchase this license.
• </c><00:27:29.200><c> Uh</c> they could purchase this license. Uh they could purchase this license.
• The complexity of New Hampshire's liquor licensing system is not a reason to deny this license.
• liquor license; they also lose their professional cosmetology or barbering license, the credential that
• </c><00:57:53.440><c> license,</c> don't just lose their liquor license, don't just lose their liquor

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• REQUIRING US TO CARRY A LIQUOR LICENSE WHEN WE ARE A NONALCOHOLIC BOTTLE SHOP GOES AGAINST WHAT WE'VE
• STORE. >> A LOT OF OUR CONSUMERS DO NOT GO TO LIQUOR STORES.
• IF WE ARE REGULATED AS A LIQUOR STORE AND HAVING TO PAY THOSE FEES FOR LIQUOR LICENSING THAT COULD BE
• NOW, WHY SHOULD WE BE FORCING SOMEONE TO GO INTO A LIQUOR STORE TO BUY THEIR ALCOHOL?
• WE STILL HAVE NORTH FLORIDA HEMP FARMS AND ALL OUR DIFFERENT LICENSES FROM OUR GROWERS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's going beyond just having the liquor it's going beyond just having the liquor liquor liquor
• liquor enforce<00:38:01.160><c> their</c><00:38:01.360><c> licenses,</c><00:38:02.320><c> but</c><00:
• 38:02.520><c> it's</c> enforce their licenses, but it's enforce their licenses, but it's actually<00:
• So both have minimal impacts. the Liquor Commission came back and said the Liquor Commission came back
• 56.720><c> is</c> the liquor commission licenses, which is the liquor commission licenses, which is what

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0. Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support clarifying language for licensed support clarifying language for licensed hemp<00:09:55.800
• </c><00:10:29.320><c> to</c> allowing micro and meso licenses to allowing micro and meso licenses to
• Currently, there's an amazing license type called the cannabis event organizer license, and as statute
• </c> goes through and so Municipal liquor goes through and so Municipal liquor stores<00:36:34.079><c
• can be sold in liquor stores including Municipal<00:37:26.200><c> liquor</c><00:37:26.520><c> stores

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 276, establishing a liquor license where beverages, wine, and liquor can be sold without food
• </c><01:14:26.880><c> I'm</c><01:14:27.040><c> not</c> House Bill 276, establishing a liquor license
• </c><01:14:53.760><c> license</c><01:14:54.159><c> where</c> House Bill 276, uh, liquor license where
• Have you ever seen a licensee lose a liquor license because they couldn't hit that annual target?
• Have you ever seen a licensee lose a liquor license because they couldn't hit that annual target?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:29:59.000><c> liquor</c> liquor liquor liquor liquor subcommittee<01:30:01.880><c> um</c> the e e
• Any discussion on the amendment for the members of the liquor committee?
• case The Liquor Commission is already case The Liquor Commission is already there<01:37:05.320><c> they're
• This is not only liquor, but it's also cigarettes, right? Of course.
• </c> set up right now to report to the Liquor set up right now to report to the Liquor Commission<03:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 451, which would create a postconsumer paint stewardship program in New Hampshire. Prime sponsor Representative Karen Ebel described the bill as a bipartisan, broadly supported model based on PaintCare programs used in other states. She said consumers and businesses could drop off leftover paint at participating retailers or municipal household hazardous waste sites, with the paint then collected and recycled by the stewardship organization. She emphasized that the program is intended to reduce landfill disposal, improper dumping, and contamination of groundwater and soil, while also helping municipalities save on hazardous waste handling costs. Members asked several questions about how the program would work and how it would be funded. Ebel explained that the program would be financed by a small fee charged at the point of sale on paint products, not a general sales tax, and that retailers could either list it separately or roll it into the price. She said the fee would cover the Department of Environmental Services’ administrative costs, which were described as minimal, and that the program’s structure was developed with DES and industry input. Questions also addressed whether cans would be recycled and how collected paint would be processed; Ebel said the ACA and PaintCare representatives could provide more detail, but that the paint and containers would be handled through recycling or other approved disposal methods rather than landfilled. Representative Judy Aron, a co-sponsor and chair of the House Environment and Agriculture Committee, testified in support, saying the bill had been developed over several years with stakeholders and would keep toxic paint out of landfills while saving municipalities and taxpayers money. Representative Peter Bixby, the ranking member of Environment and Agriculture, also supported the bill, saying his committee had heard it many times and that it had strong bipartisan enthusiasm. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Licensing and administrative Procedure will come to order.
• It's not about selling liquor.
• We have 104 licenses. 93 of those are regular conductor licenses, and there's so many good things with
• It would be a licensed premises, so it's the location that's actually applied for the license.
• TDLR is tasked with ensuring health and safety of licensed fighters participating in licensed combative