Video & Transcript Research : 'consumer directed employer'

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • It exempts consumer devices that function as narrowly focused educational tools.
  • It applies the bill's protections for minors to AI companion chatbots that are directed to minors.
  • A victim is defined as an individual who has suffered direct physical, emotional, or pecuniary harm as
  • A victim is defined as an individual who has suffered direct physical, emotional, or pecuniary harm as
  • And all of that is necessary to move us in the direction and to ensure justice.
Summary: The committee met on Friday, January 23rd, with executive session items and two public hearings, and first reviewed several bills in executive session. House Bill 2225, regulating AI companion chatbots, was briefed with two competing proposed substitutes and an amendment limiting enforcement to actions brought by the Attorney General. After discussion, the committee rejected the amendment and adopted the Thomas substitute, then voted 7-3 to report the bill out with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2186, supporting acquisition of federal funds for economic development, was also considered with a substitute that narrowed Commerce’s duties unless there is a specific appropriation and adjusted timing and matching-fund provisions; it was reported out unanimously with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2351 and House Bill 2157 were also briefed in executive session, but no final action was taken on them during the meeting. The first public hearing was on House Bill 2397, which would require more timely reimbursement to state agencies and local jurisdictions mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services mobilization plan. Testimony from fire officials and a finance manager described reimbursement delays of six to ten months, the strain on local budgets and reserves, and the risk that departments may stop participating in wildland deployments. Witnesses supported the bill but suggested technical refinements, including clarifying when the 60-day reimbursement clock starts and noting that staffing may be needed to meet the timeline. No one testified in opposition. The second public hearing was on House Bill 2417, which would add victim-rights protections to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice procedures with the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice. The prime sponsor and military legal witnesses explained that the bill would ensure consistent notice, participation, and fairness protections for victims when Guard members are serving under state authority, especially in Title 32 status. A veterans coalition also supported the measure, saying it closes an important gap and improves trust and accountability. No testimony was offered in opposition, and the bill was scheduled for future executive session.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee Mar 18th, 2026

Commerce and Small Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • It already authorizes auto dealers to offer consumers products designed to help deter vehicle theft.
  • Uh, the bill amends the act to establish clear statutory authority for auto dealers to offer consumers
  • Uh, the bill amends the act to establish clear statutory authority for auto dealers to offer consumers
  • </c><00:17:09.760><c> theft</c><00:17:10.000><c> protection</c> offer consumers theft protection offer
  • consumers theft protection products<00:17:10.799><c> that</c><00:17:11.039><c> cover</c><00:17:11.280
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Feb 26th, 2026 at 09:30 am

Business and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And every one of those dollars comes directly from the consumer.
  • This bill will ensure fairness and transparency so that employers employers, taxpayers, and health plans
  • My desire in incurring this bill was always and still is that this cost not to go to the consumer and
  • Going to get turned and you know passed down to the consumer.
  • It's going to cost consumers. It's going to do things that I'm bad. That I'm taxing the system.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Summary: The Senate briefly convened to approve the previous day’s journal, then moved through the fifth order for introduction and first reading of bills. Senate Bill 6351 was introduced and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then went at ease in anticipation of fiscal cutoff committee report activity later in the day. When the Senate reconvened, it took up reports of standing committees and supplemental standing committee reports. Substitute Senate Bill 5292, concerning family and medical leave rates, and engrossed substitute House Bill/Senate Bill 5466 were both reported and referred to the Committee on Rules. The referrals were approved without objection. No substantive debate or votes on the bills occurred in this transcript beyond the referral motions. The Senate adjourned at the end of the session until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
  • </c> Department of Commerce and Consumer Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs<00:43:30.240><c>
  • </c> difficult position, puts the consumers difficult position, puts the consumers in<00:51:02.960><c
  • </c><01:26:55.840><c> advocate</c> You can still ask the consumer advocate You can still ask the consumer
  • </c> a little concerning that that consumer a little concerning that that consumer advocate<01:31:33.600
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Health Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • certain employers to replace lines 26 through 27 on page one with the following: Employer means an individual
  • Employer means an individual following.
  • Employer means an individual or<00:42:40.800><c> entity</c><00:42:41.359><c> that</c><00:42:41.680><c
  • I guess I have a little bit of a concern with making it to with redefining the employer to more than
  • to more than 50 redefining the employer to more than 50 50<00:43:21.440><c> employees.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Mar 24th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • of the lower paid in our system, and they're being forced to travel to outside parishes to get employment
  • if they have a direct relative who is a superintendent or school board member.
  • there's a shortage, but one of the problems I have is with the two-year rule, you know, of post-employment
  • So I do think that at some point this may trend in that direction.
  • House Bill 238 by Representative Zerang provides relative to exceptions for the employment of a former
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, it directs employers to adopt a policy detailing the requirements. ...at each contribution interval
  • Finally, it directs employers to adopt a policy detailing the requirements and amounts of the supplemental
  • It's completely optional to the employer, to Tier 3 corp members.
  • And there are no future obligations for the employer to add additional contributions.
  • I mean, almost every employer lets you change the election amount every year. Mr.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Mar 11th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously that's a few years out, but it will help in that direction.
  • Uh, Obviously that's a few years out, but it will help in that direction.
  • that because consumers actually have a choice.
  • Chairman, for the early hearing on this strong consumer bill.
  • That is a consumer choice.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, first reporting SB 1006 favorably after adopting a committee substitute that adds quarterly ZIP-code-level reporting to TDI on insurer declinations, cancellations, and nonrenewals. The committee also adopted substitutes and favorably reported SB 388, which adds nuclear to a credit program and excludes batteries from the dispatchable definition; SB 917; SB 504, which narrows reporting requirements for certain local entities, raises a salary threshold, and authorizes AG injunctive relief; SB 925, which clarifies that federal match dollars are included in a PLA-related prohibition; and SB 815, which removes downcoding references and focuses on AI use in prior authorization. SB 815 advanced on an 8-2 vote, while SB 388 advanced 6-3 and the others were reported 9-0 or 6-0 as noted. The committee then heard testimony on SB 378, which would prohibit aestheticians and cosmetologists from administering injections or using prescriptive medical devices unless legally authorized and would clarify TDLR disciplinary authority. The author and a retired neurosurgeon testified that unsafe, unauthorized injections pose real patient risks, and a TDLR witness said the bill addresses a long-standing regulatory gap. SB 378 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard SB 1252, aimed at reducing municipal permitting barriers for residential backup power systems; the author and industry witnesses said city permitting is costly and inconsistent, while municipal utility representatives and advocates said the substitute preserved safety and utility oversight. That bill was also left pending. Additional bills heard but left pending included SB 1172, which would let LPs and LLCs sell their own property without a real estate license; SB 681, which would extend engineer license renewal periods and apply similar flexibility to engineering firms; SB 918, a TDLR cleanup bill for orthotics and prosthetics exemptions; SB 1343, which would require data brokers to post a clear link explaining Texans’ privacy rights and how to exercise them; SB 213, which would prohibit forced bundling of residential property and auto insurance while preserving voluntary discounts; SB 610, which would codify TDLR’s anti-trafficking unit; and SCR 8, expressing opposition to a central bank digital currency over privacy, security, and financial-stability concerns. Public testimony on SB 1343 and SB 213 was generally supportive, with consumer and advocacy groups emphasizing privacy, competition, and survivor safety, and the committee closed the day with those measures and others left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 18th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Consumers also may want to purchase a damage waiver which is offered by rental car companies to protect
  • Senate Bill 72 would provide financial security to consumers by providing them the option to purchase
  • We support Senate Bill 72 because consumers and businesses that rent from us have asked for collision
  • It is under the direction, supervision of the comptroller.
  • A funds that we manage and so we're moving in that direction.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Rosecrans, the Oklahoma Legislature extends to the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma sincere recognition and directs
  • ...the Legislature extends to the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma sincere recognition and directs that
  • Let me direct your attention to the North Gallery here.
Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and the chamber proceeded with the day’s order of business, including an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several floor presentations and announcements. The chaplain delivered a Holy Week message centered on Easter, resurrection, and overcoming fear, followed by the Pledge and a series of recognitions for guests and birthdays. Representative Rosecrants presented a citation recognizing April 2 as World Autism Day and Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, with members from the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma present in the gallery. The House also welcomed students from MacArthur Middle School, Leadership Guthrie, and the Tuttle High School football team, which was recognized for winning the 2025 Class 4A state championship. Additional announcements noted the Artemis mission’s progress, committee meeting schedules, and other personal and district updates from members. No bills were debated or voted on in the portion provided. The only formal action taken at the end of the meeting was a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • McClintock for being willing to amend the direct-to-consumer provisions.
  • The bill... for being willing to amend the direct-to-consumer provisions.
  • In addition, that HB-2207 be amended to clearly prohibit direct-to-consumer shipping.
  • So just briefly, the direct-to-consumer shipping is a concern for us.
  • James Carroll continued: ...do away with a DTC, or direct-to-consumer, program.
Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-licensing bills. House Bill 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor and the Washington Hospitality Association, said it would help a controlled, fenced-in adventure park in Leavenworth serve alcohol throughout the park while preserving LCB oversight and safety controls. A remote testifier from the park could not be heard. Members asked about whether the bill expanded alcohol access and about violation rates; staff said a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received. House Bill 2207 would create a bonded beer warehouse license and align beer warehousing with existing wine warehousing rules. The prime sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer as it already stores wine and spirits, though she noted she was considering amendments to address direct-to-consumer shipping and federal compliance. Brewers supported the bill as a parity and small-business measure, while distributors and spirits/wine distributors opposed or raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access, and the need for stronger guardrails. The warehouse owner testified that the facility is highly secured and that the bill would help breweries avoid unnecessary warehousing costs. House Bill 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses at additional winery locations. The sponsor and Washington Wine Institute said the bill would reduce administrative burdens and let wineries operate more like breweries already can, without increasing alcohol access. DeLille Cellars testified that current law forces wineries to create separate entities and duplicate payroll, HR, accounting, and compliance systems for offsite tasting-room restaurants. House Bill 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license. Theater owners and hospitality groups supported the change, saying theaters already operate under alcohol control plans and that the cap limits attendance at popular events; the sponsor said the bill would not expand alcohol access, only remove an outdated seating restriction. The committee also heard House Bill 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate separate premises within a shared facility and let LCB review leases or agreements. The sponsor said it would help a Chelan winery/brewery/restaurant complex operate under separate leases, and he said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again. Distributors supported transparency but opposed the PRA exemption and urged filing lease information with the LCB. In executive action, the committee adopted Amendment Claude 407 to House Bill 2229, which restores the current name of the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, and then reported Substitute House Bill 2229 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote, with one member excused.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Children and Youth Health Committee Feb 27th, 2025

Children and Youth Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a big proponent of consumer protection. Protection for minors, um, but I don't...
  • hang out for questions, but I can also share ALEC-endorsed model policy that kind of goes in the direction
Bills: SB186, SB187
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Children and Senior Advocacy Committee Feb 26th, 2025

Children and Senior Advocacy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've been involved in this for many years, and we do it from different directions.
  • So this year, this is a ...directions.
  • So if we are going to go this direction, I encourage you to educate children and families on being safe
  • Most platforms direct users to the appropriate verification process, ensuring that age checks are in
  • Most platforms direct users to the app even if they're trying to log on for the first time on a website
Bills: HB285, HB317