Transcript Highlights:

• cultivating resilient regional and local food systems that take care of our natural resources and feed
• shifting market landscapes and increased lease and business expenses, all the while trying to grow and feed
• the Food Business Center, we want to spotlight a few key areas for farmers and institutions really feeding
• We can't continue to create people hungry, battling those trying to grow the food to feed people.
• So we know that it's the combination of all of these programs that people rely on to help feed their

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• USDA, and offers financial support to dairy farmers when the margin between the milk price and the feed
• USDA, and offers financial support to dairy farmers when the margin between the milk price and the feed
• USDA, and offers financial support to dairy farmers when the margin between the milk price and the feed
• In short, approximately 30 new dairy farms will have come on price and the feed cost becomes low. price
• and the feed cost becomes low.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• more than the economy, I think what's important to notice is that we actually produce the food that feeds
• And this is, again, a different way of showing the chemicals, fertilizers, labor, and feed expenses for
• And definitely the feed prices have gone up previously, but in the last two years they have decreased
• But again, it's quite expensive for all the entities that are depending upon these feed.
• our nation and feeding our world.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• One piece of it is subsidies for soy and corn, which the majority of that goes to cattle feed, and then
• crops that are going into animal feed as opposed to human foods.
• achieve the best crop rotations or what have you, almost all of that is done with a mindset toward feed
• So this could range from engineering the surface that cells grow on to the ingredients that we feed the
• And so we recently discovered a new ingredient that we could add to the broth that we're feeding the

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Park Coordinator. arrived at the SOC early on the morning of July 4th, where he continued to feed
• We feed them lunch and they come. They're very excited to be a part.
• Is the water falling in this floodplain or this plain that feeds into the tributaries?
• So if someone were to say, look, we haven't... ...It's 18 inches parked over an area that feeds the south
• I worry a little bit about us feeding into a cycle of anxiety.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state park coordinator arrived at the SOC early on the morning of July 4th, where he continued to feed
• They, we feed them lunch and they come, they're very excited to be a part, um.
• Is the water falling in this flood plain or this plain that feeds into these tributaries?
• So if someone were to say, look, we have, it's, it's 18 inches parked over an area that feeds the south
• Feeding into a cycle of anxiety.

Transcript Highlights:

• The food banks for Vermonters Feeding Vermonters, money for the conservation districts.
• The food banks for Vermonters<00:12:56.640> Feeding<00:12:56.960> Vermonters,<00:12:57.800
• > money<00:12:58.040> for Vermonters Feeding Vermonters, money for Vermonters Feeding Vermonters

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House Caucus of the Whole received a budget review from House Appropriations Chair Rep. Shay on H.951, the FY27 budget. He said the budget totals about $9.334 billion across all funds, with a 1.6% increase overall and a 2.1% increase in the general fund, and stated that it balances, fills required reserves, meets pension obligations, and largely reflects the governor’s January budget requests. He also noted that budget documents were emailed to members and that Appropriations Committee members and Joint Fiscal Office staff would be available in the House well during lunch for follow-up questions. Shay described the budget as divided into ongoing base appropriations and one-time appropriations. Major ongoing investments highlighted included funding for designated and specialized service agencies, home- and community-based providers, Medicaid skilled home health services, Bridges to Health, AHEC primary care loan repayment and provider placement, Vermont screening and referral clinics, VHIP housing support, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, a homelessness and housing initiative, a disabilities housing coordinator, the Vermont Access Network, Flood Safety Act positions at ANR, a state mediator position, an attorney for the state ethics commission, an additional attorney at the Human Rights Commission, and funding for the Defender General’s public defense contracting and training. He also emphasized one-time funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a pension and benefits funding task force, provider stabilization grants, Meals on Wheels, Vermont Legal Aid’s immigration attorney and hotline, rental arrears assistance, manufactured home repair programs, HomeShare expansion, NOFA food and farm programs, food banks, conservation districts, VSAC Freedom and Unity scholarships, and the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Fund. No votes were taken during the presentation; the meeting ended after a brief opportunity for questions, with members directed to continue discussion during noon office hours.

Transcript Highlights:

• agriculture side of cattle, chickens, as Representative Bivens talked about with the problems with feed
• Bivins talked about with the<00:10:20.880> problems<00:10:21.320> with<00:10:21.720> feed
• ><00:10:22.080> or<00:10:22.200> water,<00:10:23.040> state the problems with feed
• or water, state the problems with feed or water, state of<00:10:23.400> emergency,<00:10:23.840

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:02 Attendance Roll Call 00:24 SB 73 Discussion 02:40 SB 73 Roll Call Vote 05:05 SB 155 Discussion 06:48 SB 155 Roll Call Vote 14:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the commitments we've made to our schools, to our healthcare, to green energy, to public safety, to feeding
• to green energy, to public<00:18:28.480> safety,<00:18:29.120> to<00:18:29.360> feeding
• c><00:18:29.679> our<00:18:29.840> kids,<00:18:30.240> and public safety, to feeding
• our kids, and public safety, to feeding our kids, and to<00:18:30.640> taking<00:18:30.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That means I want you standing probably somewhere close by where you can feed up.
• Only the 350,000 individuals that we feed water through five cities in the Mobile County surrounding
• process that somebody worked the launch as an honor system and basically just paid mealls on any will feed
• and said we will monitor the launch. ...feed and said we will monitor the launch for you.

Bills: HB471, HB473

Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The checkoff, what feeds into the subsidy, not just the base but the utilization.
• check<00:15:59.839> off<00:16:00.160> what<00:16:00.560> what<00:16:00.680> feeds
• <00:16:00.959> into<00:16:01.240> the check off what what feeds into the check off
• what what feeds into the subsidy<00:16:01.920> not<00:16:02.120> just<00:16:02.279>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our feeding partners, outside of the capabilities that we have with our warehouse, were able to distribute
• allows more groups to come in who are vetted and verified to be out there quicker, to remove debris, to feed
• people, to take care of the Florida citizens, quicker, to remove debris, to feed people, to take care
• We can feed you. We can give you some offset costs. We can help with employment offset. Anything.

Summary: The committee received a program review from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and FEMA reimbursement process. Deputy Director Keith Pruitt described the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including major storm surge, flooding, tornadoes, debris removal, power restoration, flood-control deployments, sheltering, and logistics missions. He emphasized that Florida’s approach is “federally funded, state managed, locally executed,” and said the division has already obligated large amounts of public assistance funding and mitigation dollars while continuing to work on remaining missions and reimbursements. A major focus of the discussion was how local governments can better document and vet debris-removal and other disaster costs so they are eligible for FEMA reimbursement. Chair DiCeglie and other senators raised concerns about local planning, commercial debris collection, and whether counties and municipalities that spend money up front will be reimbursed. Pruitt explained that eligibility depends on documentation, scope of work, insurance, and FEMA rules, and that the state’s FROC process is intended to help counties identify eligible work before costs are incurred. He also said commercial debris may be eligible in some cases but is not guaranteed, and that counties should coordinate early with FDEM and FEMA. Senators also asked about possible FEMA reforms, the age of outstanding reimbursement claims, and a proposed state fund to advance money to fiscally constrained counties while they wait for FEMA payments. Pruitt said Florida’s system is a national best practice, but that more county-level training and clearer coordination would help reduce de-obligations and audit problems. He said the reimbursement-advance idea is still being developed, and that the state continues to look at ways to streamline mitigation through programs like Elevate Florida. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after closing comments from senators praising FDEM’s work.

Transcript Highlights:

• us to really look more deeply at different compounds in terms of flavor compounds, anti-nutrients, feed
• us to really look more deeply at different compounds in terms of flavor compounds, anti-nutrients, feed
• products that entrepreneurs are feed products that entrepreneurs are looking<00:15:56.360> to
• They were a really interesting group, looking at equine supplements and feed, and we worked with them
• stocks into new do we look at our feed stocks into new um<00:18:09.679> bio-industrial<00:18:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to feed the world.
• We need to feed the world. agriculture. We need to feed the world.
• and we're it's worth taking a pause and we're talking<00:25:38.799> about<00:25:39.039> feeding
• people a lot in talking about feeding people a lot in the<00:25:40.480> agriculture<00:25:41.360
• folks who are going to find feeding folks who are going to find themselves<00:26:19.600> without<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• depending on whether the project is an existing wastewater plant, an area that does not currently feed
• depending on whether the project is an existing wastewater plant, an area that does not currently feed
• depending on whether the project is an existing wastewater plant, an area that does not currently feed
• depending on whether the project is an existing wastewater plant, an area that does not currently feed
• feed into a Wastewater<01:05:12.079> Plant<01:05:12.319> so<01:05:12.480> it's<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you have imagined that in the lower 48 states, 41% of the land is dedicated either to feeding or
• It is irresponsible to continue feeding students harmful foods.
• It is irresponsible to continue feeding students harmful foods.
• I just wanted to say that we can feed 92 billion land animals globally every year, but we cannot feed
• in order to feed people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its first hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including hunger-free campuses, FAFSA completion, early college/college-in-high-school programs, banning legacy preferences, AP credit consistency, and tuition equity for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Committee leaders opened by outlining the hearing process and noting the three-minute testimony limit. Legislators and advocates generally framed the bills as equity and access measures aimed at improving college affordability, student success, and workforce development. Representative Vargas testified for H. 1466 and H. 1467, arguing that hunger-free campus should be codified because many public college and community college students face food insecurity, and that FAFSA completion should be improved through individualized outreach and an opt-out or completion requirement. Senator Lovely, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other advocates supported the hunger-free campus bill, citing data that 44% of public university and community college students experienced food insecurity in 2023 and that food insecurity harms graduation rates. Femi Stoltz and Shanti Lopez Toro backed the FAFSA bill, saying many students miss out on Pell grants and need direct support; they pointed to state examples such as Louisiana and to recent state action requiring FAFSA awareness. Committee members asked about the federal FAFSA rollout, regional equity in food access, and the need for long-term funding and data collection. A large panel supported H. 1455 on college and high school/early college, including former Chair Roy, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, a student graduate, MBAE, and Tripp Jones. They described early college as a proven model that helps low-income and first-generation students, improves degree attainment, and supports workforce needs; witnesses said the goal is to scale from about 9,000 students and 55 partnerships toward 22,000 to 25,000 students by 2030, with possible future growth beyond that. Members raised questions about funding, public-private partnerships, parental involvement, faculty development, and whether the bill should include data review and more standardized policies across institutions. Representative Garcia also testified for H. 1432 on AP credit, saying students should receive consistent credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5. Senator Edwards and James Murphy testified for the legacy preference ban, arguing it is unfair and rooted in exclusionary history; they said some states have already banned legacy preferences in public and private institutions. Finally, UMass Dean Michael Fox, alumnus Dan Mayer, and student Jake Rasmussen supported S. 920 to include Stockbridge associate degree programs in MassEducate, saying tuition equity would help enrollment and support Massachusetts agriculture and green-industry jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48.400> and<00:04:48.560> from<00:04:48.800> there<00:04:49.120> that feeding
• our future, and from there that feeding our future, and from there that same<00:04:49.680> pattern
• <00:05:19.759> And care and then feeding our future.
• And care and then feeding our future.
• We go through our hearings and our findings from child care fraud, from Feeding Our Future, from the

Transcript Highlights:

• planes that are going be for feeding planes that are going everywhere. everywhere. everywhere.
• ><00:35:24.880> source<00:35:25.160> of<00:35:25.280> animal<00:35:25.560> feed
• providing a new source of animal feed. providing a new source of animal feed.
• We’ve got a lot of plans: food, fuel, agri-animal feed, and we sure could use a little bit of support
• We’ve got a lot of plans: food, fuel, agri-animal feed, and we sure could use a little bit of support

Bills: HB1986, HB1694, HB1695, HB2030, HB1673

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:

• Still have a a feeding verters program.
• So we're increasing it to $860,000 for the Vermont Feeding Vermonts, which helps not only our farmers
• So we're increasing it to $860,000 for the Vermont Feeding Vermonts, which helps not only our farmers
• So we're increasing it to $860,000 for the Vermont Feeding Vermonts, which helps not only our farmers
• So we're increasing it to $860,000 for the Vermont Feeding Vermonts, which helps not only our farmers

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vents, feeding tubes, and seizure disorders keep them alive and at home instead of in a hospital.
• Vents,<00:07:59.880> feeding<00:08:00.240> tubes,<00:08:00.680> and<00:08:00.880
• > seizure Vents, feeding tubes, and seizure Vents, feeding tubes, and seizure disorders<00:08:
• 30.720> a emergency bag, we have oxygen, we have a emergency bag, we have oxygen, we have a feeding
• You wouldn't believe the feeding tube.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on a health insurance/home care nursing provision and on other consumer protection items. Nick Keis and Emily Walters, both parents of medically complex children, testified that commercial health plans had recently begun capping home care nursing as if it were intermittent home health visits, which they said was contrary to Minnesota law and legislative intent dating to 2010. They described severe impacts on their families, including hospitalizations, loss of nursing coverage, strain on waiver budgets, and the risk of children being forced out of the home and into institutions. Representative Bierman echoed that the bill was a straightforward clarification of existing law, not a new mandate or added cost, and a staff member later cited the statutory definition of home care nursing as ongoing, continuous nursing services that cannot be met through intermittent or visit-based care. The committee also discussed the practical difference between home health visits and private duty/home care nursing, with testimony emphasizing that the latter is medically necessary, assessed, and not unlimited in practice. Laura Sales of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office testified on changes to the Consumer Protection Restitution Fund (CIPRA). She said the fund has begun distributing restitution, starting with consumers harmed by the closure of Woodbury Dental Arts, but that current statutory language limits the office’s flexibility to prorate payments. She asked for an amendment allowing the AGO to distribute available funds more equitably so more eligible consumers can receive some payment, rather than requiring full payment to the oldest claims first. Annette Meeks, representing Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, testified in support of banning sweepstakes gambling in the Commerce Committee omnibus report. She argued that online sweepstakes casinos are an illegal gray-market form of gambling, cited rapid growth and billions in revenue, and said other states have acted through enforcement and legislation to stop them. She urged the committee to include language from Senate File 4474 to clarify state law and prohibit sweepstakes gambling. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting shown; members mainly asked questions and received testimony.