Transcript Highlights:

• You have oil and gas there. I mean, we could have him go and set that kind of thing up.
• Something like 90% of the skill set and the drilling rigs in oil and gas...
• Directly transportable over to just drilling for heat instead of drilling for oil and gas.
• We do have the technology; we have the advancements made from oil and gas.
• We also use the well logs that the oil and gas industry has developed.

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, designing, developing the solution. Next fiscal year...
• Execution, in other words, designing, developing the solution.
• There are transit solutions, so we do offer 100% reimbursement from mass transit.
• We agree with the greenhouse gas issues that you've mentioned.
• It was based on gas. It was based on how much we're paying for housing.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard updates from the Secretary of State, EDD, the State Controller’s Office, CalHR, and DGS on a range of budget proposals and federal policy impacts. Secretary of State Shirley Weber opened with remarks about California’s election system, emphasizing its safety, transparency, high voter registration and vote-by-mail participation, and the office’s response to bomb threats and other election threats. Her staff then presented funding requests for the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS) and Help America Vote Act/VoteCal activities, describing them as needed to modernize campaign finance and lobbying disclosure systems and maintain election security and voter services. A major portion of the hearing focused on federal election policy, especially the potential effects of a presidential executive order and the SAVE Act. Secretary of State staff said California would face significant, potentially unquantifiable costs if forced to comply, including new burdens on county recorders, county election offices, and the Secretary of State’s office, and warned of voter disenfranchisement, especially for students, seniors, disabled voters, military and overseas voters, rural residents, and people with limited transportation. Members and public commenters strongly opposed the federal proposals and argued California’s current system is functioning well. The committee also heard that federal HAVA funds were not expected to be at risk because the state draws them down into an interest-bearing account. EDD reported on paid family leave, explaining that recent delays were tied to a system transition and increased claim volume, and said it was simplifying applications and adding staff and automation. Public testimony supported expanding paid family leave to chosen family. EDD also said it is prepared for possible unemployment spikes, citing a recession plan, a command center, and recent hiring. The State Controller’s Office requested funding to continue the Fiscal migration project, which would move the state’s accounting book of record to the new system by July 1, 2026; Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee expressed support for the project’s progress. CalHR presented a proposal for a statewide recruitment, outreach, and education paid media campaign under AB 1511, saying its current advertising budget is too small to reach diverse communities effectively. The final item addressed Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring a return to office on a four-day schedule. CalHR and DGS said they were working department-by-department to assess space, parking, transit, and other logistics, but had not completed a statewide cost analysis. Members and many public commenters criticized the order, arguing it was rushed, costly, harmful to telework benefits, and potentially disruptive to workers, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or long commutes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• advantage of abundant natural gas advantage of abundant natural gas reserve<00:26:08.400> beneath
• Make sure that oil and gas and goal.
• frequently undercut new natural gas frequently undercut new natural gas generation.<03:02:53.359
• And here are examples of a gas station in California and a gas station in Maryland.
• such as the highest in the nation gas such as the highest in the nation gas tax,<03:45:24.239>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so we need to leave degrees of freedom to have Arizonans innovating and delivering some of those solutions
• Administration to require each budget unit of the department to identify opportunities to implement AI system solutions
• a big piece because you can plug and play those in where you currently have, say, coal facilities, gas
• so that we're exploring these things and not limiting them and equating them with coal and natural gas
• we're exploring these things and not limiting them and equating them with coal and coaling natural gas

Bills: HB2452, HB2592

Keywords: comprehensive plans, county governance, data centers, zoning, state regulations, land use, energy production, infrastructure, environmental impact, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee heard a presentation from Steven Garrison of the Cicero Institute on how Arizona state government could use AI to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and streamline procurement. He argued that AI should be treated as software deployed across many use cases, not just chatbots, and urged the state to identify opportunities proactively, avoid unnecessary agency-level AI rules, use existing procurement structures, and measure outcomes. Members asked about workforce impacts, agency involvement, privacy, and the balance between innovation and regulation; Garrison said AI would likely augment workers first, create new jobs over time, and should be guided by the legislature rather than broad agency rulemaking. The committee then considered HB 2592, which directs the Department of Administration to have budget units identify AI opportunities and streamline implementation, and an amendment adding reporting requirements to state leaders and the Secretary of State. After limited public testimony, the amendment was adopted and the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote, with one member absent. The committee next took up HB 2452, which would add data centers and small modular reactors to county comprehensive planning and adjust county land-use planning requirements, including changes related to renewable energy planning in larger counties. Supporters said the bill would help counties plan ahead for data center growth and future energy needs, including SMRs and other emerging technologies. County representatives opposed the measure, arguing it improperly singled out specific uses, blurred the line between comprehensive planning and zoning, and reduced local control by altering established public planning processes; they also raised concerns about vague standards and the bill’s treatment of renewable energy. After debate, the committee approved HB 2452 on a 4-3 vote for a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• for us to meet these targets, we must ensure our local partners are developing and implementing solutions
• have exhausted every other option for treatment and who are looking for comfort and an effective solution
• Kent Kouse on behalf of San Diego Gas and Electric in support.
• So, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, and PG&E.
• In San Diego Gas and Electric service territory, the CARE customers' solar subsidy is $22 a month.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 21, 2025, with 86 bills on the agenda. The committee first approved two consent motions covering a group of bills eligible for the Assembly floor consent calendar and another group of unanimous bills not eligible for floor consent. Several bills were then heard individually, with authors and supporters emphasizing that many had no or minimal state costs and were aimed at climate, health, or regulatory improvements. Among the bills discussed were AB 39 on local planning for electrification and EV charging infrastructure; AB 1129 allowing local health jurisdictions to opt into reporting birth defects and early-life health conditions; AB 1332 to allow narrow direct shipment of medicinal cannabis to seriously ill patients; AB 1056 phasing out transfer of certain gillnet permits except for a one-time family transfer; AB 408 creating a new Medical Board health and wellness program for physicians; AB 546 requiring health plans to cover portable HEPA air purifiers for vulnerable people during wildfire emergencies; AB 942 revising rooftop solar subsidy rules to reduce costs for non-solar ratepayers; and AB 967 expediting licensure for out-of-state physicians. Supporters generally framed these bills as improving access, equity, public health, or affordability, while opponents on AB 942 and AB 967 raised concerns about implementation, workload, contract issues, and impacts on existing programs. The committee took action on each bill after testimony and questions. AB 39, AB 1129, AB 1332, AB 1056, AB 408, AB 546, AB 942, and AB 967 were all moved out of committee on roll call votes, with some members voting no or not voting on certain measures. The suspense calendar was then read and deemed approved, and the committee opened general public comment, where speakers voiced support for bills including AB 715, AB 1138, AB 782, AB 98, AB 53, AB 258, AB 330, AB 650, AB 649, AB 1048, and AB 425. The meeting adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking that as a challenge and trying to find the solutions on how to address that.
• So that is a potential solution that we can look at.
• I don't think that's always the best solution because you have to craft a solution that is priced.
• Again, this is due to the long lead times we have with gas turbines and the supply chain.
• It's going to take an all-of-the-above solution to make everything work for all of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, take me through the issue and any proposed solutions you have.
• because in Minnesota we don't have a gas because in Minnesota we don't have a gas framework.<00:
• 09:04.560> We've<00:09:04.880> never<00:09:05.120> done<00:09:05.360> gas
• We've never done gas framework.
• We've never done gas extraction<00:09:06.240> in<00:09:06.640> Minnesota.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also meeting community needs by doing housing projects, you know, renewable energy, oil and gas
• It's a win-win for oil and Gas and for the environment. It's how to.
• And lastly, on slide Six are the additional oil and gas FTEs that we were requesting.
• They're going to be dwarfed if you look at the revenue overall from oil and gas.
• And those are the folks that are responsible for receiving the oil And gas returns, making sure that

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and what that's showcasing on the cost of gas, electricity, the cost of groceries, it's clear that
• But this proposal is not the comprehensive solution Floridians deserve.
• Floridians deserve thoughtful solutions, not political slogans.
• Floridians deserve thoughtful solutions, not political slogans.
• We could have gotten rid of the gas tax.

Summary: The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations. Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times. The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, you can go back to 2015 and fracking, oil-and-gas-related ordinances that were preempted by HB
• Longley, we're looking for solutions to some of the issues that you're having.
• Maybe it may be gas. Maybe it may be food. Maybe it may be lights. Maybe it may be gas.
• Now, one of the issues there, or one of the solutions that you raised was giving the attorney general
• And then an expedited appeal to the 15th Court of Appeals would be a solution.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's important to take a hard Solution it's important to take a hard look<00:41:43.720> at<00
• House File 1277 represents a common-sense solution, one that simplifies compliance, promotes economic
• If you’re an Uber driver, you keep your gas receipts. It’s like it’s part of the process.
• If you’re an Uber driver, you keep your gas receipts. It’s like it’s part of the process.
• If you’re an Uber driver, you keep your gas receipts. It’s like it’s part of the process.

Bills: HF1277, HF1006

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have John Mauno, Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, in support.
• the homeless, marginalized, and minorities, to enhance and push forward with development for DHS, a GA
• the homeless, marginalized, and minorities, to enhance and push forward with development for DHS, a GA
• the homeless, marginalized, and minorities, to enhance and push forward with development for DHS, a GA
• financial assistance program DHS a ga financial assistance program SNAP<00:27:04.919> food<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the current statute for natural gas suppliers is 12P 15, and it does appear that the Department of
• <00:06:36.319> So<00:06:36.479> our with natural gas suppliers.
• So our with natural gas suppliers.
• So our reading, if we're going by the natural plain meaning reading of the language, these natural gas
• <00:10:31.519> supplier what the natural gas supplier what the natural gas supplier status

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with housekeeping items, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and reminded the public that JLCAR’s role is limited to determining whether agency rules are within statutory authority, not to decide policy. Testimony was to be limited, and members noted that policy concerns should be addressed through the legislature rather than the committee process. The first major item was Public Utilities Commission rule 25-215 concerning natural gas suppliers. Staff said the proposal had been postponed because the PUC appeared to lack authority to impose fines and penalties in this rule set, especially suspending or revoking registrations, and recommended either a conditional approval removing those provisions or a preliminary objection for lack of statutory authority. PUC counsel responded that the cited authority had been incorrect, that the Department of Energy now has most registration rulemaking authority, but argued the commission still has jurisdiction over mediation and dispute resolution and may still have authority over fines because natural gas suppliers are not expressly excluded from public-utility status. Committee members discussed the split between PUC and DOE authority and the possibility that the transition in authority had not been fully cleaned up in statute. The committee then voted to grant a waiver of the time limit and postpone the item for another month so the agencies could work with counsel and clarify which parts of the rule could proceed. Members also urged that any needed legislative fix be brought forward quickly, noting that the Senate was not taking up non-germane amendments and suggesting the House as the likely venue for a cleanup bill. The committee next took up Department of Energy EN900 and EN1000 rules. Staff said the EN900 net-metering rules had been postponed previously and that the main remaining issue was a retroactive requirement in EN909.03(b), which the agency agreed to revise so the language would apply only on or after the 2026 effective date of the chapter. The agency described the EN900 rules as implementing net metering authority transferred from the PUC and expanding the chapter to cover municipal group net metering and low- and moderate-income community solar projects. The EN1000 interconnection rules were described as implementing 2024 legislation requiring uniform procedures for distributed energy resources. The department said both sets of rules were developed through extensive stakeholder input and asked for approval subject to the oral amendment already discussed."}】【。json

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not nearly the solution that we need.
• It is not the solution. It is not.
• A few years ago, I came here talking about the gas stations and some of these establishments who have
• A gas station is pushing for a liquor license, and the community continues to say no, not only because

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• order for us to meet these targets we must ensure our local partners are developing and implementing solutions
• need access to medicinal marijuana have struggled to get access to the products that they need. solution
• So, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, and PG&E.
• forward is because my district is completely in an IOU service territory and I have about San Diego Gas

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• tax state gas tax portion is $0.20 or $0.15 to the state highway fund and $0.05 to the available school
• Amendment, a portion of existing oil and natural gas production tax, also known as SEPA.
• the state highway fund fluctuate from year to year because that depends on the annual oil and natural gas
• Um, the gas tax, what, how was that historically intended to fit into your your funding and and how does
• The state flood plan identified $54.5 billion in costs. dollars in estimated costs for the solutions

Keywords: infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations

Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Senator indicated, nitrous oxide is the odorless gas and is used, is supposed to be used, for
• And when we saw that last year, we thought it would be easier to do a statewide solution than have every
• Kasha Hunt with Political Solutions on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in support.
• So we need more solutions like this, and we respectfully urge your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you.
• And so when the price of gas goes up, when the price of medical bills goes up, the price of food goes

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, the state's efforts on GHG emissions reductions play a role in the state's higher gas prices
• I'm going to be looking forward to this. hearings that we'll have and figure out policy solutions, at
• One of those pressures that people are feeling, those pocketbook issues, is the price of gas.
• aren't, or you're seeing other challenges, you can't wait for somebody else to come up with. the solution
• , you've got to have the solution now, or as soon as you can get it, because those problems aren't going

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask that this bill be tabled to allow both cities to find a collaborative solution.
• I ask that this bill be tabled to allow both cities to find a collaborative solution. Thanks.
• making them part of the environment, part of the ecosystem, so that when someone young walks into a gas
• making them part of the environment, part of the ecosystem, so that when someone young walks in to a gas
• That's the objection, and that's the solution.

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief debate and roll call votes. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it had support from Americans for Prosperity. SB 606 clarified when nonpaying guests may be removed from public lodging establishments, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from Florida Realtors, the Asian American Hotel Association, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. SB 202 addressed a long-running dispute between Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach over a water utility surcharge, requiring the utility to charge residents in the city where the plant sits the same rate as its own residents; supporters argued it was a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach opposed it as a burden on its residents. All three bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 570, which updates and clarifies the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and CS/SB 928, which targets non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display visible to minors, increasing inspections and penalties, and adopting an amendment to clarify the bill does not cover fully unlawful products and to add a 500-foot school buffer for smoke shops. SB 346, dealing with state preemption of local regulation of hoisting equipment, was reported favorably after testimony about the St. Petersburg crane collapse during Hurricane Milton; supporters said local governments need authority to address hurricane-related crane safety, while builders and contractors warned against patchwork regulation and urged a more targeted approach. The committee then considered SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks under veterinarian supervision, including limited surgical procedures after an amendment clarified those procedures are limited to spay/neuter and non-cavity surgeries. Supporters said the bill would expand access to veterinary care and help shelters, while some veterinarians expressed concern about training and safety; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee took up SB 354 on the Public Service Commission, adopting a substitute amendment that would expand the commission, require stronger financial expertise and more detailed rate justifications, set rate-filing schedules, tighten storm-hardening review, and add transparency rules for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the bill drew support from consumer advocates and AARP, while Florida Rural Water warned of unintended consequences for nonprofit systems. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 354 is still underway, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• part to the legislature's leadership, Massachusetts has long been a leader in advancing effective solutions
• H. 3082 represents a fair, smart, and urgent opportunity to invest in solutions to reduce violence, save
• lose the entire basket of goods that the customer would have purchased at our store, so we lose the gas
• So we lose the gas, we lose the food, we lose the snacks, we lose the lottery, and the state loses all
• Our members have convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a long hybrid hearing on a wide range of tax bills, with testimony covering cigarette and tobacco taxes, nicotine pouches, contractor rental equipment exemptions, aircraft sales tax exemptions, rolling stock, advanced sales tax payments, a gun and ammunition excise tax, a digital services tax, and a psilocybin cultivation/tax proposal. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that 39 House-filed sales and excise tax bills were being heard for required reporting by November 28. No votes were taken during the hearing. On tobacco-related bills, supporters including Senator Keenan, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Tobacco Free Mass backed higher cigarette taxes and closing the synthetic nicotine loophole, arguing the measures would reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and offset health care costs. Retailers, wholesalers, and convenience-store groups opposed the increases, warning of smuggling, out-of-state purchasing, and harm to small businesses; premium cigar representatives argued cigars should be treated separately from cigarettes. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3067 and related bills concerning nicotine pouches, with public health advocates supporting taxation and industry witnesses urging a lower, more competitive rate. Several other bills drew sharply divided testimony. United Rentals supported H. 3065 to simplify contractor rental equipment exemption paperwork, while airport and aviation groups opposed bills to repeal the aircraft sales tax exemption, saying it would hurt airport competitiveness and jobs. The Transportation Association of Massachusetts backed rolling stock tax exemptions, saying the current tax discourages fleet investment and interstate commerce. Restaurant industry representatives supported repealing advanced sales tax payments and changing penalty rules, saying businesses were hit with retroactive penalties after unclear pandemic-era changes. On H. 3082, an excise tax on guns and ammunition, gun violence prevention advocates, Roca, and Giffords supported the bill as a dedicated funding source for prevention and survivor services, while sportsmen’s groups opposed it as unfair to lawful gun owners and harmful to conservation funding. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3208, a digital advertising services tax, with Representative Paulino supporting it as a way to capture revenue from online advertising and fund public needs, while the Chamber of Progress opposed it as costly and burdensome for small businesses and campaigns. Finally, multiple witnesses testified on H. 4050 regarding psilocybin cultivation and taxation: advocates from Mass Healing, Roca, the Reason Foundation, and individuals describing personal medical benefits urged a regulated, permit-based system, while the hearing ended after all signed-up speakers were heard and the chair adjourned the meeting.