Transcript Highlights:

• And the Business Council was there to make investments in things like business parks and business recruiting
• So, being a small business owner, we've got way more problems than just getting some money out of the
• And sometimes that gets in the way of the small business of your Wyoming Business Council.
• </c> business ready community program. business ready community program.
• </c> related to business council? related to business council?

Committee: Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These small businesses serve working parents. with small smaller and more personalized child care options
• So, this is a small change, it's consistent the way Texas has always done business.
• Of course, you know that this is, you know, a small business. incubator in essence.
• It's a small, small, we believe in the... grand scheme of things, percentage of the actors, but it's
• And then that gives you all that ceiling again for small business. is to stay and check.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the core, this is about giving small businesses the opportunity to execute their resiliency.
• We need a regulatory framework that reflects the progress of the small business community.
• There is a signal that our current system isn't working for small businesses.
• I'm a small business owner and I own Nativo restaurant in Los Angeles.
• Our small businesses and residents are desperate to fill them.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so for systems like these, these are small nuclear systems.
• We have the opportunity for this business. It's ours to lose.
• That's a small modular reactor.
• and microreactor is very small reactors.
• And since I've been here 16 years, nuclear, small reactors, small modular, 10 years off, 10 years off

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, small providers are struggling to stay in business, and workers are struggling.
• Right now, small providers are struggling to stay in business, and workers are struggling.
• And in the end, child care is a business. ...and eliminate a margin in a business.
• They also restrict entrepreneurs and small businesses from starting a business or hiring qualified workers
• of such a business.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• We're getting locates called in for five mile radius as a small company.
• Currently we require 5 to 7 business days to complete any locate request.
• Also, Most small water utilities don't have regular business hours 25% of them don't even have an office
• , or any business hours at all.
• We lose money, which we're in business to make money.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could it hurt those small businesses? This is for larger trucks, larger vehicles.
• OIDA represents 130,000 small business truckers across the United States.
• So that's a big chunk of the business. 96% are small business, which is like 20 trucks or less, of all
• business... ...district was saying before that this is just for small business truckers.
• Trucking for a small business person's very, very small profit margins, you know, 50, 60 after taxes.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:05.679><c> communities</c> small business owners in our communities small business owners
• We've heard from these small businesses, but I've heard from a lot of small businesses and, frankly,
• We've heard from these small businesses, but I've heard from a lot of small businesses and, frankly,
• We've heard from these small businesses, but I've heard from a lot of small businesses and, frankly,
• </c><00:57:40.200><c> business</c> million reduction for small business million reduction for small business

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I asked for our businesses.
• I asked for our businesses.
• And, you know, it's just small businesses, a pick-and-shovel, a small little restaurant in town.
• ... ...or operating services that can be contracted using rules to enable a larger number of small businesses
• business as well as the disadvantaged business enterprise work.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee began with a work session on the Fairfax Carbon River SR-165 Bridge closure and replacement. Wilkeson Mayor Jamie Pololi described the bridge as a long-neglected state asset whose closure cut off a gateway community from Mount Rainier access, hurt local businesses and municipal revenue, complicated emergency response, and severed access to public lands. Pierce County’s Melissa Littleton emphasized that the Fairfax closure, along with recent bridge closures from other causes, shows the need for stronger preservation and modernization funding. WSDOT’s Steve Rourke explained that the 105-year-old bridge was permanently closed after structural failure, that a detour route on private property is now the only access for some residents, and that the agency’s planning study considered seven alternatives; the current recommendation is to continue geotechnical work and NEPA review, with construction likely taking 24 months or more once a design is finalized. Committee members asked about detour distance, speeding up the project, emergency authority, historic-preservation issues, community mitigation, and funding needs; WSDOT said about $7 million in existing preservation funds has already been used and more will be needed. The committee then heard public testimony on proposed substitute Senate Bill 5987, which would declare the Fairfax Bridge closure an emergency, direct WSDOT to restore SR-165 access as soon as possible, and give the transportation secretary some emergency authorities. Supporters, including the mayor, residents, recreation advocates, and trail groups, said the bill is needed because the closure was foreseeable, has harmed local economies and recreation access, and lacks a current emergency response pathway. WSDOT testified in opposition, warning that the bill could create false expectations because most of the timeline is driven by federal environmental review and historic-preservation requirements that the secretary cannot waive. The bill drew strong support in testimony, with 606 pro, 1 con, and 2 other recorded on the sign-in tally. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6170, which would raise dollar thresholds for state highway work performed by state forces and for certain contracting rules that help small and disadvantaged businesses compete. Staff said the limits have not been updated since 2005 and the bill would increase the normal state-force threshold from $60,000 to $100,000 and the emergency threshold from $100,000 to $160,000. Senator King, the prime sponsor, said the change would better match inflation and help keep maintenance work in-house when appropriate. Washington Federation of State Employees and WSDOT supported the bill, saying it would help maintenance workers do more timely work without harming existing equity and small-business contracting programs; the committee noted 55 pro and no con on the sign-in tally. The chair then reminded members that amendment requests for the upcoming executive session were due the next day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that 180-day business relationship nullifies any of the no-call list. Okay. All right.
• And they said it would power an Air Force base or a small town.
• Typical small modular reactors produce about 300 megawatts or less.
• We've been talking about small modular reactors for years.
• And maybe these small measures might go to 500 or 600 or maybe 800.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objection, we're on that order of business.
• Hearing no objection, we're on that order of business.
• business.
• business.
• Hearing no objection, we're on that order of business.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor is also proposing $10 million in partially forgivable loans to small businesses impacted
• </c><00:09:37.320><c> businesses</c><00:09:38.000><c> impacted</c><00:09:38.520><c> by</c> loans to small
• businesses impacted by loans to small businesses impacted by Operation<00:09:40.480><c> Metro</c><00
• ,</c><00:09:50.120><c> you</c> go out and you talk to businesses, you go out and you talk to businesses
• small folks, whether it's communities like this.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republicans discussed the governor’s supplemental budget and criticized proposed cuts to nursing homes, disability services, and counties, arguing the changes would hurt vulnerable Minnesotans and that the tax package would amount to roughly an $868 million increase. They said they were open to some family-focused tax provisions, such as an expanded child care or dependent credit, but opposed broader tax increases and several previously rejected ideas, including sales tax changes and a social media tax. A major topic was fraud prevention and the Office of Legislative Auditor report on kickbacks. Republicans said the report reinforced their push for a statewide independent Office of Inspector General with a law enforcement division and a broader fraud definition, and they argued the office would have handled the cases more effectively. They also said they support the concept of an OIG bill but want only modest amendments, while criticizing House Democrats for resisting the law enforcement division and for raising constitutional objections they called a drafting issue. The lawmakers also reacted skeptically to the governor’s proposed AI-related job development fund and $10 million in forgivable loans for businesses affected by Operation Metro Search, saying the aid would mainly benefit downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul rather than the broader state. They closed with broader comments that the session felt relatively normal and less intense than past years, noted ongoing work on a bonding bill, and joked about campaign politics, possible candidates, and even the idea of a Senate dog.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Ocala, Florida, it's a Florida small business. I can tell you that every brick...
• family businesses, small Florida businesses in this great state's economy would actually fail.
• We are a small business, and HB 105 will devastate not only our small business...
• HB 105 will devastate not only our small business, but the racing industry in Florida.
• So it's a full circle where a lot of small businesses are supported.

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS. The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably. The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, according to our business strategy, we are deeply committed to supporting our small businesses
• Small businesses are the backbone of the Massachusetts economy.
• connect directly with business owners, providing hands-on technical assistance and ensuring small businesses
• small businesses, but at the start.
• small businesses, but at the start.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California's small businesses are drivers of our economic growth and mobility.
• In 2025, California reported a total of 4.3 million small businesses.
• Additionally, the total awarded state dollars from mandatory agencies to small businesses and micro-businesses
• for small businesses.
• business; a list of all contracts of the state agency that include a subcontract with a small business

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 936 on nitrous oxide sales. Senator Blakespear and supporters, including Orange and Humboldt County supervisors and public safety, medical, waste, and local government groups, argued the bill would curb youth misuse, impaired driving, and hazardous waste by prohibiting retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than eight grams while preserving legitimate uses. There was no lead opposition testimony, though members raised questions about enforcement and existing regulatory agencies. The committee ultimately moved the bill on a due pass basis to Senate Appropriations, with broad support and no recorded opposition at the time of the vote. Members also heard SB 1312 on abandoned cemeteries and SB 1340 on small business contracting transparency. SB 1312 would use the existing cemetery workgroup process to develop recommendations for addressing abandoned cemeteries, with the author and the Cemetery and Mortuary Association describing vandalism, theft, and inadequate endowment funds as ongoing problems. SB 1340 would require state agencies to report more detailed small business contracting information, including actual payments, to the Office of the Small Business Advocate; the Controller’s office supported the measure as a way to improve accountability and help small businesses compete for state work. Both bills were moved forward on due pass motions to Senate Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 903 on artificial intelligence in mental health care, SB 1271 on midwifery preceptor data, and SB 1327 on EV charger accuracy oversight. SB 903 drew strong support from mental health and professional groups that said AI should not replace licensed clinicians, while medical and technology groups opposed it unless amended, warning the definitions were too broad and could hinder beneficial tools and research; the author said the bill was meant to keep a human clinician in the loop and allow administrative uses with consent. SB 1271 was supported by midwives and birth workers who said California needs better data on preceptor capacity to expand training and address maternity care deserts; it advanced to Senate Health. SB 1327 would shift EV charger accuracy oversight from CDFA’s weights and measures division to the California Energy Commission; supporters said this would modernize and standardize enforcement, while county sealers and others opposed the shift as unnecessary, costly, and potentially weakening consumer protections. SB 1327 passed on a divided vote to Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications. Several bills were held on call after votes, and the committee established quorum before taking formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• and our small businesses in particular.
• I'll add to the list of businesses that dry cleaners get very, very busy.
• The film business and television business are in flux.
• and lumber yards, restaurants, dry cleaners, and other small businesses.
• Remember, most of our downtown businesses are mom-and-pop, family-owned businesses that are small.

Bills: SB22 , SB 22

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, youth camp, summer camp, camp safety, emergency operations plan, emergency preparedness, evacuation drill, camp staff training, volunteer training, camper safety, lost camper, natural disaster, fire safety, mass casualty

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that many employers probably would be willing to look at this, especially small businesses
• I think it's going to go a long way in supporting our small businesses.
• Yeah, because it'll help like mid-sized corporations and small businesses.
• Yeah, because it'll help like mid-sized corporations and small businesses.
• So again, very tailored to small businesses.

Committee: House Economic Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our team that takes Florida small and emerging businesses around the world and really connects
• We helped 1,900 Florida small and emerging businesses generate $1.9 billion in direct sales going around
• We focus those dollars predominantly on businesses from rural communities, but also businesses that are
• rural county and just more small businesses in general that maybe weren't getting that opportunity.
• We focus those dollars predominantly on businesses from rural communities, but also businesses that are

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, local government, zoning regulations, military families, density bonus, homeownership, property taxes

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our USDA rural business development grants have supported small business development in the underserved
• The Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate are primary
• The Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocates are primary
• It's provided affordable housing funding, public transit money, and funding for small business.
• with assistance from the California Office of Small Business Administration and the California Office

Summary: The select committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment heard testimony on how California can support inclusive economic development through coordinated workforce, education, nonprofit, and industry partnerships. Chair Arambula opened by emphasizing that rural, low-income, and historically underinvested communities often face the greatest barriers to accessing state resources, and that the hearing would focus on successful collaboration models, the role of training and higher education, and future opportunities tied to economic mobility and social determinants of health. Witnesses from the California Workforce Association, Fresno State, and NextGen Policy described local and regional workforce systems in the Central Valley and beyond. They highlighted examples such as apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, employer-led partnerships, on-the-job training, support for women entering construction, programs for justice-involved and opportunity youth, and the need to braid federal, state, philanthropic, and private funding. Several speakers stressed that local workforce boards, community colleges, adult education, labor organizations, and community-based groups are best positioned to identify regional labor needs and that California should fund systems, not just individual grants, especially as federal workforce funding has declined and new work requirements tied to HR 1 and AI-related labor shifts create added pressure. A second panel focused on the Community Economic Mobility Initiative as a statewide model. Sierra Health Foundation and its partners said CME has helped community organizations build capacity, pursue more than $400 million in grants and contracts, and attract about $178 million back into California communities. Speakers from Siskiyou Economic Development Council, Fresno EDC, Edge Collaborative, and Líderes Campesinas gave examples of place-based projects in rural and urban regions, including business innovation centers, community-owned development, bioeconomy and restoration projects, subsidized employment, and farmworker-led cooperatives. They argued that long-term, locally driven investment produces stronger regional economies and better health outcomes, and urged the Legislature to provide durable funding and policy support rather than short-term extensions. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a fast-growing market that is currently unregulated, leaving small businesses exposed to unscrupulous
• </c> regulation for relatively small regulation for relatively small commercial<00:21:26.159><c> financing
• </c><00:21:46.080><c> businesses</c> unregulated, leaving small businesses unregulated, leaving small
• So very small impact. We heard per year. So very small impact.
• </c><00:50:38.079><c> amendment</c> and Means will offer a small amendment and Means will offer a small

Keywords: 926, house, all