Transcript Highlights:

• Establishing an inspector general at the Department of Education and providing the Department of Human
• and department of administration and broadening<00:04:16.160> department broadening department
• The governor has issued an executive order to integrate the Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau agents
• The governor has issued an executive order to integrate the Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau agents
• of labor and industry also department of labor and industry also with<00:21:08.080> commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of Public some aspects of Department of Public some aspects of Department<00:10:22.640> of<00
• :10:22.800> Public<00:10:23.399> Safety Department of Public Safety Department of Public
• There's an appropriation for courts of commerce.
• These are the appropriations for the Department of Public Safety.
• and I think it has helped the department and I think it has helped the department uh<01:04:40.599

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill. House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown. The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the Commerce Committee.
• Representative Khaw then said the Commerce Committee's job is to set up the rules of commerce, that carving
• Representative Khaw then said the Commerce Committee's job is to set up the rules of commerce, that carving
• questions uh we're the Commerce questions uh we're the Commerce Committee<00:47:58.960> our
• your responsibility as the Commerce your responsibility as the Commerce Committee<00:56:59.760><

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• This is the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to evaluate—oh, I'm sorry—urging the insurance commissioner to study
• of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to evaluate registration, reporting, and transparency mechanisms for
• However, I do think that the original version of the bill, which required rules by the Department of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard House Bill 1481, which would require cemeteries, crematories, funeral establishments, HSI facilities, and mortuaries to dispose of human remains within 60 days after a burial transit permit or related affidavit is issued. The Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association and several funeral-related entities supported the bill, and the association said it had already implemented consistent cremation authorization language regarding notice and consent for recycling metal implants, effective January 1. The committee later recommended HB 1481 be passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; the vice chair voted with reservations, saying the prior version with Department of Health rulemaking was stronger consumer protection. The committee also considered several resolutions. SCR 96 and SR 91, on a status update for implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, were recommended for passage with amendments adopting the PUC’s requested changes. SCR 172 and SR 163, seeking a comprehensive analysis of ways to reduce costs and financial risks while meeting state goals, drew support from the PUC and Energy Office with comments, and the committee recommended passage with amendments removing a disputed whereas clause. SCR 109 and SR 102, on studying expanded mail-order pharmacy use, drew mixed testimony: the Insurance Division and HMSA supported a study, while the Hawaii Pharmacist Association and others raised concerns about patient outcomes, rural access, and community pharmacy sustainability; the committee amended the resolutions to require broader agency cooperation and evaluation of community pharmacy impacts, then recommended passage. In additional decision-making, the committee deferred SCR 193 and SR 1802 on trust transparency due to no testimony. It recommended passage with amendments on several bills, including HB 1782 after clarifying terminology with the Attorney General’s Office, HB 1514 on workers’ compensation, HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure, HB 1643 on pharmacy, HB 1721 on housing, HB 1864 on insurance, HB 1946 on timeshare registration, and HB 2475 on labeling requirements. HB 350 on energy was deferred for more work. The committee also reconsidered HB 2101 on commercial aquarium collection and recommended passage as amended after hearing from supporters and noting concerns about enforcement and statewide consistency.

Transcript Highlights:

• It better positions the department to find and recruit board membership.
• These rules did not harm commerce. These rules did not harm commerce.
• It says Department, Department of Public Safety and the district attorney in lots of the places.
• Madam Chair, Representative, our police department and sheriff's department are not part of the Department
• Instead of that power continuing to be given to the departments, and the departments don't ask about

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that Senate Bill 260 be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Labor. So referred.
• And this afternoon, we will have Health and Human Services, followed by Commerce and Labor, followed
• Speaker, your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which were referred Senate Bills Nos. 260 and 316,
• Speaker, your Committee on Commerce and Labor, to which was referred Senate Bill No. 317, has had the
• I have amendment No. 937 proposed by the Committee on Commerce and Labor.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, the policy provisions in the bill include Department of Commerce thermal energy networks,
• The policy provisions in the bill include Department of Commerce thermal energy networks, the Climate
• <00:09:51.280> about Department of Commerce, but it's about Department of Commerce, but it's
• And this $22.35 million would be going through the Department of Commerce.
• There's also a Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we're short on time, so I'll just shortly say the Department of Commerce, as you know, has an
• So, land and commerce has very important tools.
• One of these rush midnight rules is the Department of Commerce Artificial Intelligence Diffusion Rule
• And just yesterday, Secretary Besant of the Treasury Department said the Treasury Department plans to
• Fogel, the Commerce Department plays a central role in helping American businesses compete overseas.

Keywords: legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• If an outage occurs, departments have to be notified within 30 minutes.
• GOVERNMENT IN THE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE.
• In recent years, the Commerce, Energy and Commerce Committee has heard testimony about inefficiencies
• IN RECENT YEARS, THE COMMERCE, THE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE HAS HEARD TESTIMONY ABOUT INEFFICIENCIES
• It passed the Energy and Commerce Committee 51 to 1.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chamber of Commerce we need a Chamber of Commerce we need a flexibility<00:07:51.240> to<00:07
• <00:25:56.279> standing committee Chamber of Commerce standing committee Chamber of Commerce
• platforms which includes um e-commerce platforms which includes um e-commerce which<00:27:05.720
• Next up, testifying for Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
• Members, any questions for the department?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt. HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, proceeding on the agenda, we are the uncrewed aircraft systems reports from the Department of Commerce
• office, Department of Commerce to make sure we are setting up a program of acquisition and sustainment
• Working with OMB, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Commerce, and one of their partners,
• Alongside that, I can't speak to the details of this, but the Department of Commerce has acquired an
• But we are highlighting those gaps that need to be discussed with the state, the Department of Commerce

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposal would require Natcast, on behalf of the Department of Commerce, to front any costs and would
• Our office has formed a deep partnership with Natcast, the Department of Commerce, as well as the UC
• Ultimately, the Department of Commerce opted, rather than managing it as they would a national lab with
• of Commerce.
• of Commerce.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Clause makes specific reference to the concept of interstate commerce, not intrastate commerce.
• determination of the commerce clause. determination of the commerce clause.
• intra not inter but intrastate commerce. intra not inter but intrastate commerce.
• > commerce.
• That Department.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, one of them is, and I'm wondering why the Department of Commerce feels they need an additional
• There's another $500,000 grant to the Department of Commerce. There's no additional monies there.
• There's another $500,000 grant to the Department of Commerce. There's no additional monies there.
• There's another $500,000 grant to the Department of Commerce. There's no additional monies there.
• There's another $500,000 grant to the Department of Commerce. There's no additional monies there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:05.279> Uh Department of Commerce for a time.
• Uh Department of Commerce for a time.
• The commission adopted a Department of Commerce recommendation to have Elite set aside $50 million to
• The commission adopted a Department of Commerce recommendation to have Elite set aside $50 million to
• You saw this slide in the Department of Commerce presentation the other day.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a quick note: the Department of Revenue reached out.
• The Department of Revenue reached out. Just some conforming changes need to be made. Perfect.
• HB 4064 — musical and departments and districts. Government.
• Commerce. HB 492 — peace officers cameras. Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Appropriations.
• Commerce. HB 2012 — road Kachina transportation infrastructure. HCR 258.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now for the Commerce Committee amendment, Mr. Weninger. Mr.
• Chair, I move that the Commerce Committee amendment and my name be adopted.
• Chair, I move that the Commerce Committee amendment and my name be adopted.
• Thank you, and we go back to Representative Weninger for the Commerce amendment. Mr.
• I move that the amendment of the Commerce Committee be adopted. Is there any discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , prohibiting virtual currency commerce, prohibiting virtual currency kiosks. kiosks. kiosks.
• Now, the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce asked for flexibility, and the last provision of
• Now, the Commissioner of the Department Now, the Commissioner of the Department of<00:28:46.159>
• > of Commerce asked for flexibility, of Commerce asked for flexibility, and<00:28:49.200> the<
• . departments. departments.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brady Mills, Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Tim Stevenson, Department of State Health Services.
• Brady Mills, Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Interstate commerce can... Can one of you explain?
• Interstate commerce, yeah. So the reality is that.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program