Transcript Highlights:

• HB 655: Tim Rymer, in providing comments, and Robert Souza, in support.
• like<00:15:40.160> to<00:15:40.440> HB<00:15:40.800> 655<00:15:41.399> Tim
• <00:15:41.600> Rymer<00:15:42.040> in they'd like to HB 655 Tim Rymer in they'd like
• to HB 655 Tim Rymer in providing<00:15:42.920> comments<00:15:43.920> and<00:15:44.160

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting. The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance. Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• , sponsored by Senator Scott. >> There is an amendment.
• Research Fundings, sponsored by Senator Research Fundings, sponsored by Senator Scott.
• >> Senator<00:42:21.040> Scott. >> Senator Scott. >> Senator Scott.
• line two, lines 18 through 21. >> Senator Scott. >> Mr.
• Senator McKeown. No. Senator Schuler. No. Senator Dockstader. No. Senator Scott. No.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much, Chair Leibling and Chair Scott.
• Thank you so much, Chair Liebling and Co-Chair Scott.
• Representative Scott, thank you, Chair Liebling, and thanks for this bill.
• I think Chair Scott could answer.
• Representative Scott, um, thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HF1855, HF102, HF1082, HF1354, HF2184, HF1792, HF2296, HF2429, HF2543, HF2566

Keywords: veterans, benefit services, accreditation, consumer protection, civil penalties, disclosure requirements, HF102, Sibley County Road 166, Freedom Drive, Arlington, Sibley County, Minnesota transportation bonds, bonding bill, capital investment, road extension, highway access, intersection improvements, right-of-way acquisition, water main, sewer improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. Senator Kidani, thanks.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Kidani, thanks.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Kidani, thanks.
• Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you,<02:38:40.000> Senator. you, Senator. you, Senator.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott County, when my good friend Senator Pratt serves, has a $10 million project approved, funded, contract
• Scott County, when my good friend Senator Pratt serves, has a $10 million project approved, funded, contract
• Scott County, when my good friend Senator Pratt serves, has a $10 million project approved, funded, contract
• Scott County, when my good friend Senator Pratt serves, has a $10 million project approved, funded, contract
• Scott County, when my good friend Senator Pratt serves, has a $10 million project approved, funded, contract

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Driskill, here. Senator French, here. Senator Gierau, here. Senator Larson, here.
• Senator<00:27:18.360> Gruel Senator Gruel Senator Gruel Thank<00:27:21.040> you,<00:27:
• ,<01:02:32.560> and Senator Geringer, Senator Larson, and Senator Geringer, Senator Larson
• Senator Senator Senator >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um<01:11
• then Senator Larson. then Senator Larson.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:21.840> Judiciary was uh made by the Senate Judiciary was uh made by the Senate Judiciary
• Senate Bill 1042 for background uh I'm a Senate Bill 1042 for background uh I'm a retired<01:09:05.600
• Members voting on Senate Bill 1441, Senate draft to chair’s recommendation is to pass with amendments
• <01:58:26.400> to<01:58:26.639> chair's Senate Bill 1441 Senate draft to chair's Senate
• Members voting on Senate Bill 1443, Senate draft.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on several bills. On SB 1441, which would repeal the transfer of the Oahu Regional Health Care System from HHSC to the Department of Health, the Department of Health said it strongly supports the measure and requested clarifying amendments. HHSC/Oahu Region also supported the bill and said it had no objection to the department’s amendments. In response to questions, witnesses said the agencies have been working on an MOU to support transfers of long-term care patients to Leahi, with the current goal being about 10 to 15 patients, but transfers would occur only as space and staffing allow; one patient was reportedly being admitted at the time, and the process was described as slow and case-by-case. The committee then heard SB 1443 on payment rates for state hospital patients and related Department of Health services. The hospital administrator said the bill would allow rates above Medicaid for community or foster-home placements if patients cannot be placed at Leahi or elsewhere, and would set Medicaid-level reimbursement for outside medical services used by state hospital patients. He said at least one provider was interested in offering services at that rate and that the population involved is largely non-ambulatory long-term care patients. Members asked about availability and training, and the witness said special training could be provided. SB 1322, a broad mental health bill, drew mixed testimony. The Department of Law Enforcement supported giving crisis-intervention-trained officers more discretion to transport people to medical care instead of arresting them. The Attorney General supported the bill but recommended revisions to emergency-transport language and restoring liability protections. HHSC and Queens Hospital supported the overall goal but sought amendments to preserve the mental health emergency worker role in decision-making and to avoid negative impacts on emergency departments. The Disability Rights Center and ACLU opposed parts of the bill, arguing that it weakens due process, reduces protections in involuntary treatment and transport, and should retain a three-person treatment panel rather than reduce it to one. A Queens representative said the current program works well and reported that more than 90% of MH1 cases once went to hospitals, but that figure has dropped to about 60-70%, with about 20% now diverted to community settings or the behavioral health crisis center. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate: there are none.
• We have softball head coach Jacqueline Madigan and football head coach Tim Tulloch.
• Senate third reading, file items eight and nine, we're going to pass and retain.

Summary: The Assembly convened in Sacramento with an initial quorum call, then established a quorum and proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine opening business. The chamber dispensed with reading the prior journal, deferred introductions and references of bills, and reported no Governor or Senate messages. Procedural motions were approved, including suspending rules to allow adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest access, and withdrawing S.J.R. 7 from committee and placing it on the third reading file. Members then recognized several guest groups, including Grace Valley Christian School, College of San Mateo student-athletes, the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agricultural Leadership Class, the Light of the World youth group, and exchange students from Germany and Tajikistan. There was no substantive floor debate on legislation; daily file and several file items were passed, retained, or continued without further action. The main floor activity centered on adjournment-in-memory tributes. Assemblymember Ortega honored former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy for his public service, school and hospital advocacy, and civic leadership. Assemblymember Wilson honored Joseph R. Martinez, a Solano County agricultural leader and advocate for rural health care. The Assembly observed moments of silence for both individuals. The session concluded with announcements, including a reminder that FPPC Form 700 was due that day, notice of committee meetings, and an adjournment motion carrying the House until Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Senator Keenan, Senator Kennedy, Senator Lewis, and Ranking Minority Member Senator Dooner.
• Thank you, Senator. Today, the hearing is being organized by... Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Any questions from committee members? Thank you, Senator Rush.
• Senator Rush is right.
• That would be Senate Bill 1618, or, like half, ...exercise of religion, that would be Senate Bill 1618

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meredith I senator the rooll senator Meredith I senator Senator<00:02:30.160> Richardson<00:02
• Senator Meredith, aye. Senator Richardson, aye. Senator Thomas, Mr.
• call the role Senator Meredith I Senator Senator Senator Richardson<00:31:21.639> Senator Richardson
• Thank you so very much. rooll senator Meredith hi Senator rooll senator Meredith hi Senator Richardson
• > Thomas Senator Richardson no Senator Thomas Senator Richardson no Senator Thomas representative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator O'Malley, yes. Senator Scott, yes. Senator Hamblen, yes. Senator O'Malley, yes.
• Senator Scott, yes. Senator Thornton, yes. Senator Siddeo Lopez is excused. Senator Stefanics, yes.
• Thank you, Senator Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator, Ms.
• Senator Scott? Yes. Senator Thornton? Yes. Senator Lopez? Yes. Senator Stefanics? Yes.
• Senator Scott? Yes. Senator Thornton? Yes. Senator Siddea Lopez? Yes. Senator Stefanics? Yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Carrillo. Let's take a vote.
• Lastly, the Scott and Shasta is a very unique situation.
• I make my sole living farming in the Scott and Shasta Valleys.
• I joined my colleague, Scott Heyman, in support of AB 1466.
• I joined my colleague, Scott Heyman, in support of AB-166.

Summary: The committee heard several water, wildlife, conservation, and local government bills. AB 362, by Assembly Member Ramos, would add tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use and strengthen tribal consultation in water planning; tribal representatives and conservation groups supported it as a long-overdue correction, while water agencies, business groups, and agricultural interests raised concerns about CEQA, regulatory uncertainty, and impacts on existing water planning. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, with some members noting ongoing stakeholder discussions and one abstention. AB 1089, by Assembly Member Carrillo, would expand local permitting authority under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act to include commercial and industrial projects. The author and the City of Adelanto argued it would speed housing and economic development in the high desert while preserving the overall conservation framework, but environmental groups opposed it as premature and potentially weakening protections for Joshua trees. The committee approved the bill on a due pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1024, by Assembly Member Harabedian, would require a regional black bear mitigation plan for the San Gabriel Valley and related areas; Sierra Madre officials described rising bear intrusions and the need for state help, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 846, by Assembly Member Connolly, would streamline permitting for local wildfire preparedness and vegetation management projects in local responsibility areas by creating a faster review process at Fish and Wildlife and improving mapping coordination with Cal Fire. Local government, fire service, and agricultural witnesses supported the bill as a common-sense wildfire prevention measure, and it passed to Natural Resources with no opposition. AB 263, by Assembly Member Rogers, would extend emergency minimum-flow regulations for the Scott and Shasta Rivers for five years or until permanent rules are adopted; supporters said it protects salmon recovery, tribal subsistence, and the fishing economy during a transition period, while opponents argued it bypasses normal regulatory process and harms farmers. The committee approved it on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with one abstention and two no votes. AB 1044, by Assembly Member Bains, would create a new Tulare County groundwater sustainability agency for undistricted lands after other local agencies split off; the bill passed to Local Government. AB 1426, by Assembly Member Arambula, began testimony on creating a Diablo Range Conservation Program to fund habitat protection and restoration across the range.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator King? Here. Senator Creighton? Here. Senator Alvarado? Here. Senator Hinojosa? Present.
• Senator Hughes? Here. Senator Miles? Here. Senator Parker? Here. Senator Paxson? Present.
• I do, Senator.
• Hearing none, the chair calls Tim Dowling. Good morning, Senators. Can you hear me? We can.
• Senator, any other members? Well, Senator Blanco.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Delegate Scott. Delegate Cohen. Here. Senator Favola. Here. Senator Jordan. Here. Senator Favola?
• Senator Favola. Good afternoon. I'm State Senator Barbara Favola.
• Delegate Scott, there's one more thing.
• Delegate Scott, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Just in that regard, because the Senate has a different communication system. ...regard because the Senate

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bodn, Secretary of the Senate. Messages from the Senate. [clears throat] Message from the Senate.
• Messages from the Senate. Message from the Senate.
• Messages from the Senate. >> Message from the Senate.
• : Senate File 4401 and Senate File 454.
• Bodn, Secretary of the<03:41:48.960> Senate. the Senate. the Senate.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking. During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Senate position on UAVs. the Senate position on UAVs.
• My name is Scott Hel.
• Is that correct, Chair Scott? language? Is that correct, Chair Scott?
• Senator Umu Baitton. Thank All right. Senator Umu Baitton.
• Thank you Senator Ombaden.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator.
• Good morning, Senators, Senator Dhingra.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Trudeau and then Senator Wagner. Thank you so much for presenting.
• Senator Lovick?

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott he was a wonderful that I knew Mr. Scott he was a wonderful man<02:17:02.319> too.
• Secretary, I've been directed by the Senate to inform the House that the Senate has passed S. 2132, an
• And this is Senate, and the White House.
• David Scott.
• express my condolences to the Scott express my condolences to the Scott family<03:04:20.160>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Scott.
• Do we know, Representative Scott, we are looking right now?
• Scott is looking to see which day she was excused from.
• Representative Scott. Representative Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We always encourage words of wisdom, Representative Scott.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so Senate Bill, I'm Senator Tim Lang. I'm Senate District 2, which is the Lakes Region.
• I am still Senator Tim Lang. I am still from Senate District 2.
• Senator Tim Lang, you thought I was kidding when I said I was going to be here all day, but I was not
• Um, so thank you for Senator Tim Lang, Senate Bill 160.
• Senator Tim Lang Senate thank you for um Senator Tim Lang Senate Senate<03:51:19.120> Bill<03:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.