Transcript Highlights:

• :38.560> consumers<01:09:39.040> the does provide consumer uh consumers the does provide
• consumer uh consumers the ability<01:09:39.520> to<01:09:39.679> shop<01:09:40.000>
• need to be better is that consumers need to be better informed<01:09:51.120> and<01:09:51.359
• We want to provide this information to the consumer, and so we stand in support of the bill in its current
• want we want to provide this information want we want to provide this information to<01:16:32.560

Bills: HB0117, HB0126

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's any complaint by a consumer, it first has to go before the... ...it first has to go before
• Now is the time to act to safeguard free enterprise, consumer choice, and equal access to consumer choice
• I speak to you today as a provider and consumer of banking services.
• Senate and consumer of banking services.
• I don't care how you feel about that—the standpoint from consumers.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . the form of higher prices for consumers.
• Uh, as you to retailers and consumers.
• Found its way back to the consumer. And that's just the fact of life.
• think uh our testifiers information think uh our testifiers information produced<00:48:21.920>
• have, the benefit for these consumers have, the benefit for these consumers and<00:52:09.599>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are the consumer watchdog.
• people they are the consumer people they are the consumer Watchdog<00:13:07.800> think<00
• They are the consumer watchdog.
• They are the consumer watchdog.
• What information has been gathered? Where did that information go? What will it be used for?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, Unleaded 88 saved consumers an average of 17 cents a gallon.
• <00:21:02.159> an in 2024 unlet 88 saved consumers an in 2024 unlet 88 saved consumers an
• Do you or Eric have any other updated information, Mr. Olson?
• <00:32:28.519> Mr other updated information Mr other updated information Mr Olson<00:32:30.679
• Do you have any newer information on that?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While I was fighting, this disease was doing its best to consume me.
• By establishing an HST Consumer Advisory Board, you will make it possible for consumers from all regions
• I needed to make an informed decision before 24 weeks.
• Bankrupt, homeless, and sick citizens are not engaged consumers.
• No new information.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about consumer choice.
• This is about consumer choice.
• This is a consumer choice bill.
• But, you know, it is about consumer choice, you know, about these licensed contractors.
• But, you know, it is about consumer choice, you know, about these licensed contractors.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and took up a series of bills, beginning with PCS for HB 743 on social media use by minors. The sponsor said the bill would extend last session’s restrictions by requiring parental access to messages for minors ages 15 and 16 and allowing law enforcement access with a warrant or parental request. Members raised concerns about abuse situations and private communications, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at protecting children from grooming and trafficking. The PCS was supported in public testimony and passed 15-0. Members then approved HB 1161, which would let victims of altered sexual depictions or deepfakes demand removal of the content and pursue civil remedies if it is not taken down; an amendment clarified a definition tied to federal law, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee also passed local bills for Duval County (HB 4053) and Oviedo/Seminole County (HB 4031) creating special alcohol licensing exception areas, and HB 717, which increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places, with supporters from historic preservation and local government groups. The committee next approved HB 1035 on building permits for single-family dwellings, as amended, to extend permit validity around building code updates, speed approvals after emergencies, and create faster review timelines for smaller projects; members questioned possible loopholes and storm-related applications, while the home builders association supported the measure. It also passed PCS for HB 1219 on employment agreements, creating a framework for covered non-compete and garden leave agreements for higher-wage employees or those with access to confidential information; several members objected to its impact on workers and the marketplace, and the vote was 11-5. Additional favorable votes were taken on HB 799 regarding condominium alcohol licenses, HB 869 expanding underground utility contractors’ scope to include certain fire line work after a contested amendment and testimony from both utility and fire sprinkler groups, HB 1071 on alternative plan reviews and inspections, PCS for HB 981 on athlete representation and NIL compensation, and PCS for HB 801 on HVAC/mechanical contractors repairing and replacing certain pool heaters, both of which drew mixed testimony and debate over scope and safety. The final item introduced was HB 311 on repair of motorized wheelchairs, which the sponsor said would improve access to parts, tools, and independent repair options for users.

Transcript Highlights:

• I may consume. I may consume.
• time as I may consume. time as I may consume.
• may consume. may consume.
• I may consume. I may consume.
• I may consume. I may consume.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any information on birds. Do you have any information on that? that? that?
• information. Yeah. information. Yeah.
• Madam Chair and members, I just want to say I don't have that information handy, but that information
• Madam Chair and members, I just want to say I don't have that information handy, but that information
• Madam Chair and members, I just want to say I don't have that information handy, but that information

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I called Petland and informed them that their dog was sick.
• Some benefits to the consumer... Purchasing from the Petlands that I operate. Ms.
• Petland and all these stores lie to consumers, and we have to shell out.
• They would lose all consumer protections provided by Texas law.
• You can shift it to consumable products, and that's what we used, supplements.

Bills: HB74, HB175, HB460, HB576, HB2271, HB2294, HB2874, HB3016, HB3133, HB3191, HB3458, HB3929, HB4063, HB4115, HB4394, HB74, HB175

Keywords: Puerto Verde, Port Authority, eminent domain, bonds, tax assessments, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public welfare, child care, certifications, Texas Rising Star Program, grant program, disability inclusion, family income, affordability, economic impact, state study, cost analysis, government support

Transcript Highlights:

• , which simply says you cannot condition the sale of a consumer good or service on the consumer signing
• , consumer good or service, um,<01:37:09.920> on<01:37:10.240> the<01:37:10.480> consumer
• informed choice in selecting that forum. informed choice in selecting that forum.
• <01:41:08.360> protection, we're looking at consumer protection, we're looking at consumer
• <01:48:07.480> has consumer has consumer has an<01:48:08.640> ability<01:48:09.120>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE DATA CENTERS ARE NOT SIMPLY LARGE CONSUMERS OF ELECTRICITY BUT FACILITATE
• EFFICIENCIES FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIAL CONSUMERS AND UTILITIES ACROSS THE COMPANY.
• I KNOW DATA CENTERS NOW ARE UNPOPULAR WITH CONSUMERS.
• NOT MISS INFORMATION BUT LACK OF INFORMATION. A LOT OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE OLD.
• AI PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND IMPROVING THE RELIABILITY OF OUR NETWORK.

Transcript Highlights:

• and personal health information.
• if we don't have the information if we don't have the immunization<01:51:33.320> information<
• disclosing personal health information disclosing personal health information in<01:52:25.320>
• as information sharing information and as information sharing information and as has<02:02:36.760
• Information System because she was not sure how much information the committee had on it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• don't believe again I have information don't believe again I have information on<00:28:48.320>
• I do have that information for several cities.
• <00:41:34.880> and us to help protect those consumers and us to help protect those consumers
• 40.640> often<00:41:40.960> mention talk to consumers, they often mention talk to consumers
• when there's a great deal of information when there's a great deal of information that's<00:42:31.520

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee to notice AB 2285 Valencia, Privacy and Consumer Protection
• The vote, for everybody's information...
• I wonder if they have insider information.
• What about our consumers? They have receipts too.
• What about our consumers? They have receipts too.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I make sure that we're on there trying to be in front of consumers as Much as possible.
• We also try to work with the Office of Public Counsel, who is the consumer representative, to try to
• Well, That they need to do to also talk and discuss with consumers. One more follow-up.
• But we, as commissioners, every intervening party, our staff, sees what that confidential information
• And I think maybe one of the biggest challenges to SMR is going to be consumer settlement.”

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and Senator Polsky excused. The committee first heard Senate Bill 1416 by Senator DeSigley, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new election schedule takes effect. Members asked about runoff elections, with the sponsor saying runoffs would likely shift to the August primary and that he was open to further discussion, including possibly eliminating runoffs. The bill drew support from a senator citing potential taxpayer savings, while the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed. SB 1416 was reported favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 766 by Senator Burgess, as amended by a strike-all that refocused the bill on agents of “countries of concern” and narrowed disclosure requirements. The sponsor said the measure was intended to increase transparency around foreign-backed political activity and align with federal Foreign Agents Registration Act concepts. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. LaRosa described the PSC’s role regulating investor-owned utilities and emphasized transparency, consumer protection, workforce development, and adapting to new energy technologies such as small modular reactors. Senators questioned him closely about recent Florida Supreme Court criticism of PSC orders as insufficiently reasoned and overly reliant on utility assertions. LaRosa acknowledged the criticism, said PSC procedures and orders had become more detailed, and committed to continued improvement. Despite concerns, his nomination was advanced favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of nominations in tabs 4 through 27 without objection and without separate hearings. At the end of the meeting, Senator Grall asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766, and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• I make sure that we're on there trying to be in front of consumers as much as possible.
• We also try to work with the Office of Public Counsel, who is the consumer representative, to try to
• Well... ...that they need to do to also talk and discuss with consumers. One more follow-up.
• But we, as commissioners, every intervening party, our staff, sees what that confidential information
• And I think maybe one of the biggest challenges to SMR is going to be consumer settlement.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably. Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're pushing out the information that's necessary for New Mexico consumers to make informed decisions
• We're going to continue outreach so consumers can trust the information that they're getting.
• Is it the consumer protection program with a consumer?
• That is current information.
• you all to make informed decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• requests to protect the license holder's personal contact information.
• of Information hotline.
• in response to a public information request.
• Where this information must be disclosed for law enforcement purposes. Thank you.
• It will help to share information between the states.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:09:25.920> 0.6% Consumer spending growth slows to 0.6% Consumer spending growth
• activity because again also consumer activity because again also consumers<00:15:26.560> tried
• he would have a lot more information. he would have a lot more information.
• <00:31:20.080> So, consumer price index to fall. So, consumer price index to fall.
• consumer purchases. consumer purchases.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain. Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile. Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.