Transcript Highlights:

• They even went as far as to bring out a kratom leaf advocate to share her story about how kratom has
• They even went as far as to bring out a kratom leaf advocate to share her story about how kratom has
• They even went as far as to bring out a kratom leaf advocate to share her story about how kratom has
• Uh, for kratom, same things there.
• >> Correct. >> Withdrawals from kratom?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• profit, and users of kratom.
• child to kratom.
• people addicted to kratom.
• The only way to get rid of 7-OH or other spinoff kratom products is to ban all kratom.
• One of the kratom dealers from the AKA's website sent me free kratom to Florida with no ID, no credit

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... 7-OH is present in the raw kratom plant in small amounts.
• I'm the Advocacy Director for Americans for Kratom Safe.
• products aren't even kratom; they're engineered chemical products.
• So the proposal to ban kratom in bill S. 1558 is deeply concerning to me.
• Instead, I urge you to support S. 1609, which regulates kratom.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief. A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist. The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities. Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• kratom in it. kratom in it.
• synthetic kratom. Is that right? synthetic kratom. Is that right?
• <00:40:31.520> or<00:40:31.640> cratom kratom or cratom kratom or cratom in<00:40:32.800
• the kratom is like a leaf. the kratom is like a leaf.
• Kratom.

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:

• It wasn't a direct overdose from kratom. And um Mr.
• We can test and identify kratom in substances, but our machines cannot differentiate between kratom and
• Um, she decided to try the kratom route.
• I've never seen a kratom death at the funeral home.
• So, I am not advocating for kratom.

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would prohibit the sale of kratom leaf, kratom products, or any product containing 7-OH to individuals
• We support regulation for the entire kratom industry, both kratom with mitragynine products and 7-OH
• It is important to differentiate between kratom and 7-OH. 7-OH is naturally derived from the kratom plant
• I could refer you, Member Castillo, to two different kratom brands, one called Donuts Kratom, one called
• Happy Hippo Kratom.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with the Solicitor General, I lead the kratom team.
• But from the best evidence available, kratom and kratom leaf powder has only been available in its natural
• kratom.
• Rather than natural kratom, our office is focused on kratom-derived products with a heightened risk profile
• I talked a little bit ago about kratom as a wimpy opioid.

Summary: The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize. Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities. Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a number seven processor for the state.
• Or if I was a processor, I would put 900 milligrams of THC in it and put some CBD, CBN, CB, whatever,
• But when we went, a couple weeks later, we started talking about kratom, which is essentially liquid
• So even our manufacturers down in the Charleston area or up in Greenville, I believe there's a processor

Keywords: 977, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with the Solicitor General, I lead the kratom team.
• But from the best evidence available, kratom and kratom leaf powder has only been available in its natural
• kratom.
• Rather than natural kratom, our office is focused on kratom-derived products with a heightened risk profile
• I talked a little bit ago about kratom as a wimpy opioid.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Remembering the last hearing, we had the outlaw of kratom, tin, net, teen, and mushrooms.
• , ground kratom.
• Kratom leaves or kratom leaf powder.
• So kratom, in its natural state, will be legal under the bill.
• Yes, it does, your kratom bill.

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63, SB 3

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• The original bill 557 does not ban kratom.
• Most kratom products, because the kratom industry hasn't been regulated and wants to be regulated, they
• Now, natural kratom isn't without its risks.
• Kratom Association.
• But as you can tell, the kratom deaths, one of the reasons why kratom is such an issue is because, besides

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is important to differentiate between Kratom and 7-0-H. 7-0-H is naturally derived from the Kratom
• I'll give you a little bit of my understanding of kratom, and this kratom that comes over to the U.S.
• on 2% for the cap on 7-OH in Kratom and 7-OH products.
• I could refer you, member Castillo, to two different Kratom brands, one called Donuts Kratom, one called
• Happy Hippo Kratom.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was using natural leaf kratom.
• It was a kratom leaf.
• I'm a proud kratom producer and distributor of K-Chryptic kratom.
• The FDA supports raw kratom. They've even said that on their talk about kratom.
• My husband has been taking kratom for 15 years, and ...it is not. The FDA supports raw kratom.

Bills: SB1067, SB1234, SB1285, SB1295, SB1392, SB1413, SB1436, SB1470, SB1476, SB1489, SB1512, SB1535, SB1540, SB1556, SB1568, SB1569, SB1570, SB1573, SB1585, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1635, SB1644, SB1647, SB1648, SB1650, SB1653, SB1654, SB1655, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1661, SB1662, SB1664, SB1666, SB1667, SB1669, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SB1743, SB1746, SB1748, SB1755, SB1786, SB1820, SB1822, SB1829, SCR1027, SCR1040, SCR1048

Keywords: tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien, abatement lien, lien priority, assessment lien, easement, county treasurer, certificate of purchase, tax delinquency, delinquent property taxes, property owner equity, judgment foreclosure, title report, Arizona Revised Statutes

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up a long agenda of election, criminal justice, corrections, and county-government bills. Early election measures included SB 1436, requiring ballot language for certain school override and bond elections to estimate the secondary property tax impact; SB 1568, requiring election systems’ internal clocks to stay within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor; SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting or processing voter registration while assisting confined voters; and SB 1746, requiring voting centers to supplement rather than replace precinct polling places, requiring public offices and schools to provide polling space, and closing schools on primary and general election days for in-service training. SB 1436 and SB 1568 were eventually given do-pass recommendations, SB 1569 also passed committee, and SB 1746 passed despite concerns raised about school safety and access. Some bills were held earlier in the meeting and voted on later after testimony concluded. The committee also heard SB 1295, which would allow the Department of Corrections to release certain seriously ill inmates to contracted medical institutions if they qualify for ALTCS, with an amendment replacing disability language with illness-based criteria; the sponsor described it as a cost-saving measure that could shift care costs to federal programs. SB 1067, the so-called Gila County blight bill, would let counties place abatement costs for rubbish, debris, and dilapidated buildings on property tax bills and liens; county officials testified that it would help recover cleanup costs for blighted properties and heirs’ property, and it passed unanimously. SB 1413 would remove the $100,000 cap on restitution for serious injury or death caused by moving violations and passed after the sponsor said the cap had already been found unconstitutional. SB 1476 would make child neglect a class six felony when a custodian exposes a newborn to dangerous or narcotic drugs or causes fetal alcohol syndrome; supporters framed it as accountability and child protection, while opponents warned it could deter treatment and worsen family separation. The bill passed on a split vote. Later, the committee considered several criminal-justice and public-safety bills. SB 1512 would expand the definition of vulnerable adult and broaden “position of trust and confidence” for theft cases involving seniors and other vulnerable adults; testimony highlighted scams and exploitation of grieving or isolated elders, and the bill passed. SB 1585 would regulate sex-offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraph services through the Sex Offender Management Board, add a surcharge fund and assessment on sexual-offense convictions, and appropriate funds to DPS; supporters said it would create uniform standards, while opponents questioned the need for additional fees, and it passed. SB 1662 would require probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to a defendant’s risk and needs; supporters from the Justice Action Network and criminal-defense advocates said it would improve rehabilitation and public safety, and it passed. The committee also began SB 1664, which would change constable petition-signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima counties, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Leek: THANK YOU TAB SIX SENATE BILL 1734 ON KRATOM BY SENATOR COLLINS.
• THE AMERICAN KRATOM ASSOCIATION AND GLOBAL KRATOM ASSOCIATION.
• RIGHT NOW, KRATOM IS AT A POINT WHERE IT IS CATCHING UP LIKE HEMP WAS.
• KRATOM IF YOU GO OUT AND LOOK AROUND THE COMMUNITY AND GO INTO THE COBBLER SHOPS AND KRATOM SHOPS AND
• WE WORK WITH AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES AND THE GLOBAL KRATOM FOLKS AND THE AMERICAN FOLKS AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Remembering last hearing, we had the outlaw of kratom, kava, tianeptine, and mushrooms.
• After stakeholders and after that hearing, we're going to actually put kratom back in its natural state
• After stakeholders and after that hearing, we're going to actually put kratom back in its natural state
• : raw or dried leaves, ground kratom leaves, or kratom leaf powder.
• So kratom in its natural state will be legal under the bill. Additionally, it adds...

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion. Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kratom. Representative Campbell. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The ban of kratom was only to licensees of the Liquor Commission.
• So other storefronts could open up right next door and they could have a kratom shop that was just kratom-based
• Just as a kratom leaf or a handful of kratom isn't going to harm you.
• Uh, the impacts of kratom have been devastating to my part of the state.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is found in the kratom leaf.
• First, Jeff Smith: what is kratom and 7-hydroxy?
• Kratom is Jeff Smith: a plant in the coffee family.
• This does not mean it is comprehensively dealing with all of the kratom issues.
• This is different than the kratom leaf itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• of discussion during the public hearing, but I think they made it pretty clear to all of us that kratom
• This isn't a bill that does not license kratom.
• This isn't a bill that does not license kratom.
• My second concern was that I see there being four levels of kratom that we're thinking about.
• <00:39:36.200> store opened a kratom store opened a kratom store which<00:39:37.640> case

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2415, Kratom Products, Narcotic Drugs.
• of kratom products by DHS.
• product, or any other product, to identify the presence of kratom or to distinguish between natural
• and synthetic kratom if the law enforcement agency does not possess the necessary capability to do so
• The Senate amendment requires a retailer to keep all kratom products behind the counter.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• passed its first law regulating kratom passed its first law regulating kratom here<01:25:15.440>
• House File 3453 raises kratom to that same requirement.
• Kratom at this level, the 7-OH, affects the body just like opioids do. Less of an impact.
• Kratom at this level, the 7-OH, affects the body just like opioids do. Less of an impact.
• nothing about this is is claiming kratom nothing about this is is claiming kratom kratom<01:33:33.240

Keywords: 1183, house