Transcript Highlights:

• The product comes to the wholesaler.
• to the wholesalers and sell their wares to the wholesalers.
• To your point, wholesalers aren't, I don't know.
• I'm talking about the wholesaler.
• If the brewery is in a wholesaler agreement, yes.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am not here to say that wholesalers aren't essential.
• We don't have to deal with that if we have a wholesaler.
• We were a wholesale grocery business, but all through wholesale. We did appliances, et cetera.
• In '95, we were a wholesale grocery company.
• So does the wholesale side. But so I think... I think. So does the wholesale side.

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, for us that do have wholesalers, our wholesalers do not carry all of our products.
• ,</c><00:02:44.319><c> our</c> us that do have wholesalers, our us that do have wholesalers, our wholesalers
• </c> Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association. Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association.
• </c> And the wholesaler gets that revenue. And the wholesaler gets that revenue.
• Um, I'd ask the wholesalers in the room. Um, I'd ask the wholesalers if I could. Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and resellers pay the same B&O rate that every other wholesaler is paying in the state.
• That rate for most wholesalers is 0.461% now.
• We know that wholesalers will pass those costs down.
• Wholesalers also operate on these very thin margins.
• Those added costs will not just stay with wholesalers.

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on three Senate bills. SB 6129 would raise cigarette taxes, replace current nicotine/vapor product taxes with a 95% tax on nicotine products, and adjust revenue distributions to the Andy Hill Cancer Research account, the Foundational Public Health Services account, and a youth prevention account; staff and supporters said it would correct an unintended loss of public health funding and reduce youth nicotine use, while opponents argued it would be highly regressive, harm retailers and wholesalers, and push sales into illicit markets. SB 6231 would repeal the data center sales tax exemption for refurbishment and end replacement server equipment eligibility; the sponsor and staff said it would raise roughly $200 million and remove an obsolete preference, while labor, port, business, and data center representatives opposed it, citing lost jobs, reduced investment, and concerns about upsetting existing contracts and rural economic development. SB 6228 would repeal the preferential B&O rate for warehousing and reselling prescription drugs and create a lower preferential rate for critical access pharmacies; the sponsor said it would restore horizontal equity in the tax code and offset impacts on rural pharmacies, but pharmacy groups, wholesalers, retailers, and business organizations warned it would raise medication costs, worsen pharmacy closures, and be passed through to patients. The committee heard extensive public testimony on all three bills. Supporters of SB 6129 included public health, cancer, pediatric, and emergency medicine advocates who emphasized youth prevention, cessation funding, and long-term health savings; opponents included tobacco, vape, retail, and business groups who said the bill would increase black-market activity and burden small businesses. SB 6231 drew opposition from construction trades, ports, local governments, chambers, and data center interests, who argued the tax preference supports ongoing construction, permanent jobs, and local tax bases, while committee questions focused on whether the bill would affect existing refurbishment contracts. SB 6228 was opposed by pharmacy associations, independent pharmacists, wholesalers, grocery retailers, and AWB, who said the tax increase would be passed through and could accelerate pharmacy desert conditions; the sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a correction to an outdated preference and a way to protect critical access pharmacies. No votes were taken; each hearing was closed, and the chair announced amendment requests were due Thursday at 5 p.m. and amendments posted by Friday at 5 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• That rate for most wholesalers is 0.461% now.
• We know that the wholesalers will pass those costs down.
• Wholesalers also operate on very thin margins. Pharmacy deserts are real concerns.
• Wholesalers also operate on very thin margins.
• Those added costs will not just stay with wholesalers.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:15.520><c> and</c> currently purchasing at a wholesale and currently purchasing at a wholesale
• , wholesale, wholesale, or do they have the option to charge a 5% retail when they resell it?
• >> No, as long as they meet the qualifications for the wholesale. Then it's wholesale.
• And they're singling out one wholesaler, right?
• </c><01:09:06.239><c> rate</c> they should have a wholesale rate they should have a wholesale rate purchasing

Bills: HB2410, HB2235, HB1904, HB2201, HB2349, HB1972, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2391, HB2575

Keywords: Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, economic diversification, small business, innovation, manufacturing assistance, grants, technology programs, advanced manufacturing, military, community relations, economic development, defense-related programs, workforce development, local business readiness, in-state manufacturing, federal investment, space operations, orbital sustainability, aerospace, space traffic management

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, Section 4, this was something that was worked on in conversation with the wholesalers
• And then finally, Section 4, this was something that was worked on in conversation with the wholesalers
• It has to go through the wholesaler and then back.
• And so, yes, the same way that that is integrated with wholesalers for all producers...
• Brett Scallery Strategies 360 here on behalf of Breakthrough Beverage, a wholesaler operating in the

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exclusively for current liquor wholesalers.
• Uh, it does not limit it solely to the liquor wholesalers.
• </c> original bill reserved that wholesaler original bill reserved that wholesaler provision<00:04:24.880
• The new version that is in wholesalers.
• </c> it solely to the liquor wholesalers. it solely to the liquor wholesalers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But if that wholesaler, that residential wholesaler, takes that earnest money and decides they want to
• But if that wholesaler,<00:11:40.160><c> that</c><00:11:40.320><c> residential</c><00:11:40.800><c> wholesaler
• </c> wholesaler, that residential wholesaler wholesaler, that residential wholesaler takes<00:11:41.519
• have</c><00:12:12.800><c> a</c> commercial wholesalers already have a commercial wholesalers already
• </c> transactions because the wholesalers transactions because the wholesalers again,<00:15:11.040><c

Bills: SB274, HB586

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, HB586, Cullman, Cullman County, City of Cullman, annexation, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, local legislation, boundary adjustment, city limits, municipal expansion

Transcript Highlights:

• I can explain why the wholesale distributor typically is the pass-through, as someone who is one.
• They're just a wholesale distributor. They're buying and selling.
• But for a wholesaler, would the same thing apply? Yes.
• I'm not an expert in the wholesale piece. This is aimed at the wholesalers, isn't it? Both.
• So if the wholesaler gets a box that says one thing, they're to know that it's not correct.

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB 1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um HB 586 seeks to regulate wholesalers and, in the interest of time, I'd like for Von Poe to come up
• business tactics that they wholesalers business tactics that they own<00:04:50.040><c> on</c><00:04:
• Now when it comes to wholesalers, they don't have to abide by none of the rules and regulations that
• And I can tell you many stories about what has happened with wholesalers.
• The Alabama Real Estate wholesalers.

Bills: HB586

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can find it on page 2873 of today's calendar. for wholesale dealers in Department of for wholesale
• to licensed retailers or wholesalers to licensed retailers or other<00:36:07.760><c> wholesalers.
• </c> other wholesalers. other wholesalers.
• le licensed wholesale dealers to other<00:37:51.040><c> licensed</c><00:37:51.599><c> wholesale</c><
• </c> wholesale lensure. wholesale lensure.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, Most Tropical Wholesale operates as a cash-and-carry wholesale business open to the public and
• dream come true today most wholesale dream come true today most tropical<00:07:56.319><c> wholesale<
• out operate as a cash tropical wholesale out operate as a cash and<00:07:58.319><c> carry</c><00:07:
• 58.759><c> wholesale</c><00:07:59.919><c> uh</c><00:08:00.080><c> open</c><00:08:00.440><c> to</c><00
• :08:01.199><c> um</c><00:08:01.440><c> the</c> and carry wholesale uh open to um the and carry wholesale

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• California's beer wholesalers play a vital role in ensuring consumers have access to a wide variety of
• California's beer wholesalers play a vital role in ensuring consumers have access to a wide variety of
• In 2007, the Legislature enacted our state's brand transfer law to protect wholesalers by ensuring they
• undermines longstanding business practices, disrupts market stability, and threatens investments wholesalers
• to protect industry integrity, prevent unfair business practices, and preserve the investments wholesalers

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee met with a quorum present and first took up routine business. Members adopted the committee rules and approved three measures on the consent calendar: AB 77 (Aguiar-Curry), AB 233 (Gibson), and AB 720 (Rogers). The committee then heard AB 344 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would update and clarify the definition of “successor beer manufacturer” in California alcohol law to address a recent court ruling that supporters said created a loophole affecting wholesalers’ fair market compensation when breweries are sold. The California Family Beer Distributors supported the bill, while the California Craft Brewers Association said it was neutral based on ongoing negotiations and sponsor commitments. AB 344 passed the committee on a due pass to Appropriations vote, with the roll left open for additional members. The committee also heard AB 509 by Assemblymember Flora, which concerned alcohol service training and verification procedures. The California Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying it would recognize good-faith use of technology in entry and verification processes and help restaurants meet their obligations. There was no opposition testimony. The author accepted committee amendments, and the bill was moved on a due pass as amended to Appropriations. Additional members later added votes to the consent items, committee rules, AB 344, and AB 509 before the committee adjourned at 2:07 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've spoken to regulated wholesalers, retailers of wine, spirits, and beer, in-state manufacturers of
• Right now, the 30 licensed brew pubs in the state must use a wholesaler, even for short deliveries to
• This proposed legislation then rolls back that progress and shifts even more power to wholesalers who
• I work with distributors and wholesalers every day.
• They want to be wholesaler, supplier, wholesaler, retailer, retailer, everything.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They’re just a wholesale distributor. distributor. They’re buying and selling.
• I am a wholesale distributor in a totally different space, but I don't have...
• I'm just trying to wonder why the penalty is assessed to the wholesaler.
• The wholesaler takes it as is and passes it through to the retail. Sure.
• This is aimed at the wholesalers, isn't it? Both.

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• They occupy the wholesale distribution tier.
• They occupy the wholesale distribution tier.
• </c><01:04:53.079><c> distribution</c> have to use the wholesale distribution have to use the wholesale
• </c> work anyone that worked in the wholesale work anyone that worked in the wholesale industry<01:06
• They cannot wholesale.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So now it speaks as a wholesaler, but we've got to, you know, put the word warehouser in there. >> Very
• So now it speaks as a wholesaler, but we've got to, you know, put the word warehouser in there. >> Very
• Directly from the manufacturer and sell to a licensed wholesale dealer in Alabama.
• So now it speaks as a wholesaler, but we've got to, you know, put the word warehouser in there. >> Very
• So now it speaks as a wholesaler, but we've got to, you know, put the word warehouser in there. >> Very

Bills: HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145, HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, one of the more significant ones relates to a provision allowing for the licensing of wholesalers
• You know, one of the more significant ones relates to a provision allowing for the licensing of wholesalers
• You know, one of the more significant ones relates to a provision allowing for the licensing of wholesalers
• </c> between there's this wholesaler segment. between there's this wholesaler segment.
• So we added that and uh the wholesalers.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House considered a Senate message announcing that the Senate had concurred in and adopted the conference committee report on Senate File 2370, the cannabis bill. Representative Stevenson moved adoption of the report and explained that the conference committee had largely retained House provisions while making additional changes, including directing the Office of Cannabis Management to return with a medical-market streamlining proposal, expanding testing capacity, and adding an expungement provision. Representative West also urged adoption, saying the bill improved the measure and moved Minnesota closer to a safe, tested, legal cannabis market. During debate on the bill, West argued that the legislation was still too restrictive but would help create a functioning market, support hemp businesses, ease burdens on medical cannabis operators, and improve public safety and expungement outcomes. Stevenson emphasized the bill’s low-potency hemp beverage wholesaler licensing provisions, saying they would support Minnesota breweries and create a needed wholesaling segment in the cannabis supply chain. He also noted that the bill would generate some licensing revenue and help the state’s cannabis market develop more efficiently. Members also discussed the importance of preserving the medical cannabis program for patients, including children with seizure disorders, and the need for clearer local control as cities and counties work with preliminary licensees before market launch. Hansen said local governments have key responsibilities under the legalization framework and warned that delays could affect the expected early 2025 launch. After debate, the House adopted the conference report, and the bill passed as amended by conference on an 80-50 vote, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• The wholesaler is not a buyer of the property. The wholesaler is a marketer of the property.
• The wholesaler makes money generally in this way.
• One is if that wholesaler cannot find a buyer for that higher price.
• That wholesaler is nowhere to be found.
• That wholesaler is nowhere to be found.

Keywords: 959, house, all