Transcript Highlights:

• This also harms the biodiversity of the shoreline area, with the net loss to tourism, our economy, our
• When it comes to tourism, let's not kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
• I urge anyone who cares about our ocean environment or tourism to vote no. Thank you.
• our economy our the net loss to tourism our economy our quality<00:57:37.440><c> of</c><00:57:37.640
• let's not kill the it comes to tourism let's not kill the goose<00:57:42.200><c> that</c><00:57:42.319

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BART allows people to access a large pool of economic activities, but also cultural activities, community
• and activations.
• We continue to look at activations and stations... games.
• retail, restaurants, tourism, conventions, where all that activity comes together, where jobs, retail
• We have an active application for $750 million in that.

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held an informational hearing on the future of public transit and its role in downtown recovery. Chair Haney framed the discussion around how downtowns have changed since the pandemic and how transit, walkability, housing, and street design can support more 24/7 activity. The hearing included three panels: transit agency representatives, street design and curb management experts, and housing/transit development advocates. Transit agency witnesses from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described post-pandemic ridership shifts, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel and less reliance on traditional weekday commute patterns. BART highlighted downtown San Francisco’s dependence on transit, its event service, safety investments, and transit-oriented development pipeline, while asking the state to protect transit funding and honor SB 125 and greenhouse gas reduction fund commitments. LA Metro emphasized special event service, especially around the World Cup and Union Station activations, as a way to make transit a destination and improve customer experience. Sacramento Regional Transit reported bus ridership recovery above pre-pandemic levels, light rail lagging behind, new vehicles and stations, stronger security measures, and concerns about future funding cuts affecting student fares, capital projects, and service levels. The second panel focused on making downtown streets more walkable and transit-friendly. Jeff Speck argued that walkability depends on places being useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and urged cities to restripe streets, reduce lane widths, add bike protection, improve crossings, and redesign one-way streets. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtowns are statewide economic assets and called for frequent transit, bus priority, modern curb management, parking pricing tied to availability, and parking benefits districts that reinvest revenue locally. He also said the state should provide model enabling legislation and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel focused on housing near transit. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported AB 2074, which would encourage large-scale housing in transit-rich downtowns, and argued for more financing tools, condo reform, and building code changes to reduce costs. Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Adam Van Water described the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding district as a case study in transit-oriented downtown growth, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a major portal project still awaiting funding and pre-construction work. Members discussed office-to-housing conversions, the need to repurpose underused office stock, and the importance of state funding and policy support for transit, housing, and downtown revitalization.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates another trail for tourism in Oklahoma.
• Clerk, activate the machines. Sergeants, announce roll call in the hall.
• Clerk Waley activated the machine. Sergeants announced roll call. Recalls are now in progress.
• Clerk will activate the machine. Sergeants, announce roll call. Roll call is now in progress.
• The clerk will activate the machines. Sergeants, announce roll call in the halls.

Bills: HB1411 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3901 , HCR1019 , HB3981 , HB4248 , HB3194 , HB3849 , HB4095 , HB4302 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB3287 , HB3645 , HB3647 , HB3930 , HB3931 , HB1818 , HB4454 , HB4336

Keywords: True Grit Trail, Oklahoma, tourism, signage, Department of Transportation, state parks, historical sites, economic development, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, psychological autopsy, mental health, suicide prevention, state health department

Transcript Highlights:

• service and re- to return to active service and re- retire<01:03:47.520><c> um</c><01:03:47.880><c>
• It's been very active. It's been useful, so I'll be voting against the amendment.
• </c><04:54:05.240><c> is</c> about that because obviously tourism is about that because obviously tourism
• So we could, if we wanted to, use this for some of your other activities.
• It can be for assessment or for cleanup, actual remedial activities. as program income and they tell

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a House Bill 2 amendment to remove a bail-related section that had already passed in another bill and was now considered duplicative. Members discussed the earlier change to how bail commissioners are reimbursed, concerns that the Judiciary was losing money collecting the fees, and whether the magistrate-related language would still be needed. They noted the bill had already crossed over to the Senate, that the section was obsolete, and that any remaining issue about magistrates’ five-year terms might need to be raised with the Criminal Justice Committee. Amendment 997H, deleting section one, was moved, seconded, and adopted unanimously. The committee then reviewed a package of HB 1 position transfers involving the Department of Environmental Services, Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Staff explained that several positions were being shuffled to correct position numbers and align permitting functions, including one Fish and Game position moving back to Fish and Game, one DEES position remaining funded after ARPA money ends, and adjustments to hours for permitting and environmental services positions. Members discussed whether the Fish and Game position had been intended to be temporary, but ultimately agreed to accept the first four Environmental Services items and the last two Natural and Cultural Resources items as a package; that motion passed unanimously. They then also accepted sections 2 through 8 of HB 1 with the related amendments and footnote language. The committee next turned to dredge-and-fill fee changes in section 11, where one member objected to a 50% fee increase for seasonal docks, arguing it could discourage permitted work and might apply to repairs that only require notification. Staff said the increase was intended to help cover the cost of additional positions in future biennia, but members decided to hold that section for more information, including how many seasonal dock repair fees are actually collected. Finally, the committee began discussing HB 215 and a proposed tipping-fee/surcharge structure to make a solid waste accounting unit self-funded, with members saying the fee could offset about $2.9 million in general fund costs and support the grant program, but no final action was taken on that item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• area that connects wildlife populations and habitats that would otherwise be separated by human activities
• We are actively taking steps to improve the safety of Texans and wildlife alike.
• Hearing none, the Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Committee stands adjourned, subject to the call of

Keywords: wildlife corridors, animal-vehicle collisions, HB5259, licensing, concurrent resolutions, cultural significance, Senate Bill 1247, public safety, environmental conservation

Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around significant legislative measures, including several bills aimed at enhancing wildlife safety through the establishment of wildlife corridors and licenses for outdoor activities. Key discussions highlighted House Bill 5259, led by Vice Chair Flores, which proposes a wildlife corridor action plan to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in Texas. This bill is crucial given Texas's alarming rate of wildlife-vehicle accidents, and testimonies from supporting members emphasized the need for action to protect both wildlife and public safety. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1247 was brought forward, simplifying the non-resident hunting license system to improve compliance and conservation funding. The committee also addressed multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing towns for their cultural significance, reflecting a broader commitment to community identity and heritage.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill is, is an educational tourism distillery bill that allows distilleries to have tastings
• Same as like the distilleries are in Kentucky and all for economic tourism impact.
• So, you know, that was for those big tourism areas. No-brainer.
• They ran ads and did tourism marketing, that sort of thing.

Bills: HB1

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• people who are currently experiencing homelessness another example we have you know San Antonio is a tourism
• for that child's sexual activity until they become an adult and can pick up that. bond on their own.
• Those expenses are real and those costs are real. active young man to assure that they would not have
• Matter of fact, it's in the heart of downtown and tourism is alive and well all around it.
• Conducting trainings, programs, or activities designed or implemented in reference to. race, sex, color

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 125 , SB 241 , SB 371 , SB 396 , SB 406 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 608 , SB 617 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 707 , SB 731 , SB 732 , SB 763 , SB 779 , SB 836 , SB 854 , SB 857 , SB 875 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 906 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 942 , SB 965 , SB 985 , SB 996 , SB 1029 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1084 , SB 1098 , SB 1101 , SB 1185 , SB 1188 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1366 , SB 1388 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1563 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1619 , SB 1737 , SB 1738 , SB 1741 , SB 1816 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1939 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that tax goes to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for Tourism and things like that.
• build the original bill, and we talked a lot about all of the cash flow exercises and all of these activities
• But then because of the activities and discussions that we've had with you guys, I guess you could use
• ... ...of the activities and discussions that we've had with you guys, I guess you could use the words

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on May 26 and first took up Senate Bill 406, which authorizes the city of Slidell to seek voter approval for a local hotel and motel occupancy tax. The bill was described as a local measure giving the city council authority to place the tax on the ballot, with members noting that similar taxing authority exists in many other municipalities. Representative Wiley moved favorable passage, there was no objection, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then received an update from the Division of Administration’s Office of Facility Planning and Control on capital outlay savings identified through cash-flow review and project “scrubbing.” Officials said they found about $50 million in savings from updated cash flows, over-appropriations, projects bid under budget, and reduced appropriations in bundled projects. They explained that bundling projects, including some LED-related projects, allows agencies to shift savings within a bundle and manage overruns or underruns more flexibly. Members praised the savings work but asked whether the process could be moved earlier so the House could benefit sooner, and whether similar reviews could be expanded to other administering agencies and non-state projects. One member raised concerns about whether some projects, including schools and certain NGO-related items, should qualify for capital outlay funding at all, and urged a review of the statutory definition and project approval criteria. Staff said they would look at the definition, review recommendations from prior discussions, and consider ways to tighten the process. The committee then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Tuesday, March 18th Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing.
• This bill before you today is to protect our children during the activities that they enjoy, like soccer
• We have actively worked to educate ourselves, our member organizations, and our fellow youth sports organizations
• Modern AED units can be secured in protective code-accessible boxes that activate when 911 is called.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're we're that type of activity.
• So, we've had a lot of growth, a lot more activity with our Department of Defense activities.
• So, we've had a lot of growth, a lot more activity with our Department of Defense activities.
• So, we've had a lot of growth, a lot more activity with our Department of Defense activities.
• </c> Y'all look at trying to get in tourism. Y'all look at trying to get in tourism.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 8:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that gives a broad application to do the activities that you've asked about.
• It can be applied as far as promoting in the sense of activities.
• It can be applied as far as promoting in the sense of activities.
• in the region, a convention bureau, a tourism development council, all a convention bureau, a tourism
• Taxpayer dollars should not be used to promote inappropriate activities and for mandatory activities

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a lengthy special order calendar. Early business included unanimous passage of CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, with supporters describing it as a way to expand access to debate programs statewide, create a Hall of Fame, support public-private partnerships, and train coaches. The bill drew broad bipartisan praise for teaching civics, critical thinking, and conflict resolution, and passed 37-0 after adoption of a delete-all amendment. The Senate also passed SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force after clarifying amendment language stating the bill does not restrict criticism of Israel and is consistent with First Amendment protections; members emphasized rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for recommendations on prevention, law enforcement training, and community relations. The chamber then approved CS/CS/SB 1230 / HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals, phasing out firefighting foam containing PFAS, requiring reporting and biosolid testing, and authorizing DEP rulemaking, assistance, and enforcement; the bill was described as protecting firefighters and water supplies and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. Senators also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training in schools, SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 creating protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 778 on forensic services for certain defendants. Most of these bills were taken up with identical House companions, no amendments, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The most extended and contentious debate centered on SB 1134 regarding official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. Sponsor Senator Yarbrough argued the bill would stop counties and cities from funding or promoting discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several local governments. Multiple amendments were offered, including proposals to narrow the bill to spending, add an intent requirement for penalties, and broaden exceptions for holidays and observances; these amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor did accept some clarifying changes, including language protecting certain nonprofit services, heritage resources, and the Pulse Memorial, and he answered questions about Black History Month and at-risk youth services. The transcript ends while the Senate is still working through the amendment process on SB 1134, with no final vote on the underlying bill shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, a third factor noted in the audit is that DCC demonstrated weaknesses in the oversight activities
• In addition to lacking the demonstrated weaknesses in the oversight activities it conducts.
• We have also expanded proactive field oversight through market surveillance activities.
• Enforcement activities continue to identify products in illicit cannabis channels and in the unregulated
• cannabis farmers are vertically integrated, and we have labels that reflect the region as a building tourism

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a junior at Eldon High School, active with FFA, band, Science Club, National Honor Society, National
• I think when you have large metropolitan areas like Kansas City, we can see a lot of this activity there
• With the World Cup coming, this is a new concern; large sporting events can draw this kind of activity
• It's tourism-based businesses.
• Your Super Committee on Tourism will meet in Hearing Room 6 at 12 noon. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 3, 2026 by roll call vote, 131-1. Members then spent much of the morning introducing special guests, including a page for the day, Missouri State University Citizen Scholars, JAG program students, school counselors, elementary students observing online, interns, and a tribute honoring Josephine Baker’s life and legacy. The chamber then moved to first reading of several bills and to perfection of multiple House Committee Substitutes. The most substantial debate centered on a composite anti-trafficking bill, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551. Supporters said it would strengthen Missouri’s response to trafficking, grooming, sextortion, and child sexual abuse material by updating terminology, creating a permanent Attorney General’s statewide council, expanding training for professionals, extending the civil statute of limitations for trafficking claims, increasing penalties, and allowing expungement for victims. Members cited testimony from survivors and advocates and emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement and education. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members also debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1694 and related bills, a package aimed at curbing abusive website-accessibility lawsuits against Missouri businesses. Supporters described “sue-and-settle” tactics targeting small businesses with little notice and high settlement demands, while opponents of the abusive practice argued the bill preserves legitimate ADA claims and gives businesses a chance to cure problems. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375 on workers’ compensation, which supporters said would clarify the “prevailing factor” standard, address preexisting-condition claims, adjust treatment and appeal rules, and reduce costs; opponents warned it could make it harder for injured workers to obtain care and create disputes between insurers. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, HB 2950, you'll remember, is a bill that creates tourism improvement districts
• then goes into an account, and they redistribute it to attract large events to the area to improve tourism
• and adjusting the amount of people that need to sign on from a lodging business to be added to a tourism

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, HB 2950, you'll remember, is a bill that creates tourism improvement districts
• then goes into an account, and they redistribute it to attract large events to the area to improve tourism
• and adjusting the amount of people that need to sign on from a lodging business to be added to a tourism

Summary: The caucus reviewed several House and Senate measures, mostly in concurrence form. HB 2611, which clarifies and expands children’s rights in foster care and kinship care, was presented with a Senate amendment requiring quarterly reports on random employee drug screening results at group homes to the Health and Human Services committee chairs; the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2048, on access to non-opioid prescription drug controls, would bar more restrictive utilization controls such as prior authorization or step therapy for clinically appropriate non-opioid pain medications approved by the FDA, with a repeal date of August 31, 2028; the sponsor intended to concur, though one member raised concerns about opioid addiction in tribal communities and asked about stronger warnings and Indian Health Service involvement. HB 2404, changing inter-facility transport procedures, returned from the Senate with only a delayed effective date change, and concurrence was expected. SB 1630, a Senate bill, would create a home and community-based service program for adults who are seriously mentally ill; members noted there was no opposition, but also that the bill appears to have a cost and no appropriation. HB 2950, creating tourism improvement districts, was amended in the Senate to remove a lodging business assessment requirement for destination marketing organizations and allow local governing bodies to approve assessment rates; members confirmed it remained an opt-in/opt-out structure. HB 2995, which rewrites Arizona’s domestic violence framework for legal decision-making and parenting time cases, was amended to make child and victim safety the highest priority, revise court findings and evidence standards, limit mutual domestic violence findings, and add an emergency clause; the sponsor recommended concurrence, though one member asked where the committee stood on the bill. HB 2265, concerning court fees and assessments, was amended to restore courts’ ability to adopt new fees, fines, and surcharges going forward; concurrence was recommended, but county supervisors remained opposed due to concerns about cost shifts. HB 2986, the annual ADEQ omnibus, was amended to merge the recycling fund into the solid waste fee fund and exempt certain public water system infrastructure modifications from plan review; concurrence was expected. The caucus also briefly noted the fiscal year 2027 budget bills, HB 4154 through HB 4169, before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic Department of Business, Economic Development,<00:14:14.160><c> and</c><00:14:14.320><c> Tourism
• </c><00:14:14.639><c> to</c><00:14:14.800><c> sponsor</c><00:14:15.040><c> a</c> Development, and Tourism
• to sponsor a Development, and Tourism to sponsor a Michelin<00:14:15.519><c> Guide</c><00:14:15.760>
• <00:14:57.040><c> to</c><00:14:57.199><c> establish</c><00:14:57.440><c> a</c><00:14:57.680><c> tourism
• </c><00:14:58.000><c> and</c> Tourism to establish a tourism and Tourism to establish a tourism and gaming

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, technology, and related policy issues. Testimony generally came from state agencies and industry groups, with DBED, HTDC, and others mostly supporting measures that would create working groups, promote advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, encourage a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, support Taiwan’s international participation, and explore import substitution. One measure on a tourism and gaming working group drew strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, which argued it would signal support for gambling and could worsen social harms, while other witnesses supported it as a way to gather data before any policy decisions. The committee also heard support for relocating the Pearl City Post Office to improve traffic and safety, and for a resolution to focus HTDC on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Several items were amended before action. The committee agreed to amend the tourism and gaming working group resolution to narrow and clarify its purpose, and to amend the Taiwan resolution to add the president of the Republic of China as a recipient. The import-substitution resolution was also amended to add a definition, include language about avoiding new import dependencies such as LNG, and direct state and utility purchasing power toward substituting imports. A resolution on HCR 211/HR 203 was rewritten to address lowering fire insurance rates and mitigating fire risk in Puna lava zones, but decision-making on that item was deferred to a later hearing so the new language could be posted publicly. The committee voted to adopt several measures, including HCR 57/HCR 152, HCR 156/HR 151, HCR 19/HR 115, and HCR 33/HR 32, with some passed as amended and others passed as is. HCR 192 was adopted with amendments despite reservations from some members, and HCR 209/HR 2011 was adopted with amendments. The committee also recessed for decision-making during the hearing and later adjourned after completing action on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our democracy can only thrive on the active participation of its citizens.
• Democracy thrives when its citizens are active participants. Let me say that again.
• Democracy thrives when its citizens are active participants.
• , religious activity, The victim was gathered with one or more persons for the purpose of a school activity
• , religious activity, or public governmental meeting, and that is the bill, Mr.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes. Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate. The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commonwealth in promoting mutually beneficial economic and cultural development through international tourism
• And it shows how much tourism takes place here in Massachusetts.
• Tourism takes place here in Massachusetts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up House No. 801, an act relative to the town of Cheshire’s special election, and advanced it through third reading and passage to be engrossed. The chamber also adopted resolutions congratulating George K. Halley on his retirement from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Committee on Rules reported that joint rules should be suspended for several Senate petitions, and the Senate agreed to suspend Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 so the matters could be considered forthwith and referred to the appropriate committees. One House petition, filed by Mark J. Cusack, seeking authorization for automated curb enforcement and improved parking violation procedures, was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The Senate also welcomed Councillor Karen Brogan, Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District in Donegal County, Ireland, and recognized the ongoing Massachusetts-Ireland partnership in tourism, investment, culture, and sport. Later, the Senate agreed to adjourn in memory of Dr. Rashad Hardaway, with a moment of silence observed, and then adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• On tourism. The Special Committee on Tourism will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
• This is the Tourism Committee. We do have fun here. And that's on purpose. So I appreciate that.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and first went into executive session to consider three House bills related to tourism and local trail/cultural recognition efforts. House Bill 3420, concerning the Silver City designation on the Rock Island Trail, received supportive comments about expanding recognition to more communities and was voted do pass by 11-0. House Bill 3408, also tied to the Rock Island Trail, drew a suggestion to involve local public schools and students in helping communities connect to the trail, and it likewise passed 11-0. House Bill 3407, dealing with the Cowbell Capital of Missouri, prompted remarks about recognizing the honoree and the committee’s engagement with students; it also passed 11-0. The committee then moved to a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 52, sponsored by Representative VanSkoik, which encourages Missouri citizens to participate in patriotic programs and events for the nation’s 250th anniversary, “Show Me America 250,” on July 4, 2026, and throughout the year. The sponsor described the resolution as part of the Missouri 250/American 250 Commission’s work, including educational materials and a website for listing celebrations. Members asked about the meaning of “patriotic programs,” the absence of a fiscal note, and whether celebrations would be statewide; the sponsor said the effort is intended for all of Missouri and is not tied to any particular group. Several members voiced support and noted memories of the bicentennial celebration. No witnesses testified for or against HCR 52, and no vote was taken on the resolution during the hearing. The committee adjourned after concluding there was no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, what it does is allow the agencies of the state, such as the Department of Tourism, etc.,
• worry about what channel they can... ...watch any channel they want and get the ads out there from Tourism
• We certainly would want our tourism department, for example, to be advertised on the station that gets

Bills: HB282 , HB283 , HB95

Committee: House Commerce and Small Business

Keywords: government contracting, state agencies, local agencies, procurement, marketing contracts, advertising contracts, media monitoring, fact-checking, news ratings, bias ratings, misinformation, journalistic standards, news accuracy, vendor certification, contractor certification, public relations, media analytics, government procurement, Alabama, data privacy