Transcript Highlights:

• There are, that we know of, four distilleries around the state like this.
• If you haven't been out to this distillery, Koenig Distillery, and I know you'll hear a little bit about
• it, it is a beautiful distillery.
• So the distillery is a separate entity.
• This distillery does lie in my district, and it is a very nice venue.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly, it looks like their local brewers and distilleries.
• When that happened, there weren't any distilleries in Missouri.
• operations, are Missourians?
• operations, are Missourians?
• Mike Broker with Blacksmith Distillery, 10 miles out of town.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Mostly, it looks like they're local brewers and distilleries.
• My distillery is in Branson, Missouri. This bill is just seeking parity.
• They could operate that without any licensure or excise tax. Who's to say that now?
• , these beer-making operations are Missourians?
• I'm the founder of Stone Lynch Distillery in Defiance, Missouri.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue award a Missouri license office contract without rebidding if no qualifying bids are received on the initial solicitation. Senator Sandy Crawford and Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding delays, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, counties, or cities when smaller offices are hard to staff profitably. Members asked about the process, the challenges in low-volume communities, and whether more online services could eventually reduce the need for offices; no opposition testified, and the hearing concluded without a vote. The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend Missouri’s direct-to-consumer shipping framework from wineries to distillers and breweries. Sponsor Rep. Nick Kimball and many supporters argued the bill would create parity for Missouri craft producers, preserve age-verification and signature requirements, and keep tax collection and other safeguards in place. Supporters included distillers and brewers who said the current system favors wine, limits small Missouri businesses, and makes it harder to reach customers who want products shipped after visiting a taproom or distillery. Several members also raised questions about enforcement, the three-tier system, and whether the bill could be narrowed or paired with other changes. Opponents, including representatives of wholesalers, grocers, convenience stores, and beer wholesalers, argued the bill would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from out-of-state producers, and create enforcement and tax-collection problems. They said wine shipping has shown compliance and auditing difficulties, cited concerns about underage access and online ordering, and urged the committee to preserve the existing distribution structure or strengthen wine-shipping rules before expanding them. Supporters countered that alcohol shipments are already tightly regulated, that direct shipping is already occurring in other forms, and that the bill would simply add another regulated avenue for Missouri-made beer and spirits. The hearing ended after extensive testimony and questions, with no final committee action reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• officers, agents, and employees of a distillery.
• license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• The license system that distilleries inside the city limits can utilize.
• This bill clarifies that a distillery need not operate as a full-service restaurant in order to sell

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:02.800><c> in</c> the Village Garage Distillery in the Village Garage Distillery in Bennington
• </c><00:08:49.960><c> was</c> of Village Garage Distillery was of Village Garage Distillery was ecstatic
• </c> new distillery new distillery a<00:08:56.960><c> prestigious</c><00:08:57.800><c> silver</c><00:
• </c> inspired the Village Garage Distillery inspired the Village Garage Distillery to<00:09:17.960><c
• </c> resolution to Village Garage Distillery resolution to Village Garage Distillery in<00:09:56.160>

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the Las Vegas Distillery in Henderson. Now, we are a craft distillery. We are not a brewery.
• operation.
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located...
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located to be a
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located to be a

Committee: Senate Commerce and Labor

Bills: HB2428 , HB2399 , HB2087 , HB2629 , HB2483 , HB2477

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:18.800><c> So</c><01:15:19.040><c> let's</c> in this country to operate.
• So let's in this country to operate.
• Coast Guard operational readiness is at risk due to years of underfunding.
• Coast Guard operational readiness is it.
• </c> arsenal already has 500 operational arsenal already has 500 operational warheads.<07:52:06.080><

Bills: HR539 , HB4275 , HB3357 , HB1549

Keywords: LaMonica McIver, censure, House of Representatives discipline, Homeland Security Committee, removal from committee, Newark, Delaney Hall, immigration detention facility, federal officers, assault on federal officer, resisting arrest, interfering with federal officers, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, congressional ethics, House resolution, disciplinary resolution, 18 U.S.C. 111, immigration enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• for the games, and some organizations operate both types of operations.
• for the games, and some organizations operate both types of operations.
• for the games, and some organizations operate both types of operations.
• for the games, and some organizations operate both types of operations.
• for the games, and some organizations operate both types of operations.

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We will continue to only abate the sales and use tax on operational IT equipment. it's the companion
• , and small craft winery or any combination thereof to operate within a continuous area.
• This is going to allow educational tours to these distilleries and provide an educational component.
• , and small craft winery or distillery, and small craft winery or any<00:12:26.560><c> combination</c
• to operate any combination thereof to operate within<00:12:28.560><c> a</c><00:12:28.720><c> continuous

Bills: SB265 , HB593

Committee: House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: data processing centers, tax abatements, economic development, construction related taxes, energy infrastructure, small craft distilleries, wineries, alcoholic beverages, licensing, craft beverage industry

Bills: HB206 , HB 1238 , HB2890 , HB2970

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several bills, mostly as pending business. HB 1089, creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account to be administered by the General Land Office, was laid out as the House companion to SB 795; Senator Alvarado moved it be reported favorably, and it passed the committee 8-0. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for HB 2970 and then reported it favorably 9-0, despite the motion wording recommending the substitute in lieu of the original bill. HB 2890, HB 1238, and HB 206 were each laid out and reported favorably to the full Senate by 9-0 votes. For each bill reported favorably, members also approved motions to place the bill on the local and uncontested calendar, with no objections. The transcript reflects brief procedural repetition and some garbled audio, but the actions are clear: the committee advanced all measures considered during the meeting without recorded opposition. The chair then announced there was no further business and the committee stood in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Giochus as a sole proprietorship, operated by his family, and has been in operation for at least 40 years
• Massachusetts restaurant operators take the safe and responsible service of alcohol very seriously.
• Starting in the 1970s, the acts of a few bad operators impacted the entire industry.
• And as a matter of fact, we do certain things with local companies, breweries, and distilleries.
• If it's a distillery, it still goes through the wholesaler that's in charge of it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

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

Transcript Highlights:

• performance and compliance areas, such as governance, access, fairness, case flow management, and court operations
• vigorously to improve each of the four performance measures: governance, case flow management, court operations
• We learned about how to improve court operations, and we now regularly use case data.
• Rental Services Association is made up of industrial uniform and linen supply rental companies that operate
• major stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, to consider relocating their operations

Bills: SB1211 , SB1574 , SB2774 , SB2873 , SB2900 , HJR4

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing, sales tax exemption, oil and gas, environmental impact, water reuse, justice, judicial council, centers of excellence, court operations, recognition program, franchise tax, retail trade, tax classification, business regulation, economic impact, SB 2873, Texas Tax Code, electronic filing, e-filing, tax reports

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Bills: HF2783

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Last summer, I learned of another Texas distillery who had to close their doors because they were not
• Thank you, Senator Parker, for helping me and other Texas distilleries by filing this bill.
• Mine to know that other distilleries may have better options in the future when their business is put
• This restriction could force Southern Champion to cease operation. or move their operations out of Texas
• The way that this industry operates and is regulated is very complicated.

Bills: SB8 , SB650 , SB667 , SB779 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1378 , SB1585 , SB1721 , SB2312 , SB 8

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• An increase in special ed funding saves or allows. allows less dipping into maintenance and operation
• close that gap on a pathway to do that and then also allow more, more more of the maintenance and operation
• Today, based in Tarrant County, plays a critical intermediary role. supporting 35 independently operated
• as well as similar models in Austin and Houston that have demonstrated the ability to expand and operate

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• School districts have to operate with, and they don't get to operate with the money.
• The traditional tax supported ISDs don't get to operate. with the money that doesn't go to them, but
• school, most efficient sized and whatever else to operate school in the state and we used to do what
• Fortunately, iEducate's been operating since. And so they really have a model.
• And many of them are operating in deficit budgets, but you talked about course offerings.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• The alt-cert allotment would similarly operate where, I think it...
• Than $10 million to operate our schools.
• We operate up and down from Chairman Dutton's area for the Port of Houston.
• Just over 10% of our operating budget that we have M&O funds available.
• To the point you can't operate, is that correct?

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're gonna be operating, I believe, in the dark and I fear when that happens that the people
• There are charters that intentionally move into neighborhoods where kids have struggled operations that
• I know that there's some districts might say there needs to be some flexibility for other operations
• Obviously we turn the lights on, we run the utilities, we operate. over, actually, 1,000 school buses
• All other states in which we operate require uncertified teachers to enter a program, make progress,

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• My brother and I co-own and operate that farm.
• I'm also farm owner and operator of Rude Becky Farm.
• We run a profoundly lean operation.
• Essentially, the way my court operates, Essentially, the way my court operates is if you file an eviction
• This bill allows distilleries who operate two distilling operations to do the same thing.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings