Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, March 17th, 2026.
• I know outside of your department, you know, the Commerce Department, for example, we've got industries
• I know outside of your department, you know, the Commerce Department, for example, we've got industries
• I know outside of your department, you know, the Commerce Department, for example, we've got industries
• I know outside of your department, you know, the Commerce Department, for example, we've got industries

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next testifier on my list is Andrew Moley, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• My name is Andrew Moley, and I'm with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• Please attempt to keep your of Commerce.
• <01:36:01.679> Our<01:36:01.840> membership<01:36:02.159> includes of Commerce
• Our membership includes of Commerce.

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• It cannot be used for commerce, which some retired fire apparatus is used for commerce.
• It cannot be used<01:15:52.800> for<01:15:52.960> commerce<01:15:53.840> which<01
• :15:54.239> some<01:15:54.560> retired used for commerce which some retired used for commerce
• <01:15:55.520> is<01:15:55.679> used<01:15:55.840> for<01:15:56.000> commerce
• fire apparatus is used for commerce. fire apparatus is used for commerce.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are convening the Committee on Consumer Protection and the Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce
• 42.079> and the committee on consumer protection and the committee on consumer protection and commerce
• > is<00:09:42.880> Tuesday<00:09:43.320> February<00:09:43.760> 11th commerce
• it is Tuesday February 11th commerce it is Tuesday February 11th 2025<00:09:44.959> at<00:09:
• <00:19:00.039> my committee on protection and commerce my committee on protection and commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that 115,000 a year will pay for itself exponentially in commerce and smooth commerce, so it's
• <00:15:16.360> in for itself exponentially in uh in for itself exponentially in uh in Commerce
• <00:15:17.040> and<00:15:17.199> smooth<00:15:17.600> Commerce<00:15:18.000>
• so<00:15:18.199> it's<00:15:18.600> uh Commerce and smooth Commerce so it's uh Commerce
• and smooth Commerce so it's uh worthwhile<00:15:20.199> that's<00:15:20.639> all<00:15

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Police Foundation, Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Kino Institute, the Greater Black Chamber of Commerce
• Chairman, HB 41, 42, 2026, 2027 Commerce. The Chair recognizes Representative Livingston.
• Chairman and members, for the commerce in the state of Arizona, there's over 700,000 small businesses
• and then we take care of the miscellaneous roads third to improve traffic flow, which increases commerce
• As amended by laws, 2024, repealing Section 5572, relating to commerce.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one is the money for a proposal to transfer regulatory oversight of HMO health plans from MDH to Commerce
• , and you'll see the Commerce side of this transaction in a little bit.
• On line 686 is the other side of the transaction, moving money from MDH to Commerce for regulatory oversight
• <00:25:01.400> from<00:25:01.680> MGH<00:25:02.240> to<00:25:02.440> Commerce
• <00:25:03.040> for moving money from MGH to Commerce for moving money from MGH to Commerce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also on the board of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and I consider that involvement to be an opportunity
• I'm also on the board of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, and I consider that involvement to be an opportunity
• We've heard from the Chamber of Commerce. We've heard from agencies.
• Chamber<01:20:58.239> of We've heard from the Chamber of We've heard from the Chamber of Commerce
• <01:21:00.400> I Commerce. We've heard from agencies. I Commerce.

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve on the board of our chamber of commerce, and all the leadership entities are very much engaged
• I serve on the board of our chamber of commerce, and all the leadership entities are very much engaged
• > all<00:10:07.360> the<00:10:07.600> leadership<00:10:08.080> entities commerce
• and all the leadership entities commerce and all the leadership entities are<00:10:08.959> very
• I serve on the board of our chamber of commerce, and all the leadership entities are very much engaged

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met in September 2025, established a quorum, introduced new member Larry Forester, and approved the minutes from the August 26 meeting. The main presentation came from Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton and Assistant Superintendent Sarah Johnson, who discussed the district’s work serving English language learners and multilingual students, including immigrant and refugee families. They said Warren County now serves roughly 5,500 multilingual students out of about 19,000 total, representing about 92 languages and 90 countries, with 57 certified multilingual teachers, a GO Center, migrant and refugee advocates, and the state’s first international high school. The presenters emphasized that the district welcomes immigrant families and that students and parents generally value public education, but they described major challenges tied to accountability and funding. They explained that multilingual students are tested after one year in the system, even though many need more time to become proficient in English and grade-level standards, and they argued that current graduation-rate rules can unfairly penalize schools when transient students enroll briefly and then leave. They also said the cost of serving this population has risen sharply, with special revenue and especially general-fund spending increasing substantially over the past decade, prompting the district to reallocate resources from EL teacher assistants toward translation technology and additional certified staff. Committee members asked questions about how long-term multilingual students compare with the general student body and whether the district’s data show similar graduation outcomes. Clayton said he did not have the specific comparison data at hand but believed students who stay K-12 generally reach proficiency. He and Johnson asked legislators to consider giving students more time before accountability measures apply and to shift some graduation accountability from individual schools to the district level for highly transient populations, while still maintaining accountability. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fresno's downtown was once a thriving hub of commerce, housing, and connectivity through public transit
• And Robert Haidt, who's the president and CEO of Sacramento's Metro Chamber of Commerce, so all of our
• John Kendrick, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, in opposition.
• Chair, members, John Kendrick, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, opposition.
• Good evening, John Kendrick on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended. The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee. The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• unconstitutional under the Internet Tax Freedom Act, which prohibits discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce
• The Act prohibits states from imposing taxes that discriminate against electronic commerce or that tax
• The Act prohibits states from imposing taxes that discriminate against electronic commerce or that tax
• violates the Federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, which prohibits discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce
• Anthony Butler Torres, with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, in opposition. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Title Guarantee Hawaiian... support, Save Medicaid Hawaiian... support, Maui Chamber of Commerce in support
• Maui Chamber of Commerce in support. Catholic Charities Hawaii in support.
• <01:12:48.600> of support thank you Maui Chamber of support thank you Maui Chamber of Commerce
• in<01:12:49.600> support<01:12:50.600> Catholic<01:12:50.920> Charities Commerce
• in support Catholic Charities Commerce in support Catholic Charities Hawaii<01:12:51.679> in

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096. The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• 24:25.399> of director for the Minnesota Chamber of director for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
• a<00:24:26.080> Statewide<00:24:26.480> trade<00:24:26.720> Association Commerce
• a Statewide trade Association Commerce a Statewide trade Association representing<00:24:27.600> more
• I serve as the Executive Vice President of Greater Mankato Growth, the regional chamber of commerce and
• to thank, on behalf of my board chair, Heinsman, and the other authors, and also the Chamber of Commerce

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :28.840> executive<02:03:29.320> power<02:03:29.760> styed<02:03:30.239> Commerce
• <02:03:31.040> our of executive power styed Commerce our of executive power styed Commerce
• It has been approved by legislation that the Energy and Commerce Committee would cut $880 billion from
• legislation that the Energy and Commerce legislation that the Energy and Commerce Committee<03:30
• Commerce the assistant to the president Commerce the assistant to the president for<04:29:09.800>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Laura Bennett, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, opposed unless amended.
• Laura Bennett, on behalf of California, Team of Commerce, opposed and less amended.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on artificial intelligence, consumer transparency, and privacy protections. The committee first took up consent items, then heard SB 1050, which would require disclosures in advertisements that use AI-generated or synthetic performers. Supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, Teamsters, Common Sense Media, and the Music Artists Coalition, argued consumers should know when an ad uses a synthetic person and that the bill protects workers and honesty in advertising. Opponents from TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and business groups said the bill was too broad, lacked a deception standard, created enforcement and compliance concerns, and should include carve-outs and stronger guardrails. The bill passed out on a divided vote. The committee then heard SB 1111, which would create liability and remedies for nonconsensual use of a person’s voice or likeness to create digital replicas or deepfakes. Supporters said the bill addresses a growing problem of exploitative AI-generated sexual content and gives victims clear legal standing; there was no opposition testimony. SB 867, a proposal to place a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys, drew support from children’s advocates, pediatricians, and media-safety groups, who said the Legislature should pause before exposing children to potentially harmful products. Business and civil-justice groups raised concerns about broad definitions and unintended consequences, but the bill advanced after members discussed the need for clearer guardrails. Later, the committee heard SB 1247, which would let people who were monetized as child influencers delete content featuring their image and likeness once they turn 18. Supporters framed it as a privacy and healing measure for children whose lives were shared online for profit, and there was no opposition. SB 1146 would require disclosures in health-related ads that use AI-generated or synthetic depictions of health care providers; medical and pediatric groups supported it as a way to combat deceptive health misinformation, and it also passed without opposition. The committee also heard SB 1000, updating California’s AI Transparency Act to align disclosure and provenance standards with evolving technology and international practices, and SB 957, which would require social media companies to notify users before complying with certain federal administrative subpoenas and give them time to challenge them. SB 957 drew support from civil liberties and privacy groups and opposition from one member concerned about federal law-enforcement impacts; both bills advanced, along with the others heard, with roll calls left open for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Andrea Lynch on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce and respectful opposition to SB 951
• Andrea Lynch on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, in respectful opposition to SB 947.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, enforcement, and technology in the workplace. SB 909 would strengthen enforcement of public works prevailing wage laws by raising contractor registration fees and penalties and directing part of penalty revenue back to enforcement; labor groups supported it as a way to deter wage theft, while contractor groups opposed the fee and penalty increases as burdensome and potentially costly for public projects. The committee members generally expressed support for stronger enforcement but also concern about the state’s backlog and capacity to enforce the law. SB 909 passed on a due pass vote and was re-referred to Appropriations. The committee also considered multiple bills addressing AI and workplace rights. SB 951 would require 60-day notice when technology displaces 25 or more workers and would require reporting on AI-related job impacts; labor and education groups supported it, while business, public sector, and industry groups argued it was premature and overbroad. SB 947 would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and prohibit predictive behavior analysis; supporters said it would prevent algorithmic abuse, while opponents raised concerns about independent contractors, private rights of action, and forum shopping. Both bills advanced on party-line style votes to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also approved SB 1149, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person” equivalent to family, with emotional testimony from a witness describing the loss of a long-term partner. Supporters said the bill reflects modern family structures, especially for LGBTQ and older Californians; there was no opposition. SB 1185, applying skilled-and-trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, also passed despite opposition from contractors and business groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and warned of higher costs and fewer bidders. In addition, the committee approved consent-calendar bills SB 1316, SB 1046, and SB 1059, and left rolls open for absent members before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, Representative Livingston and members, House Bill 4142 is the Commerce bill.
• Livingston and members, House Bill 4142 is the Commerce bill.

Summary: House Republican caucus met on April 29 to review the FY 2027 budget package and several related “budget implementation” bills, with Chairman Livingston noting that HB 2415 was being held. Staff and members walked through HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act (“feed bill”), which appropriates about $17.96 billion from the general fund and includes one-time fund transfers, 5% lump-sum reductions for most agencies, funding for the state health insurance plan, school facilities, child care, correctional officer stipends, public safety, and other prior-year items. Members emphasized that the budget reflected House and Senate negotiations after the governor left budget talks, and Republican leaders framed it as a package that lowers taxes, shrinks government, and funds priorities such as K-12, child care, foster care, and public safety. The caucus then reviewed a series of mostly standard budget bills: HB 4139 on gaming/racing assessments; HB 4140 on federal monies, the budget stabilization fund, and ACE initiative savings reporting; HB 4141 on capital outlay, highway construction, airport funding, and rural transportation match funds; HB 4142 on commerce and lottery distributions; HB 4143 on corrections reporting; HB 4144 on environmental provisions and water-related fund uses; HB 4145 on state employee health insurance premiums and DES reforms; HB 4146 on higher education funding provisions; HB 4147 on SNAP administration and error-rate reduction; HB 4148 on K-12 inflation adjustments, school facilities, and ASDB property-sale oversight; HB 4150 on county expenditure flexibility and state office rent rates; HB 4151 on the Department of Revenue’s integrated tax system funding and related charges; HB 4152 on tax conformity, deductions, and repeal of several renewable-energy tax preferences and the Rio Nuevo diversion; and HB 4153 on transportation reporting. Discussion repeatedly centered on health plan solvency, SNAP/ACCESS eligibility and fraud controls, school funding, rural transportation, and tax conformity and relief. The caucus also took up several blue-sheet bills: HB 2035 on extended-family placement notifications in child welfare cases; HB 2170 restricting certain PRC-controlled companies from state IT contracts; HB 2249 expanding Parents’ Bill of Rights provisions; HB 2573 on DUI interlock/restricted-license rules and psychotherapy definitions; and HB 2873, which was amended to allow withdrawal of referendum petitions before ballot qualification. HB 2415 was held. The Speaker closed by praising the caucus for its budget work, saying the package delivers tax relief, protects vulnerable populations and public safety, and reflects months of Republican negotiations, and the meeting adjourned to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• honored as Citizen of the Year and presented with the Good Samaritan Award by the Dover Chamber of Commerce
• Senate Bill 7 by joint budget, an act for the Department of Commerce, State Insurance Department appropriation

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is help grow commerce in the state of Florida in a very innovative way.
• This paves the way where perhaps some of those dollars that flow out, we can see greater commerce, greater

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and heard a full agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and passed without objection after supportive testimony from banking and credit union groups. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program; the sponsor described it as a way to move emergency out-of-network payment disputes away from costly litigation and into an independent dispute resolution process modeled on the federal No Surprises Act. A proposed amendment drew significant questions from senators and concerns from the Florida Insurance Council about confusion over state versus federal eligibility and possible effects on contracted rates, and the sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment. The underlying bill was then supported by health care and insurance stakeholders and reported favorably. SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels also passed, with Progressive Insurance waiving in support. The committee next approved CS/SB 158 on pet insurance, which requires continuing education for agents, clearer consumer disclosures, and annual reporting to OIR; the amendment was technical and adopted. SB 1494 on breast cancer screening coverage was presented as expanding required coverage for mammograms and supplemental screenings for certain insurance products, and it passed with support from cancer and radiology groups. CS/SB 314 on digital asset issuers was amended to create a Florida framework for payment stablecoin issuers consistent with the federal GENIUS Act, allowing state-level regulation as an alternative to federal supervision, and was reported favorably. SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, including higher small-estate thresholds and clearer authority for personal representatives, also passed after a banking-related amendment requiring letters of administration for safe deposit box access was adopted. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance, which raises the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ comp policies from 10% to 20% and adjusts the Florida Workers’ Compensation Guarantee Association board membership; a carrier representative testified that the change would help keep more high-risk accounts in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 on a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for DFS to create a Florida coin, limit the pilot to existing stablecoins with at least $1 billion market capitalization, and require qualified public deposit handling; it then passed. CS/SB 838 on electronic payments for retail installment contracts clarified that convenience fees for electronic payments are permissible while preserving a fee-free option, and it was reported favorably after questions about consumer access to free payment methods. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, made a wide range of administrative changes affecting My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, licensing, bail bonds, and other DFS functions; a late-filed amendment on title insurer appointments was adopted, and the bill passed. The committee also approved SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting condo hardening assistance to owner-occupied units meeting income and occupancy criteria, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which the sponsor and industry witnesses said would modernize Florida law and promote insurance competition and economic activity. The meeting ended with all bills on the agenda reported favorably and the committee adjourning without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Carolyn Johnson, excuse me, from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, a proponent of the bill.
• evolving threats that I have seen firsthand in my government service at the Departments of Treasury, Commerce