Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 456, Howard County alcoholic beverages gift basket permit, favorable.
• House Bill 611, Prince George's County alcoholic beverages fees, favorable.
• House Bill 348, Baltimore City alcoholic beverages license extension, favorable.
• House Bill 519, Anne Arundel County alcoholic beverages entertainment permits, favorable.
• House Bill 682, Anne Arundel County alcoholic beverages golf course license and sports activity venue

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that part two of the bill contains promising concepts related to electrical requirements.
• And the bill contains a methodology for calculating how that baseline is to be determined.
• this does have some... ...would like to highlight that we do think that this does have some cost containment
• So we do think they should be advanced within the line of the UTC, keeping in mind the cost containment
• Today, the most common way that carbon dioxide is used is for things like carbonated beverages, fertilizer

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then held a work session on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities (EITEs) under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. Ecology staff reviewed how cap-and-invest works, explained EITE no-cost allowance allocations, and summarized a new report to the Legislature on policy options for 2035-2050. Ecology recommended continuing no-cost allocations but adjusting them to fit the cap, considering a consignment approach that would require EITEs to invest part of the value of free allowances in decarbonization, and studying additional benchmarking and leakage-mitigation refinements. Quebec officials described their cap-and-trade system, including a consignment model that withholds part of free allocations, holds the value in trust for facilities, and requires technical studies and investment in mitigation projects; they said it has encouraged industrial investment and no business closures. Members asked about facility closures, compliance costs, eligible uses of consigned funds, and adaptation spending. The work session then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2296, which would expand distributed energy resources by allowing portable plug-in solar devices and meter-mounted devices. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to lower barriers and startup costs for renters and homeowners who want to electrify or add solar. Supporters, including a nonprofit promoting plug-in solar and a physician group, said the devices could broaden access to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas and health harms. Utilities, labor, and industry groups opposed the bill as written, citing safety concerns, lack of national electrical code standards, possible backfeeding and fire risks, utility-worker hazards, unclear interconnection rules, and concerns about multifamily housing and small-utility review burdens. Some witnesses said they were open to continued work on the proposal. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2285, which would allow natural gas generation paired with carbon capture, utilization, storage, or mineralization to count toward Clean Energy Transformation Act compliance. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would provide a “bridge” for firm power, help address reliability and transmission constraints, and support jobs while reducing emissions compared with conventional gas. Opponents said the bill would weaken CETA’s 100% clean electricity target by allowing resources that still emit carbon to qualify, and they questioned whether 75% capture is sufficient. Other testimony raised cost concerns and warned that carbon capture could increase ratepayer costs. The hearing on HB 2285 was later suspended and reopened briefly for additional testimony from Ecology, which said the bill would permanently weaken CETA standards and likely reduce emissions reductions. The committee also briefly received a staff briefing on House Bill 2272, a ski-area terminology bill, and then suspended that hearing to take it up later.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after that year of hearings, preparation, discovery with your client, possible depositions,
• And then after that year of hearings, preparation, discovery with your client, possible depositions,
• It makes reference to the fees collected by the clerk being deposited into that fund.
• Vaping may look fun with bright colors and sweet flavors, but they often contain nicotine.
• Vaping may look fun with bright colors and sweet flavors, but they often contain nicotine.

Bills: HB141 , HB178 , HB179 , HB187 , HB188 , HB527 , HB782 , HB911 , HB916

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: court proceedings, transcription, criminal law, recording, judicial discretion, court reporters, record retention, criminal cases, civil cases, legal proceedings, judicial administration, Louisiana Supreme Court, court reporting services, digital reporting, remote proceedings, virtual courts, court reporter fees, judicial district, statewide revision, costs

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency's service area is determined by the boundaries of school districts containing unmined iron
• </c><00:34:43.720><c> unmined</c><00:34:44.359><c> iron</c><00:34:44.639><c> ore</c> districts containing
• unmined iron ore districts containing unmined iron ore deposits<00:34:45.520><c> of</c><00:34:45.639
• a</c><00:34:45.839><c> specified</c><00:34:46.679><c> valuation</c><00:34:47.679><c> tanite</c> deposits
• of a specified valuation tanite deposits of a specified valuation tanite plants<00:34:48.679><c> or<

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're doing an online bet on your phone, the money is automatically deposited.
• concern is though, if I'm here, place the bet, I wanna go Over there to get my money, not have it deposited
• This bill contains a regulated alternative to legal sports betting with platforms who are very concerned
• 3403 creates a three-year pilot project to study the assimilation of various chemical components contained

Bills: HB3834 , HB3940 , HB4346 , HB2947 , HB3257 , HB3264 , HB4326 , HB4421 , HB3944 , HB3979 , HB4118 , SCR22 , SB169 , HB1047 , HB2123 , HB2650 , HB3260 , HB3403 , SR41 , HB3649 , HB3742 , HB3831 , HB3996 , HB4321 , HB4339

Transcript Highlights:

• master meter, you'll find that those people that are the tenants will pay a larger price and security deposits
• The security deposit is going to go up.
• On page two, it reads recreational fires not contained within approved fire pits or enclosures as one
• That will be changed to read as recreational fires not contained within fire pits or enclosures.

Summary: The House Municipal Committee met at 12:09 p.m. with a quorum present and heard several local government bills. HB 990 by Rep. Lyons, supported by Jefferson Parish, would extend lien/privilege authority for unpaid sewerage and water service charges to Jefferson Parish, including issues involving multifamily properties with master meters. After questions about tenant impacts and administrative burden, the committee reported the bill favorably with no objection. HB 1087 by Rep. Adams, authorizing the City of Zachary to use certain inmates to cut grass in a private cemetery, drew significant concern from members about using unpaid prison labor on private property, the lack of clear ownership/contact with the cemetery board, and whether the property should instead be acquired or otherwise addressed. After discussion, the author withdrew the motion and the committee voluntarily deferred the bill to a later meeting. HB 893 by Rep. Knox, concerning the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, and HB 1007, creating the Foeberg Nouveau-Marine Improvement District in New Orleans Parish, were both reported favorably without objection. HB 1153 by Rep. Coates would allow parishes and municipalities to declare and enforce burn bans. The committee adopted amendments clarifying publication, lifting bans when risk subsides, and adjusting penalties, and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 1215 by Rep. Baham, dealing with the disposition of removed historical statues and monuments through the Lieutenant Governor’s Office of State Parks, was amended to require coordination rather than imposing costs solely on local governments, but members raised concerns about fiscal impact, local zoning authority, and the need for the lieutenant governor’s staff; the bill was voluntarily deferred for two weeks. HB 362 by Rep. Newell creating the Regency Park Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District was reported favorably, while HB 484 on the New Orleans Regional Business Park was deferred after confusion over a proposed amendment and board appointment changes. Several other bills and resolutions were also deferred, and the committee adjourned after announcing the next agenda would include the deferred items.

Transcript Highlights:

• master meter, you'll find that those people that are the tenants will pay a larger price in security deposits
• The security deposit is going to go up.
• On page 2, it reads recreational fires not contained within approved fire pits or enclosures as one of
• That will be changed to read as recreational fires not contained within fire pits or enclosures.

Summary: The House Municipal Committee met and first advanced HB 990 by Rep. Lyons, which would extend existing lien/privilege authority for unpaid utility service charges and user fees to parishes, sewerage districts, and waterworks districts, including Jefferson Parish. Lyons explained it was intended to address master-metered multifamily properties and align Jefferson Parish with other parishes. After questions about tenant impacts and administrative burden, the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then heard HB 1087 by Rep. Adams, authorizing the City of Zachary to use inmate labor to cut grass at a private cemetery known as the Zachary Public Cemetery. Members raised concerns about using unpaid prison labor on private property, whether the cemetery was abandoned, and whether the bill should be narrowed. The author and city representative explained the city already contracts with DCI for inmate work and that the bill was meant to clarify legality. The motion to advance was withdrawn, and the bill was voluntarily deferred to a later meeting for further work. Several other bills were advanced, including HB 893 by Rep. Knox on the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, HB 1007 creating the Foeberg Nouveau-Marine Improvement District in Orleans Parish, and HB 1153 by Rep. Coates establishing a clearer local burn-ban framework with amendments on notice, lifting bans, and penalties. The committee also considered HB 1215 by Rep. Baham on the disposition of removed historical statues and monuments; after amendments and extensive questions about costs, coordination with the lieutenant governor’s office, and local zoning authority, the bill was voluntarily deferred. Later, HB 362 and HB 484 by Rep. Newell were handled, with HB 362 advanced and HB 484 deferred after confusion over a proposed amendment to the New Orleans Regional Business Park board. Several other bills and resolutions were announced as deferred or not heard, and the committee adjourned after scheduling a larger agenda for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• way, the bill would allow prosecutions for two different types of fabricated depictions: ones that contain
• for offenses that involve a fabricated depiction are the same regardless of whether that matter contains
• way, the bill would allow prosecutions for two different types of fabricated depictions, ones that contain
• for offenses that involve a fabricated depiction are the same regardless of whether that matter contains
• Interstate subpoenas and depositions are extraordinarily complicated, expensive, and uncertain, and in

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• 1243, H. 1581, an act specifying an electronic system to ensure that sales of certain products containing
• the amendment that we’re requesting is simply that if you’re a manufacturer of pseudoephedrine-containing
• It contains procedural traps. The statute is arbitrary and capricious.
• Fines that are assessed will be deposited into the Massachusetts Animal Fund for the benefit of spain
• They can be required to put down a deposit.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have Article 2, which is the technical provisions in the House language, and Article 9, which contains
• That would be article three of the Senate's bill, and it contains several provisions relating to health
• </c><00:17:16.480><c> several</c> Senate's bill and it contains several Senate's bill and it contains
• I think the cases we've seen have been like the key is on a drive or something in a safety deposit box
• </c> in a safety deposit box. in a safety deposit box. &gt;&gt; Uh-huh. &gt;&gt; Uh-huh.

Summary: The committee met to walk through nonpartisan side-by-side comparisons of House File 4188, focusing on differences between House and Senate language across consumer protection, insurance, financial services, health, and technical provisions. Staff highlighted numerous Senate-only items, including rules for financial providers communicating through trusted contacts, virtual currency requirements for banks and credit unions, a prohibition on virtual currency kiosks beginning in 2026, mortgage servicing and student loan servicing changes, the Rental Home Marketplace Guarantees Act, insurance and travel-related provisions, scrap metal licensing changes, protections related to minors accessing chatbots and AI companions, and several technical or conforming repealers. Staff also noted that some provisions were identical or substantially similar between the chambers, including mortgage originator standards, student loan borrower protections, securities-related changes, unclaimed property provisions, and technical updates in the bill’s miscellaneous articles. The Senate-only health-related articles were also summarized, including repeal of the prescription drug affordability advisory council, technical changes to the reinsurance program, and a series of health insurance provisions on enrollment-growth notices, limits on officer and director salary increases under certain capital conditions, guaranteed issue rights for certain Medicare supplement enrollees, data-sharing between Commerce and Health, restrictions on using artificial intelligence alone to deny claims, reimbursement for clinical trainees, home care nursing coverage, and PBM transparency. The Senate’s telecommunications article was described as largely technical and conforming, with repeals of obsolete statutes. Staff also noted that some standalone bills had already passed and would be removed from the comparison report. Public testimony followed. Thomas Elness of AARP Minnesota supported inclusion of the cryptocurrency kiosk bill, expressed support for guaranteed issue protections for a narrow group of consumers affected by discontinued plans, and urged adoption of changes to the consumer protection restitution account, including raising the cap to $10 million per fiscal year. Representative Lee testified that the restitution account proposal should be treated as policy rather than finance because it has a zero fiscal note, and said the House would accept the Senate’s $10 million cap. Robin Rowan, representing the Minnesota Insurance and Financial Services Council and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, urged adoption of Senate travel insurance language, requested a House-style change to lead-generation recordkeeping language, and supported a Senate provision allowing employers and insurers to coordinate notice to employees when group policies are cancelled. The Department of Commerce then responded to questions, explaining that the prescription drug affordability council would be sunset because the board already has other avenues for public input, that the reinsurance changes were technical and did not alter the prior agreement, and that the abandoned cryptocurrency provisions rely on statutory definitions of inactivity and known examples such as keys stored in safes or deposit boxes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And will the systems that contain it contain this leachate, which is filled with a lot of different kinds
• </c><00:31:52.360><c> it</c><00:31:52.880><c> uh</c><00:31:53.159><c> contain</c> the systems that contain
• it uh contain the systems that contain it uh contain this<00:31:53.720><c> Lee</c><00:31:54.279><c>
• </c><00:42:42.720><c> uh</c> and cover systems are best contain uh and cover systems are best contain
• ><c> and</c><00:42:44.680><c> control</c> designed to contain leech and control designed to contain leech

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself. City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time. The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depository to store bullion and grants the Arizona State Treasurer operational control, including depositing
• regulation that imposes a penalty on a business for the theft of their movable property, and the bill contains
• regulation that imposes a penalty on a business for the theft of their movable property and the bill contains
• Witt, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2641 prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing
• Containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals for any purpose unless required by federal regulations,

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills returned from the Senate with amendments, generally asking staff to describe the changes and then confirming whether the sponsor concurred. Many measures were accepted with little or no debate, including bills on tax filing penalties (HB 2016), court-ordered restitution for homeless or indigent defendants (HB 2028), vaccination and mask restrictions (HB 286), bullion investments by the state treasurer (HB 2140), nursing care complaint timelines (HB 2195), privacy protections for county records (HB 2327), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), medical records access timelines (HB 2557), licensing board procedures (HB 2660), school and public records provisions, AI governance (HB 2592), fingerprint clearance temporary work authorization (HB 2916), development fees (HB 2946), affordability infrastructure districts (HB 2999), distracted driving penalties (HB 2109), health aide scope of practice (HB 2189), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), backyard structure rules in planned communities (HB 2342), inmate transition services (HB 2440), nuclear-ready community designation criteria (HB 2456), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), groundwater/medical reimbursement changes (HB 2932), traffic citation signature authority (HB 2369), advanced math enrollment (HB 2423), school district training and intervention requirements (HB 2435), job order contracting limits (HB 2482), special education and placement rules (HB 2621), DCS parent rights notice changes (HB 2661), domestic violence expert testimony standards (HB 2662), inmate mental health study committee provisions (HB 2673), legislative subpoena enforcement (HB 2745), ACA trade office oversight (HB 2752), utility reporting changes (HB 2756), Native American language proficiency credit (HB 2895), mental health judicial review timelines (HB 2923), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 2118), medical intervention/school attendance rules (HB 2248), school board finance training (HB 2379), and school board meeting access/video requirements (HB 2380). Sponsors repeatedly stated they concurred with the Senate amendments, and no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript. A few items were set aside or sent back, including HB 2035 and HB 2249, and one bill (HB 2594) was left pending because the sponsor had not yet responded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depository to store bullion and grants the Arizona State Treasurer operational control, including depositing
• regulation that imposes a penalty on a business for the theft of their movable property, and the bill contains
• regulation that imposes a penalty on a business for the theft of their movable property and the bill contains
• Whip, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2641 prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing
• Thank you. containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals for any purpose unless required by federal regulations

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills with Senate amendments, mostly hearing brief staff summaries and sponsor comments on whether they concurred. Topics included tax filing penalties, water and court procedures, vaccination and mask rules, bullion investment, nursing care complaint timelines, privacy protections for property and voter records, medical-record access, professional licensing procedures, school and family law changes, public records access for legislators, AI procurement, fingerprint clearance for traffic survival school instructors, development fees, infrastructure districts, distracted driving penalties, health aide scope of practice, eviction record sealing, backyard structure rules in planned communities, inmate transition services, nuclear-ready community designation, DCS parent-rights notices, domestic-violence evidence standards, inmate mental health study committee, legislative subpoena enforcement, trade office oversight, public power reporting, Native American language proficiency, mental health judicial review timelines, mobile food vendor licensing, medical-intervention requirements in schools, and school board training and meeting transparency. In most cases, the sponsor or a representative indicated concurrence with the Senate amendments, and the caucus generally moved through the bills without extended debate. A few bills drew brief explanation from sponsors about the policy purpose, such as aligning nursing-facility oversight with federal requirements, improving access to medical records, clarifying rules for licensed health aides, and adjusting school-related provisions. Some bills were noted as being sent back to the Senate or otherwise set aside, including HB 2035 and HB 2249. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting functioned as a caucus review of Senate amendments and sponsor concurrence before floor action. The caucus concluded after HB 2380, with members thanked for attending.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:36.480><c> a</c><00:04:36.560><c> tax</c> possession just since it contains a tax possession
• just since it contains a tax provision<00:04:37.360><c> and</c> provision and provision and Okay.<00
• This bill contains three local government very simple fix-its. No cost to the state.
• This bill contains<00:06:21.640><c> three</c><00:06:22.160><c> local</c><00:06:22.640><c> government<
• /c><00:06:23.440><c> very</c> contains three local government very contains three local government very

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• It just allows the bill—allows patrons on premise to establishments to take a purchased beverage into
• It just allows the bill—allows patrons on premise to establishments to take a purchased beverage into
• It just allows the bill—allows patrons on premise to establishments to take a purchased beverage into
• when I see the may may implies beverage when I see the may may implies that<00:32:20.679><c> there</
• There was just an article in the New York Times about how non-alcoholic beverages are soaring.

Summary: The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring. Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments. The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also for informational review, Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 804
• c><00:19:48.480><c> malt</c> ABC to sell wine, spirits or malt ABC to sell wine, spirits or malt beverages
• , when you apply for that beverages, when you apply for that license,<00:19:52.000><c> you</c><00:19:
• a diagnosis of intellectual contains a diagnosis of intellectual disability<01:24:49.760><c> but</c>
• in a variety of different be contained in a variety of different sources<01:25:21.600><c> from</c><01

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• 623, Senator Watson, tobacconist business and establishment of a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage
• 40.680><c> alcoholic</c> of a premium cigar lounge alcoholic of a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage
• license,</c><00:12:42.080><c> Maryland</c><00:12:42.400><c> Premium</c><00:12:42.880><c> Cigar</c> beverage
• license, Maryland Premium Cigar beverage license, Maryland Premium Cigar Lounge<00:12:43.960><c> Act

Transcript Highlights:

• We did it for our three divisions where we see vacancies: our Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
• resources and rate within those three divisions that were just mentioned: Condominiums, Alcoholic Beverages
• There are three different bureaus for us for the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and getting
• saying it, so if I did, I already apologize, but that team won the national award for alcoholic beverage

Transcript Highlights:

• get along very, very well—and every interim we get together over a coffee or a more entertaining beverage
• over a coffee or a<00:07:44.960><c> more</c><00:07:45.120><c> entertaining</c><00:07:45.680><c> beverage
• </c><00:07:46.080><c> and</c><00:07:46.280><c> talk</c> a more entertaining beverage and talk a more
• entertaining beverage and talk about<00:07:47.479><c> what</c><00:07:47.599><c> we</c><00:07:47.720><

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's say, on the way to the Capitol, you stopped and got a beverage.
• It could be coffee or hot chocolate or soda, and that beverage cost you, say, $3.08 or $3.09.
• But let's say you got a beverage from a different shop the next morning, and it cost you $3.06.

Committee: House State Affairs