Video & Transcript : 'merchants' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Feb 11th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- and small business owners implementing the surcharging where they charge the 3% to recover their merchant
- and small business owners implementing the surcharging where they charge the 3% to recover their merchant
Summary:
The Commerce Committee met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 2717 by a 7-0 vote. It then adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2465, described as changing a number from two to one, and passed the substitute bill 8-0. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 1791, which adds an emergency permit provision allowing a 30-day extension to obtain a full permit, and passed that substitute 8-0. Representative Manser raised a question about whether the bill would align with federal disaster recovery grant requirements, and the chair said he would look into it further.
The committee then heard House Bill 2927, which would revise Missouri’s bad faith/time-limited settlement demand statute. Sponsor Representative Parker said the bill is intended to clarify that settlement demands used to support extra-contractual or bad faith claims must be in writing, remain open for at least 90 days, and reference the statute. Supporters, including representatives of the Missouri Insurance Coalition, Shelter Insurance, and health care and business groups, said the bill closes a loophole created when plaintiffs avoid the current “time-limited demand” language and instead use untimed or vaguely timed demands, which they argued increases litigation and insurance costs. Opponents, including attorney Blake Marcus, argued the bill would make it harder for injured people and policyholders to hold insurers accountable, would encourage delay, and would increase the need to hire lawyers earlier. No vote was taken on HB 2927 in the transcript.
The committee also heard House Bill 2057, a technical fix for an entertainment district in Osage Beach. Representative Vernetti said the bill corrects language from last year’s legislation after the Senate used the wrong population figure, and supporters said it would allow patrons to move between venues within the district under controlled alcohol rules similar to other Missouri entertainment zones. The committee then heard House Bill 1707, which would exempt credit card surcharge amounts from sales tax. Sponsor Representative Coleman and supporters from the business community said the Department of Revenue has been taxing these surcharges in audits, creating a burden for small businesses, and that the bill would clarify that fees tied to the extension of credit are not taxable. The committee adjourned after the hearings, and no further votes were taken on those bills in the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Business, Trade & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Entertainment Merchants. The Supreme Court addressed this issue directly in Brown v.
- Entertainment Merchants.
Bills:
SB5928
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- The second part of the bill says that for any other merchant, so not for food, but for any other merchant
- if dynamic pricing is used, if an algorithm is used based on your personal information, then the merchant
- so this food but for any other merchant so this would<00:30:11.520><c> be</c><00:30:11.640><c> clothes
- 30:21.160><c> uh</c> your personal information then the uh your personal information then the uh merchant
- has to disclose that it was set merchant has to disclose that it was set by<00:30:24.280><c> an</c><
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (04/30/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- /c> So, I immediately So, I immediately called<01:18:28.000><c> Gary</c> called Gary called Gary Merchant
- :30.719><c> his</c><01:18:31.040><c> views</c><01:18:31.360><c> on</c><01:18:31.880><c> this</c> Merchant
- to find out his views on this Merchant to find out his views on this because<01:18:34.760><c> it</c>
- So Gary Merchant wanted to retain the bill, and he offered to work on it.
- </c><01:20:06.640><c> to</c><01:20:07.040><c> retain</c><01:20:07.440><c> the</c> Um so Gary Merchant
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, or the
Summary:
The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Archuleta. The bill would implement a related constitutional amendment to provide property tax relief for veterans and their families by allowing eligible veterans to combine, or “stack,” the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption, and by removing certain property limitations tied to the exemption. The author and chair framed the measure as recognition of veterans’ service and a way to expand access to tax relief for veteran homeowners.
The committee heard extensive testimony in support from veterans and advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, representatives of veterans’ organizations, and county and health care advocates. Supporters said the bill would meaningfully improve benefits for veterans and their families. No opposition testimony was presented, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing.
The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call vote was 3-0 in favor, with the bill held on call pending Senator Menjivar’s return so she could vote as well. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked the veterans and attendees.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, however, what about the merchant who's selling it at a store?
- the, I mean, I know the because my understanding with a product liability claim, even though the merchant
- My question is if we were to pass this, shouldn't we also include the merchant as well?
- 01:18:28.480><c> also</c><01:18:28.760><c> include</c><01:18:29.760><c> the</c><01:18:30.000><c> merchant
- </c> shouldn't we also include the merchant shouldn't we also include the merchant as<01:18:31.040><c
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HHS-AEN, HHS-HOU, HHS Public Hearings 03-12-2025
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, are you present on Zoom? Not present on Zoom. Okay.
- <c> retail</c> Management and support tin yamaki retail Management and support tin yamaki retail merchants
- of ha and position Tina are merchants of ha and position Tina are you<00:30:29.480><c> present</c><00
- Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, providing comments. Tina, are you present on Zoom?
- Tina Yamaki, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, providing comments. Tina, are you present on Zoom?
Summary:
The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant.
HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity.
HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Whatever branch you served—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, or the
Summary:
The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Arreguín. The bill would implement SCA 4 by providing property tax relief to veterans and their families, including allowing eligible veterans to combine the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption and removing certain property limitations tied to qualification. The author described the measure as a way to recognize veterans and improve access to tax benefits.
The bill received broad support in testimony from veterans and veterans’ advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, and representatives of veterans organizations and health advocacy groups. Supporters said the measure would better honor service members and provide meaningful financial relief. No opposition testimony was offered, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing.
The committee voted 3-0 to pass SB 623 as a due pass recommendation to the Committee on Appropriations. The vote was initially held open for Senator Menjivar, and the chair later noted that the committee had established a quorum and the bill had been moved out of committee.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/19/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year, the Insurance Department spoke on behalf of Representative Merchants' bill.
- Yes, so last year we supported the passage of this bill when Representative Merchants sponsored it, and
- It was my understanding from Representative Merchant that this gives the pharmacist a little bit more
- But if I can clear for a pharmacist—um, I used to work with Representative Merchant clinically.
- Merchant clinically we never<02:42:42.120><c> chatted</c><02:42:42.800><c> politics</c><02:42:43.800
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 26th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- The ship is also a first responder training site and a tribute to those who served in the Merchant Marine
Keywords:
Space Florida, tax exemption, governmental purpose, aviation, defense industry, space exploration, semiconductor technology, veterans, housing, property management, incentives, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, vacancy relief, risk mitigation, housing finance, trust fund, Homes for Veterans, S1656, SB 1656, official state flagship
Summary:
The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and considered several memorials and bills. It first passed Senate Memorial 1714, urging Congress to support the “No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Acts” measure to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then favorably reported SB 1512, which expands tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, and SB 1656, which designates the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship in place of the Western Union.
The committee also favorably reported SM 1186, which urges Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with supporters citing Florida’s large population and disaster response needs. Senator Sharif voiced support for the effort. Next, the committee took up SB 1602, creating a Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; two amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as committee substitute. SB 1604, which creates the associated trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, also received one technical amendment and was reported favorably as committee substitute.
Throughout the meeting, several measures drew supportive testimony or comments, including representatives from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber on SB 1512 and a supporter on SB 1602. Multiple members offered to co-sponsor or support veterans-related measures. No bills were opposed in debate, all amendments were adopted without objection, and each item was reported favorably before the committee adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll go with in-person: Sean Merchant, Michael Shaw, and Karen Cargill. Please proceed. Mr.
- Chairman, members of the committee, Sean Merchant, policy director for Secretary of State Steve Hobbs
Keywords:
state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy May 13th, 2026
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Jul 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Testifying in support today, I have Jennifer Cohen from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. ...from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and Rachel Michelin
- I'm Jennifer Cohen with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.
Summary:
The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members.
The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open.
Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The increase will provide for a credit card and merchant fees, a grant repository service, the rural
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget met on March 19, 2006, and first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget from the Office of Planning and Budget, with no changes reported. The committee then approved several BA-7 budget adjustments, including additional funding for the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s Cultural Development Program, a $24.4 million federal funds increase for the Louisiana Department of Health’s Rural Health Transformation Program grant, and a $1 million statutory dedication for reimbursement related to the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. All of these items were recommended for approval by both OPB and the Legislative Fiscal Office.
The committee also approved a Facility Planning and Control request for the Louisiana Military Department to add $9.1 million to the Jackson Barracks cyber warfare operations project to incorporate a SCIF, bringing total authority to $29.7 million. Members then approved several interpretations of legislative intent to correct or clarify prior appropriations, including parish and local-government recipients and purposes in St. Mary Parish, Catahoula Parish, Lafourche Parish, East Feliciana, and the Wind Foundation of Louisiana. In addition, the committee approved one-year extensions and added funding for Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism tourism advertising contracts, and approved a final extension of the Office of Risk Management’s contract with Sedgwick Claims Management Services.
Later, the committee reviewed but did not require action on a change-order report and heard presentations on two university-related agreements. Louisiana Tech University described a plan to shift campus utility service from its aging cogeneration system to local utility providers, requiring new chillers and boilers but projected to save more than $1.6 million annually in operating costs, with estimated debt service of about $1.2 million. The committee also heard an extension request from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for consulting services supporting its Banner ERP system. The meeting concluded with adjournment after no further business.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Merchants, blacksmiths, and boarding house operators, and the like, prospered alongside miners, demonstrating
- The journals of Lewis and Clark described practical knowledge that later guided missionaries, merchants
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received notice of a substitute appointment for Legislative District 32. Much of the day was devoted to Idaho Day ceremonies, including prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and remarks honoring Idaho history and former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered as the founder of Idaho Day and a longtime advocate for cursive, history, and civic education. Guest speakers included historian Justin Vipperman, who spoke about liberty, self-government, and Idaho’s frontier development, and former Attorney General David Leroy, who praised Bateman’s public service and legacy. Members also shared personal tributes before the chamber considered a memorial resolution in Bateman’s honor.
The House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, recognizing and commending the lifetime achievements of Lyndon Bateman. The resolution passed 68-0 with two absent and excused, and was sent to the Senate. The chamber also received and referred several Senate messages and committee reports, including bills and resolutions on transportation, agriculture, commerce, state affairs, resources, and other topics. New measures were introduced on issues such as minors and library protections, tax exemptions, stable coins, parental rights and child custody, county fair boards, vehicle license plates, honey industry regulation, and Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance.
Several bills and resolutions were placed on the second reading calendar, including measures on elections, environmental quality, hazardous waste, transportation, vehicle titles, industrial hemp, Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and appropriations. House Bill 750 was moved to general orders, and the remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. The House also announced committee schedule changes, upcoming events tied to Idaho Day and other advocacy groups, and a reminder about project submissions. The chamber adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- He was 39 years old in 1776, and he worked as a successful merchant, statesman, 76, and he worked as
- a successful merchant, statesman, and he also served as the president of the First Continental Congress
Summary:
The Senate met with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Several guests and school groups were recognized throughout the day, and the chamber later paused for an Idaho Day celebration featuring historical remarks, music, and presentations on Idaho history and agriculture.
In floor action, the Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging advancement of used nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho and supporting the state’s role at the Idaho National Laboratory, and Senate Joint Memorial 112 urging Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and fiscal discipline. The Senate then introduced several new bills, including measures on appropriations, administrative rules, elections, pharmacy benefit managers, utilities, abortion trafficking, educator disclosure, and whistleblower protections.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 1241, as amended, which protects working animals and clarifies its applicability; supporters described it as preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage while preserving local authority over health, safety, and animal care. The Committee of the Whole later considered Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopted amendments to each, and reported them back without recommendation, while several other bills were held in place or reported as progressing. The Senate adopted the committee report and then adjourned until the next day.
ID
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll go with in-person: Sean Merchant, Michael Shaw, and Karen Cargill. Please proceed. Mr.
- Chairman, members of the committee, Sean Merchant, policy director for Secretary of State Steve Hobbs
Summary:
The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week.
The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 4076, Merchants Delivery of Goods; Commerce. HB 4082, Social Media Platforms; Commerce.
- Commerce. 476 merchants delivery of goods. Commerce. Forty 82 social media platforms. Commerce.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Nurses’ Day, Environmental Day, Teamsters Local 104, and Arizona Aerospace Day. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and three excused. The chamber also announced committee meetings, bill referrals, and later adjourned until Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 2785, a taxation measure tied to federal tax conformity. Members debated whether Arizona should conform to federal tax changes, with supporters arguing it would validate current tax forms and provide tax relief, and opponents warning it would mainly benefit wealthy taxpayers and corporations while reducing state revenue. The bill passed 32-26 with two not voting. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for two calendars of bills.
In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced HB 2190, HB 2206, HB 2396, HB 2442, and HB 2448, all on health and human services topics, with amendments adopted on the first three. HB 2206 drew extended debate over SNAP payment error rates and whether the bill would impose an unfunded mandate and make benefits harder to access; supporters said it would reduce waste and save money, while opponents said it would set DES up for failure. HB 2396, which would restrict certain SNAP purchases, drew testimony over whether it would improve nutrition or unfairly limit low-income families and create a “food police” system. HB 2442 and HB 2448 also drew criticism over added SNAP work requirements and limits on agency waiver authority during recessions. The Committee later advanced HB 2688, HB 2689, HB 2690, HB 2796, and HB 2797, including bills on government staffing, hospital immigration-status data collection, unemployment benefits, SNAP eligibility/redeterminations, and fraud reporting. HB 2689 prompted sharp opposition over fears it would deter immigrants and mixed-status families from seeking medical care, while HB 2796 and HB 2797 were criticized as adding administrative burdens and duplicative SNAP checks. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and a motion to amend the report to show HB 2689 failed was rejected 24-32.