Video & Transcript Research : 'marijuana alternatives'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Have an alternative and he's going towards standards.
- Those who already have a degree and are going on an alternative certified pathway. Is that correct?
- So, if this is duplicative, but alternatively, alt certified teachers who are in the classrooms today
- Speaker, is we're allowing the medical marijuana association, the ability to use third-party educators
- marijuana are appropriate.
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They wanted to rein in rogue district attorneys for not enforcing marijuana laws and abortions.
- We know college kids who've gone off to other... ...states and basically gotten addicted to marijuana
- through pain and getting marijuana there, so that's important to us.
- Texans deserve medical freedom to choose a safer alternative instead of harmful pharmaceuticals that
- Cannabis is a safer alternative for me. I've been using it for 50 years.
Keywords:
low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare, legislation, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, election supplies, ballots
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Office of Alternate Defense Council. Personal Services. Health, Life, and Dental.
- </c> >> 11% of the total office of the alternate >> 11% of the total office of the alternate
- This amount shall be from the marijuana tax fund created in section 39-28.8-501, C.R.S. E7.
- </c><05:34:31.360><c> tax</c> shall be from three the marijuana tax shall be from three the marijuana
- Marijuana Health Effects Monitoring, 4.0 FTE.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- pain and getting marijuana there.
- pain and getting marijuana there.
- Texans deserve medical freedom to choose a safer alternative instead of harmful pharmaceuticals that
- Cannabis is a safer alternative for me. I've been using it for 50 years.
- Marijuana or cannabis, especially when it could be expanded to recreational use.
Keywords:
local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills and took no final votes, leaving each bill pending after testimony. HB 272 would align venue and evidentiary rules for fraudulent use or possession of credit/debit card information with existing credit card abuse law; the sponsor said it would improve prosecutions, and the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center supported it. HB 1661 would increase penalties for certain election-related offenses, including failure to distribute election supplies and early release of election results; no substantive opposition was heard. HB 551 would protect the residential addresses of people who receive campaign expenditures on public Texas Ethics Commission reports, similar to donor privacy protections, and a witness from Texas Eagle Forum later indicated support for the privacy change.
The committee also heard HB 2820, which would raise the amount charitable bingo organizations may keep in operating capital from $50,000 to $100,000. The sponsor and a Texans for Charitable Bingo representative said inflation and operating costs have made the current cap too low and that the bill would help charities maintain stable operations without expanding gaming. HB 3181 would impose stronger consequences for repeated denial of court-ordered child possession and access, including limiting probation and requiring attorney’s fees after multiple contempt findings; a family court judge and a parent testified in support, while another witness argued the bill should be paired with stronger criminal enforcement and that parents already face high costs. HB 4157 would update Texas law for commercial spaceflight by recognizing liability waivers and preserving workers’ compensation rights; no one testified against it.
The committee also heard HB 4145, which would let health care providers satisfy a timely billing requirement by sending bills to a patient’s legal representative in a personal injury case, closing what supporters described as a loophole in letter-of-protection situations. Finally, HB 46, relating to the Texas Compassionate Use Program, drew the most extensive discussion: supporters said it should expand access for legitimate medical cannabis patients and add more delivery methods and conditions, while opponents warned against broader marijuana expansion and questioned adding chronic pain and other conditions. The sponsor said he still supports the program and wants a balanced, regulated expansion, but noted the bill is still being worked on. All bills were left pending at the close of the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 23rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- 2012 legalized medical marijuana.
- Next slide. 30% of marijuana users have some form of marijuana use disorder.
- Marijuana, daily use of marijuana, is bringing on early death.
- Marijuana in the workplace.
- , and pets zoned out, OD'd on marijuana.
Bills:
H5005
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10 / House Bill 5002, “An act to restore a sensible marijuana policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that, if the Legislature does not enact the measure as written, additional signatures would be needed for it to qualify for the 2026 ballot. The committee heard testimony from an expert, proponents of the petition, opponents, and members of the public, and accepted written testimony through March 27 at 5 p.m.
Jessica Trow of MassBudget testified first, focusing on cannabis revenue and spending in Massachusetts. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion for the Commonwealth and municipalities since FY 2018, including excise tax, sales tax, local option taxes, fees, and community impact fees. She described how revenues are distributed to public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity efforts, the cannabis social equity fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, the general fund, and local budgets, and argued the industry has supported social equity and community investments.
Opponents of the petition argued that repeal would harm public health, consumer safety, jobs, tax revenue, and social equity programs. Wendy Wakeman, speaking for the ballot committee, said legalization has increased potency, addiction, and mental health concerns, and that the state lacks sufficient data on harms. In contrast, business owners, clinicians, and advocates including Caroline Pino, Kristen Rogers, Drudus Ledbetter, Armani White, Lucas Thayer, and Jeff Rawson said the regulated market provides tested products, jobs, tax revenue, and pathways for people harmed by prohibition, while repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity goals. Committee members questioned witnesses about the evidence base, the role of out-of-state funding, the petition’s impact on existing businesses, and whether narrower regulatory fixes might address concerns instead of repeal. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed after testimony ended.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- 2012 legalized medical marijuana.
- Next slide. 30% of marijuana users have some form of marijuana use disorder.
- Marijuana, daily use of marijuana, is bringing on early death.
- Marijuana in the workplace.
- Marijuana. This question does not challenge the medical use of marijuana. Next slide, please.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10, House Bill 5002, titled “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. Chairs Brendan Crighton and Kate Hogan outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the committee is gathering testimony for a report to the legislature. The hearing was organized into expert, proponent, opponent, and public testimony, with written testimony accepted through March 27.
The first witness, Jessica Trow of MassBudget, testified in opposition to repeal and focused on cannabis-related revenue and social equity. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion statewide since adult-use sales began, with revenue flowing through the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the state sales tax, and local taxes and fees. She emphasized that funds support public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity work, the Cannabis Social Equity Fund, and municipal budgets, and argued that legalization has created pathways for communities harmed by prohibition. The petition’s spokesperson, Wendy Wakeman, argued in favor of repeal, saying legalization has worsened public health, safety, and quality of life, citing higher potency, addiction, youth use, impaired driving, workplace positives, and black-market concerns. Committee members questioned her about the data sources, the will of the voters, the role of paid signature gatherers, and the petition’s funding, including out-of-state and dark-money concerns.
Opponents of the initiative then testified that repeal would harm a regulated industry that has created jobs, tax revenue, and social equity opportunities. Caroline Pino of STEM, Kristen Rogers of Levia, Judith Ledbetter of Project De-Stigmatized Healthcare, and Armani White of Firehouse Dispensary/EON described their businesses, community investments, and personal reliance on cannabis, and warned that repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity programs. In public testimony, Lucas Thayer of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and Jeff Rawson, a chemist and consumer protection advocate, also opposed the measure, arguing that regulated cannabis is safer than unregulated products and that repeal would damage investments and public safety. The hearing ended after the public testimony, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 23rd, 2026
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions
Transcript Highlights:
- 2012 legalized medical marijuana.
- Thirty percent of marijuana users have some form of marijuana use disorder.
- Marijuana, daily use of marijuana, is bringing on early death.
- Marijuana in the workplace.
- to gift an ounce of marijuana.
Bills:
H5005
Keywords:
environment, water conservation, natural resources, public funding, environmental justice, 1212, all
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 51 May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me make sure I get the language right in there, but it would help you attain a standard alternative
- You'd have an alternative, and it's going toward standard, so you wouldn't be required to go back and
- This is—last year we ran that bill that if you have a patient that has medical marijuana, those doctors
- Speaker, is we're allowing the medical marijuana association the ability to use third-party educators
- marijuana are appropriate.
Bills:
SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100
Keywords:
driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Colonel Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma City Young Professionals, state contest winners for America’s 250th anniversary, and a long series of page introductions. The chamber then moved into floor action on a large number of measures, many of them Senate bills and House joint resolutions dealing with administrative rules and agency oversight, public safety, education, health, agriculture, business, and tax policy.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1543 on aggregating multiple DUI charges within one year into a single felony case, HB 1933 on nitrous oxide violations, SB 1859 creating an OSBI Cybercrimes and Fraud Unit, SB 237 on ad valorem tax NAICS code changes, SB 2065 designating pollinator-related state symbols, SB 44 extending nonprofit sales tax exemptions to contractors, SB 2030 updating automated expungement procedures, SB 2045 expanding the Grow Your Own education program, and several water and agriculture measures including SB 1509, SB 1314, and SB 2071. Members also considered multiple joint resolutions approving permanent administrative rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, health agencies, and building code rules, with Kendricks explaining that some major rules were separated out for transparency and, in one case, a cost mitigation agreement had been reached.
Testimony and debate were generally brief and focused on clarifying amendments. Several authors explained that amendments were added to address constitutionality, remove outdated or incorrect language, or reflect negotiated changes with agencies and stakeholders. Notable discussion included concerns about forum shopping in SB 1543, questions about the scope of the Grow Your Own program in SB 2045, and clarification that SB 1618’s pretrial report language had been changed to a public safety report agreed to by sheriffs and district attorneys. The House adopted numerous amendments without objection and passed the bills by wide margins, including some unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while a few measures drew more opposition, such as SB 1403, SB 1509, SB 2071, and SB 1618. The House also adopted HCR 1027 setting sine die adjournment for Thursday, May 14, and adjourned until the next day, May 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate amended the bill to include compliance with ADEQ's nonpoint source management plan as an alternative
- Madam Chair, members, HB 4001, alternative nicotine products regulation, passed the House.
- It structured regulation guidelines for alternative nicotine products.
- I know back in the day when people were, you know, really hiding even small amounts of marijuana, when
- , when they're caught, they went to prison for it. marijuana when they're caught they went to prison
Summary:
The caucus reviewed several bills and Senate or conference committee amendments, with members generally noting whether the sponsor intended to concur. HB 2749 would let courts enter a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction for certain lower-level felony convictions, with the Senate amendment requiring at least five years since completion of sentence before eligibility. HB 2082 would create a childhood cancer and rare childhood disease research commission and adjust funding rules, including a five-million-dollar threshold tied to appropriations or federal grants. HB 2096 would allow counties to seek WIFA assistance for cesspool remediation, with the Senate adding an alternative compliance path using ADEQ’s nonpoint source management plan. HB 4001 would regulate alternative nicotine products through the Department of Liquor Licensing and Control; members discussed whether some tobacco-related products remain outside the bill, tribal enforcement limits, and the absence of a tax provision. The presenter said the AG and governor support the bill.
The caucus then shifted to conference committee bills. HB 2003 would lower the learner’s permit age from 15.5 to 15 and increase supervised driving time, but several members raised safety concerns and questioned whether the change was needed; the conference amendment would let current instruction permit holders qualify for a license after six months, while still requiring age 16 for licensure. HB 2133 would impose content-verification requirements for commercial websites publishing sexual material, with conference changes exempting pre-effective-date motion pictures and television programming. Members noted the Motion Picture Association still had concerns, though the changes addressed some retroactivity issues.
HB 2874 would change campaign finance penalty rules, including a five-day publication requirement for committees owing late-filing penalties, a $5,000 cap on penalties per late report, and retroactive relief for certain inactive committees that filed no-contribution/no-expenditure reports and later terminated; one member said they still had not received the outstanding fee totals requested on the floor. HB 2010 would regulate digital goods sellers and refunds for revoked access to licensed digital content; the conference version kept a five-year refund structure but changed the refund amount to 20% per year, clarified refund procedures, and removed the refund requirement if alternative access is provided. The caucus took no votes in the transcript and ended after the bill presentations and questions.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/28/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I wanted to speak in Marijuana.
- And what they saw is marijuana grow.
- </c> marijuana to recreational grow laws. marijuana to recreational grow laws.
- </c> considered an appropriate alternative. considered an appropriate alternative.
- </c><03:52:17.760><c> um</c> implement this kind of alternative um implement this kind of alternative
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/23/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. medical marijuana bills that are being medical marijuana bills that are being heard<01:11:
- </c> um allow homegrown for medical marijuana um allow homegrown for medical marijuana and<01:12:07.080
- </c><01:12:37.679><c> to</c> selling mirical marijuana to selling mirical marijuana to non-designated
- </c> right now for the medical marijuana right now for the medical marijuana program<01:13:13.840><c>
- I also serve as the alternate chair.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (04/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> constraints on on the alternative constraints on on the alternative treatment<00:40:40.640><c> centers
- The alignment of naturopathic doctors and this alternative therapy seemed appropriate.
- therapy seemed uh and this alternative therapy seemed uh seemed<00:48:29.520><c> appropriate.
- If you don't know, Maine medical marijuana is not regulated by the state of Maine.
- If you don't know, Maine medical marijuana is not regulated by the state of Maine.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on April 17 and approved the prior meeting minutes, then set its next meeting for May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Members also discussed a New Futures effort to collect questions about Medicaid changes and post answers as an FAQ, with a preference that the FAQ live on New Futures’ website rather than the state website. The commissioner’s office said it would coordinate responses and that the issue is still evolving.
The main presentation was an HHS update focused on the state public health laboratory and its work during Public Health Lab Week. Officials reviewed the lab’s history, its biosafety functions, and its role in disease prevention, food safety, preparedness, and response. They highlighted mosquito surveillance for eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus, noting that the lab tested more than a quarter million mosquitoes last year and that mosquito testing helps provide early warning for local public health decisions. They also discussed rabies testing, saying New Hampshire’s lab is the only one in the state that performs it, that rabies is fatal once symptoms begin, and that the work is preventable through early prophylaxis.
Members asked about federal funding cuts, water testing, and whether CDC changes to rabies testing would affect New Hampshire. The department said it had been affected by an $80 million federal clawback but was managing through other funds and staff reassignments; for the water lab, temporary staff had been hired to continue swimming-area testing. Officials said the state remains able to handle rabies testing and that federal changes would mainly affect areas without similar services. They also answered questions on Jamestown Canyon virus, saying New Hampshire had one human case in 2025 and three in 2024, compared with zero West Nile cases in 2025 and one in 2024, and that weather and protective measures influence mosquito-borne disease levels. Additional questions covered biosafety levels, cyanobacteria coordination with the Department of Environmental Services, and the Brown Building flood mitigation, which was described as about halfway complete with a hoped-for reopening of the west side by June.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I don't know if we call it THC or the marijuana industry.
- marijuana, THC, all these products, and they did not want to use the three-tier system.
- And just to be clear, hemp is different than marijuana.
- Marijuana is the vertically integrated system that is available through...
- Marijuana is the vertically integrated system that is available through medical purposes.
Summary:
The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system.
Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space.
Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Feb 25th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- This is Representative West's bill on alternative therapies.
- , even recreational marijuana.
- When recreational marijuana and medicinal marijuana came out in Missouri, we weren't educated on it,
- , even recreational marijuana and medicinal marijuana when it came out in Missouri, we weren't educated
- real alternatives for pain management until 7.0.H. and Cratum.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted House Committee Substitutes, then passed several bills by roll call vote. HCS for House Bills 1746 and 1769 was adopted and then voted do pass by 10-0. HCS for House Bill 3005 was adopted and passed 10-0 after the sponsor explained it removed a sentence requiring specific local review boards in library appeals processes. HCS for House Bills 1717 and 1643, dealing with alternative therapies, passed 7-2 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2817 and 2961 passed 8-1 with two present. HCS for House Bills 2035 and 2350 passed 10-0 with one present after a brief question about statutory citations. HCS for House Bills 1887, 2361, 1913, 2862, and 2321, a combined bill package, also passed 10-0 after members discussed digital depiction language and written victim request provisions.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1914, which would change Missouri’s franchise law on warranty and recall reimbursement for auto dealers. Rep. David Castile presented the bill as a fairness measure, arguing manufacturers should pay dealers market-rate labor and parts reimbursement and that current warranty work often loses money for dealers and hurts service access. Supporters, including several dealers and technicians, said manufacturer time guides underpay warranty work, that the bill would help retain technicians, and that current appeal processes are cumbersome and time-consuming. They described large gaps between warranty and customer-pay labor times and said technicians often invest heavily in tools and training.
Opponents, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, and business groups, argued the bill would raise costs for consumers, amount to a large increase in dealer compensation, and interfere with existing contracts. They said manufacturers already provide a process for requesting additional time, that most requests are approved, and that warranty work remains a profitable captive source of business for dealers. Several witnesses also argued the bill would not directly raise technician wages because technicians are employed by dealers, not manufacturers, and suggested broader competition or allowing independent repair shops instead. The hearing featured extensive questioning about recall versus warranty work, labor time guides, documentation requirements, and whether the legislature should be involved in these franchise disputes.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate amended the bill to include compliance with ADEQ's non-point source management plan as an alternative
- Madam Chair, members, HB 4001, alternative nicotine products regulation, has passed the House.
- It structured regulation guidelines for alternative nicotine products.
- I know back in the day when people were, you know, really hiding even small amounts of marijuana, when
- , when they're caught, they went to prison for it. marijuana when they're caught they went to prison
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- marijuana products, and authorizes DHS beginning in 2032 to issue additional marijuana producer licenses
- marijuana producers.
- location at which the licensee cultivates marijuana, processes marijuana, manufactures marijuana products
- , and packages and stores marijuana and marijuana products.
- The second purpose listed is to regulate marijuana so that marijuana sold in this state is tested, reading
Summary:
The committee took up a series of Senate bills, beginning with SB 1421, a contentious measure restricting financial institutions and check cashers from accepting certain identification from unauthorized immigrants and limiting remittance transfers without proof of lawful status. An attempted strike-everything amendment by Rep. Villegas would have redirected the bill to authorize tax-deeded property sales for affordable housing, but the committee rejected that amendment. After public testimony both for and against the underlying bill, the committee voted 6-2 to give SB 1421 a due pass recommendation.
The committee then approved SB 1254, which revises Industrial Commission of Arizona statutes, including renaming certain positions, shifting boiler and elevator oversight, and requiring fee schedules to be posted online. It also passed SB 1515, which creates a public safety parity fund for retention pay and benefits for DPS and corrections employees using investment earnings from the budget stabilization fund; supporters cited vacancies, turnover, and pay gaps, while opponents argued the state should fund raises through the general fund. Both bills received due pass recommendations after amendment adoption and roll call votes.
Other measures considered included SB 1206, which restricts adjusters and contractors from soliciting work during active loss events or emergency responses, with an exception for essential services; SB 1563, which continues the Barbering and Cosmetology Board and lowers certain fee caps; and SB 1649, which creates a digital assets reserve fund, though an amendment to turn it into a transparency measure on employers receiving public assistance was rejected. The committee also passed SB 1290 after rejecting an amendment on emergency price controls and adopting a Carter amendment clarifying HOA executive sessions may be closed only for discussion without action; testimony on that bill focused heavily on HOA transparency versus privacy concerns. Finally, the committee approved SB 1670, a contractor licensing preemption bill, and SB 1671, which continues the Department of Gaming and related commissions and updates reporting and conflict-of-interest requirements, with the department supporting the continuation and amendment language.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Medical marijuana, recreational marijuana, anything else? Gaming?
- Medical marijuana, or is that recreational marijuana? No, it is not marijuana.
- Is that medical marijuana, or is that recreational marijuana? No, it is not marijuana.
- This is medical marijuana. These, there is... Medical marijuana.
- This is coming from marijuana, the recreational marijuana transfer.
Summary:
The House Budget Committee heard budget presentations from the Attorney General’s office, the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, and the Department of Public Safety. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway outlined four priorities: reducing violent crime, targeting illegal or unregulated activities she described as a “vice squad” focus (including illegal hemp, VLTs, kratom, unlicensed cannabis shops, and Bitcoin ATMs), protecting Missourians from fraud, and improving office performance. She highlighted major litigation involving insulin pricing, Dollar General pricing practices, a police-shooting death penalty case, Jackson County property tax assessments, and a new lawsuit against MSHA over board governance. Members also asked about cybercrime cooperation, the office’s role in defending state laws and ballot issues, and the cost of referendum/redistricting litigation. Hanaway said the office works closely with federal and local law enforcement and that the budget relies heavily on dedicated funds rather than general revenue, including consumer protection, Medicaid fraud, sexual assault kit work, violent crimes, and human trafficking efforts.
The Missouri Office of Prosecution Services said it provides training and support to prosecutors statewide and that its budget is in line with the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about assistance for counties without elected prosecutors, and the office said surrounding counties and circuit judges can request help, while MOPS can provide legal troubleshooting through its general counsel. Questions also focused on a new conviction integrity/review unit and how its positions were funded.
The Department of Public Safety reviewed its FY27 budget, explaining several one-time items were removed and that many programs are funded through federal grants, settlement funds, or other dedicated sources rather than general revenue. Topics included the crime victims notification system, school safety, drug task forces, law enforcement academy scholarships, Blue Star grants, the 988 fund, opioid-settlement-funded first responder trauma training, wastewater testing in schools, and FIFA World Cup security funding for Kansas City. Members asked about the lack of a match requirement for the FIFA funds, the status of school wastewater testing, and the use of Operation Relentless Pursuit funds for deputy salaries, overtime, and vehicle/equipment needs. The committee recessed before finishing the DPS presentation, with plans to return later to continue the budget review.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 086 Part 2 Apr 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Alternative livestock B540,400. Brand estray fund C6281,5281,500.
- <02:55:13.680><c> livestock</c><02:55:14.160><c> B540,400</c> alternative livestock B540,400 alternative
- :55:32.479><c> cash</c><02:55:32.640><c> fund</c> alternative livestock farm cash fund alternative livestock
- </c> CRS $91,19 shall be from the marijuana CRS $91,19 shall be from the marijuana tax<04:03:45.680><
- </c> CRS $19,78 shall be from the marijuana CRS $19,78 shall be from the marijuana tax<04:08:39.199><
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Press Conference: Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I have always been for a fully regulated medical marijuana program and recreational marijuana program
- this is a one or the other question; it's when you set up... a medical program or a recreational marijuana
- Make no mistake, what we have in Texas right now is a recreational marijuana program; it's just unregulated
- With your traditional medical marijuana or recreational marijuana program, the drug policy is dictated
- Delta-9 proper, you know, medical marijuana vaporization.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN-JDC, HHS-CPN, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-17-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's a heck of a lot of marijuana. That's way more than half a pound of marijuana.
- That's a heck of a lot of marijuana. That's way more than half a pound of marijuana.
- </c> getting prescribed marijuana. getting prescribed marijuana.
- </c> marijuana doesn't make a lot of sense. marijuana doesn't make a lot of sense.
- </c> potency, illicit, and legal marijuana. potency, illicit, and legal marijuana.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused.
The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused.
In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations.
The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.