Bills: SB3326, SB2911

Keywords: renewable energy, energy storage, cost reduction, public utilities commission, Hawaii energy policies, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 3001 on artificial intelligence in a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Labor and Technology hearing. Testimony included support from the Department of Education and Google, comments from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office, and late opposition from Agentic LLC. The Attorney General raised constitutional and vagueness concerns and suggested clarifying amendments, while Google said the bill’s risk-based approach and proposed amendments could help establish industry-wide safety standards for minors. The committees recessed and then voted to pass SB 3001 with amendments, adopting DCCA/OCP recommendations on data minimization for minors and UDAP clarity, the Attorney General’s proposed clarifications and deletions, and Google’s nonconflicting amendments; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. The vote passed unanimously among members present, with some members excused. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then took up several previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2045 on combat sports passed with amendments reflecting DCCA and boxing commission recommendations, including clarifying the on-site medical professional requirement, reporting duties, promoter payment, removal of the combat sports registry and ambulance requirement, and other technical changes; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050. SP 2347 on the residential landlord-tenant code passed with amendments striking landlord requirements so OCP could work on a multilingual tenant-rights notice, and SP 2495 on consumer protection passed with amendments requiring OCP to publish an annual report on potential code violations. SB 2777 on insurance was deferred to February 17, 2026 for further decision-making. At a later CPN decision-making agenda, SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons, passed with amendments clarifying the preamble, removing language about foreign artificial persons, and making other consistency and non-substantive changes; both effective dates were moved to January 1, 2027. SP 2033 on renewable energy also passed with amendments clarifying the definition of grid-ready homes, cost-sharing provisions, applicability to interconnecting customers, and safety/certification compliance, with the effective date deferred to July 1, 2050. In each case, the committee voted to adopt the recommendations without objections from members present. The committees also heard SB 3000 on insurance, which would authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions to recover costs and losses tied to climate-attributable harm and future climate risk, including costs incurred by state insurance-related entities. The Insurance Division and Attorney General’s office offered comments seeking clarification and warning about redundancy, implementation issues, possible representation of private insurers, and concurrent litigation concerns. Supporters, including the Center for Climate Integrity, a resident testifier, Sierra Club, and Green America, argued the bill would help shift insurance costs to fossil fuel companies responsible for climate harms and address rising premiums and nonrenewals in Hawaii. Opponents, including the American Petroleum Institute, argued the bill singled out one industry, raised constitutional concerns, and should be deferred because related climate litigation is already pending. The transcript ends with the committee continuing testimony and discussion on SB 3000 and then moving into SB 3326 on energy, where the consumer advocate and Hawaiian Electric opposed the bill’s proposed separation of generation from transmission and distribution, while the PUC stood on written testimony, Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported it, and Life of the Land raised concerns about assumptions and the need for more substance.

Transcript Highlights:

• new small craft alcoholic beverage manufacturer license that authorizes a brew pub, small craft distillery
• This is going to allow educational tours to these distilleries and provide an educational component.
• 00:12:23.680> craft authorizes a brew pub, small craft authorizes a brew pub, small craft distillery
• , and small craft winery or distillery, and small craft winery or any<00:12:26.560> combination
• and uh provide educational distilleries and uh provide educational component.<00:12:39.519> It's<

Bills: SB265, HB593

Keywords: data processing centers, tax abatements, economic development, construction related taxes, energy infrastructure, small craft distilleries, wineries, alcoholic beverages, licensing, craft beverage industry, 1136, house, all

Bills: SB 462, SB 519, SB 878, SB 972, SB 1228, SB 1350, SB 1356, SB 1535

Keywords: childcare, priority, child-care workers, waiting list, legislation, Texas history, education, grant program, nonprofit, student engagement, economic development, public funding, local government, tax abatement, performance metrics, transparency, community engagement, reimbursement rates, Texas Rising Star Program, subsidized childcare

Bills: HB 220, HB 783, HB 2240, HB 3336, HB 4202, HB 4449, HB 4904, HB 3441, HB 4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Bills: HB220, HB783, HB2240, HB3336, HB4202, HB4449, HB4904, HB3441, HB4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Transcript Highlights:

• The spent grain must be used within 100 miles of the brewery or distillery, and it must be put to agricultural

Bills: HB220, HB783, HB2240, HB3336, HB4202, HB4449, HB4904, HB3441, HB4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, HB 3336, alcoholic beverage tax credit, spent grain

Transcript Highlights:

• This is actually creating an educational distillery tour, and it... educational distillery tour.
• , that are now doing the educational distillery tours... that is now doing the distillery tour.
• but at other distilleries as well.
• become an educational distillery.
• Having a distillery trail, you want to have multiple distilleries involved. to have multiple distilleries

Bills: SB312, SB316, SB90

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, special event license, special events retail license, nonprofit special events retail license, special retail license, event storage license, government venue license, alcohol storage, alcohol transfer, beer, wine, liquor, on-premises consumption, public venue, government-owned property, municipal property, county property, state property

Transcript Highlights:

• One last example is craft distilleries. One last example is craft distilleries.
• We probably represent about 75% of the craft distilleries in the state of Florida, or active craft distilleries
• licenses out there for craft distilleries.
• Craft distilleries and other providers.
• And because a distillery may say, well, I'm a distillery too. I don't, I'm a big distillery.

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:02.800> in the Village Garage Distillery in the Village Garage Distillery in Bennington
• <00:08:49.960> was of Village Garage Distillery was of Village Garage Distillery was ecstatic
• new distillery new distillery a<00:08:56.960> prestigious<00:08:57.800> silver<00:
• inspired the Village Garage Distillery inspired the Village Garage Distillery to<00:09:17.960>
• resolution to Village Garage Distillery resolution to Village Garage Distillery in<00:09:56.160>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the Las Vegas Distillery in Henderson. Now, we are a craft distillery. We are not a brewery.
• want you to know I support the bill, even though it will have no direct positive effect for my distillery
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located...
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located to be a
• In Henderson, efforts were made to promote an industrial area where my distillery is located to be a

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• also some changes to micro Distillery also some changes to micro Distillery off<00:20:10.960>
• The micro distillers are the smaller distilleries. They were here before the large distilleries.
• Distilleries can have off-sale.
• <01:04:02.599> now to address the larger Distillery now to address the larger Distillery now
• on or adjacent to their distilleries on or adjacent to their distilleries where<01:05:18.960>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My distillery was order to get paid, and I think that will give some insight to the challenges of these
• My distillery was Founded in 2012, and over the past 13 years, we've worked with a number of distributors
• Last summer, I learned of another Texas distillery that had to close its doors because it was not paid
• Again, thank you, Senator Parker, for helping me and other Texas distilleries by filing this bill.
• It truly has given me peace of mind to know that other distilleries may have better options in the future

Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs resumed consideration of several pending bills, first taking up Senate Bills 667, 1349, 1585, and 2312. After inviting testimony had already been heard, no members of the public came forward to testify on any of those measures, and the committee closed public testimony and left all four bills pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1355, which Senator Parker explained as a committee substitute aimed at helping Texas distillers recover unpaid invoices from wholesalers. The substitute would require distillers to invoice at the time of purchase, send a demand letter if payment terms are violated, and allow complaints to be filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, which could determine an appropriate penalty based on the facts. Natasha Dehart of Bent Distilling Company testified in support, describing serious cash-flow problems and unpaid invoices from a Texas wholesaler that had forced layoffs, late vendor payments, and operational strain. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1378, a narrowly tailored local bill for a Carrollton facility recently acquired by Sazerac that employs more than 1,000 Texans. Senator Parker said the bill would create a limited exemption to avoid forcing the company to shut down or move because of current permit restrictions, while preserving the three-tier system and preventing the company from selling wine to itself. A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resource witness said the bill was drafted so it would not open the door to broader industry changes. Mason Moreland testified against the bill as filed, arguing it gave special treatment to one company and failed to address broader problems in the wine industry, including direct-to-consumer sales and permit issues. After questions from senators, public testimony closed and SB 1378 was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• tax credits for smaller alcohol producers in Minnesota, specifically for small brewers, micro distilleries
• The credit for small winery was enacted in 2017, and the credit for micro distillery was enacted in 2014
• and small brewers, micro distilleries and wineries. wineries. wineries.
• of small booers uh micro distilleries of small booers uh micro distilleries and<00:09:05.200>
• <00:09:19.600> was and the credit for micro distillery was and the credit for micro distillery

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> This language actually conforms to what we're already doing with distilleries.
• Distilleries are different from wineries.
• we're already doing with distilleries. we're already doing with distilleries.
• Distilleries<00:21:04.720> are<00:21:05.039> different<00:21:05.280> from Distilleries
• are different from Distilleries are different from wineries.<00:21:06.640> distilleries<00:21

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of economic development, tax, retirement, alcohol, and property tax bills, with several members explaining that some measures were being extended through repealers or prepared as omnibus vehicles for later floor amendments. Early in the meeting, members discussed a bill extending the Healthcare Industry Zone Act repealer to 2028, noting MDA had requested additional language for a floor amendment and citing roughly $715 million in expected new investment and more than 3,000 jobs since 2012. The committee also passed SB 2832, extending the Mississippi Shoreline Tax Credit program to 2029 with an $8 million annual cap, and SB 2849, extending the SMART business research program repealer to 2028. SB 2843, changing eligible expenses for MDA site development and utility infrastructure readiness, SB 2847, rounding state and local cash charges to the nearest nickel, and SB 2865, a gaming-related tax credit for non-gaming capital projects at casino properties, were also explained and passed without opposition. The committee then considered SB 2882, which prohibits counties from requiring homestead exemption applicants to provide closing statements or disclosures, citing privacy concerns; it was passed. SB 2912, a PERS-requested bill allowing Roth contributions in the state deferred compensation plan and removing an earlier qualified domestic order provision, also passed. The committee next took up SB 2834 and SB 2838 as omnibus vehicles: SB 2834 was described as the Senate omnibus tag bill, and SB 2838 as the qualified resort status bill, which included an addition for a community college campus and golf course in western Mississippi. Both bills received reverse repealers and were reported out. A lengthy discussion centered on SB 2915, which makes technical changes to Mississippi’s native wine laws, removes a repealer, expands tasting room options, and addresses ABC pickup and delivery timing. Senator McMahon offered an amendment to strike the pickup language after consulting with the Commissioner of Revenue, saying the current warehouse setup did not support the option yet; the amendment passed. Senator Sparks raised concerns about ABC delivery delays, the impact on small retailers, and whether the bill could raise commerce clause issues by favoring in-state wineries, but the author said the language conforms to existing distillery provisions. After no further questions, the committee passed the committee substitute and then rose and reported, with the chair noting another meeting would likely be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• further encourage this practice, House Bill 3336 introduces an excise tax credit for breweries and distilleries
• Breweries and distilleries seeking the credit must first request a certificate of eligibility from TABC
• Breweries and distilleries would receive an $0.08 tax credit per pound, based on dry weight, of spent

Bills: HB249, HB 1186, HB2313, HB2408, HB2508, HB2730, HB2974, HB3045, HB3232, HB3336, HB3710, HB4044, HB4236, HJR133, HB249

Keywords: ad valorem taxes, property taxes, homestead exemption, disabled veterans, senior citizens, tax payments, installment payments, municipal tax revenue, hotel, convention center, tax code, economic development, local government, municipality, tax revenue, qualified projects, municipal taxation, hotel project, municipality funding, veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a matter of fact, we do certain things with local companies, breweries, and distilleries.
• You can do projects with other breweries, wineries, or distilleries, and you work on creating something
• We're working on a hot gin right now, a spicy gin, with one of our distilleries, that we feel like we're
• If it's a distillery, it still goes through the wholesaler that's in charge of it.
• We're working on a hot gin right now, a spicy gin, with one of our distilleries, that we feel like we're

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted. A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk. The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It sets up a tourism distillery where you can go in and do tastings on site.
• We would truly like to look at opening up a distillery trail, much like some of our neighboring states
• Senate Bill 316 is for the new licensure category of educational tourism distilleries.
• Educational tourism distilleries.
• This substitute includes both the provision for licensing the educational tourism distillery and also

Bills: SB311, SB322, SB304, SB313, SB315, SB316, HB489, SB90

Keywords: electric transmission, public highways, permit processing, economic growth, infrastructure, rural development, condemnation actions, state regulations, community development district, CDD, annexation, municipal annexation, wet municipality, dry county, wet county, Sunday alcohol sales, ABC Board, alcohol licensing, on-premises consumption, golf course

Transcript Highlights:

• My distillery was founded in 2012, and over the past 13 years, we've worked to make a number of distributors
• Last summer, I learned of another Texas distillery who had to close their doors because they were not
• Thank you, Senator Parker, for helping me and other Texas distilleries by filing this bill.
• Mine to know that other distilleries may have better options in the future when their business is put
• haven't looked at those sections, but so if some other out-of-state buyer of a Texas winery or distillery

Bills: SB8, SB650, SB667, SB779, SB1349, SB1355, SB1378, SB1585, SB1721, SB2312, SB 8

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, China, Chinese-affiliated entities, Chinese military companies, People's Republic of China, Chinese Communist Party, divestment, state pension funds, public retirement systems, Teacher Retirement System, Employees Retirement System, Permanent School Fund, Texas Comptroller, foreign investment, national security

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, the bill includes an important amendment for Nevada's craft distilleries.
• In 5.7, you're changing the craft distillery laws, and I'm just curious as to where that is and what
• that craft distillery if they're derived from neutral spirits by another craft manufacturer.
• Jesse Wadams with the law firm of Black and Wadams, on behalf of Farino Distillery.
• Farino Distillery, as you know, is taking over the production of Amir Pecan.

Bills: AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466

Keywords: emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials

Transcript Highlights:

• It also creates a separate licensing fee for something called a micro distillery.
• It also creates a separate licensing fee for something called a micro distillery.
• I guess my question is, the distillers currently have an ability to sell their product at their distillery
• and to offer tastings at their distillery under the micro distillery license.
• surprised to know that the Oklahoma alcohol and beverage licensing entity, Abel, inspects and controls distilleries

Bills: SB1241, SB1242, SB1442, SB1592, SB1623, SB1625, SB1913, SB1940, SB1949, SB2102, SB592, SB992

Keywords: ticket sales, resale, consumer protection, fraud, bots, transparency, refunds, event tickets, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana license, commercial grower, grow operation, bond requirement, land reclamation fee, revolving fund, environmental remediation, redevelopment, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA