Video & Transcript Research : 'lodging'
Page 6 of 53
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge
- Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge
- Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge
- Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge
- Healthcare Group, The Berry Partnership, Trio Community Meals, Vermont Granite Museum, Von Trapp Family Lodge
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue.
The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities.
The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber.
On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- First, it gives communities the ability to raise the local lodging tax from 6% to 7%.
- we know that not all communities have the hotels and restaurants within their borders, or meals or lodging
- But we did not propose this on the meals and lodging options without careful consideration of the impacts
- The meals and the lodging have both since the pandemic have recovered pretty well.
- We haven't necessarily seen that with meals and lodging.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on several property and local tax bills. The main focus was H.56, the Municipal Empowerment Act, which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, MAPC, and Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo supported as a package of local options and administrative reforms. Supporters said municipalities need more tools to relieve pressure on property taxes and fund services, citing proposed increases to local meals and lodging taxes, a new local vehicle excise surcharge, senior property tax relief, one-year override flexibility for emergencies, and central valuation of telecom and utility property by DOR. The administration said the bill was based on municipal listening sessions and was intended to give cities and towns optional, not mandatory, revenue tools. Opponents, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, argued the tax increases would hurt restaurants, hotels, tourism, and small businesses and add to affordability concerns.
The committee also heard testimony on H.3211, dealing with deeds excise receipts, from Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staidi. He said Norfolk County is financially stable but needs additional revenue for major capital needs at its agricultural school, especially a new cafeteria and other aging facilities, and also to support county programs such as veteran transportation services. On S.2020, a bill to allow settlements of tax liability, Greater Boston Legal Services, the Asian American Civic Association, and several individual taxpayers urged creation of a more workable offer-in-compromise process at DOR. They said the current system is too subjective, requires an unaffordable $5,000 threshold, lacks clear standards and appeal rights, and leaves low-income taxpayers stuck with unmanageable debt, license suspensions, or business closures. Supporters said the bill would give both taxpayers and DOR a practical way to resolve liabilities and bring people back into compliance.
The committee also took testimony on S.1966, which would require nonprofits selling property to disclose any back-tax obligations to buyers. Senator Peter Durant said the bill was prompted by a personal experience in which a tax bill arrived after a nonprofit property purchase was already completed, and he argued the disclosure would prevent buyers from being surprised by retroactive tax liability. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed the session after hearing from all scheduled witnesses.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, count on item 173, Senate Bill 1041, a bill to prohibit excessive pricing for certain lodgings
- President, calendar item 173 is Senate Bill 1041, a bill to prohibit excessive pricing for certain lodgings
- And as people all throughout our state were displaced and seeking temporary lodging, I got a call to
- working with partners like our state Attorney General's office, like the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging
- want bad actors in their industry either, to go after the price gouging of emergency supplies, food, lodging
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and attendance showing a quorum. Several senators were excused, and the chamber received communications including House Concurrent Resolution 8, which was referred to the Committee on Government Operations. The Senate also took up introductions and referrals of several bills, including Senate Bills 1078-1082 and House Bills 4727, 4728, 4729, 4959, 1545, 5254, 5255, 6071, 6072, and 6073, with most being referred to committees or, for some medical-debt and consumer-protection bills, sent to the Committee of the Whole by suspension of the rules.
In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered Senate Bills 535, 536, 1011, 1041, 1042, and 1043. SB 535, 1041, 1042, and 1043 were amended, while SB 536 and 1011 were reported without amendment; all were recommended for passage. The Senate then concurred in the amendments and advanced the bills to third reading. On final passage, SB 433 passed 35-0; SB 535, 536, and 1011 each passed 35-0; and SB 1041, 1042, and 1043 each passed 20-15. Floor remarks focused on SB 1011 as a way to lower small-business health insurance premiums, and SBs 1041-1043 as anti-price-gouging measures during emergencies.
Later, the Senate discharged Senate Bill 913 from the Appropriations Committee, suspended the rules, and moved it through Committee of the Whole and to final passage the same day. SB 913, which amends the Michigan Trust Fund Act, passed 20-12 with 6 excused after Senator Albert argued in opposition that it would continue $75 million annual funding to the MEDC and amount to corporate welfare. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- However, on lodging tax, they said we just needed to clarify that it also pertained to lodging tax, not
- Ferris, Senator... um, can you give me an example of the last part of that you said about the lodging
- You would already keep the sales tax; now you would also keep the lodging tax.
- It was in limbo as far as the wording in the original bill on how the lodging tax would go.
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, aggravated theft, employee benefits, retirement funds, criminal penalty, state law, overdose, failure to render aid, public health, Alabama Athletic Commission
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Judiciary (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I will vote for this in committee, but I did want to, I guess, lodge and raise this concern that I think
- I will vote for this in committee, but I did want to, I guess, lodge and raise this concern that I think
- I will vote for this in committee, but I did want to, I guess, lodge and raise this concern that I think
- I will vote for this in committee, but I did want to, I guess, lodge and raise this concern that I think
- and raise this concern that guess Lodge and raise this concern that I<00:15:58.600>
think <00:
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:09
SB 64: 00:01:20
SB 73: 00:05:33
HB 662: 00:09:40
HB 320: 00:20:17, 958, all
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first approved Senate Bill 64, as amended, on a 14-0 vote. The bill was described as a copper theft prevention measure aimed at protecting key infrastructure assets, including telecommunications and electrical highway infrastructure. Testimony in support came from Senator Brandon Storm and representatives from Charter Communications and law enforcement, who said copper theft and related vandalism are damaging fiber and other infrastructure across the state. A committee substitute was adopted before the vote.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 73, relating to sexual extortion. Senator Julie Rocky Adams and Kentucky Youth Advocates testified that sextortion is a fast-growing crime against children and that the bill would make sexual extortion a felony, create civil remedies for victims, and require school-based education and resources. The bill passed 15-0 and was reported favorably for floor consideration.
House Bill 662, relating to personally identifiable information, was also approved after discussion and a committee substitute. Representative John Blanton said the bill would help protect judges and certain medical review personnel from public disclosure of personal information while preserving provider access needed for appeals and communications. The Kentucky Medical Association supported the concept but stressed the need to preserve provider-facing information so doctors can conduct peer-to-peer reviews and appeals. The bill passed 15-0 with one pass vote.
House Bill 320, relating to controlled substances on hospital property, was taken up for discussion only and no vote was taken. Representative Mike Klein and a St. Elizabeth nurse testified that hospitals are seeing illicit drug use and trafficking on campus and argued for a drug-free zone to protect staff, patients, and visitors. Committee members raised concerns about how the bill would apply to unconscious overdose patients, lawfully prescribed medications, emergency situations, and whether possession should be treated differently from trafficking. The chair ruled a motion out of order because the item was for discussion only, and the bill remained under consideration.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The second piece we're looking to do is build a medical lodge.
- Uh, that medical lodge project is at $2,875,000, with again some matching support at 1.125.
- The second piece we're looking to do is build a medical lodge.
- Uh, that medical lodge project is at $2,875,000, with again some matching support at 1.125.
- <00:24:19.679>
will specifically the medical lodging will specifically the medical lodging
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24
Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46
Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22
Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41
Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session.
The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services.
The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Taxes Committee considers HF2274 3/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- subject the full price of the amount paid for each lodging to the local lodging taxes in the taxing
- subject the full price of the amount paid for each lodging to the local lodging taxes in the taxing
- subject the full price of the amount paid for each lodging to the local lodging taxes in the taxing jurisdiction
- All the local lodging tax is paid on what a consumer pays for the room.
- That’s how high their local lodging tax is.”
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- While stays under 30 days are straightforward, existing laws around lodging and tenancy can complicate
- stays longer than a month because many lodging providers are wary of establishing a landlord-tenant
- As a result, lodging operators may resort to shuffling individuals between rooms or removing them from
- Existing laws around lodging and tenancy can complicate stays longer than a month because many lodging
- Obed Franco here on behalf of the California Hotel and Lodging Association.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government.
AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/10/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I need someone to explain to me why they feel the need to single out lodging, just lodging, for this
- <01:49:02.400>
ridiculous lodging just lodging for this ridiculous lodging just lodging for - Bristol has one one legitimate lodging Bristol has one one legitimate lodging me<01:51:59.000>
- me and no other legitimate lodging me and no other legitimate lodging operations<01:52:01.679>
- <02:00:17.960>
and question to you is wood lodgings and question to you is wood lodgings and - me and no other legitimate lodging me and no other legitimate lodging operations<01:52:01.679>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDT-WTL, EDT-AEN, EDT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Mlen, for the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
- Next up, Mui Hanaman, Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association, in opposition.
- John P., in opposition, with Maui Hotel Lodging Association.
- Stephanie Donoho, Holocost Resert Lodging Association, in opposition.
- representatives in the hotel and lodging representatives in the hotel and lodging industry<01:01
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation.
Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues.
The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- health professionals website, 2565 landlord-tenant notice, 2566 vacation rental short-term, 2567 loan lodging
- , 2568 TPT on lodging, 2569 terminally ill individual. 2567 on lodging, 2568 TPT on lodging, 2569 terminally
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch of Legislative District 12. Members also introduced a number of guests and visiting groups, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes advocates, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and other constituents and visitors in the gallery.
The chamber then handled routine floor business: attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused; committee substitutions were announced; HB 2677 was removed from the Judiciary Committee and additionally referred to Public Safety and Law Enforcement; and a large slate of House bills and one concurrent resolution were first read and referred to committees. The clerk also read a lengthy list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including education, health care, housing, taxation, elections, water, labor, public safety, and other policy areas.
No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred during the floor session beyond the referral actions and procedural announcements. Members made announcements about upcoming blood donations, a Veterans Caucus coffee and donuts event, and several committee meetings scheduled for later in the day or the following day. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Carol Dover from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is speaking for informational purposes
- I think you know that the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has unfortunately had some great
- Carol Dover from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. on to appearance forms, and we do have
- Carol Dover from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is speaking for informational purposes
- I think you know that the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association has unfortunately had some great
Keywords:
farm equipment, agricultural machinery, farm machinery, tractor, combine, harvester, implements, warranty, lemon law, defective equipment, repair rights, consumer protection, manufacturer liability, authorized service agent, replacement, refund, rural agriculture, urban agriculture, Florida Statutes, chapter 604
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 386, relating to farm equipment repair rights, was briefly explained by the sponsor as a lemon-law style measure for farm equipment; it passed without questions or debate. SB 528, aimed at strengthening Florida’s manufacturing sector by expanding Department of Commerce responsibilities, codifying the chief manufacturing officer role, creating a workforce development grant program, and requiring reporting, drew support from several appearance forms and was reported favorably. SB 806, a broader right-to-repair bill covering portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most discussion: dealership and industry representatives opposed it, arguing existing manufacturer agreements already provide access to repair information and that the bill could force manufacturers into competition with dealers, while supporters framed it as pro-consumer and pro-repair access; it was still reported favorably. SB 696 on trademark registration modernization and SB 930 creating a Florida Retirement Savings Task Force were both explained as administrative/policy measures and passed without opposition. SB 874, which creates a professional licensure reciprocity path for out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, also passed favorably.
The committee then took up SB 826 on gift certificates, which the sponsor said is intended to target bank-branded “reward cards” that function like gift cards but expire, while not affecting loyalty programs. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association expressed concern about unintended consequences and asked to work on tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said clarifying language would be added later. The committee also heard SB 838, as amended, on electronic payments for retail installment contracts; the sponsor said it would clarify that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, require disclosure, and preserve a fee-free option. Members raised concerns about what counts as a “reasonable” fee and whether the bill could authorize junk fees, but the committee substitute was reported favorably.
Several votes were taken by roll call, with the bills above reported favorably and SB 898 temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. Members later asked to be recorded as voting affirmatively on bills they had missed. The meeting concluded after the final vote on SB 838 and a motion to adjourn.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Transportation committee approves HF566 3/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Koochiching counties is significant, generating millions of dollars annually for local businesses, from lodging
- Koochiching counties is significant, generating millions of dollars annually for local businesses, from lodging
- dollars annually for local businesses dollars annually for local businesses from<00:03:43.879>
lodging - > dining<00:03:45.159>
to <00:03:45.360>fuel <00:03:45.920>stations from lodging - and dining to fuel stations from lodging and dining to fuel stations and<00:03:46.760>
equipment<
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> So, this bill is for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodges for Prince Hall and the Grand Lodge of M..
- uh or the two >> makes the different lodges uh or the two to<00:47:10.400>
individual <00 - :47:10.880>
lodges <00:47:11.599>submit <00:47:12.480>who to individual lodges submit - who to individual lodges submit who qualifies<00:47:13.440>
under <00:47:13.760>that <00 - and so the department subordinate lodges and so the department of<00:47:16.880>
revenue <00:47
Keywords:
HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312, solicitor's fund, clerk's fund, forensic services trust fund, budget flexibility, public safety, municipal court, district court, circuit court, cosmetology, makeup application
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 23rd, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 398 by Representative Zerang prohibits payment for lodging, meals, or incidental expenses
- Excuse me, by Representative Zerang, prohibits payment for lodging, meals, or incidental expenses for
- What this amendment set does is it takes lodging out of the bill.
- So you'll see on page one, line 14, we remove the word 'lodging.' It will remove subsection B.
- And essentially what the amendment does is remove lodging and it's specific to meals.
Keywords:
travel expenses, reimbursement, state officials, US General Services Administration, disaster management, nominating petitions, unaffiliated voters, party primaries, political participation, elections, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, boards and commissions, public records, contact information, email addresses, phone numbers
Summary:
The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on April 23 and advanced several bills related to judicial appointments, travel reimbursement, elections, public records, and board transparency. Senate Bill 397 by Chairman Reese was reported favorably without objection after discussion clarifying that it would allow retired or resigned judges to be reappointed ad hoc to finish cases or provide temporary coverage, without changing existing limits on returning to the vacated seat. House Bill 398 by Representative Zerang was amended to remove lodging from the reimbursement cap and instead tie meal reimbursements for state officials and employees to the federal General Services Administration rate; it was then reported as amended. House Bill 1201 by Representative Ilk, which would create per diem for legislative business outside session and adjust salaries for statewide elected officials using a formula tied to university president pay, was also reported favorably without objection.
Senate Bill 41 by Senator Allen, which would have extended the deadline for local public bodies to publish meeting minutes from 20 to 45 days, drew concerns about delayed public access and was voluntarily deferred in committee for further work. Senate Bill 289 by Senator Abraham, proposing confidentiality exceptions for university presidential searches, research records, and certain donor information, was heavily debated; opponents argued the donor provisions were unnecessary and could reduce transparency, and the bill was held in committee for further work. Senate Bill 248 by Chairman Miller, allowing precincts with fewer than 20 voters to be consolidated with another precinct at the same polling place and same ballot, was supported by the Secretary of State as a privacy and efficiency measure and was reported favorably as amended.
The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 47 by Senator Mizell, as amended, requiring public boards and commissions to provide contact information, including email and phone access, for members and designated contacts. Senate Bill 210 by Senator Klein-Peter, increasing the number of election commissioners for closed party primaries, was reported favorably. Senate Bill 106 by Senator Klein-Peter, restricting public release of certain crime scene photos, audio, video, and digital images except by court order or clerk of court, was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 8 yeas and 2 nays. Finally, House Bill 906 by Representative Billings, revising presidential nominating petitions and rules for unaffiliated voters in party primaries, was amended and reported favorably; the committee then deferred Senate Bills 218 and 220 to the following week and adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:19:21.280>
competition <00:19:22.120>by <00:19:22.400>the <00:19:22.760>lodging - <00:19:23.320>
sector unfair competition by the lodging sector unfair competition by the lodging - It prohibits lodging establishments from providing personal care products in small plastic containers
- The lodging industry has really moved substantially toward bulk dispenser usage.
- Next we have Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association. Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (3-13-25) - Upon Recess
Transcript Highlights:
- Its mission is to develop, finance, operate, maintain, and promote lodging, restaurant facilities, and
- develop Finance operate maintain and to develop Finance operate maintain and promote<00:03:39.480>
lodging - <00:03:40.480>
restaurant <00:03:41.040>facilities promote lodging restaurant facilities - promote lodging restaurant facilities and<00:03:41.799>
recreational <00:03:42.400>amenities
Keywords:
This meeting will take place upon Recess of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 1:00PM est.
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:17
HB 114 Discussion 00:38
HB 114 Vote 01:56
HB 808 Discussion 02:24
HB 808 Vote 06:30, 958, all
Summary:
The Standing Committee on Economic Development, Labor, and Tourism met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 114, sponsored by Representative Truett. He explained that the bill clarifies the recreational use statute by expressly adding rock climbing, bouldering, and rappelling, removing liability for landowners who give permission for those activities on their property. After no questions, the committee voted unanimously in favor and reported the bill to the floor with a favorable expression.
The committee then took up House Bill 808, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, which would establish the Burnside Island Development Authority to promote recreation and tourism at General Burnside Island State Park in Pulaski County. Testimony described the authority as a public-private partnership entity that could develop lodging, restaurant, and recreational facilities, with potential for significant tourism and economic development. Members asked about expected economic impact and how revenues would be used; witnesses said direct fees would go back to the authority for the bill’s purposes, and referenced a feasibility study suggesting substantial private investment and indirect tax benefits.
Several senators expressed support but also raised questions about whether the proposal had been fully reviewed by Appropriations and Revenue and about the governor’s potential response. The committee ultimately voted to report House Bill 808 favorably to the floor, with Senator Boswell requesting his vote be recorded. The meeting then moved toward adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/18/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I talk to different lodges. In fact, I have a letter from Tall Timbers Lodge.
- I usually go up for one or two visits, four to five days, spending thousands of dollars on lodging, meals
- I talk to different lodges. In fact, I have a letter from Tall Timbers Lodge.
- Spending thousands of dollars on lodging, meals, and guides.
- The lodge owner wrote a letter to Senator Roa for, and he never heard back.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- They're going, unloading, and staying at the lodge, and even supporting local car washes.
- The spending occurred across various industries, including motorsport vehicle dealers, lodging facilities
- /c><00:25:29.480>
staying <00:25:29.760>at <00:25:29.919>the <00:25:30.039>lodge - going unloading and staying at the lodge going unloading and staying at the lodge and<00:25:31.000
- <00:26:32.520>
facilities vehicle dealers lodging facilities vehicle dealers lodging facilities
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with guest recognitions and a brief prayer for a colleague who had a medical episode. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which would create a task force to study Advanced Air Mobility and related policy issues in Kentucky. The sponsor and witnesses described AAM as emerging eVTOL “flying car” technology, argued Kentucky has strong aviation and logistics assets to compete for the industry, and said the task force would include legislative, KYTC, and industry representatives. Senators asked about the technology and potential uses, including rapid transport of medical specialists. The resolution was reported favorably after roll call, with several members expressing support and at least one member noting a desire for more information while still voting yes.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, as amended by committee substitute, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor cited survey data showing hundreds of illegal school-bus passings in Kentucky and argued the bill would help change driver behavior by allowing, but not requiring, school districts to use camera systems funded through violators rather than district budgets. Testimony emphasized that the measure is voluntary, vendor-neutral, provides an appeals process in district court, limits camera activation to when the stop arm is deployed, and keeps revenues within the school district and court system. Representative David Hale supported the bill, sharing a personal story about a near-miss involving a child crossing after a bus stop. The committee approved the committee substitute and then reported SB 38 favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass with the committee substitute attached.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and Backroads of Appalachia representatives said the bill would define and regulate these vehicles, while expressly excluding farm and agricultural vehicles from its requirements. They explained the bill would require inspection, registration, and a motorcycle plate for qualifying vehicles, set limits on where and how far they can be driven, and allow local or state restrictions where applicable. Supporters framed the bill as an economic development measure for Eastern Kentucky and the broader state, citing tourism, trail-system spending, and examples from other states. A committee member asked for clarification about farm-to-farm use, and the witness confirmed the bill would not affect agricultural use. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 63, before any final committee action is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, Kevin's groceries and I'm lodging and restaurants.
- >> So, Kevin's groceries and I'm lodging >> So, Kevin's groceries and I'm lodging restaurants
- <00:12:12.959>
and of the New Hampshire Lodging and of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant - So I'll ask the lodging and little bit.
- <00:23:54.720>
and again um from New Hampshire Lodging and again um from New Hampshire Lodging