Transcript Highlights:

• Chamber of Commerce Tonga in support. Chamber of Commerce Tonga in<00:24:11.160> support.
• Tonga testifying for Chamber of Commerce Tonga testifying for Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.<00:27:
• happening in lot of our our departments happening in lot of our our departments right<00:32:48.880
• <00:42:12.440> of well as sorry um Chamber of Commerce of well as sorry um Chamber of Commerce
• The witness said they have a tax research and planning department, but that department is more focused

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2045 relating to combat sports and recommended passage with SD1. Members adopted requested changes from DCCA and the boxing commission, including clarifying that the onsite medical professional must be a licensed physician, specifying when a deputy combat sports commissioner must file a written report, removing the combat sports registry language and ambulance requirement, clarifying promoter payment requirements, and requiring advance coordination with the nearest emergency room or hospital. The bill also makes technical amendments and sets an effective date of July 1, 2050. The measure passed unanimously among members present, with Senators Fukunaga and Kim excused. The joint hearing then considered SB 2187 relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Testimony was brief and largely in support, and the committees agreed to pass the bill with SD1, making technical non-substantive amendments and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees voted to adopt the recommendation, with members present voting aye and some senators excused. A longer portion of the hearing focused on several economic development measures, including SB 2072 on tourism, SB 3049 on a trade-oriented production capacity grant program, and SB 3166 and SB 3167 involving technology development and the blue economy. SB 2072 drew questions about cost, benefit, and the practicality of promoting Michelin-star restaurants in Hawaii. SB 3049 received broad support from DBEDT, HTDC, chambers, and industry groups, but members questioned whether a new grant program was needed, why DBEDT could not do it without legislation, and whether the state should instead use existing entities like HTDC; the discussion also covered matching funds, likely beneficiaries, and administrative capacity. SB 3166 and SB 3167 were supported by technology and ocean-sector witnesses who said the state needs coordinated planning, specialized expertise, and support for advanced manufacturing and ocean innovation, but members raised concerns about relying on third-party consultants, duplication of existing public capacity, ethics, cost, and whether the work should instead be done by state staff or existing institutions. No final votes on the later bills were captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• presentation from the uh, commerce presentation from the uh, commerce department<00:18:10.480>
• I'm the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance at the Department of Commerce.
• I'm the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance at the Department of Commerce.
• <00:18:55.760> uh<00:18:56.400> appreciate Department of Commerce. uh appreciate Department
• Commerce on the Department of Commerce on implementing<00:42:12.960> that.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting on the insurance affordability crisis affecting single-family housing, common interest communities, and multifamily rental housing. Members and staff introduced themselves, including representatives from insurers, the Department of Commerce, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and HOA/community association interests. Representative Steve Elkins was elected chair by roll call vote with 10 members in favor, after discussion that the Senate appointee’s formal appointment had not yet arrived; the group noted the intent to later move to co-chair leadership once that appointment is finalized. Staff reviewed the task force’s enabling statute and open meeting law requirements. The task force is charged with studying homeowners and commercial property insurance, property resilience and risk mitigation, liability laws and possible tort reform, notice and oversight issues, public reporting, and the state-supported insurance program, including possible expansion to a catastrophic reinsurance fund or self-insured pool. The final report is due February 15 and will go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees. Members were also briefed on meeting logistics, a draft charter to be voted on at the second meeting, a resource page for shared materials, and the schedule of future meetings. The Department of Commerce then gave an overview of Minnesota’s property and casualty insurance market. Commerce described its regulatory role, the state’s competitiveness test, and how homeowners insurance is often filed under a “file and use” process rather than prior approval. The presentation emphasized that homeowners coverage has been under pressure for years: insurers have lost money in many recent years, premiums have risen, some consumers are taking on more risk through higher deductibles or reduced coverage, and some are moving into the surplus market. Commerce also highlighted the impact of severe weather losses, the growth in premiums since 2014, and gaps in oversight for homeowners associations and related policies. The meeting then shifted to brainstorming the problems the task force should address. Early discussion focused on climate and construction-related resilience, including hail and wind-driven rain damage, discontinued building materials, and whether stronger materials are reflected in insurance pricing. Members also raised the need to study programs like Alabama’s fortified roof model and Minnesota’s own Strengthen Minnesota Homes effort, along with questions about whether the construction industry is prepared to support broader resilience measures. No additional votes were taken during the discussion segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• department of commerce before offering department of commerce before offering these<00:02:37.280
• Smith, you Department of Commerce. Mr.
• <00:04:11.120> The<00:04:11.360> department Department of Commerce.
• The department Department of Commerce.
• Smith from the Department of have Mr. Smith from the Department of Commerce,<00:07:57.919> Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions. Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property. Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have, in no particular order, the Department of Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly, Department of
• Next, I'm going to ask Secretary Alex Kelly with the Department of Commerce to come on down.
• But again, Alex Kelly, thank you, Chairman and all, here today just to present on the Department of Commerce
• and Enterprise Florida were combined into the Department of Commerce.
• of Economic Opportunity Enterprise Florida were combined in Department of Commerce out of that out of

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Canton Chamber of Commerce, in favor, no need to testify.
• They would require the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Hillary Shepard, South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, in favor; New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, in favor
• New Jersey Chamber of Commerce are seeking amendments.
• Chamber of Commerce: opposed, no need to testify.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• commissioner of the Minnesota Department commissioner of the Minnesota Department of<00:02:37.280
• the department of labor and industry. the department of labor and industry.
• I should note I also have the Department of Commerce here if there are specific questions related to
• <00:09:01.760> Commerce<00:09:02.080> here<00:09:02.240> if have the Department
• of Commerce here if have the Department of Commerce here if there<00:09:02.640> are<00:09:02.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some technical changes from the Department of Commerce.
• We have some technical changes from the Department of Commerce.
• The Commerce Department did its study of this, and this was why implementation was delayed, and they
• The commerce policy bill is nonpartisan. The commerce policy bill is not glamorous.
• This is also true for the commerce finance and the standalone commerce bills.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and with me today is Sam Smith, who's our
• The Commerce Department has made significant process and technology improvements to support our Office
• Securities division the Commerce Securities division the Commerce department<00:03:37.920> has
• <00:09:41.440> is Commerce that operating adjustment is Commerce that operating adjustment is
• the medical program from the Department the medical program from the Department of<00:25:24.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce. am.
• Commerce.
• Commerce.
• Commerce.
• changes from the Department of Commerce. changes from the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The first up is Deputy Commissioner Pete Wyckoff, Department of Commerce, followed by Ralph Kaler.
• My name is Pete Wyckoff, and I'm the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Commerce for Energy.
• The Department of Commerce study shows that the community solar program is a net cost benefit to Minnesota
• That's exactly what the Department of Commerce did in its report on the CSG program.
• The value of solar was a rate that was, or a methodology that was developed by the Department of Commerce

Bills: HF2103, HF2793

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, community solar, energy policy, sustainability, solar garden program, regulation sunset

Transcript Highlights:

• Department, requiring the Oil Conservation Commission and the Oil Conservation Division of the Energy
• , Minerals, and Natural Resources Department to protect public health and the environment.
• House Bill 44, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce
• House Bill 49, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce
• House Bill 59, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the senior managing director for the Growth Management Program at the Washington Department of Commerce
• of Commerce.
• We needed to be able to talk to, say, the Department of Commerce so that reports Needed to be able to
• talk to, say, the Department of Commerce so that reports on permit approval times are generated automatically
• The Department of Commerce did a report on a community assistance plan to address residential permit

Summary: The Local Government Committee met in work session and heard a series of presentations on SEPA, permitting reforms, and building code implementation. Department of Ecology staff gave an overview of the State Environmental Policy Act, explaining its role in state and local decision-making, common exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related statutory changes such as transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Committee members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA relates to NEPA; Ecology responded that repeated reviews usually occur when proposals change and that programmatic EISs can help front-load analysis. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections described how recent SEPA exemptions reduced residential review volume and supported more housing permits, and said the city is considering raising thresholds further. The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and legislative tasks tied to the 2024 codes, including single-stair housing, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards. Council staff said the content of the codes is largely set, but administrative timelines have been delayed, prompting a motion to postpone final adoption while pursuing ways to preserve the planned implementation schedule. Members asked about the timing of code changes and the impact on housing costs, and staff said the legislative topics remain on track for inclusion in the 2024 code package. Committee staff then reviewed recent permitting legislation, including SB 5290’s permit decision deadlines and fee-refund provisions, later bills limiting pre-application meetings and clarifying that building permits are excluded from those timelines, and project-specific changes affecting middle housing, ADUs, lot splits, passive house projects, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking requirements. Commerce’s Dave Anderson reported on SB 5290 implementation, including guidance on permit fees, studies on staffing and statewide permitting systems, grants to local governments, and the first annual performance report, which showed mixed results and highlighted the importance of digital tools, clear checklists, staff training, and coordination across departments. Local officials from Issaquah and Kitsap County described their own process improvements, including code updates, optional pre-application meetings, new staffing, reporting systems, and a phased “Two by Six” review model in Kitsap, while also noting challenges from staffing shortages, agency coordination, and the burden of implementing multiple new mandates.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am deputy commissioner for energy at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• When I drive Department of Commerce.
• part of the Department of Commerce.
• > commerce now part of the department of commerce now part of the department of commerce then<
• /c><01:06:53.760> other Department of Commerce, on the other Department of Commerce, on the other

Bills: HF4236, HF4122, HF4377

Keywords: public utility, interim rates, utility rates, rate case, general rate case, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, PUC, rate increase cap, rate freeze, refunds, customer refunds, ratepayer protection, electric utility, gas utility, regulated utility, ratemaking, return on equity, rate base, test year, rate design

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:49.080> or investigation in the Commerce or investigation in the Commerce or Consumer
• Experts from the State's Department of Commerce testified in front of the Senate's Commerce and Consumer
• If you have a complaint or concern, you can start the process of filing it with the Department of Commerce
• > in Department of Commerce testified in Department of Commerce testified in front<00:23:53.080><
• <00:24:22.120> of filing it with the Department of filing it with the Department of Commerce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, it looks like we got a couple of Department of Commerce testifiers to come forward on the A5.
• c> to Department of Commerce testifiers to Department of Commerce testifiers to come<01:12:00.640
• <01:12:42.960> of ...based purchasers from the Department of Health to the Department of Commerce
• Currently, Commerce receives this data and is required to consult with the Department of Health to release
• Currently, Commerce receives this data and is required to consult with the Department of Health to release

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First to testify, we have Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism Director Tokioka.
• Um, next to testify, we have the Department of Prosecuting Attorney, Prosecutor Elms, in person.
• Um, next to testify, we have the Department of Prosecuting Attorney, Prosecutor Elms, in person.
• Is there a way that the department is able to monitor any type of online gaming right now?
• ,<00:27:41.679> and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, and Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Both carry the insurance fraud from the Department of Commerce, and that was $1.115 million in general
• Both carry the insurance fraud from the Department of Commerce, and that was $1.115 million in general
• Both carry the insurance fraud from the Department of Commerce, and that was $1.115 million in general
• Both carry the insurance fraud from the Department of Commerce, and that was $1.115 million in general
• Both carry the insurance fraud from the Department of Commerce, and that was $1.115 million in general

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Department of Commerce if you with the Department of Commerce if you like<00:46:02.280>
• the Minnesota Department of Commerce I'm the Minnesota Department of Commerce I'm the Deputy<00:48
• One is through the Department of Commerce.
• for<01:08:46.799> as Department of Commerce advocate for as Department of Commerce advocate
• One is through the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Establishing a budget for the Department of Commerce.
• It funds both the operations of the Department of Commerce and the Office of We had a target of $3 million
• We have some technical changes from the Department of Commerce.
• CR Ferguson information out of state or certified by another state; the Minnesota Department of Commerce
• The Commerce Department did a study of this, and this was why implementation was delayed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have two presentations, one from the Division of Commerce, and one from the Florida Department
• I'm honored to be here on behalf of the Department of Commerce. Oh, gosh, I need to turn on my mic.
• It's an honor to be here on behalf of the Department of Commerce. My name is Jason Mahon.
• Congress, want to highlight that you may not be as familiar with, we at the Department of Commerce do
• of Commerce here.

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.