Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, co-chair Scott, co-chair Fee, members of the commission.
• Co-Chair Scott, thank you again for the opportunity to testify today.
• Senator Lucero was once a participant on that group as well.
• Uh, Madam Chair, Senator Lucero, great question.
• Senator Lero, I think was first. Senator Lero, I think was first.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Senator Adam Gómez. I am the Senate Chair for Cannabis Policy.
• Senator? Yes. Any questions?
• You know, Senator Fernandes is my senator.
• Scott Selenick. Scott Selleck. Scott Selenick. Scott Selenik. Moving forward, Jeff Rosson.
• Scott Selenick. Scott Selleck. Selenick. Scott Selenik. Moving forward, Jeff Rosson.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a hearing on a broad set of cannabis and hemp bills, with the chairs opening by emphasizing unfinished work on equity, public health, safety, and market stability. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 146, which would create more efficient cannabis testing standards by increasing batch sizes, reducing or eliminating some environmental testing, standardizing lab reporting, and requiring annual scientific review and public data reporting. Industry witnesses, including a representative of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, cultivators, and a testing lab owner, said current testing rules are overly burdensome, costly, and inconsistent, and argued the bill would lower compliance costs while preserving consumer safety. A testing lab witness also said some operators switch labs to obtain higher THC results or pass contaminated batches, and urged greater transparency and better sampling protocols. A major portion of the hearing focused on intoxicating hemp and related bills that would bring hemp-derived intoxicating products under a stronger regulatory framework. Legislators and industry witnesses described products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores as often untested, not age-gated, and sometimes mislabeled or far above the federal hemp THC threshold. Testimony from attorneys and cannabis business leaders said states can regulate these products more strictly under the Farm Bill’s non-preemption language, and pointed to New Jersey and other states as possible models. Some witnesses and committee members stressed that any new rules should avoid harming non-intoxicating CBD businesses or lawful hemp farmers, while others argued that the products are effectively cannabis and should be regulated like cannabis for licensing, testing, age limits, and taxation. The committee also heard extensive public-health testimony in support of bills S. 95, S. 96, S. 97 and their House counterparts H. 191, H. 192, and H. 193. Parents, advocates, and public health professionals urged stronger warning labels, THC potency caps, and improved data collection on cannabis-related harms, citing cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, anxiety, and youth exposure to high-potency products. Several witnesses said Massachusetts has not done enough to track health outcomes or warn consumers, and referenced other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Canada, and Quebec as examples of stronger limits or warnings. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about it in the Senate phase of the budget because the chair of Senate Finance is from Rochester
• We talked about it in the Senate phase of the budget because the chair of Senate Finance is from Rochester
• We talked about it in the Senate phase of the budget because the chair of Senate Finance is from Rochester
• We talked about it in the Senate phase of the budget because the chair of Senate Finance is from Rochester
• We talked about it in the Senate phase of the budget because the chair of Senate Finance is from Rochester

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee Division II met with the New Hampshire Department of Education to review school nutrition programs and related funding. Department staff Melissa White and Kelly Rambo walked through a packet covering the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, explaining that these are federally funded USDA programs, with some state supplemental funding in certain areas. They also reviewed reimbursement rates for lunch, breakfast, child/adult care, and summer meals, noting that summer rates follow calendar-year timing while most others follow the state fiscal year. Members asked several questions about how the funding works, especially the difference between federal reimbursements and the state match. Staff explained that the state lunch line in the budget is a fixed match amount tied to federal participation, while breakfast funding is broken out by meal type and reimbursement category. They also discussed why FY 2022 federal spending was much higher during COVID, when USDA covered meals at the free rate for all students, and why FY 2023 and FY 2024 dropped as normal income-eligibility rules returned. A committee member also asked about the “severe need lunch” two-cent rate, and staff said they did not know USDA’s formula. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on summer meals and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved sites, which can be open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-operated benefit program that provides funds to families. They said some schools or sites may not qualify under USDA rules, but eligible children can often use another nearby open site, and the department posts an interactive map and phone line to help families find locations. The committee also discussed the Community Eligibility Provision. Staff said New Hampshire currently has three CEP schools, that the eligibility threshold had recently been lowered from 40% to 25% identified students, and that the program allows participating schools to offer free meals to all students while the local district covers the non-federal share. Members asked whether any districts in the 25% to 40% range had joined; staff said no. The department offered to provide the eligibility report in Excel and noted that the CEP intent is to reduce application burden, though the lower threshold can make the local cost share harder for some districts to absorb.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Scott Cleveland, who's in charge of our capital outlay facilities, here today.
• Now, I'll start out and let Scott chime in.
• Good morning, Scott Fickler and good morning members, Senator Soules.
• Oh, Senator Stewart, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chair, Senator Stewart, forgive me, I didn't hear what she had said.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1359 was passed in, looks like, session 24.
• Yeah, these were established within, um, yeah, Senate Bill 4 in the 2025 session.
• Senate Bill 4 in the 2025 session.
• Okay, this is Senate Bill 4 requires this, is that what you're telling me?
• Senator Proudie, you have a question on that? Please proceed. Thank you, Director.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate. >> Message from the Senate, Madam Speaker, I hereby announce the passage by
• the Senate of the following Senate file, herewith transmitted.
• Senate file number 3832. The message is signed Thomas S.
• Batern, Secretary of the Senate. >> First reading of Senate files. >> First reading of Senate file number
• Representative Scott. Representative Scott.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at the Senate bill. looking at the Senate bill.
• Bill pending the outcome recommendations report of the Senate Concurrent Resolution 121 joint House-Senate
• Sorry, Tim. >> No, you're doing great.
• Sorry,<01:59:30.320> Tim. Sorry, Tim. Sorry, Tim.
• I have a >> Thank you, Representative Tim.

Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I commend from the governor's office to the Senate, to the President, to our own speaker.
• We have Carter Scott, Florida Justice Association, wishing to appear for information only. Mr.
• Scott, you're recognized.
• We have Carter Scott, Florida Justice Association, wishing to appear for information only. Mr.
• Scott, you're recognized. What a tough issue you've been asked to tackle.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. HB 1311, relating to legal tender, ratified DFS/OFR rules to implement last year’s gold-and-silver legal tender law, repealed a prior repeal provision, and clarified the definition of custodian for electronically transferable gold and silver. The sponsor said the bill was a technical follow-up to ensure the law could take effect; members asked about the need for the bill, consumer awareness, and banking industry input. A technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1343 would create an optional high school elective on property and casualty insurance that could satisfy pre-licensure education for a 440 insurance license after graduation. The sponsor said it would help students enter the insurance workforce or gain consumer literacy. An amendment directing DOE and DFS to develop the curriculum was adopted. Testimony from insurance groups and others supported the bill, and members spoke in favor of the workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 1291 addressed the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), aiming to strengthen its long-term solvency by creating clearer triggers for funding remedies and expanding covered services. Public testimony focused heavily on families affected by birth injuries, with a parent and NICA board member describing the lifelong care needs of medically fragile children and the importance of stable funding. Members expressed sympathy and support, and the sponsor said the bill increases access to reserve funds, authorizes casualty insurer assessments, and preserves benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 271 would cap bail bond rates at 6.5 percent for foreign and alien bail bond insurers as well as domestic insurers, to create a more even competitive and tax treatment across carriers. The sponsor explained that out-of-state corporations had an advantage under current reporting and premium rules. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to thank Senator Gibson for authoring this important consumer protection bill.
• Hello, my name is Scott Warren. I'm a qualified medical evaluator, and I support the bill.
• Also joining us is Scott Parris, who's available to answer technical questions.
• We respectfully request your aye vote, and Scott and I are happy to answer any questions.
• We respectfully request your aye vote, and Scott and I are happy to answer any questions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met without a quorum at first, then later established one and heard several bills. The main discussion centered on AB 1795, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage in homes. The author and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara argued the bill would provide science-based, health-driven rules and clearer claims handling for wildfire survivors. Consumer groups and insurers generally supported the goal but sought further amendments, warning about cost, scope, and possible conflicts with existing standards; fire survivors urged stronger protections and broader coverage. The committee ultimately voted to pass AB 1795 as amended to Appropriations, with members later adding their votes on call. The committee also heard AB 1576 on the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund, which the author said would reduce litigation and employer assessments while preserving protections for previously disabled workers. Supporters said the bill was a needed reform, while business, public entity, and insurance opponents argued it did not address the fund’s structural problems and that a trailer bill would be a better fix. AB 1576 was passed to Appropriations on a split vote, also held open for later additions. AB 1931, creating a limited lines license for utilities to offer home protection products, drew broad support and no opposition in the room; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2361, dealing with peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform liability, passed as amended to Appropriations after supporters said it would align liability with fault and opponents warned it could reduce accountability for serious injuries. The committee also heard AB 2098, which would require employers to allow leave for workers’ compensation medical appointments during work hours, subject to notice and business-necessity limits. Labor supporters said workers should not have to choose between treatment and their jobs, while employer and insurance groups sought narrower standards and objected to some language. AB 2098 passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 2054, AB 2061, AB 2292, and AB 2724, was also approved and sent to Appropriations. Members repeatedly added votes after the roll was held open, and the committee adjourned after all items were processed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and Senators. Sandy Barr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Senators.
• Scott Garland.
• Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Scott Garland.
• Senator, Senator, Senator, Mr.
• So, Senate Bill 1281 as amended has a do pass recommendation, and...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Federalism Committee considered only Senate Bill 1281, which would require legislative and gubernatorial approval before private Arizona real property could be sold, transferred, gifted, or otherwise conveyed to the federal government. The bill also set up notice and review procedures for such transactions, required state employees to report certain federal land-trust notices involving Indian tribe settlement lands, and imposed civil penalties for noncompliance. The chair explained a seven-page amendment that added exemptions for certain federal purchases, congressionally or agency-approved land exchanges, and reclamation of abandoned mines, while also expanding reporting and notification requirements for covered federal designations. Public testimony was uniformly opposed. Speakers from the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter and the Arizona Wildlife Federation argued the bill would interfere with private property rights, add unnecessary bureaucracy, and obstruct conservation projects that have improved public access to hunting, fishing, and recreation lands. A private citizen also urged a no vote, saying federal land acquisitions can protect habitat and public access. Committee members raised questions about the governor’s role, the scope of the amendment, federal law enforcement, tribal acquisitions, and whether the bill would affect detention-center-related property purchases. After discussion, the committee adopted the Fincham amendment and then voted on SB 1281 as amended. The bill received a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 roll call vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution herewith transmitted: Senate Concurrent Resolution Number Five, a Senate
• Boddern, Secretary of the Senate.
• Senator Nisga'a moves that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5 be now adopted.
• Senator Gander. Senator Gander votes aye. Senator Gander votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sanchez, Senator Scott, Senator Sadiah Lopez, Senator Cher, Senator Shendo.
• Senator Scott: Senator Scott votes no. Senator Sidiya Lopez: Senator Sidiya Lopez votes yes.
• Moving along then to the next individual who will be Senator Scott. Senator Scott, please.
• Thank you, Senator, for your answers. Thank you very much, Senator Scott.
• Senator Scott votes yes. Senator Cedia Lopez votes yes. Thank you. Senator Scott votes yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:30.400> and my con constituent state senator and my con constituent state senator and
• King would meet Coretta Scott, who was also a student at the nearby New England Conservatory.
• King would meet Coretta Scott, who was also a student at the nearby New England Conservatory.
• <03:51:51.080> would ultimately marry and ketta Scott would ultimately marry and ketta Scott
• > and<03:51:53.520> together become ketta Scott King and together become ketta Scott King

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• favorable with an amendment on Senate favorable with an amendment on Senate Bill<00:04:21.759>
• Julian Scott birthplace in Johnson. Julian Scott birthplace in Johnson.
• <00:05:36.479> adopted that the House and Senate adopted that the House and Senate adopted
• therefore, be it resolved by the Senate therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and<00:13:23.440
• Now the Senate to amend the bill.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural referrals. Senate bills 198 and 323 were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because they affect state revenue, and Senate Bill 326 was also referred to Ways and Means after the Transportation Committee reported it favorably with amendment. House Resolution 18, supporting preservation of the Julian Scott birthplace in Johnson, was read by title and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions under House Rule 52. The chamber then read a series of adopted House concurrent resolutions honoring Vermont schools and individuals, including the Fair Haven Union High School Slater bowling team, the Hartford High School Hurricanes girls ice hockey team, the Hartford girls basketball team, Theres Black as Vermont Mother of the Year, and the Mount Mansfield Union High School girls tennis team. Members made brief announcements welcoming some of the honorees and guests to the chamber, including the Mount Mansfield tennis team, Theres Black, the Fair Haven bowling team, and others. The main floor action was on House Resolution 17, affirming that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate and must be provided communication resources of their choice. The Human Services Committee chair explained the resolution grew out of testimony on alternative communication methods, including facilitated communication and rapid prompting method, and said the committee heard from people with lived experience, professionals, and written testimony from medical and speech-language organizations. The committee reported the resolution out 9-0-2, and the House adopted it. The House then took up Senate Bill 209, relating to prohibiting civil arrest in sensitive locations, and proceeded to its third reading and concurrence-with-amendment question.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will be called to order. The Senate will be called to order.
• Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Leave for Senator King. Thank you, Senator Gilmore.
• Thank you, Senator Gilmore.
• I see Senator Tucker and Senator Leding to speak against.
• Any other senator wish to speak against, for, or on Senate Bill 1?

Summary: The Arkansas Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief morning hour that included an announcement about volunteers for the Hunger Caucus “Serving Up Solutions” fundraiser. The chamber then moved to its business agenda, where the main item was Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dismang, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations. Senator Dismang explained the bill as a continuation of tax reductions begun in 2013, lowering the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. The bill drew debate over state priorities and fiscal tradeoffs. Senator Flowers questioned local sales tax limits and whether future needs such as Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts could be funded if taxes were cut further. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, arguing the state should prioritize investments in early childhood education, hospitals, maternal health, and public schools rather than returning revenue to taxpayers. Senator McKee spoke in favor, saying money should be returned to the people who produced it. Senator Dismang closed by emphasizing that the tax cut was supported by surplus revenue and that a family making $65,000 had already seen a significant reduction in effective tax burden since 2013. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. Afterward, members announced that the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House sent over its tax bill, and the Senate adjourned subject to clearing the desk and reading House Bill 1001 across the desk, until 9 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman. >> Thank you, Senator Scott.
• >> Senator Scott. On the bill. >> Senator Scott. On the bill.
• Further >> Thank you Senator Scott.
• Thank you, Senator Scott. Mr.
• Chairman, Thank you, Senator Scott. Further discussion on Senate File 6?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the Senate Legislative Council, it will be myself as co-chair, Senator Wirth, Senator Duhk, Senator
• And Senator Scott, Block, and Hickey. So we have the J Block, Senator Jay Block.
• Hickey will be vice chair, Senator Lopez, Senator Ramos, and advisors are Senators Pinto and Scott.
• Advisory members will be Senators Townsend, Locke, Scott, and Trujillo. All right.
• Voting members will be Senators Campos, Cervantes, Steinborn, O'Malley, Ezel, Townsend, and Scott.

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony thank you chair Scott testimony thank you chair Scott honorable<00:19:05.720> members
• uh in January of 20122 as chair Scott uh in January of 20122 as chair Scott and<00:19:16.640>
• Representative Nisa: Thank you, Chair Scott.
• <01:05:04.160> thank sanisa uh thank you chair Scott thank sanisa uh thank you chair Scott
• Chair Scott: A roll call has been requested.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gaetz Air Senator Jones here. Senator Osgood here. Senator Simon, Senator Yarborough.
• Senator Bradley Senator Calatayud Sen fun. >> Senator Gaetz. Yes.
• Senator Jones, Senator Osgood, senator Simon. Yes, Senator Yarborough vice chair pizzo.
• Yes, senator Calatayud senator, if I'm Senator Gaetz, yes. Senator Jones, Senator Osgood. Yeah.
• Yes, Senator fi Senator Gaetz Senator Jones, senator Osgood. Yes, senator Simon.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Jordan, I am really appreciative that we've got some time here to talk about this bill.
• You know, I spoke with Representative Scott about that too, as I appreciate that question.
• I think we all agree that we hope Chair Scott and Chair Leibwang will give this the consideration it
• I was wondering historically if this is related to Senator Clausen, former Senator Clausen's pilot project
• They do have a fiscal note that was requested in the Senate.