Video & Transcript Research : 'micro units'

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Apr 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It doesn't matter how large the United States military is, whether it's a million or 11 billion, which
  • by Medicaid members increased by... 22% from 8.4 million units to 10.2 million units in calendar year
  • The units per user decreased by about 2.5%. Mr.
  • The interactive report goes from macro, really high-level trends all the way down to the micro.
  • The macro refers to the overall trends in spending, user encounters, and units of service.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Nov 18th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
  • Senators, today we have a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement.
  • Micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement.
  • It's about 7 percent, way lower than most private corporations in the United States.
  • in the United States who want to do business in other countries.
Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Sep 22nd, 2025

Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we have members across the Western United States, different companies that are participating.
  • But there are plenty of fossil resources located in the state, mainly gas units at this point.
  • Six months ago, we launched a series of micro-grants across the state.
  • We hope to do this through micro-grants.
  • And slide 15, the Key piece of that are our micro grants. We believe in three steps.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 5/15/26 - Part 2

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • clarifies that medical consultants and pharmacists can be employees or contractors, I'm sorry, at micro
  • If you're a micro retailer, for example, you have to both be familiar with and understand the micro section
  • see what their retail requirements are under the micro section, right?
  • Micro canopy is a micro canopy. Macro canopy is a macro canopy.
  • Micro canopy is a mess business canopy. Micro canopy is a micro<00:25:24.480> canopy.
Keywords: 1183, house
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • >> pledge allegiance to the United States of
  • America and >> pledge allegiance to the United
  • The United Way of Florida United that is from
  • The United Way of Florida United Way.
  • Miami United Way of United Way of Florida United Keywords: 999, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy and Administration (01/30/2026)

Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • In fact, if I would also go even further than that, if you look at other EFA programs around the United
  • If you look at other EFA programs around the United States, I don't believe particularly among those
  • 11:12.800> the look at other EFA programs around the look at other EFA programs around the United
  • States, I don't believe United States, I don't believe particularly<00:11:15.440> among<00:11
  • Micro Society Academy. >> Micro Society. >> Society. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I'm not familiar.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 05/06/26

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • the existing conversion of licenses, the conversion of existing licenses as they might be moved from micro
  • quickly and shove out the other entrants into the market, you know, from other sectors and/or the micros
  • to meso, meso to macro size, from micro to meso, meso to macro size, um<01:31:35.880> as<01:31
  • /c><01:32:26.240> know,<01:32:26.320> the<01:32:26.640> the<01:32:26.760> micros
  • sectors and or, you know, the the micros sectors and or, you know, the the micros and<01:32:27.440
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • because I agree with you on all the points you just made that that's immediate relief to the small and micro
  • distributed, to increase the threshold from the Senate position of 375 to 400,000, give the 4,500 micro
  • /c><00:21:25.600> give<00:21:25.760> the<00:21:26.000> 4,500<00:21:27.440> micro
  • <00:21:27.840> and 375 to 400,000. give the 4,500 micro and 375 to 400,000. give the 4,500
  • micro and small<00:21:28.400> business<00:21:28.720> taxpayers<00:21:29.840> absolute
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee of conference on HB 155 continued discussion of a compromise over business tax relief, small-business filing thresholds, and nursing home funding. Representative Sweeney proposed raising the filing threshold to $400,000 and creating a trigger for future Business Enterprise Tax reductions if business tax revenues produce a $200 million biennial surplus, with the Department of Revenue Administration commissioner able to exclude one-time or non-sustainable funds. Supporters said the proposal would provide a clear policy direction, immediate relief to about 4,500 small and micro businesses, and a future path back to the BET’s original 0.25% rate. Opponents, led by the Senate side, argued the trigger language was premature, better handled in a budget year with more revenue data, and inappropriate to decide in a short conference committee meeting. The Senate also emphasized that the tax policy should not be locked in without a fuller public process, while House members argued the trigger would not take effect until a future biennium and was therefore a prudent way to signal New Hampshire’s direction on taxes. A separate point of discussion involved nursing homes: the House said its report would include $2.5 million for nursing homes with non-lapsing language, and senators stressed the importance of that funding for the health care system and county property taxpayers. One senator warned that triggers could encourage revenue underestimation and noted bond rating concerns about a structural deficit. Several motions were made to accept the Senate position with the $400,000 threshold and related amendments, but the first motion failed on a party-line style split, with the Senate voting yes and the House voting no. A second House motion to accede to the Senate position while also including the nursing home funding, the threshold increase, and the future trigger language was also rejected by the Senate. The meeting ended with the report filed without agreement on the trigger language, and the transcript then notes a separate reconvened committee of conference on HB 751 being postponed until 12:30 the next day.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session (Part 2 of September 12, 2025 Legislative day)

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, I understand at the micro level, there are real jobs.
  • We built 54 units, and there were 4,000 people who applied for those units.
  • It will help us to decarbonize across the United States, and I urge an aye vote.
  • Instead, we united. Sometimes it wasn't easy, but we got things done. Thank you.
  • United, sometimes it wasn't easy, but we got things done.
Summary: The chamber reconvened after a late-night session and first adopted the consent calendar, including ACR 107 on the Diablo Range, by a 48-0 vote. Members then took up several Senate bills and Assembly measures, with repeated remarks about the long hours and the need to respect staff and keep proceedings moving. A vote change was also announced for Assembly Member Patel on SB 414, changing from aye to not voting. The main policy debate centered on energy, climate, and affordability. SB 237, dealing with oil and gas policy, refinery closures, pipeline safety, Kern County permitting, gasoline blend flexibility, and regional fuel coordination, drew strong support from members who framed it as a managed transition to stabilize fuel supply and protect jobs, and strong opposition from members who called it a giveaway to oil interests and a setback for climate goals. The bill passed 59-0. SB 254, an energy affordability and wildfire package, included wildfire mitigation financing, a successor wildfire fund, transmission cost reductions, clean energy permitting changes, and energization timelines; members raised some concerns about local control, but the bill passed 58-0. SB 840 and AB 1207 advanced the cap-and-invest reauthorization package, with supporters emphasizing emissions reductions, housing, transit, wildfire prevention, and community air programs, while opponents argued it would raise costs and function as a tax-and-spend scheme. SB 840 passed 54-15 and AB 1207 passed 55-10, both with urgency and immediate transmittal. Members also approved SB 352, which makes the Bureau of Environmental Justice permanent and requires air quality monitoring and reporting on AB 617 implementation, by 43-19. AB 825, authorizing California to help establish a Westwide electricity market, was presented as a way to lower bills, improve reliability, and reduce emissions; it passed 67-2 and was sent to the Governor. Additional actions included concurrence in Senate amendments to AB 8 on cannabinoids and AB 383 on firearms cleanup, and the chamber began consideration of AB 764 on wildlife as the transcript ended.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • You mentioned micro, small modular, and regular reactors.
  • One is a micro modular reactor. It is a reactor technology that came out of—it's a fast reactor?
  • units here.
  • And ENRIC also has a LOTUS test bed, a laboratory for operation and testing in the United States.
  • And Enric also has a Lotus TestBet, a laboratory for operation and testing in the United States.
Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
  • APPROPRIATIONS MICRO LOAN PROGRAM FUNDING TO INTERMEDIARIES IN 55 STATES AND TERRITORIES AND ENFORCING
  • THE NUMBER OF STATES AND TERRITORIES ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MICRO LOAN PROGRAM FUNDING FROM 55 TO 56.
  • His accomplishments have been recognized with dozens of prestigious awards, including the United Way
  • HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH DOZENS OF PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS, INCLUDING THE UNITED WAY
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
  • Uh, Parasite Systems is developing a new unit to help farmers and vet clinics more efficiently track
  • 00:31:11.360> new Parasite Systems is developing a new Parasite Systems is developing a new unit
  • potentially have a research uh a micro potentially have a research uh a micro research<00:36:23.440
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee met and approved the August 21, 2025 minutes. The main presentation came from Brandon Reid of the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, who reported that implementation of the Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board created by Senate Bill 28 and House Joint Resolution 31 is ahead of schedule. He said the board has been appointed and has met several times, has adopted guidelines and an application process, and has launched its application on the KDA website. He also noted new staffing, including a project manager, and said the office is already working on projects, though some are confidential because of coordination with the Economic Development Cabinet and nondisclosure agreements. Members praised the effort and emphasized the importance of having agriculture represented in economic development work. Reid also described ongoing outreach by Commissioner Jonathan Shell, including farmer appreciation and classroom visits across the state. The committee then heard from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton and Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp. executive director Jacob Ball about the Bluegrass Ag Tech Development Corp., a public-private partnership involving Lexington-Fayette, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky, and Altech. They said the organization aims to make Kentucky a national and international hub for ag tech, and that it has already awarded challenge grants to startups. Ball explained that the program focuses on animal protein, nutrition, sustainability, mid-size farm solutions, and Kentucky traditions such as distilling and equine. He reported that two rounds of grants have totaled $925,000, with the first round’s seven companies leveraging that into nearly $7 million in follow-on investment, supporting 56.5 Kentucky jobs and creating more than a dozen new jobs. The presentation also highlighted statewide outreach, including applications and engagement from counties across Kentucky, and the goal of expanding participation in eastern Kentucky. Members expressed support for both initiatives and discussed the value of agriculture-specific expertise in economic development. Reid said the Department of Agriculture and the Economic Development Cabinet maintain regular communication and that the new board gives agriculture a seat at the table for future site and industry recruitment efforts. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Green Route serves Kirkwood Mall, United Tribes Technical College, the University of Mary, and the
  • If you call for a ride-share, you call for a demand-response micro-type transit ride, you may not be
  • If you call for a ride-share, you call for a demand-response micro-type transit ride, you may not be
  • If you call for a ride-share, you call for a demand-response micro-type transit ride, you may not be
Summary: The committee met as a study subcommittee on fixed-route public transportation and first approved the December 11 minutes. It then heard detailed presentations from transit leaders in Grand Forks, Bismarck/Mandan, and Fargo about their systems, including route structures, paratransit service, ridership trends, fare changes, funding sources, fleet replacement needs, and operational challenges. Grand Forks described Cities Area Transit’s 17 routes, university shuttle service, expanded paratransit coverage, a 2025 fare increase, and rising costs for labor, fuel, parts, and new buses. Bismarck/Mandan’s Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions approved for April 1, fare structure, ridership recovery since COVID, and major funding streams including mill levies, federal grants, and new local sales tax revenue. Fargo’s MATBUS representative emphasized the importance of continued state support for urban fixed-route transit. Members asked extensive questions about cost per ride, fare increases, school transportation, veteran service partnerships, app-based ticketing, local funding formulas, and whether ride-share or microtransit could replace fixed routes. Transit officials said fixed-route service remains essential because it provides reliable capacity, supports jobs and access to services, and preserves federal funding tied to public transit operations. They also said paratransit is costly but necessary for riders with disabilities, and that vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Minot’s transit superintendent added context on the state’s existing transit aid formula, explaining that it is weighted more toward rural and paratransit providers and that urban fixed-route systems are seeking a separate, dedicated funding source rather than changes to the current formula. The committee also heard public testimony from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy supporting both fixed-route and paratransit service for disabled riders, and from Minot staff on refurbished buses, CDL driver recruitment, and why the agency is not pursuing full electric buses. Near the end, members discussed whether to recommend additional state funding for the four urban fixed-route systems. A motion passed to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of the subcommittee’s activities for inclusion in the Government Finance Committee’s report to Legislative Management. Members then continued discussing possible recommendations, including a separate funding source for urban fixed-route transit and whether the four urban systems should meet to develop a proposed amount.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Nov 19th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • The company specializes in micro-electromechanical systems.
  • When you do things like pick up your phone and it lights up, that's because there's a micro-electromechanical
  • of the largest cruise ports in the world, two of the highest aviation passenger boardings in the United
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions. Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Indeed, universities across the United States are facing the challenges of uneven access and inconsistent
  • We're also piloting the concept of project-based paid micro-internships with many of our industry partners
  • The micro-internships, we're doing a pilot this fall, and the AWS Innovation event that Leslie Ion attended—it
  • And we have other kinds of micro-internship opportunities that we're exploring—Adobe ambassadors.
  • had the privilege over interim to go and have conversations with some of the labor leaders in the United
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Higher Education and the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an oversight hearing on the California State University’s AI-empowered initiative, including the systemwide rollout of ChatGPT EDU and broader AI integration across CSU campuses. Opening remarks emphasized both the promise of AI for student success, workforce preparation, and access, and the need to address risks such as bias, privacy, misinformation, environmental impacts, and mental health harms. CSU representatives said the initiative grew out of Academic Senate recommendations and a systemwide generative AI committee, and that the goal was to provide equitable access, training, governance, and workforce alignment across the 23-campus system. CSU officials described systemwide contracts for AI tools, the AI Commons training hub, and faculty grant programs supporting AI-related curriculum innovation. They said more than 93,000 ChatGPT EDU accounts had been activated, over 4,300 faculty had taken voluntary training, and $3 million had been awarded to 63 faculty-led projects from more than 400 submissions. San Jose State University highlighted its own AI-focused programs, courses, orientation training, faculty fellows, student ambassadors, and interdisciplinary efforts to build AI literacy and responsible use into instruction and co-curricular programs. CSU also said it was tracking metrics on adoption, academic outcomes, workforce outcomes, and environmental impacts. Faculty, staff, and student representatives welcomed the educational potential of AI but raised concerns about the rollout, saying it had moved quickly and without enough consultation or consistent systemwide policy. They urged stronger protections for academic freedom, intellectual property, privacy, equity, and worker input, and warned about bias, surveillance, job displacement, and the environmental cost of AI. Legislators pressed CSU and OpenAI representatives on training requirements, data privacy, bias reporting, discipline for misuse, liability, sycophancy, and safeguards against harmful uses such as non-consensual imagery or self-harm-related interactions. CSU said interactions in the licensed tool are private, data are not used to train models, and campuses retain their own conduct processes; members also asked CSU to follow up on systemwide training, policy consistency, and additional safeguards.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 24, 2026 - 03:00 PM

Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, the bill allows all local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in any residential zoned
  • So, not only does this mean that the accessory dwelling unit won't be used for affordable housing.
  • Moreover, Florida is the top 3 polluters in the United States right now.
  • Collectively small modular and micro reactors.
  • Collectively small modular and micro reactors.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Education Jan 26th, 2026 at 08:32 am

Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • school districts across the state, including elementary math specialist training, numerous K-5 math micro-credentials
  • I’ve also helped highlight the micro-referencing. This journey also led me beyond my classroom.
  • It tends to be a trend in the United States right about that point.
  • My speculation, It tends to be a trend in the United States right about that point.
  • And if there's a gap in fractions or percent, It tends to be a trend in the United States right about
Bills: SB29, SB64
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Ways & Means May 12th, 2025

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • The park board is a component unit created by the city to carry out tourism promotion, beach cleaning
  • The law allows a taxing unit to levy an unrestricted INS, interest and sinking property tax rate, to
  • For those taxing units that want to claim fiscal responsibility by paying off debt early, the problem
  • One factor prompting property tax bills to spike is the intentional decision by certain taxing units
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business - 03/04/2026

Commerce, Economic Development And Small Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • York State Urban Development Corporation Act in relation to making small business loans available to micro-businesses
  • opportunities we give these business owners who are smaller than the traditional small business owner, meaning micro-business
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business held its first meeting of the 2006 legislative session, chaired by Senator April Baskin, with Senator Dean Murray and other members present. The committee took up six bills focused on small business, economic development, and related regulatory issues. Senators generally expressed support for the committee’s mission and for measures aimed at helping businesses grow and reducing red tape. The committee reported Senate Bill 1052, directing the Department of Economic Development to move the Central New York Welcome Center to the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn, to the calendar, with one opposed. Senate Bill 1613A, directing plans for mixed-use development and redesign on part of the Haremont campus, was reported to finance. Senate Bill 2051, allowing bed and breakfast establishments to sell cider, liquor, beer, and wine, was reported to the calendar after members said it had passed the Senate in prior years and supported it as a small business measure. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 3561, which would require a study of kitchen incubators in New York State; Senator Borrello spoke in favor, citing a successful incubator example in his district, and Senator Zellner voted without recommendation, sending the bill to finance. Senate Bill 6010, creating more access to small business loans for micro-businesses, was reported to finance with broad support. Finally, Senate Bill 7332, establishing a small business regulatory nexus to provide regulatory information to small businesses, was reported to the calendar as a transparency and anti-red tape measure. The meeting concluded after all legislative items were acted on and members were reminded to submit voting sheets.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

GVO Informational Briefing 12-16-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> We did even consider micro businesses. >> And the survey says people want to know... >> That's not
  • <00:31:49.560> micro >> We did even consider micro micro >> We did even consider
  • micro micro businesses. businesses. businesses.
  • <00:32:17.480> businesses pathways for micro businesses pathways for micro businesses to<00
  • So, even in our conference room like this, a micro change in temperature indicates about how many
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.