Transcript Highlights:

• So the small businesses in Hawaii, 99.3% of businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and these businesses
• So the small businesses in Hawaii, 99.3% of businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and these businesses
• So the small businesses in Hawaii, 99.3% of businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and these businesses
• So the small businesses in Hawaii, 99.3% of businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and these businesses
• So, the small businesses in Hawaii, 99.3% of businesses in Hawaii are small businesses, and these businesses

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The committee heard a series of Governor’s messages for confirmation to several boards and councils, with the chair noting the meeting would continue on Monday and that testimony would be limited due to the large volume of submissions. For Governor’s Message 660, Kelly Oka was nominated to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Oka described her work in workforce development and technology, emphasizing equitable access to tech jobs for local residents, keeping young talent in Hawaii, and using HTDC to attract major technology firms and support cybersecurity and startup growth. Testimony from multiple individuals and organizations was strongly supportive, and members asked about HTDC’s challenges, federal funding, and how to attract more tech investment; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then considered Governor’s Message 529, nominating Fono Cafi Mei to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board. Mei said he had 20 years of crane-operating experience, including work on rail projects, and union representatives and labor organizations testified in support. Next, Governor’s Message 502 nominated Ken Louie to the Workforce Development Council. Louie highlighted his four years on the council, including two as chair, his family business, and his goal of expanding opportunities for younger and adult workers. DBEDT, council members, and labor representatives supported him, and members questioned him about the council’s priorities, staffing, federal funding uncertainty, apprenticeships, and military-to-private-sector transition programs. The committee also took up Governor’s Messages 581 and 690 together, both relating to Jared Gashi’s nomination to the Workforce Development Council for different terms. Gashi, from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, said he would bring the tourism industry’s perspective to workforce development, citing workforce shortages, internships, scholarships, and the need for a broader tourism voice on the council. Support testimony came from state officials and community members, who praised his reliability and leadership; a member asked how he would broaden the council beyond tourism, and Gashi said HLTA represents a wide range of tourism-related sectors and partners. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 571 for Eric Noi to the Deferred Compensation Plan Board, with Noi citing his fiscal and budgeting background; DHS, the board chair, and others supported him. Finally, Governor’s Message 667 nominated Ty Noara to the same board, and Keith Regan testified in strong support, citing her public service, intelligence, and ability to handle difficult situations. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Governor’s Message 560, nominating David Louie to the Employees’ Retirement System Board, with Louie, the ERS executive director, the finance director, and former Governor Abercrombie offering strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't want to have to run a business on the side.
• Pop-up businesses are a proven, effective way to activate these vacant spaces and give small businesses
• Pop-up businesses are a proven, effective way to activate these vacant spaces and give small businesses
• businesses.
• AB 1679 creates a real-world solution by our business. working for small businesses.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1887, which would speed prior authorization for FDA-approved rare disease treatments prescribed by specialists and, if a plan does not act within 30 days, deem the request approved. The author and supporters, including patients and clinicians, said delays can cause irreversible harm, hospitalizations, and death, especially for children and people with progressive rare diseases. Health plans and insurers opposed the bill’s automatic-approval provision and said the measure lacked safeguards for incomplete requests and shared responsibility for timely information. The chair encouraged continued work with opponents, and the author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier version that would have waived prior authorization entirely. The committee also heard AB 1979 on artificial intelligence in health care, AB 2161 on Medi-Cal work requirements, AB 539 on extending approved prior authorizations, AB 2311 on physician employment at public hospital districts, AB 1148 on banning phthalates and bisphenols in food packaging, AB 1825 on mental health offender reentry coordination, and AB 2282 on a temporary emergency stabilization unit in Patterson. AB 1979 would preserve licensed clinicians’ professional judgment, bar AI from directing unlicensed clinical functions, and protect medical records used by consumer chatbots; after amendments, several hospital, medical, and industry groups moved from opposition to neutral. AB 2161 would limit the harm of federal Medi-Cal work-reporting rules by using existing data, improving notices, and protecting due process; it drew broad support from patient, provider, and advocacy groups. AB 539 would keep prior authorization approvals valid for up to one year or the course of treatment, with supporters citing continuity of care and opponents warning about utilization, fraud, and cost concerns. AB 2311, as amended, would let certain high-payer-mix or distressed public health care districts directly employ physicians; CMA withdrew opposition after the bill was narrowed, while some hospital interests still objected to the carve-out. AB 1148 would prohibit two chemicals commonly used in food packaging, with supporters citing cancer and endocrine-disruption risks and opponents arguing DTSC should handle the issue through its existing regulatory process. AB 1825 would improve transition planning and Medi-Cal enrollment for offenders with mental health disorders leaving state hospitals, and AB 2282 would authorize a temporary rural emergency stabilization care unit in Patterson until a permanent hospital is built. Several bills were held for later action because the committee lacked a quorum, and the chair repeatedly noted that motions would be taken once enough members returned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first three items are composing a special order of business.
• The bill also applies to small business insurance agents.
• any business, and the insurance business has a microscope on it given unique situations currently.
• any business, and the insurance business has a microscope on it given unique situations currently. .
• Nick Goodwin, business manager, plumber.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> splits of the revenue for the business splits of the revenue for the business taxes<00:12:37.920
• </c> 181 of hb2 in regards to the business 181 of hb2 in regards to the business profit<00:18:08.880>
• :18:10.520><c> tax</c> profit tax and business Enterprise tax profit tax and business Enterprise tax
• <00:19:22.760><c> Enterprise</c><00:19:23.600><c> tax</c> business Enterprise tax business Enterprise
• </c><00:34:27.320><c> community</c> between the business community between the business community and

Summary: The committee first considered an amendment to add a new “Lakes” license plate to HB 2, with proceeds directed to the cyanobacteria fund for lake cleanup. Representative McGuire said the bill had already passed on consent and asked that it be included in HB 2; members discussed that it had also gone to the Senate. The motion to adopt the amendment failed on a 7-8 vote. The committee then took up an amendment imposing a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds, with several exemptions for funds that could not legally or appropriately be charged, such as those involving federal money or bequests. Supporters said it would make the treatment of dedicated funds more consistent and raise roughly $31 million over the biennium for the general fund, while opponents questioned the number of carve-outs and who currently pays the administrative costs. The amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. Next, the committee reconsidered and then adopted an amendment changing the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, reducing the share going to the Education Trust Fund from 41% to 30% and increasing the General Fund share. Supporters argued the Senate had overfunded the Education Trust Fund and that the change would help balance the budget without changing education spending levels; opponents said they could not support taking money from the Education Trust Fund. The amendment passed 5-3. The committee also adopted, by the same 5-3 margin, an amendment incorporating HB 741 language on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools, with supporters calling it House policy and opponents noting it had been a close, partly partisan vote in the House. Finally, the committee considered a change to the University System of New Hampshire budget that would reduce general fund appropriations by $40 million per year, offset in part by $15 million in previously approved unique dollars for a net reduction of $25 million per year. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that other options had been exhausted; opponents called it harmful to the university system and argued the committee should instead look to other areas, including education freedom accounts, for savings. The discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on the UNH item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Explore Minnesota for business uh Explore Minnesota for business uh dollars<00:57:12.880><c> that</c>
• Businesses continue to expand here.
• </c> uh we're doing very well with business uh we're doing very well with business application<01:02:
• </c> businesses are we supporting business businesses are we supporting business expansions<01:02:56.039
• </c> businesses and a few more small business businesses and a few more small business Assistance<01:

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:05.760><c> that</c> that may for for our businesses that that may for for our businesses that
• </c><00:43:49.119><c> They</c> business. They they're very good. They business.
• Um, one of the points businesses.
• </c> grow our business. It's just him and I. grow our business. It's just him and I.
• </c> smaller business owners, if you will. smaller business owners, if you will.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• The legacy is going to be stronger businesses.
• development, small business opportunities.
• And it's an opportunity for all those small businesses.
• But we're so busy with everything else.
• But we're so busy with everything else.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, focusing on infrastructure, transportation, sustainability, ticketing, community benefits, and legacy planning. LA28’s Joey Freeman reported on overall progress, including new soccer venues across the country, strong ticket demand, a volunteer program launched early, $2.5 billion in corporate sponsorships, and recently enacted state laws to support route networks, temporary infrastructure, medical staffing, and EMS coordination. He also said LA28 is sponsoring AB 2436 to extend in-state tuition eligibility for Team USA student-athletes training in California. Members pressed LA28 heavily on ticket affordability and access, saying the local presale and low-cost ticket rollout had not met community expectations. Several senators asked for clearer numbers on how many tickets were available, how many were under $100, and how community ticketing would work, with concerns that nonprofit distribution could still miss low-income residents. LA28 said $28 tickets were offered, roughly 500,000 low-cost tickets were placed with local residents during the presale, and a community ticketing program seeded by philanthropy would provide free tickets through nonprofits. Senators also raised concerns about gender parity data, security funding, and whether federal support would remain stable. Mayor Karen Bass said the city’s theme is “Games for All” and emphasized that Los Angeles wants the Games to benefit every neighborhood through small-business contracting, cultural programming, and lasting infrastructure. She described city-run small business summits, a broader Cultural Olympiad effort tied to murals and neighborhood storytelling, and watch parties and fan fests as free community alternatives. Bass also requested state help speeding approvals for key public-land improvements, allowing mutual aid for law enforcement without a state of emergency, and addressing freeway trash and encampments that could affect access to venues. Members asked for follow-up on those requests, including details on permitting, Caltrans coordination, and business participation. The final panel began with an infrastructure presentation from Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who said the Games are a no-build, transit-first event and outlined requests for street and sidewalk improvements, accessibility upgrades, energy and charging infrastructure, a joint operations center, active transportation projects, and cleanup of Caltrans rights of way. He argued the Games could generate $18 billion in economic output, support 90,000 jobs, and produce at least $700 million in state and local tax revenue, while also leaving behind permanent community benefits. He closed by pointing to Los Angeles’ history with the 1932 and 1984 Games as evidence that the city can deliver a successful and financially positive Olympics.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s a simpler, more unified standard for small businesses.
• These businesses are continuing to grow, they’re continuing to expand, and businesses access new customers
• varies quite a lot from state to state in the treatment, and a lot of it is sometimes done on a business-by-business
• basis, as opposed to how California—” “On a business-by-business basis as opposed to how California
• From the administration's perspective, this is business as usual.

Summary: The subcommittee first received an informational update on the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GoServe), including California Volunteers, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, and the Youth Empowerment Commission. GoServe reported strong participation in College Corps, Youth Service Corps, and Climate Action Corps, along with outreach results from OCPSC and the Trusted Messenger Network. The Department of Finance said the programs remain a priority but noted prior budget reductions, while the LAO said it had no new recommendations. Committee members raised questions about program diversity, geographic reach, administrative costs, and whether the programs duplicate existing volunteer opportunities; one member criticized the programs as costly and duplicative, while another emphasized the value of volunteerism and asked about the men’s service challenge. The item was informational only. The committee then heard an overview of the Board of Equalization’s property tax responsibilities and its first budget proposals since the 2017 reorganization. BOE described its role in county assessment oversight, state-assessed property valuation, and related tax administration. Members asked about BOE’s interaction with counties, property tax reassessments, and local tax notices; BOE explained it mainly works with county assessors and handles technical property tax questions, while local special district charges are generally outside its scope. The committee also considered a BOE proposal to implement SB 293, which would give additional time for certain intergenerational property tax transfer claims after the 2025 wildfires. BOE requested $154,000 for guidance, public materials, and inquiry response work, saying the change is urgent for wildfire-affected families, especially in Altadena. The LAO had no concerns, and the item was held open. BOE also presented an information technology modernization proposal for its state-assessed property program, seeking $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $3.1 million in 2027-28 to replace a 30-year-old mainframe system. BOE said the current system relies heavily on manual data entry and paper processes, creating inefficiencies, cybersecurity risks, and delays, while modernization would free staff for more audits and valuation studies. The LAO supported the need but urged a high bar for new IT projects; Finance said the project met the threshold of necessity. Members generally supported the upgrade but asked about audit gains, revenue impacts, and implementation risks, and the item was held open. Finally, CDTFA gave its department overview and then discussed a proposal to require all delivery network companies, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, to be treated as marketplace facilitators for sales tax purposes. CDTFA said the current carve-out creates confusion for restaurants and small businesses because some DNCs collect and remit tax while others do not, and the change would improve compliance and shift reporting to larger platforms. Members debated whether the proposal amounts to a tax increase for consumers, with CDTFA and Finance arguing it is a consistency and compliance measure rather than a new tax, while others said it would likely raise consumer costs. The committee also discussed broader CDTFA issues, including local sales tax districts, revenue-sharing agreements, and the growth of special taxing jurisdictions. No votes were taken, and the agenda items were informational or held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• , business, and professional regulation.
• Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program award.
• Having businesses to support these individuals is critical.
• And so we cannot, you know,... ...and operate in the business.
• business rules and the logic.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars. The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken. Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the division director of business opportunities... My name is Brooklyn Wasser.
• I am the division director of business opportunities with Economic Development.
• Potentially, business facilities, the specific headquarters piece that took over later, maybe a later
• So regarding this, the business facility headquarters tax credit, I had some background.
• Yeah, is the business facility headquarters tax credit program here in the summary?

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and reviewed the state’s tax credit programs, using a distributed packet and taking member questions rather than hearing formal presentations. Representative Mayhew questioned the Department of Economic Development about the Business Facility Headquarters Tax Credit Program. Agency staff explained that the program is limited to headquarters operations, requires a Missouri headquarters to be at least 50 years old, and has only been used by Burns & McDonnell. To qualify, a company must create at least 25 new jobs, make at least $1 million in new investment, and maintain an average of at least $20 million in business facility investment. Staff also said the credit is transferable and sellable, has no annual cap, and currently sunsets on December 31, 2028; a proposal to extend the sunset to 2031 was noted, but the committee discussion did not address that legislation directly. Mayhew said he had intended to offer an amendment or motion related to the credit but would hold off, citing commitments from involved parties to make significant changes next year. Representative Fogle then asked about the broader tax credit motion, confirming that expired credits listed for approval were ones the state no longer had authority to issue, and that the low-income housing and historic preservation caps matched fiscal year 2026 levels. Representative Martin asked whether the packet or motion was changing the separate legislation on the headquarters credit; the chair and others clarified it was not, and that the committee’s action was a routine budget-related tax credit authorization distinct from standing committee legislation. The committee then moved into executive session and adopted the FY 2027 tax credit authorization motion. The roll call passed 21 ayes, 1 no, and 0 present. Representative Mayhew voted no; the remaining recorded votes were in favor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the division director of business opportunities... My name is Brooklyn Wasser.
• I am the division director of business opportunities with Economic Development.
• I believe it was 2005 when it was originally created, potentially business...
• So regarding this, the business facility headquarters tax credit, I had some background.
• Yeah, is the business facility headquarters tax credit program here in the summary?

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• This year it's SB 1182, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development
• Act, which is designed to provide our veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses with fee relief
• This year it's SB 1182, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development
• Is there any other business?
• Is there any other business? None? Senator Burgess? Yes, sir? Senator Burgess, audible.

Bills: S1182 , S1594

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill. The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also discourages new businesses from coming here.
• It also discourages new businesses from coming here.
• But it seems as though there are some businesses and some people that this is a concern for business
• The payer has five business days to respond.
• The payer has five business days to respond.

Bills: HB282 , HB293 , HB390 , HB456 , HB460 , HB561 , HB819 , HB1023 , HB1047 , HB1101

Committee: House Labor & Industrial

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• My background is 48 years in this business. I had to stop. and think.
• So we've got to figure out a way to keep him in business.
• However, they are subsidizing those businesses at the county level.
• Our agricultural business can be deeply affected by this.
• As a veterinarian, I'm in the business of preventative medicine.

Bills: HB43 , HB3364 , HB3469 , HB3479 , HB43

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when it passed after the 2018 Ashby elevator failure, it nearly put this business out of business
• And when it passed after the 2018 Ashby elevator failure, it nearly put this business out of business
• Hicks votes aye. truly are our small elevator businesses, truly are our small elevator businesses, and
• </c><01:08:15.960><c> who</c> employees and the businesses who employees and the businesses who actually
• It has to be recognizing small businesses are different.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are businesses operating in our state.
• , including sponsorship by the Small Business Majority, with over 85,000 small business members.
• We have over 100 small business organizations and small business owners in support of this bill, in addition
• AB 2465 prohibits businesses that profit AB 2465 prohibits businesses that profit from private detention
• Businesses are safer, families are safer.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we wanted to get out of the trailer business, and so we got out of the trailer business. Mr.
• Livable wages so that we can create businesses. Like I told you, I had a business.
• Livable wages so that we can create businesses. Like I told you, I had a business.
• So we have to do business as business.
• business went out of business before the money was collected, then you don't have an easy place to send

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:

• First order of business is roll call.
• He wants to be a business major.
• Speaker, we are the Committee on Business.
• Speaker, a couple of items of business here. Mr. Speaker, a couple of items of business here.
• at 7th order business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's available for agricultural businesses, which are defined as businesses of a food or agricultural
• An ag business can have up to three interns per calendar year.
• Archeological surveys for private business?
• It's a high risk business.
• It's been that for my business and other family-owned businesses like me.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you're a business that pays property taxes, you can get a check.
• While we've heard from many businesses on the importance of the R&D tax credit, we've also heard from
• </c><00:48:26.359><c> climate</c> advancing a competitive business climate advancing a competitive business
• </c> while we've heard from many businesses while we've heard from many businesses on<00:49:03.119><c
• </c> we've also heard from businesses we've also heard from businesses especially<00:49:06.799><c> from

Bills: HF4 , HF173

Committee: House Taxes