Video & Transcript : 'skill based amusement games' :
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AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- PBMs tend to act as a shell game. I rarely trust them. So how do you audit this?
- There are no changes in the base hourly rate that was already agreed to, and we've added in performance
- So you'll see that we have bucketed this based upon the occupancy or the type of entity that's being
- What we were finding when we worked with the actuarial advantage is that there was no actuarial base
- Now we have that base.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill is a game changer for fiscally constrained counties and makes several changes that were in Senator
- So, based on when the legislature approved this route, I mean, we're talking three or four years ago,
- is generated within the school district, I believe that money gets distributed to charter schools based
- The metrics we put in in the very beginning with Senator Pruitt and Senator Carlton, they were based
- those who could opt out today and the potential property tax implications that it would have on their base
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis.
The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- A risk-based, materiality-driven approach is used in planning the audit work, which generally includes
- Next slide breaks it down a little bit further for you to see our kids, home and community-based services
- And then our non-claim-based payments, this is my least fun category.
- So we pay supplemental payments based upon prescribed statutes and rules and state plan to different
- RAG, Director of Lassing Game. The next presentation is from the Attorney General's Office.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- It is also a federal crime to discriminate in employment practices based on protected characteristics
- I don't think these small businesses are disproportionately affected, based on what you're saying, by
- ...effective sometimes at doing things and maybe hindering our local businesses on hiring based on that
- Repeat the statement that it says that there would be that it's encouraging them not to do terminations based
- Eighteen thousand six hundred ITINs are being used, based on the House research staff that we have available
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 3725, as amended by a PCS, which would require employers statewide to use E-Verify or a federal equivalent when hiring new employees. The author argued the bill would help reduce illegal immigration, protect wages and jobs for lawful workers, and impose only minimal costs because E-Verify is free and quick to use. Members raised concerns about burdens on small businesses, farms, and ranches; state versus federal authority; enforcement by the Department of Labor; identity theft and false positives; possible litigation; and what would happen if the federal system went offline or changed. The author said the bill includes good-faith protections, a trigger repeal if the federal program expands, and that he would file additional language to address shutdown-related disruptions. No motion was made, and the bill remained in committee.
The committee then heard and passed several other measures without opposition. House Bill 3260 would add the Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association as an approved provider for continuing education credits for funeral director license renewals, and it passed 9-0. House Bill 3660 would authorize natural organic reduction, described as transforming human remains into soil, and it also passed 9-0. House Bill 3369 would revise food truck fire code requirements by allowing portable fire extinguishers instead of an automatic suppression system and by allowing licensed plumbers, not just Oklahoma LP Gas, to inspect or install certain gas plumbing; members discussed possible conflicts with another LP gas fix and agreed to work together, and the bill passed 9-0.
Finally, House Bill 3370 would extend the effective date of the food truck fire code to November 1, 2028, creating a sunset to allow more time for a broader solution. The author said he preferred another option but wanted this bill available if needed. After brief clarification, the committee passed HB 3370 9-0. The meeting ended with the chair noting there would be three meetings left in the session.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Ethics and Campaign Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- That's political gaming.
- That's political gaming.<00:31:27.360><c> Closed</c><00:31:27.760><c> primaries</c><00:31:28.240><c>
- stop</c><00:31:28.559><c> this</c><00:31:28.799><c> by</c> gaming.
- Closed primaries stop this by gaming.
- /c> interacting in your game de in your game interacting in your game de in your game plan.<00:35:59.119
Committee:
House Ethics and Campaign Finance
Keywords:
PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, primary elections, party registration, party affiliation, open primary, closed primary, runoff election, crossover voting, voter registration, Secretary of State, absentee ballot
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting access to child care center facilities discussed 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:50:31.280><c> on</c><00:50:31.599><c> a</c> that effect, to deny access based on a that effect
- , to deny access based on a administrative<00:50:32.640><c> warrant,</c><00:50:33.839><c> not</c><00:
- that you're trying to make it seem like everything is just okay and it just kind of is part of the game
- that you're trying to make it seem like everything is just okay and it just kind of is part of the game
- that you're trying to make it seem like everything is just okay and it just kind of is part of the game
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Game after game, they showed up, they pushed themselves, and made themselves better.
- Sin Barreras is a local nonprofit organization based in Charlottesville that tirelessly serves the Hispanic
- Sin Bareris is a local nonprofit organization based in Charlottesville that tirelessly serves the Hispanic
- Immigrant. [00:50:25.000] Sin Barreras is an organization based in Charlottesville that tirelessly serves
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, you know, it's like if this and the game sometimes if I'm super friendly, I'll stand next for
- me, but most of the time I'm like, you know what, by this stage in the game, you should be good to go
- Kids from the group home actually came up with this based on their lived experiences.
- So by you... ...based on their lived experiences, so by you voting on this, actually you are helping
- And also, that was one of the bases for the Japanese internment camps there.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed Judges Day guests and other visitors, and read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month. Members also made brief introductions of guests and the doctor of the day, Dr. Philip Williams. The chamber then moved through a long Committee of the Whole agenda, taking up numerous bills with committee and floor amendments, most of them receiving do-pass or due-pass recommendations after brief explanations and some debate. Notable discussion included HB 2444, where several members raised concerns about pharmacist-led care, patient safety, and rural health impacts, while the sponsor argued it would expand affordable access to care; HB 2726, which drew comments about a new sleep apnea device and whether it was a vendor-driven proposal; HB 2991, a bipartisan effort to address social media harms to children; and HB 4070, a bill framed as a “corporate death penalty” approach to combat sex trafficking. Other measures addressed kinship placement in child welfare, midwifery oversight, vulnerable adult protections, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans, license plate omnibus language, and county and education-related issues.
After the Committee of the Whole reported, the House adopted the report and assigned measures for engrossing. The chamber then proceeded to third reading votes on several bills. HB 2123, dealing with financial institutions and gold/silver legal tender, failed on a 24-28 vote after an excusal request was granted to one member with a financial conflict. HB 2270, concerning county authority and sheriff’s posse dissolution procedures, passed 50-3. HB 2324, creating a state fire marshal-related provision, passed 53-0, as did HB 2404 on mental health services. HB 2495 on sentencing failed 26-27. HB 2557 on patient records passed 37-16, HB 2574 on traffic violation appeals passed 52-0, HB 2594 on domestic relations and address confidentiality passed 44-9, HB 2611 on child welfare passed 51-0, HB 2681 on the county employee merit system passed 53-0, and HB 2697 also passed 51-0. The session continued into additional votes beyond the excerpt.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, you know, it's like if this and the game sometimes if I'm super friendly I'll stand next for
- me, but most of the time I'm like, you know what, by this stage in the game you should be good to go
- Kids from the group home actually came up with this based on their lived experiences.
- So by you... ...based on their lived experiences, so by you voting on this actually you are helping a
- And also, that was one of the bases for the Japanese internment camps there.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2825, and Justice Action Network is a national bipartisan organization that focuses on evidence-based
- I know the appropriation is $25 million; however, based on the damage that happened in that community
- lives on three and a half percent of its tax Gila County lives on three and a half percent of its tax base
- So you're talking about going to, like I would call, a hockey game system with a couple of periods, much
- work better, well, between the governor and us, to get a budget done, not have shenanigans and play games
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal enforcement for unpaid court fines, fees, restitution, and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework and end arrest warrants and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Representative Chris Lopez said the bill would let people keep working and repay debts through wage garnishment and other civil tools, while a Justice Action Network representative testified in support. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment limiting challenges to a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior one, then passed HB 2825 with a 7-0 due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million for Gila County flood relief. Gila County supervisors, mayors from Globe and Miami, the county emergency manager, and public works staff described severe flooding, deaths, major debris and sediment removal, damaged roads and utilities, and the county’s inability to meet matching-fund requirements for federal or state grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal review, and the need to act before monsoon season. HB 2070 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.
Next, HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual report from the first Monday in July to the second Monday, was supported by the Arizona Library Association as a simple timing fix for smaller and rural libraries. It passed 6-1. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, was presented as a way to reduce regulatory confusion and costs for small businesses; it also passed 6-0 with one member absent. The committee then approved HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court, after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority, by a 4-3 vote.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- section to establish provisions regarding the prohibition of bulk ticket purchases of Idaho Lottery games
- Idaho Code to establish provisions regarding the prohibition of bulk ticket purchases of Idaho Lottery Games
- , amending section 67 dash regarding the prohibition of bulk ticket purchases of Idaho Lottery Games,
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 52 Afternoon Session May 5th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2069 by Archer of the House and Kern of the Senate, an act relating to Game and Fish.
- Senate Bill 269 by Archer of the House and Kern of the Senate, an act relating to Game and Fish.
- Senate Bill 2095 by Townley of the House and Kern of the Senate, an act relating to Game and Fish.
- Senate Bill 2095 by Townley of the House and Kern of the Senate, an act relating to Game and Fish.
Bills:
HJR1101 , SB1319 , SB1264 , HB4237 , SB1277 , SB2069 , HB3066 , HB2115 , HB2153 , HB2268 , HB2961 , SB1679 , SB2018 , HB4294 , SB2095 , HB4113 , SB1894 , SB1810 , HB4268 , HB1752 , HB3413 , SB625 , HB3644 , HB3940 , HJR1096 , HJR1100 , HJR1099 , HB2992 , SB1636 , HB4302 , SB1613 , SB1443 , HB1409 , HB1675 , HB1225 , HB1381 , HB4359 , SB1503
Summary:
The House considered and passed a series of Senate bills and Senate amendments, mostly on criminal justice, education, health, and administrative matters. Measures approved included SB 1319 creating a revolving fund for the Corporation Commission; SB 1264 expanding the definition of great bodily harm; HB 4237 streamlining court collection of fees, fines, and costs; SB 1277 codifying OESC employment-benefit procedures; SB 269 creating the Advanced Nuclear Office through a strike-everything amendment; HB 3066 renaming a health workforce revolving fund; HB 2153 removing statutory eligibility language and leaving OSSAA transfer rules to the association; HB 2268 adding $2.5 million for PACE; HB 2961 providing a tuition waiver for Gold Star recipients; SB 1679 reaffirming the Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutions as courtroom standards; SB 2018 addressing ad valorem tax cost basis for new construction; HB 4294 restoring title and enacting clause on a health insurance measure; SB 2095 protecting landowners in guiding-service situations; HB 4113 clarifying voting rights restoration for felons; SB 1894 allowing extra professional development hours for newer teachers; SB 1810 updating human trafficking victim and expert-testimony provisions; HB 4268 adjusting terms on the education commission; HB 1752 allowing certain prosecutorial agencies to buy vehicles directly; HB 3413 modifying contract-services dashboard reporting; SB 625 using a strike-everything amendment for domestic-violence/civil-procedure cleanup; and HB 3644 on venous thromboembolism, with title/enacting-clause restoration and other cleanup. Most bills passed with little or no debate, and several emergency clauses were adopted by the required two-thirds vote.
One notable bill that failed was HB 2115, which would have moved administration of the federal weatherization assistance program from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. Representative Osborne explained the bill as a placement change for the program, but after questions about possible budget synergies, the House rejected it 39-41. Osborne later gave notice of intent to reconsider the vote. HB 2153 drew the main substantive debate: Representative Pogemiller opposed the measure, arguing it would weaken transfer-eligibility safeguards for student athletes, while Representative Hall said the bill simply removed duplicative statutory language and left eligibility decisions to OSSAA rules.
The chamber also handled several Senate amendments that were largely technical, such as restoring titles and enacting clauses or clarifying fund names and commission terms. Votes on the measures that passed were generally strong, including unanimous or near-unanimous support on several bills. The House later noted a main water break in the building, shifted to announcements and introductions, and adjourned with a motion to reconvene on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- my alma mater, the girls water polo team on the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship game
- > championship</c> Interscholastic Federation championship Interscholastic Federation championship game
- </c> game on April 25th, 2026. game on April 25th, 2026.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Apr 1st, 2026
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, not regularly, but only when there's a game and if there's a structural failure in a dugout, are
- not regularly, but only when<00:17:39.840><c> there's</c><00:17:40.040><c> a</c><00:17:40.080><c> game
- and</c><00:17:41.000><c> if</c><00:17:41.080><c> there's</c><00:17:41.240><c> a</c> when there's a game
- and if there's a when there's a game and if there's a structural<00:17:41.800><c> failure</c><00:17:
Committee:
House State Government
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The program is income-based.
- The extended day program fees, I think, would be really a game changer for a lot of programs.
- And it was a game changer.
- So, given that we had a lower base, that baseline had not been adjusted.
- Chair, based on our under... ...answer why not? Mr.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard a series of bills, many dealing with cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042 would allow certain state retirement and treasury funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency; SB 1043 would let state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments; SB 1044 and SCR 1003 would exempt virtual currency from property tax, with SB 1044 contingent on voter approval of the referral. All four measures advanced on 4-3 votes, with Democratic members largely opposing them as risky, speculative, and favoring wealthy crypto interests.
The committee also considered SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new tax interpretation or application that would adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if a hearing is held. Supporters framed it as transparency and good governance, while opponents worried about added red tape and administrative burden. The bill passed 4-3. Another major item, SB 1142, would opt Arizona into a new federal scholarship tax credit program administered through certified scholarship-granting organizations; supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for public, charter, private, and homeschool students, while opponents argued it would deepen inequities, lack accountability, and divert resources from public schools. That bill also passed 4-3.
A lengthy discussion followed on the Department of Revenue’s press release about tax conformity and the governor’s executive order. DOR explained that the forms were issued assuming conformity with federal changes, including the standard deduction and certain below-the-line adjustments, and said taxpayers generally should file on time but may need amended returns if the Legislature later changes the law. Members pressed DOR on the cost and clarity of the guidance, with estimates that widespread amendments could cost the department about $20 million. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on real property conveyances before recording; county assessors said it would reduce deed-fraud risk and fix recording gaps. County officials from Maricopa and Mohave supported the bill.
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Commission on Unemployment Compensation Jul 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what we refer to as the taxable wage base.
- At the federal level, the taxable wage base is $7,000.
- Based on June 15 data, we project an annual fund balance factor of 50.9%.
- The base tax rates are much lower than other states as well.
- Federal UI administration funding is distributed based on a state's workload.
Summary:
The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave.
Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The budget drivers are, unless they come straight from an estimating conference, based on past legislative
- They're based on past legislative actions and three-year averages.
- But we also have a recurring appropriations base, and that's where you can see the recurring investment
- Based on the fact that I guess that just goes to unallocated GR rather than through the B.S.F.
- What will happen should the constitutional amendment pass around the base stabilization fund?
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The committee met to receive Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast assumes continued but moderating economic growth, with Florida GDP slowing from recent highs, personal income remaining above average, wages continuing to rise faster than job growth, and population growth eventually slowing as the state approaches 2030 and the baby-boomer cohort fully ages into retirement. She also highlighted weakening housing and real-estate-related revenue, especially documentary stamp collections, along with low consumer sentiment as signs of caution in the outlook.
Baker explained that the state’s near-term general revenue picture improved largely because of legislative actions taken in the prior session, including contingency releases, reversions, and other budget adjustments, rather than from major new revenue growth. She said reserves remain strong at nearly $15 billion, or just under 30% of general revenue, with the budget stabilization fund at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures identified were critical needs and other high-priority needs, led by a new recurring transfer to the emergency preparedness and response fund and by Medicaid, where rising service costs and medical inflation—especially behavioral analysis costs in managed care—are driving higher expenditures despite lower caseloads and a slightly better federal match.
Members questioned the accuracy of the forecast, the Medicaid cost drivers, the treatment of the governor’s emergency fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook assumes current federal funding paths continue, that the new federal tax/revenue law had not yet been fully incorporated because agencies were still reviewing it, and that the emergency fund line was calculated from recent appropriations without distinguishing specific uses. She also said the vetoed $750 million did not affect the budget stabilization fund because it reverted to unallocated general revenue. No bills were heard, no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- also includes proximity to military installations as a matter of national security and increasing the base
- So, if you have in excess of 400 applications, how many of those applications do you anticipate, based
- And as new applications come in, I assume you re-rank every year based upon who else you get in?
- Not only will it provide new resource-based recreational opportunities for the public, but it's also
- It's going to be a game changer to a lot of ag organizations, every one of them actually.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture convened with a quorum and heard presentations focused on land conservation and agricultural preservation in Florida. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services briefed the committee on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through permanent conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The presentation emphasized eligibility for greenbelted active agricultural operations, required best management practices, and the program’s role in protecting food supply, water resources, habitat, and military buffering. Officials said the program’s 2025 ranked list includes 428 projects, with about 75 projects expected to start this year, and noted strong partnership funding from federal, local, and conservation partners. Committee members asked about eligibility, annual re-ranking, local government involvement, and the number of projects likely to receive funding.
Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida testified in support of continued and increased funding for land conservation, arguing that Florida is losing agricultural and natural lands and that conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions are complementary tools. She said land trusts work with willing landowners to protect ranches, wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors, and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum so projects do not stall as land values rise. In discussion with senators, she said public access to conserved lands depends on the specific deal and the landowner’s goals, and that access is more commonly provided through lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space.
The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on the Florida Forever program. DEP said the program uses both conservation easements and fee-simple acquisitions, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and that it provides benefits including water quality, habitat protection, recreation, and military readiness. Officials reported 60 projects on the 2025-26 work plan, most in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and said the state has invested more than $1.4 billion since 2019, acquiring over 374,000 acres. They highlighted recent acquisitions for Sandy Creek State Forest, Catfish Creek Preserve State Park, and a new state park in Walton County, as well as the program’s 200th conservation easement. The committee also discussed funding levels, payment in lieu of taxes impacts on small counties, and broader priorities such as citrus, roads, and support for agriculture; no votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:29:30.720><c> on</c><00:29:30.840><c> transient</c><00:29:31.320><c> climate</c> term based on
- transient climate term based on transient climate conditions<00:29:33.360><c> have</c><00:29:33.480>
- </c><00:45:04.280><c> on</c> flotation devices for kayakers based on flotation devices for kayakers based
- It would be based on any waterfront property that was actually created by an impoundment.
- It would be based on any waterfront property that was actually created by an impoundment.
Summary:
The committee first discussed scheduling and notice for upcoming executive sessions on a larger slate of bills, including plans to take up eight bills in the morning and possibly the last three bills in the afternoon, with caucus time provided if needed. The chair emphasized advance notice, publication, and flexibility if more bills are added later. The hearing then opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded to HB 568, a bill allowing local planning boards to request water supply studies for subdivisions to ensure water adequacy as housing density increases.
Representative Kat McGee, the prime sponsor, said HB 568 was developed after constituent concerns about private wells being affected by nearby development. She described the bill as narrowly tailored, non-mandatory, and intended to preserve local control while clarifying that planning boards may request studies under local regulations. She noted bipartisan support, an exclusion for community water systems and larger groundwater withdrawals regulated elsewhere, and said the bill would help prevent water shortages and related problems for new and existing homes. Questions from members focused on whether the bill should specify that it applies to subdivisions of four or more lots, since that language had been in an earlier version.
Testimony on HB 568 was mixed. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors opposed the bill, arguing it lacked a definition of “water supply study,” could lead to expensive hydrology studies, and might raise housing costs; he suggested more work with DES or a study committee. DES administrator Brandon Kernin said the department had worked from a 2010 groundwater commission report, that such problems arise only intermittently in certain areas, and that the bill would make explicit local authority to adopt such ordinances. He also said DES data and homeowner surveys can help identify problem areas and that more robust wells could be considered in the long term. The committee noted 10 online submissions in favor and 3 opposed, plus blue-sheet testimony of 2 in favor and 1 neutral, and then closed the hearing on HB 568.
The committee immediately opened HB 582, a bill on safety requirements for operation of personal watercraft. Representative Darby, the sponsor, said the bill responds to the speed and maneuverability of modern personal watercraft, which he described as more like motorcycles on water than traditional boats, and cited a fatal accident on Lake Monomonac as an example of the risks. He said the bill is not intended to restrict ordinary recreation or wake surfing, but to update safety standards for a newer class of larger, quieter three-person PWCs. The hearing began with Darby’s presentation, and no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We only have 13 pilots in our port, so we play a graceful game, or a ballet if you will, of ship hopping
- And we've been doing a lot of partnerships with Massachusetts-based.
- And we've been doing a lot of partnerships with Massachusetts-based content creators, and if you're not
- This flag has flown at U.S. military bases around the globe and in almost all 50 states for the past
Summary:
The special commission on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution met without quorum, but proceeded with updates on major upcoming 250th events. Chair Sean Garballey and Senator Paul Mark opened the meeting, then Dusty Rhodes gave a detailed overview of Sail Boston and the Tall Ships festivities, including ship arrivals on July 9-10, the opening ceremony on July 10, the parade of sail on July 11, public boarding, harbor fireworks, and the Sail Boston festival. He noted the event will involve 20 countries, about 60 ships, multiple anchorages, and significant coordination with pilots, tugboats, and public safety agencies, with a budget of more than $5 million.
Director Kate Fox and Sheila Green reported on Massachusetts 250 campaign efforts, including website and social media performance, merchandise sales, grant-funded exhibits and murals across the state, multicultural outreach, and July 4th programming tied to the Boston Pops Spectacular. They highlighted a series of MA 250 promotional videos, the I-Civics “We Declare” student reading project, the America 250 time capsule submission, the national reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, the Great American Block Party in Boston, and the flag sojourn that will bring a ceremonial flag to several Massachusetts sites before it is sent to Washington, D.C. They also mentioned upcoming MA 250 signage at MassDOT service plazas and a new schools-and-farms partnership announced by state secretaries.
Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250 updated the commission on Bunker Hill-related events, the Gloucester battle reenactment, Treaty Day in Watertown, and the Declaration of Independence project. He said Revolution 250 secured funding to reprint the Ezekiel Russell Declaration of Independence for distribution to all Massachusetts cities and towns, using an 18th-century press and handmade paper. The commission then discussed creating a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, with members offering to help identify objects and suggesting it include both historic and contemporary items. The meeting ended with general thanks, an invitation to an upcoming Mass Humanities screening, and a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.