Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Kunesh or the test fires. Senator Kunesh or the test fires.
• . the horrible alcohol Senator Krentz. the horrible alcohol three-tier<00:25:53.480> system<00
• So a lengthy procurement process where we actually test to ensure there's not vaporware and test everything
• So a lengthy procurement process where we actually test to ensure there's not vaporware and test everything
• > not vaporware and test everything they not vaporware and test everything they say<01:10:24.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are losing the battle on substance abuse, alcohol and drugs.
• And finally, it would include additional quality testing that would increase patient safety and give
• One out of every 100 test that is conducted not is a man. So it's not just a woman's issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• The city could prohibit businesses that are sexually themed or those that sell alcohol.
• , I would make some recommendations for some changes in the bill to get rid of a lot of the means testing
• That means testing slows down the process.

Bills: HB303, HB 1107, HB 1063, HB1517, HB1991, HB2464, HB3509, HB3527, HB303

Keywords: municipality, local government, Type A, Type B, Type C, change authority, emergency medical services, civil service status, municipal government, public safety, local government code, school funding, education, state budget, local control, equity, tenant legal services, eviction, low-income tenants, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4077 by the suit relating to the sale of spirit coolers by alcoholic beverage permits were for the
• HB 4147 by Jones of Dallas relating to informed consent for certain screening testing tests referred

Transcript Highlights:

• If we restrict alcohol and tobacco until 21 due to safety concerns, why should firearms, deadly by far
• So when you said they had a constitutional right at 18, I think part of the reason for the alcohol is
• You mentioned about it being law and custom of why we have, you know, purchasing alcohol at 21, but you
• Alcohol is not a right. The right to bear arms is a right.
• Look, it's very simple: alcohol and tobacco are not constitutional rights. The Second Amendment is.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores the rights of adults 18 and older, emphasizing constitutional rights, military service, voting, jury duty, and parental responsibility. Opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates and several members, cited Parkland and the recent FSU shooting, argued that people under 21 are still developing and more impulsive, and said the current law helps protect public safety. After extensive debate and public testimony on both sides, the committee voted 11-5 to report HB 133 favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 35, which adds driving without a valid license to the offenses that can lead to habitual traffic offender designation and is named Isaiah’s Law in memory of a child killed by an unlicensed driver. Supporters said it addresses repeat dangerous conduct and should help prevent similar tragedies. One member questioned whether it was a knee-jerk response, while others said it was a reasonable accountability measure. The PCS passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 245, which updates Florida law to use more accurate terminology for child sexual abuse material rather than “child pornography,” and includes related technical corrections. The sponsor said the change better reflects the seriousness of the crime and asked whether the bill also covered AI-generated material; the sponsor said the statute already addresses such references. After a technical amendment was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. The chair also reminded members to maintain respect toward public witnesses and each other before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if any one of you were to buy them and provide them with alcohol, you would go to jail.
• And if any one of you were to buy them and provide them with alcohol, you would go to jail.
• And if any one of you were to buy them and provide them with alcohol, you would go to jail.
• That's the reason that we cannot give them alcohol at that age.
• As to the point of alcohol use, that is not a constitutional right.

Keywords: The live stream for the House Chambers was interrupted and this version was recovered from backups and should contain the complete Legislative Session. Convene 00:00:00 Senate Message 00:04:40 Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:38 Orders of the Day 00:06:14 HB 312 00:06:42 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:11:07 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:13:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 01:14:30 ConC/Rules Report 01:19:42 Adjournment 01:21:18, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 89 members present, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The chamber approved the prior day’s journal and received notice that the Senate had passed SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence. On second reading, HB 134 (sexual assault nurse examiners), HB 168 with HCS 1 (voting under the influence), and HR 7 (recognizing guiding principles of elections in Kentucky) were reported. The House also recommitted HB 258 to the Transportation Committee and took up HB 312 for third reading and passage. HB 312, relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, drew the bulk of the debate. The sponsor argued the bill would allow law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds to obtain a provisional concealed carry license, saying they are adults in other respects, the Second Amendment protects their right to bear arms, and Kentucky should align with other states. Supporters framed the measure as a constitutional rights issue and cited defensive gun use statistics, while one member argued the root problem is family upbringing rather than guns. Opponents said the bill would increase risks in schools and public spaces, pointed to concerns from school district police and SROs, and cited research linking younger age groups and loosened carry laws to higher firearm violence; they also argued the bill would make communities less safe and that no one’s rights would be taken away by voting no. The sponsor said no stakeholder had expressed opposition and clarified the bill would not change where firearms are permitted. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, he started drinking again and was driving his vehicle in this case with a .33 alcohol
• in his or her system or their alcohol in his or her system or their breath<00:15:54.079> uh<00
• So if a person has a prior alcohol-related driving offense on their record within the last 20 years and
• driving under the influence of alcohol driving under the influence of alcohol very<00:27:04.080>
• <00:31:09.360> or abstain from the use of alcohol or abstain from the use of alcohol or control

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh whereas recovery drugs or alcohol uh whereas recovery residences<01:16:50.560> need<01:16:
• so uh that we call them and alcohol so uh that we call them housing<01:16:59.280> fees<01:17:
• Keeping someone that is intoxicated or under mind-altering drugs or alcohol cannot remain in that house
• Keeping someone that is intoxicated or under mind-altering drugs or alcohol cannot remain in that house
• cannot remain in that house so alcohol cannot remain in that house so typically<01:19:24.440> what

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Municipal and County Government subcommittee met on February 19, 2025 to gather additional information on House Bill 432, which concerns recovery houses. The first witness, State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi, said his office had worked with stakeholders for more than a year on the bill’s definition changes and supported the revised definition. He explained that the bill removes vague language such as “safe, healthy, family” and instead relies on fire-code requirements and certification standards, including a primarily non-transient dwelling unit and living as a single household. He distinguished recovery houses from boarding or rooming houses and from other congregate settings such as group homes or transitional housing, saying those other uses do not currently have the same exemptions. Members questioned Tumi about fire safety, inspections, smoke alarms, egress, and whether sprinklers should be required. He said recovery houses are inspected by the fire marshal’s office and local fire departments, with annual inspections under state fire code provisions, and that operators must work with a certifying body. He described the inspection process as checking alarms, extinguishers, heating systems, cooking equipment, street numbers, and no-smoking rules, and said new houses are generally given time to obtain certification. He also said he would prefer sprinklers everywhere but believed mandating them for these existing structures would likely shut down many recovery houses and significantly harm the recovery community. Bill McKenny of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association then testified in support of HB 432. He said recovery housing is an important step after treatment and that the 2024 code changes and the bill help align state law with federal disability law. He emphasized that certification through a recognized organization gives code officials confidence that standards are being monitored, and warned that if a recovery home loses certification it would lose the waiver from sprinkler requirements and could be treated more like a boarding or rooming house. No vote or final action was taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution, authorizing the Town of Situate to grant four additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• Constitution, authorizing the Town of Situate to grant four additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• Garry relative to the listing of the alcohol by volume for beer sections on menus, severally to the Committee

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the third grade class of the Moore School leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then adopted two resolutions from the Committee on Rules: one congratulating Sophia Schneider on achieving Eagle Scout rank, and another honoring Autistic Pride Day on June 18, 2025. Both were taken up under suspension of the rules and adopted without objection. The House also received a gubernatorial message authorizing the Town of Situate to grant four additional all-alcohol on-premises licenses; the message was referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection. In addition, the Rules Committee reported and the House agreed to suspend Joint Rule 12 on several petitions from Representative Colleen M. Garry, including proposals related to inflation estimates for social service programs, requiring establishments to accept cash, and requiring beer menus to list alcohol by volume, sending them to the appropriate committees. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in full formal session. The House then adjourned, and Democratic members were notified of a caucus at 12 noon on Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to do some test wells, and in this case, we need to have cooperation and coordination with the
• the City Council would need to make to invest in the. next phases of this project for preliminary testing
• There being none. test the noise. Now, closing on HCR 76; HCR 76 will be left pending.
• Newer than the alcohol code prohibition. Is there anybody else wishing to testify?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• perform better academically, have higher attention spans, better cognitive development, and improved test
• And it's not just about their test scores. That's not always the outcome.
• Department of Health Care Services to notify legal jurisdictions when a A new license is issued for an alcohol
• And speaking of lawyers, I do want to that my youngest son Jack Ryan Quirk passed the bar and those test

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Test. Test. Testing. Oh, testing. We're back. All right. Sorry.
• Can I show what their blood alcohol concentration was? At the time.
• The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board chooses which test this was.
• , but instead of adding that test in, because these are vendors, this is an SAP.
• The bill... infant baby testing. Infant baby testing? What kind of testing? Move passage.

Bills: HB75, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10, SB1844, SB1833, SB2284, SB2052, SB1666, SB1265, SB1146, SB1921, SB480, SB1734, SB296, SB2039, SB462, SB1646, SB2173, SB2925, SB682, SB1173, HB4535, HB4520, HB3824, HB3066, HB2442, HB3863, HB4773, HB4327, HB5115, HB5515, HB3372, HB5659, HB 127, HB386, HB 115, HB2868, HB 1249, HB4766, HB3720, HB4879, HB5383, HB4621, HB5431, HB5678, HB5534, HB4212, HB3954, HB3966, HB3918, HB1422, HB4765, HB4732, HB4742, HB4518, HB5084, HB3986, HB4144, HB3976, HB4473, HB3425, HB3641, HB3642, HB3475, HB3424, HB4744, HB4539, HB3159, HB5228, HB5370, HB4359, HB4443, HB4466, HB3849, HB4240, HB5141, HB5686, HB3629, HB3554, HB3567, HB2015, HB3575, HB5381, HB4398, HB3514, HB4614, HB4546, HB5681, HB5663, HB4271, HB4350, HB4035, HB3812, HB3540, HB3715, HB3664, HB4233, HB3333, HB3510, HB4222, HB2070, HB2854, HB2347, HB 113, HJR218, HB5623, HB4921, HB5673, HB5520, HB 105, HB4685, HB5354, HB4683, HB75, HB983, HB4847, HB1449, HB3833, HB5151, HB265, HB1845, HB782, HB 108, HB1960, HB158, HB1954, HB1955, HB2512, HB605, HB2581, HB2803, HB627, HB2667, HB1738, HB636, HB3679, HB2638, HB2655, HB871, HB2438, HB 1107, HB1765, HB1822, HB2153, HB4099, HB3732, HB3171, HB3178, HB3182, HB3749, HB2814, HB3977, HB4204, HB4207, HB4449, HB1820, HB1876, HB1939, HB1347, HB2593, HB2136, HB2132, HB2658, HB2413, HB2757, HB2080, HB3154, HB3063, HB3009, HB3448, HB3006, HB2844, HB3241, HB3680, HB3169, HB2078, HB2507, HB4559, HB3946, HB3460, HB3405, HB475, HB3463, HB3441, HB3441, HB3520, HB2060, HB4731, HB4991, HB1991, HB5596, HB2014, HB2142, HB2673, HB2731, HB2417, HB2399, HB2301, HB2301, HB3335, HB3234, HB3320, HB5573, HB5573, HB4848, HB4848, HB4748, HB4769, HB4795, HB2086, HB2086, HB2234, HB2234, HB2203, HB4916, HB5624, HB4505, HB139, HB5093, HB5302, HB5402, HB5606, HB2333, HB4630, HB4701, HB2583, HB2983, HB4924, HB3339, HB3339, HB3793, HB3631, HB4882, HB5509, HB5499, HB5430, HB5561, HB5561, HB5611, HB5043, HB5064, HB5064, HB3733, HB3733, HB3781, HB3219, HB32, HB4515, HB5348, HB3902, HB4420, HB3269, HB469, HB336, HB316, HB5396, HB993, HB1342, HB1342, HB5216, HB2046, HB2046, HB2188, HB2188, HB2450, HB2813, HB2857, HB4075, HB4075, HB2911, HB4682, HB4682, HB3117, HB3253, HB3442, HB4820, HB4336, HB5356, HB3669, HB3428, HB5465, HB3662, HB2590, HB2288, HB2288, HB1886, HB3458, HB3458, HB5603, HB5620, HB1489, HB1489, HB4101, HB4990, HB5685, HB5685, HB4950, HB4950, HB4980, HB5684, HB3507, HB3507, HB3566, HB4487, HB4487, HB4462, HB4462, HB4876, HB4915, HB4663, HB5570, HB2929, HB5261, HB2920, HB4642, HB4746, HB1609, HB5403, HB5453, HB3844, HB2336, HB1572, HB 1226, HB 1226, HB2806, HB2806, HB2617, HB2617, HB2827, HB3948, HB3948, HB3945, HB4266, HB4542, HB3319, HB1772, HB2496, HB1970, HB3434, HB5545, HB5545, HB5577, HB5577, HB31, HB31, HB279, HB370, HB370, HB4768, HB513, HB875, HB982, HB 1085, HB 1085, HB2677, HB2874, HB5478, HB4880, HB4798, HB4514, HB4958, HB4958, HB4508, HB4508, HB3758, HB3830, HB3744, HB3622, HB741, HB741, HB2204, HB2204, HB2860, HB4659, HB4578, HB813, HB712, HB712, HB1551, HB2790, HB2698, HB3365, HB3504, HB3118, HB3118, HB2959, HB1862, HB1862, HB 1026, HB4401, HB4401, HB4164, HB4164, HB3920, HB4737, HB4966, HB4966, HB4967, HB1958, HB4979, HB4979, HB5459, HB3862, HB1823, HB1823, HB4415, HB4893, HB2343, HB 1228, HB4337, HB188, HB199, HB4029, HB330, HB507, HB524, HB1517, HB 1065, HB1375, HB1630, HB1398, HB 1227, HB689, HB689, HB1814, HB2160, HB2140, HB4897, HB5600, HB5489, HB4188, HB2881, HB2048, HB3900, HB4074, HB5568, HB5528, HB3811, HB3726, HB3382, HB3382, HB4507, HB4775, HB3626, HB3569, HB5212, HB5248, HB5178, HB3453, HB3231, HB3941, HB1571, HB1969, HB1865, HB2879, HB2879, HB2643, HB4799, HB4891, HB5567, HB5549, HB5187, HB5118, HB3191, HB1730, HB1687, HB1687, HB2192, HB4511, HB4805, HB4805, HB1863, HB3195, HB3199, HB5562, HB5562, HB5551, HB5169, HB3290, HB3712, HB3996, HB5098, HB5098, HB5097, HB5089, HB5089, HB3897, HB3868, HB3829, HB4840, HB3753, HB4368, HB4142, HB2841, HB3457, HB3784, HCR76, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40, HCR118, HR559, HCR59, HCR59, HCR135, HCR141, HCR46, HCR46, HCR109, HCR10

Keywords: magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, Texas STRONG defense fund, severance tax revenue, oil and gas revenue, constitutional transfers, rainy day fund, economic stabilization fund, state highway fund, oil and gas production, qualifying county, county grants, water infrastructure, first responders, public safety, DPS staffing, commercial motor vehicle safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Reynolds relating to the rights of certain parties in connection with the performance of certain. tests
• HB 4702 by Lilani relating to the required in the consideration of standardized testing. course as a
• by King relating to the creation of grant program to assist the local law enforcement agencies in testing
• We warn of infant testing of congenital comorbid virus referred to the committee of public health.
• HB 4985 by Gerdes, relating to the procedures and the public test of logic and accuracy for the voting

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether or not it’s—what is the test? Who determines whether the student engages in conduct?
• The test is, the new language is engaging. So those are pretty clear.
• The test is, the new language is engaging.
• The test for determining whether or not a student has engaged should be reasonable suspicion.
• Nice to be test fine with you.

Bills: SB27, SB226, SB326, SB570, SB605, SB870, SB991, SB1871, SB1872, SB1873, SB1874, SB1924, SB1925

Keywords: residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, antisemitism, student conduct, education, disciplinary actions, Texas Education Code, truancy, attendance policy, chronic absenteeism, school attendance, student absence notifications, parent notification, home visit, attendance officer, truancy court, school district

Summary: The committee heard a series of school safety and discipline bills, beginning with SB 870, which would codify an attorney general opinion allowing local school boards to decide whether school marshals may openly carry, conceal carry, or store a firearm in a secure safe on campus. The bill was laid out with no public testimony and left pending. The chair then moved to a combined discussion of SB 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1924, all focused on school discipline, teacher authority, and student safety. Senators Perry and Creighton described the package as a response to rising classroom disruptions, assaults on teachers, and concerns that districts lack effective tools to maintain order. SB 1871 would expand teacher removal authority, require return-to-class plans before a student removed for certain conduct can return, make some serious offenses mandatory for placement in juvenile justice settings, and provide telehealth mental health services through a consortium. SB 1872 would require expulsion to a JJAEP for assaults on teachers or school volunteers and extend certain expulsion-eligible conduct to off-campus offenses. SB 1873 would restore the prior understanding that in-school suspension is not subject to a three-day limit. SB 1874 would grant teachers immunity from disciplinary action for reporting discipline violations or acting in compliance with Chapter 37. SB 1924 would restore authority for local police and school district police to issue Class C citations for school offenses and require criminal referrals for students posing an imminent threat or assaulting a teacher, with a substitute clarifying referral rules when a citation has already been issued. The committee adopted the substitutes for the bills and moved them forward. Invited witnesses from teacher and administrator groups largely supported the overall goal of stronger discipline and safer classrooms, while asking for refinements. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association testified that teachers need more autonomy to remove disruptive or violent students and that classroom removals should not mean removal from learning. Superintendents from San Angelo, Grandview, and Wiley ISDs supported the bills’ emphasis on safety, expanded ISS flexibility, mandatory placement for serious offenses, and telehealth mental health services, but asked for more local control, flexibility for Districts of Innovation, more than one campus behavior coordinator in large districts, clearer timelines for return-to-class plans, and more precise definitions for disruptive conduct. Several witnesses stressed that teacher retention and student learning are being harmed by current discipline problems, while some members raised concerns about vague standards and the risk of overuse or public humiliation through citations and removals.

Transcript Highlights:

• lences that's people who have an alcohol lences that's people who have an alcohol license.<00:35
• Um, that's your ABC alcohol says 243.
• <00:37:00.079> beverage agency called the alcoholic beverage agency called the alcoholic beverage
• Um, if the people are, sorry, alcohol retailers, licensed alcohol retailers were allowed to continue
• <00:45:32.240> beverage those came from the alcoholic beverage those came from the alcoholic

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• to have their water tested uh and pay to have their water tested uh and pay and<02:53:09.680> the<
• was of the 161 wells people that tested was of the 161 wells people that tested uh<02:53:25.840>
• support groups is not limited to alcohol support groups is not limited to alcohol or<04:27:11.040
• And if this is a general fund for addiction treatment and prevention for alcohol, drugs, whatever, if
• Uh if they for alcohol, drugs, whatever.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the day: an act reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic
• An act reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages
• the bill: an act reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then adopted a congratulatory resolution offered by Senator Rush honoring Trevor Joseph O’Brien for attaining Eagle Scout. The chamber then took up several local and personnel matters, including a Taunton bill to continue the employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh until age 70. Senator Dooner offered and the Senate adopted a substitute draft authorizing the city to continue Walsh’s employment, then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C. Contreras, a Trial Court employee, and a bill reauthorizing Swansea to issue additional on-premises alcohol licenses. Another House bill exempting the Assistant Fire Chief position in Natick from civil service was taken up after the rules were suspended and was ordered to a third reading. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday in formal session with a calendar. Before adjourning, members paid tribute to Joseph W. Casper, a South Boston funeral director, broadcaster, writer, and public figure, with remarks highlighting his community service and family legacy. The Senate observed a moment of silence and adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• to convert a license for the sale of wine and malt beverages into a license for the sale of all alcoholic
• to convert a license for the sale of wine and malt beverages into a license for the sale of all alcoholic
• to convert a license for the sale of wine and malt beverages into a license for the sale of all alcoholic

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating John Leonard on his retirement from the Town of Milton Board of Appeals. The chamber then took up several local and individual bills, including an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway of the Trial Court, which was adopted by standing vote. The Senate passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officer Cheryl Mullace, a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and a bill authorizing Milford to convert a wine and malt beverage license to an all-alcohol license for off-premises consumption. On the Milford bill, Senator Rausch offered and the Senate adopted a substitute amendment before passing the bill. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning school choice and referred it to the Committee on Education. Later, the Senate enacted S. 2625 on revenue bonds for Quincy telecommunications facilities, H. 4210 removing the residency requirement for Dalton’s town manager, and H. 4647 establishing the sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, sending them to the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, and grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, and grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, and grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed the Bellingham High School girls volleyball team, which had just won the 2025 Division III State Championship, the first state title in the school’s history. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 on a joint petition from John Bartlett III regarding school choice, allowing the petition to go to the Committee on Education. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several bills for House consideration, including measures on expanding ballot access for regional school district votes, authorizing Billerica to set an age limit for original appointment of police officers, improving business improvement districts, a Bridgewater charter amendment for gender-neutral language, and a Westwood alcohol licensing measure. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills up on second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber then passed several local bills: House 4173, regulating appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, was passed to be enacted, and House 3912, increasing the Melrose Board of Health from three to five members, was passed to be reenacted. On third reading, the House engrossed Senate 2625, authorizing Quincy revenue bonds for telecommunications facilities, and House 4504 and House 4505, both Nantucket-related measures involving gender-neutral charter language and conveyance of school streets. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, when it was chronic pain testing, I guess, for an example, there could be testing done to make
• Do we have any way to know how much these diagnostic tests are saving by diagnosing earlier?
• to $1,800. ...chronic pain medication and testing to $1,800.
• Children do not have a testing limit, so it would be applicable to adults. Okay.
• I think we have testing up to $500 for the adults.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first handled agenda management for items referred over from Joint Budget, suspending the rules to add Senate Bill 77 and later correcting an error so Senate Bill 4 could be considered instead of the initially misidentified House Bill. Members were given time to review the referred bills before votes were taken. Several other items were passed over or delayed to allow review, and the chair repeatedly noted that some measures would be taken up later in the agenda. The committee then heard a series of special language amendments and agency-related items. Representative Dalby explained a clarification to Senate Bill 31 to ensure district court installment payment plans are capped at $7.50 rather than being combined with prior $10 fees. Representative Bentley presented an amendment to Senate Bill 36 requiring the Department of Agriculture to notify local officials before certain land-purchase grants, but the amendment failed after concerns that it created a new process and could affect transactions. Bentley also proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 20 to remove Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s exemption from a hospital fee settlement; members questioned the fiscal effects on other hospitals, and the motion failed for lack of a second. Representative Pilkington’s amendments on pharmacy refills using artificial intelligence and on quarry permit notice to mayors were both not adopted, the first for lack of a second and the second for lack of a motion. The committee adopted several other amendments and heard agency testimony on fiscal effects. Senator Tucker’s amendment to Senate Bill 575, which moved certain justice-system fee revenues from special revenue to general revenue while holding agency funding harmless, was adopted after questions about revenue stability. Representative Beatty’s amendment to House Bill 1022, clarifying ADFA positions and reporting, was also adopted. Senator Johnson’s amendment to protect SNAP eligibility for participants in faith-based treatment and recovery programs was adopted, while his proposal to withhold pay from city directors absent more than 90 days was rejected. His cleanup amendment to apply majority-vote requirements to all municipal forms of government was adopted. Later, Representative Wardlaw’s amendment to allow municipalities to participate in cooperative purchasing agreements was adopted after discussion about local vendor access. The final major item discussed was Representative Mayberry and Senator Crowell’s amendment to House Bill 1007, which would increase funding for Arkansas’s ABC early childhood programs, open additional slots, and raise reimbursement rates. Supporters said the measure would help reduce waiting lists and improve kindergarten readiness; opponents argued it would divert dollars from public education funding. After debate, the amendment failed. The committee then began hearing Senator Irvin’s amendment to House Bill 107 concerning funding and operational rules for newly formed isolated school districts, with Department of Education staff explaining the proposed 90% foundation funding approach and discussing whether existing districts had sufficient funds to absorb the changes.