Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to strike sentence science technology. Yeah. Yeah.
• So we're going to strike sentence<00:32:27.919><c> science</c><00:32:28.480><c> technology.
• </c> sentence science technology. Yeah. Yeah. sentence science technology. Yeah. Yeah.
• saying that, you know, the remaining there is a reference here that the director of new energy technologies
• Defining the Clean Energy and Department of Energy 10-year state energy strategy, including the technology

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that they're actually developing the technology for this plant as they build it, so it will be
• the most advanced wafer technology plant in the world when it's finished.
• will fracture, rendering the wafer ineffective. only one in the United States and is the leading technology
• Well, there may be technology, as Senator Gutierrez mentioned, that, and this is what we're asking TBEG
• to do, is to take their technology and their scientific knowledge, go study this. to inform our knowledge

Bills: SJR39 , SB22 , SB30 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB75 , SB209 , SB310 , SB505 , SB552 , SB618 , SB626 , SB636 , SB732 , SB747 , SB762 , SB769 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB926 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1177 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1325 , SB1333 , SB1405 , SB1455 , SB1506 , SB1524 , SB1541 , SB1577 , SB1579 , SB1596 , SB1646 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1760 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1869 , SB1923 , SB1927 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB1962 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2056 , SB2078 , SB2122 , SB2129 , SB2180 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2207 , SB2252 , SB2361 , SB2365 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569 , SB2717 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR39 , SJR63 , SJR68 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SB762 , SB1596 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB310 , SB505 , SB264 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB1877 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB964 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB1919 , SB1791 , SB22 , SB651 , SB1080 , SB826 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB1401 , SB1728 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB510 , SB33 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1541 , SB1314 , SB1398 , SB1869 , SB1750 , SB855 , SB1233 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1758 , SB1759 , SB2365 , SB1924 , SB1818 , SB1405 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2321 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1855 , SB863 , SB37 , SB819 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB1962 , SB2253 , SB825 , SB1577 , SB1184 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1901 , SB1030 , SB2368 , SB1963 , SB1960 , SB1643 , SB1625 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB231 , SB2411 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB2231 , SB1490 , SB530 , SB34 , SB1261 , SB552 , SB1099 , SB1646 , SB2180 , SB1804 , SB1937 , SB1936 , SB2569 , SB1372 , SB1208 , SB1124 , SB1506 , SB1806 , SB1868 , SB2361 , SB2314 , SB769 , SB1409 , SB2122 , SB434 , SB1214 , SB1951 , SB2183 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1870 , SB1727 , SB2405 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2066 , SB2129 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB2185 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB2023 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB626 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB75 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1927 , SB2010 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1177 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB926 , SB884 , SB463 , SB331 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2053 , SB546 , SB2141 , SB2949 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1150 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2051 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB30 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB1413

Keywords: constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some technology out there that if it's not the person, it won't go off.
• I think there's some technology out there that actually can help prevent that. allows somebody to have
• confident in using less lethal weapons in... force, and that's what our goal is: to expand the technology
• These are some of the most technologically advanced tools available. that we don't have access to.
• Less-lethal projectile devices represent an important evolution in less lethal technology, offering an

Bills: HB259 , HB259 , HB 1128 , HB1337 , HB1506 , HB1794 , HB2215 , HB2470 , HB2771 , HB2882 , HB2993 , HB3053 , HB3428 , HB3669 , HB3789 , HB3924 , HB4201 , HB4675

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation, healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows that same professional judgment and technology to be used from the first visit when it makes
• our full-service hospital in 2017, and I'm also a co-founder and owner of a company called Petsy Technology
• Technology connects everybody whether you're a vet in Mississippi trying to find an emergency clinic
• We hope everyone will support this meaningful effort to bring existing technology to Texas that will
• With the technology we have today, virtual communications with medical professionals both... ...for humans

Bills: HB 43 , HB 3364 , HB 3469 , HB 3479 , HB 43 , HB 3364 , HB 3469 , HB 3479

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• made investments and improvement of the system, but at the end of the day, it is a 30-year-old technology
• Additional funding for information technology, additional funding for vehicle replacements, and then
• services are a public-private. partnership, and I want us to continually improve our reliance on technology
• With better technology to mere minutes, we know that that kind of technology is available.
• information. and a patient file, if we're only looking for a specific procedure code using this automated technology

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to welcome today's students from the Hawaiʻi Technology Academy on Kauaʻi, who are here
• I would like to welcome today's students from the Hawaiʻi Technology Academy on Kauaʻi, who are here
• I would like to welcome today's students from the Hawaiʻi Technology Academy on Kauaʻi, who are here
• 00:13:10.880><c> from</c><00:13:11.199><c> the</c><00:13:11.399><c> Hawaii</c><00:13:11.800><c> Technology
• </c> students from the Hawaii Technology students from the Hawaii Technology Academy<00:13:12.880><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is catching up where now you technology is catching up where now you can<01:33:23.199><c> actually</
• We also believe technology and capacity.
• </c> combined with that modern technology combined with that modern technology offers<02:58:01.760><c
• Thank you. those technology expectations without those technology expectations without additional<02:
• Sandy, this is your second failure at technology. We love you, though, honestly.

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as others have mentioned, because the newer refineries are larger and use more efficient technology
• , are larger and use more efficient technology, often even including transport costs, they have a lower
• But I want to talk about how important it is for California to be a technology leader.
• You know, before it was literally a technology issue. Can't be done. What are we going to do?
• Well, because we push our regulations on the environmental side, we've created technology the rest of

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, Robert King, in support in person.
• the second one in that same time frame rather than go straight to where we need to be with the technologies
• ><c> the</c> straight to where we need to be with the straight to where we need to be with the technologies
• </c> technologies in 2045. technologies in 2045.
• There will be some better technologies for some of them and different materials that are safer and less

Bills: HB1986 , HB1694 , HB1695 , HB2030 , HB1673

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean vehicles

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• nothing if um any person who &gt;&gt; still nothing if um any person who little<00:06:56.080><c> technology
• </c> little technology savvy right there. little technology savvy right there.
• We have seen higher participation among youth and adult hunters in the past when technology, online resources
• ><00:25:43.520><c> the</c><00:25:43.679><c> past</c><00:25:43.840><c> when</c><00:25:44.159><c> technology
• ,</c> hunters in the past when technology, hunters in the past when technology, online<00:25:45.679><

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We perform operational technology training in their laboratory. We hold our symposium with them.
• 19.040><c> We</c><00:10:19.279><c> perform</c><00:10:19.680><c> operational</c><00:10:20.320><c> technology
• We perform operational technology them.
• We perform operational technology training<00:10:21.120><c> in</c><00:10:21.279><c> their</c><00:10:21.519
• <c> Fisel's</c> Metro State, uh, to work with um Fisel's group and the vendor of an operational technology

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron Kan said there had not been a change to the recording technology used in circuit court.
• He added that there has been no change to the staffing or technology there, but that if a person were
• Aaron Kan explained that there has not been a change to the recording technology used in circuit court
• He said there has been no change to the staffing or technology in superior court either, but if someone
• He added that there has been no change to the staffing or technology in superior court, but if a person

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Family Court Subcommittee of the Children and Family Law Committee convened under Chairman Mark Pearson to continue work begun by the prior special committee on the family division of circuit court. Pearson emphasized a collaborative, consensus-based approach with the judiciary and said the subcommittee would build on earlier “low-hanging fruit” reforms while tracking how prior changes are actually working. He also explained that the subcommittee would likely form smaller working groups, with informal meetings allowed so long as they stayed within open-meeting limits. The main policy focus was House Bill 652, which was retained by the committee, along with broader questions about what additional changes family court should make. Members divided the work into two broad areas: pre-trial and trial issues. Pre-trial topics included alternative dispute resolution, mediation training and supervision, counseling/therapy for litigants with issues such as PTSD, and improving materials for pro se litigants, including New Hampshire Bar forms and instructions. The committee also discussed whether to use input from prior testimony, former litigants, other states, and legislative researchers, and whether some of the work should be assigned to two-person subgroups to allow flexible research and outreach. For trial-related issues, members identified additional training for family court judges, whether judges should be dedicated solely to family court, and how to handle the overlap between civil and criminal matters, especially domestic violence and divorce cases. Representative Raymond raised concerns about courtroom recordings and whether judges’ behavior and record preservation were adequate; Aaron Kan of the court system responded that circuit court recording practices and staffing had not changed, that circuit court lacks the court monitors used in superior court, and that resource limits prevent similar staffing. Raymond also raised the cost of obtaining trial transcripts for pro se litigants; Kan explained that transcripts are produced by private vendors because the court system no longer employs court reporters, and that the fees reflect that outsourced service rather than a court-imposed markup. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue gathering information and assigning subtopics for further study.

Transcript Highlights:

• gold and silver legal tender and authorizes the comptroller to create a program using existing technology
• HB 2768 by Capriglione, relating to the development of a state information technology apprenticeship
• HB 2768 by Capriglione, relating to the development of a state information technology apprenticeship
• House Bill 2768 establishes a state information technology apprenticeship to address shortages in the
• Speaker and members, this is simply technological and communication upgrades to the existing 2-1-1 program

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The technology around it is different. But your fundamental job as a police officer is the same.
• The technology<01:10:16.560><c> is</c><01:10:16.800><c> different.
• </c><01:10:17.360><c> But</c><01:10:17.520><c> your</c> technology is different.
• But your technology is different.
• I think what we need to acknowledge here today is if the technology exists, which it does, to create

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lots of new technologies are developed in Colorado, and that's why many nations come to... ...and that's
• to enhance the office<03:44:35.040><c> of</c><03:44:35.359><c> information</c><03:44:35.760><c> technology
• </c> office of information technology office of information technology security<03:44:36.880><c> procedures
• ><03:45:38.640><c> uh</c> some money from the uh TRPR the uh some money from the uh TRPR the uh technology
• response prevention fund and technology response prevention fund and we<03:45:42.560><c> can</c><03:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, tell me how you have secure technology and maybe so someone would not overhear a conversation, you
• our computers, that any point of time that they're out and about, they are working with secure technology
• and maybe so you have secure technology and maybe so someone<01:02:38.240><c> would</c><01:02:38.400
• <01:04:34.160><c> representative</c><01:04:34.640><c> Currin</c><01:04:35.279><c> that's</c> technology
• representative Currin that's technology representative Currin that's it<01:04:35.680><c> thank</c> it

Bills: HF1662 , HF2115 , HF2159 , HF1095 , HF2160

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• are you guys, do you know if you'll use DIR, Department of Information Resources, for purchasing technology
• I see one of the things that you all do is look at technology and make it more modern.
• The modern technologies are not easily integrated into our. Integrated systems right now.
• The technology was so archaic that only one staffer could be logged in at a time. at a time.
• perspective, it is much more secure than our previous system in that it involves. a lot of modern technology

Bills: HB10 , HB 12 , HB675 , HB10 , HB12

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel

Transcript Highlights:

• Number 11 is a slide that details our information technology exceptional items, additional funds. that
• Back when technology, when things were different, they're now in your way.
• Austin, but with technology today, those calls can be routed to staff that work in all over the state
• But there were no new programs or technology that was funded in our base bill.
• But the core technology that our current case management system is built on is still 30 years old.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All these properties vary in hazard as well as the complexity and technology used in the construction
• offices as well as other structures all these properties vary in hazard as well as the complexity and technology
• construction of the materials All these properties vary in hazard, as well as the complexity and technology

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable. The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures. Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• At FanDuel, for example, we recently rolled out a real-time check-in, a groundbreaking new technology
• Similarly, technology has not kept problem gambling in check.
• Similarly, technology has not kept problem gambling and check.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates. Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.