Transcript Highlights:

• leadership for small businesses, such as a small business owner in Yorba Linda, who ended up with a merchant
• the DFPI Commissioner's ability to bring a UDAP claim against state licensees by amending Financial Code
• As a matter of fact, there are several provisions in the Financial Code that allow for cease and desist

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills focused on consumer and small business financial protections. SB 97, by Senator Grayson, would update and clarify California’s digital financial assets law; supporters from the blockchain industry and consumer groups said it would improve compliance clarity while preserving room to align with possible federal action. The committee passed SB 97 on a due-pass motion to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee also heard SB 362, which would strengthen disclosure rules for small business financing by requiring clearer pricing information throughout the marketing process. Supporters said the bill would help small businesses compare offers and avoid harmful financing, while some industry groups objected to the bill’s treatment of communications and APR disclosures during negotiations. After discussion, the committee passed SB 362 to the Judiciary Committee, with several members voting aye and the roll left open. SB 784, a bill addressing predatory home-improvement and solar financing practices, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters described scams targeting seniors, low-income homeowners, and non-English speakers, and said the bill would add safeguards such as confirmation calls, document access, fee transparency, and longer cancellation periods. Solar industry groups moved to neutral after amendments, while banks and other lenders raised concerns about overbreadth and impacts on legitimate lending. The committee passed SB 784 to Judiciary, with some members not voting or changing votes during the roll call. Finally, SB 825 sought to give the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation clearer authority to enforce existing consumer financial protection laws against its licensees, especially in light of reduced federal CFPB enforcement. Supporters argued California needs independent state enforcement tools, while banking and mortgage groups opposed the bill as duplicative and unnecessary, urging coordination with federal regulators and proposing narrower amendments. The committee passed SB 825 to Appropriations on a due-pass vote, and then adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Retail Merchants of Hawaii in opposition.
• Next up, we have Retail Merchants of Hawaii in opposition.
• My name is Tina Yamaki with Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and we are opposed to the bill.
• Code 1324. Additionally, according to Pam Bondi, U.S.
• against title 8 us code against title 8 us code 1324<00:51:59.520> additionally<00:52:00.240

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been going on, but see, it's been in an agreement with the merchant and the person that's standing
• Good relationship with that merchant. So you've got an agreeable customer and agreeable merchant.
• Why can't we say amendment like this in the situations where the merchant and the purchaser have come
• <01:53:41.320> and<01:53:41.520> the where the merchant and the where the merchant
• If that agreement can't be made and we've got a merchant that demands exact change, but there is

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 3914 amends Title VIII of the Insurance Code by adding Chapter 1373, which would
• You put in what you're shopping for or the code that's associated with it and your zip code, and it spits
• They all have different rates for different CPT codes. ...DRG codes and other things related to that.
• Our funds are further reduced by the credit card processing fee that's required based on the merchant
• As a specific example, HB 2090 requires NAIC codes of 5 or 14 digits.

Bills: HB345, HB721, HB2580, SB815, HB3057, HB4603, HB3233, SB495, HB3863, HB3914, HB4570, HB5099, HB5173, SB458

Keywords: insurance, appraisal process, disputed losses, residential property, policyholder rights, insurer obligations, natural disasters, appraisal expenses, umpire selection, policyholder, insurer, umpire, claims management, health care, cost disclosure, benefit plan, administrators, traumatic brain injury, health benefit plans, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Tina Yamaki with the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and I apologize if you did not get our testimony
• <00:27:27.320> with<00:27:27.440> the<00:27:27.520> retail<00:27:27.799> merchant
• <00:27:28.320> of Tina yamaki with the retail merchant of Tina yamaki with the retail merchant
• 36.399> long<00:27:36.720> time<00:27:36.919> and Tina Yamaki, with the Retail Merchants

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before that book could be released, she sat before 18 of Boston's most powerful men, judges, merchants
• powerful sat before 18 of Boston's most powerful men,<00:46:35.120> judges,<00:46:35.680> merchants
• ,<00:46:36.640> John<00:46:37.080> Hancock men, judges, merchants, John Hancock men
• , judges, merchants, John Hancock himself,<00:46:38.600> and<00:46:38.800> proved<00:46

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:49 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27 Report of Committees 08:12 Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40 HB 43 23:13 HB 139 25:09 HB 414 31:49 HB 297 36:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41 ConC/Rules Report 56:40 Floor Amendments 57:54 Adjournment 58:17, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading. The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions. After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we have our friends from the California Retailers Association and Pacific Merchant Shipping
• Jennifer Cohn, with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the author has laid out, this bill tweaks the code to allow airlines to store the beverages.
• As the author has laid out, this bill tweaks the code to allow airlines to store the beverages.
• HB 4765 is a code enforcement officer bill.
• and nuisance codes in municipalities and other jurisdictions.
• Chapter 1952 of the Occupations Code states a person may be registered as a code enforcement officer,

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• levels, and that, frankly, is helping the state of California's revenues with our progressive tax code
• There's a lot of unjust application of our tax code, loopholes, and other areas that could have provided
• behalf of the LA Public Defenders Union, for the inclusion of the continued funding for the Penal Code
• Brian White, on behalf of Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Mr.
• Chair, members, Brian White, on behalf of Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, Pacific Maritime Association

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the 2026 Budget Act, which leaders said was the negotiated compromise with the Senate and was expected to move to the floor that evening. Opening remarks emphasized that the plan balances the budget over two years, reduces the structural deficit, and builds reserves, while also protecting core services in the face of federal cuts. Jason Sisney outlined the legislative budget framework and the likely floor bills, including AB 109, SB 110, SB 122, and SB 125. Department of Finance representative Eric Khali said the administration appreciated the two-year balanced approach and supported the modification in SB 122, while noting the package uses additional revenues and new spending to soften or reject some proposed cuts. Most of the discussion focused on major spending areas. Members and subcommittee chairs highlighted protections and additions for health care and human services, including rejecting the proposed Medi-Cal asset limit change, delaying premium increases, restoring clinic and dental funding, supporting distressed hospitals and county indigent care, and expanding county eligibility staffing to handle H.R. 1-related workload. Education members described record or expanded support for TK-12 schools, child care, special education, community colleges, teacher recruitment, and higher education, including a change to extend Cal Grant eligibility to age 30 for some community college students. Housing and homelessness funding was increased for HAP, multifamily housing, and the low-income housing tax credit, while public safety members pointed to investments in victims’ services, restorative justice, and prison closure savings. Several members also raised concerns or priorities tied to the budget deal. Some praised the package as a moral document that protects vulnerable Californians, immigrant communities, LGBTQ residents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Others noted unresolved issues, including the MCO tax’s impact on districts, the need for more support for local journalism, arts, biotech R&D incentives, transit and GGRF-related concerns, and the need for continued work on Prop. 98 and long-term fiscal resilience. The vice chair cautioned that despite the current progress, the state remains vulnerable to revenue volatility and warned that the budget should build more resilience against a possible downturn. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the committee was preparing the budget package for floor action and final negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so those our construction codes.
• We've seen and uh our building code We've seen and uh our building code officials<00:34:57.359><
• , specific task related to building codes, specific task related to building codes, energy<00:51:
• code and the commercial<00:54:48.720> code<00:54:49.119> and<00:54:49.359> then
• >> State Building Code Council. >> State Building Code Council.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• today, but let's think about this: you collect the 50 cents from a consumer, it's processed on a merchant
• today, but let's think about this: you collect the 50 cents from a consumer, it's processed on a merchant
• today, but let's think about this: you collect the 50 cents from a consumer, it's processed on a merchant
• today, but let's think about this: you collect the 50 cents from a consumer, it's processed on a merchant
• today, but let's think about this: you collect the 50 cents from a consumer, it's processed on a merchant

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 5 was heard in the Transportation Committee and moved by the author, Representative Jim Joy, to be referred to the Tax Committee. Joy described the bill as a package to make Minnesota more affordable by fully eliminating the Social Security tax subtraction, ending the motor fuels tax indexing, repealing the retail delivery fee, and studying vehicle registration/license taxes compared with neighboring states. Committee fiscal staff explained the bill’s fiscal effects across the general fund, highway user tax distribution fund, transportation advancement account, and metro county sales tax allocations, including that the delivery fee repeal would reduce Transportation Advancement Account revenue and that the bill would shift some revenue sources to offset losses. Several stakeholders testified. The Minnesota Grocers Association strongly supported repealing the retail delivery fee, arguing it is costly and complex for retailers to administer, especially small businesses, and that the costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. The Minnesota Propane Association also supported repeal, saying the fee is burdensome for propane businesses, that only a small share of deliveries are actually subject to it, and that compliance costs can exceed the fee revenue collected. Fiscal staff noted that delivery fee revenue forecasts have fallen below earlier projections, and explained that the fee is imposed on sellers with several exemptions, including a $100 transaction threshold and exemptions for some sales such as bars, restaurants, nonprofits, and certain small businesses. Opposition came from local government groups. The League of Minnesota Cities said it supported the Transportation Advancement Account and its 2023 funding sources, including the delivery fee and motor vehicle parts sales tax, and warned that the bill would prematurely alter a funding structure that cities rely on for predictable transportation revenue. The Minnesota Association of Small Cities said small cities had long lacked dedicated transportation funding and wanted a stable, ongoing revenue stream, but were neutral on the exact source as long as it was reliable. Metro Cities echoed support for stable, predictable transportation funding for metro-area cities. The committee took testimony and discussion only; no final vote was recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to refer the bill to the Tax Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chinese-owned entities, COSCO Shipping and China Merchant Group, a major participant and proponent in
• The clerk will report the title of the bill, H.R. 1147, a bill to amend Title 38, United States Code,
• , to amend Title 38, United States Code, to amend Title 38, United States Code, to<04:28:39.359><
• Union Calendar number 71, H.R. 2201, a bill to amend Title 38, United States Code, to improve claims
• <07:25:10.558> to would weaponize the tax code to would weaponize the tax code to exacerbate

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2021 in HB3257 by then Representative Phil King from Weatherford, referenced in Texas Government Code
• It's in our code. You had to go elsewhere to find it. There are 11 examples.
• We are capitalists and communists, merchants and non-profit leaders, philosophers and mathematicians,
• in our school, we must clearly define anti-Semitism and acts of anti-Semitic bullying in the school code
• HB 824 adds focused instruction on local and civic processes to the Texas Education Code, Section 28.002

Bills: HB295, HB824, HB1579, HB1581, HB2189, HB295

Keywords: bullying, antisemitism, school policies, school discipline, education, education policy, Texas Education Code, hate speech, student rights, civics education, high school curriculum, government, voting process, elected officials, Texas Seal of Biliteracy, biliteracy, bilingual education, multilingual, language proficiency, high school diploma

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't affect Vehicle Code Section 279, which already outlines that a collector vehicle is, quote,
• The life span in my zip code is eight years shorter than that in West Long Beach or East Long Beach.
• Brian White, on behalf of Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, respectfully in opposition to...
• It basically gives them great authority in the Vehicle Code.
• Thank you very much. ...basically gives them good authority in the Vehicle Code.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, could you get me the code of... The code of Alabama 41-6-3 and 41-6-4? Uh-huh.
• The merchants of that personal property that merchants of that personal property that the tax has been
• And, um, we could look at that section of the code and... ...code and 45 29240.
• We can get to the code and, um, I don't want the administrative code. I hit the wrong button there.
• Uh, code of Alabama. And then I will flip back.

Bills: HJR 98, HB 142, HB 912, HB 2525, SCR 19, SB 66, SB 128, SB 209, SB 250, SB 317, SB 383, SB 393, SB 397, SB 517, SB 571, SB 612, SB 614, SB 715, SB 731, SB 801, SB 865, SB 867, SB 872, SB 905, SB 913, SB 945, SB 946, SB 986, SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1087, SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1181, SB 1212, SB 1241, SB 1250, SB 1263, SB 1278, SB 1285, SB 1444, SB 1483, SB 1525, SB 1528, SB 1553, SB 1556, SB 1588, SB 1660, SB 1708, SB 1802, SB 1833, SB 1844, SB 1854, SB 1957, SB 1965, SB 1999, SB 2056, SB 2082, SB 2119, SB 2133, SB 2138, SB 2203, SB 2221, SB 2337, SB 2340, SB 2373, SB 2419, SB 2422, SB 2452, SB 2477, SB 2487, SB 2501, SB 2533, SB 2586, SB 2587, SB 2615, SB 2622, SB 2633, SB 2675, SB 2681, SB 2690, SB 2713, SB 2717, SB 2753, SB 2781, SB 2782, SB 2835, SB 2841, SB 2857, SB 2891, SB 2929, SB 2933, SB 2994, SB 3016, SJR 3, SB 5, SB 29, SB 72, SB 326, SB 494, SB 509, SB 530, SB 616, SB 769, SB 783, SB 963, SB 985, SB 1143, SB 1172, SB 1238, SB 1267, SB 1271, SB 1273, SB 1506, SB 1759, SB 1786, SB 1967, SB 2312, SB 2361, SB 1, SB 260, SB 1506, SB 1637, HJR 98, HJR 99, HJR 2, HJR 1, HB 1109, HB 1392, HB 22, HB 2525, HB 3093, HB 517, HB 912, HB 1130, HB 142, HB 1689, HB 2018, HB 136, HB 2884, HB 1393, HB 2730, HB 1399, HB 1244, HB 467, HB 331, HB 2559, HB 29, HB 26, HB 166, HB 353, HB 2000, HB 2756, HB 3248, HB 3513, HB 3204, HB 3135, HB 3012, HB 2763, HB 2523, HB 2457, HB 2415, HB 2198, HB 2143, HB 1708, HB 1672, HB 767, HB 1327, HB 2723, HB 451, HB 140, HB 109, HB 3096, HCR 6, HCR 12, HCR 29, HCR 50, HCR 55, HCR 56, HCR 58, HCR 70, HCR 71, HCR 74, HCR 78, HCR 80, HCR 107, HCR 116, HCR 117, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 48, SCR 19, SB 2023, SB 1844, SB 2533, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 507, SB 1434, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 1122, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1085, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1845, SB 2681, SB 2458, SB 801, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2076, SB 2876, SB 2929, SB 715, SB 1640, SB 2538, SB 1449, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 1359, SB 410, SB 1234, SB 2926, SB 2138, SB 2615, SB 2972, SB 2841, SB 3016, SB 1856, SB 1528, SB 1373, SB 672, SB 2891, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 1285, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 1237, SB 1586, SB 2819, SB 629, SB 2342, SB 2903, SB 2477, SB 3029, SB 1957, SB 375, SB 250, SB 777, SB 2367, SB 2703, SB 2608, SB 2965, SB 2521, SB 865, SB 2165, SB 2501, SB 2675, SB 2452, SB 2835, SB 872, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1588, SB 1602, SB 1704, SB 1723, SB 1833, SB 1858, SB 1946, SB 2009, SB 2177, SB 2460, SB 2785, SB 2373, SB 1660, SB 614, SB 867, SB 1608, SB 1525, SB 905, SB 640, SB 2487, SB 1698, SB 383, SB 705, SB 748, SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1802, SB 2340, SB 2586, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 2994, SB 2747, SB 1950, SB 913, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1087, SB 1483, SB 1444, SB 1553, SB 1556, SB 1703, SB 2133, SB 2297, SB 2298, SB 2622, SB 2955, SB 3059, SB 2782, SB 2781, SB 2637, SB 2633, SB 2337, SB 2334, SB 1861, SB 2043, SB 1367, SB 946, SB 945, SB 2857, SB 128, SB 571, SB 1263, SB 3058, SB 612, SB 2221, SB 2587, SB 2044, SB 2363, SB 2713, SB 2311, SB 1986, SB 2565, SB 2943, SB 1888, SB 2417, SB 3048, SB 3052, SB 3053, SB 3036, SB 3057, SB 3056, SB 3043, SB 3037, SB 3050, SB 3063, SB 3047, SB 3035, SB 2446, SB 466, SB 2611, SB 2794, SB 2105, SB 2017, SB 1790, SB 1778, SB 1730, SB 2995, SB 2847, SB 205, SB 2619, SB 1903, SB 203, SB 3061, SB 1581, SB 2600, SB 2799, SB 2790, SB 2688, SB 2515, SB 1230, SB 876, SB 2522, SB 2639, SB 2137, SB 2519, SB 2403, SB 2459, SB 3051, SB 2655, SB 2251, SB 2764, SB 2878, SB 1884, SB 111, SB 582, SB 2617, SB 1835, SB 2751, SB 2959, SB 250, SB 614, SB 865, SB 872, SB 905, SB 986, SB 1113, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1525, SB 1588, SB 1660, SB 1802, SB 1833, SB 2487, SB 2586, SB 2675, SB 2690, SB 2929, HB 912, HB 2525, SB 1844, SB 2533, SB 1957, SB 1999, SB 2138, SB 2615, SB 3016, SR 469, SB 29, SB 326, SB 494, SB 530, SB 769, SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1967, SB 2312, SB 1506, HJR 34, HB 42, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 632, HB 668, HB 677, HB 766, HB 1105, HB 1160, HB 1169, HB 1592, HB 1778, HB 1781, HB 1868, HB 2017, HB 2038, HB 2128, HB 2240, HB 2316, HB 2510, HB 2516, HB 2563, HB 2582, HB 2663, HB 2712, HB 2715, HB 2760, HB 2788, HB 3010, HB 3069, HB 3112, HB 3120, HB 3146, HB 3157, HB 3305, HB 3348, HB 3464, HB 3474, HB 3505, HB 3512, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 3686, HB 3783, HB 3860, HB 4063, HB 4081, HB 4214, HB 4215, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4325, HB 4361, HB 4386, HB 4395, HB 4665, HB 4783, HB 5032, HB 5180, HJR 34, HB 42, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 632, HB 668, HB 677, HB 766, HB 1105, HB 1160, HB 1169, HB 1592, HB 1778, HB 1781, HB 1868, HB 2017, HB 2038, HB 2128, HB 2240, HB 2316, HB 2510, HB 2516, HB 2563, HB 2582, HB 2663, HB 2712, HB 2715, HB 2760, HB 2788, HB 3010, HB 3069, HB 3112, HB 3120, HB 3146, HB 3157, HB 3305, HB 3348, HB 3464, HB 3474, HB 3505, HB 3512, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 3686, HB 3783, HB 3860, HB 4063, HB 4081, HB 4214, HB 4215, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4325, HB 4361, HB 4386, HB 4395, HB 4665, HB 4783, HB 5032, HB 5180

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, HB 142, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, Office of Inspector General, OIG, Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, recovery audit contractor, RAC, overpayment recovery, underpayment, fraud, waste, abuse, provider enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• , but the Property Code is inconsistent, and so there is a hesitation by a lot of these...
• , it's inconsistent in the Property Code.
• But again, it's already allowed in code and statute.
• Property Code, a separate part of the code, a separate statute, to make sure that it's clear because
• it's inconsistent in the Property Code.

Bills: SB438, SB512, SB647, SB648, SB1495, SB2121, SB2145, SB2154, SB2167, SB2184, SB2211, SB2268, SB2349, SB2443, SB2629, SB2702, SB2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is the Retail Merchants.
• Dave Erdman, Interim President and CEO of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii: Um, Chair and congratulations
• My name is Dave Erdman, interim president and CEO of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and we strongly
• , CEO of Dave Erdman, interim president, CEO of the<00:02:18.560> Retail<00:02:18.879> Merchants
• of Hawaii, and we the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and we strongly<00:02:20.879> support<00:02

Bills: SB2603, SB2083, SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2756, SB2161, SB2477

Keywords: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, historic properties, preservation, inheritance, working group, public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2603, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state orchestra of Hawaii. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the Attorney General’s office, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, and others. Supporters emphasized the bill’s value to arts education, cultural vitality, and the visitor economy. The chair noted there were also many written testimonies submitted, and the bill was left without questions or action in the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2083, which would create a state-owned historic properties preservation plan working group within DNR. The State Historic Preservation Division supported the bill and said it would help create a statewide database and better planning for state-owned historic properties, while noting its current review work is reactive and project-by-project. The committee asked about duplication and existing consultation processes; SHPD said it already reviews state projects under existing law and has in-house architectural staff. The measure was then set aside after brief discussion, with no vote shown in the excerpt. Next was Senate Bill 2341, which would authorize phased review of certain private-property projects and change SHPD’s review deadlines. SHPD and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the bill, saying it could encourage more proactive, programmatic review and that the current average review time for simple projects is about 56 days. Several opponents, including Sierra Club of Hawaii, Bianca Isaki, Malama Kane Lua, and Tara Roas, argued phased review would delay projects, create conflict, and weaken historic preservation protections, especially for iwi kūpuna and burial sites. Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill conflicted with prior court decisions and asked SHPD for its view; SHPD said it was not a legal question for them and suggested a programmatic alternative. The bill was not voted on in the excerpt. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2306 on administrative fees for the Bureau of Conveyances. HGEA opposed the measure, focusing on a provision allowing the special fund to be used for qualified contractors, while the Bureau of Conveyances supported the bill as a fee correction that would equalize recording fees between systems. The bureau said specialized technical work sometimes requires outside contracting and that it could consider a contract period; the chair and members discussed the HGEA concern and asked whether the issue could be addressed. No final action was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your merchants. Oh, he told her that.
• Y'all are merchants. They have a store up there. The black man was a coward.
• Y'all<01:05:38.680> are<01:05:38.760> merchants. Y'all are merchants.
• Y'all are merchants.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 46:45.040> QR feel free to, um, take note of this QR feel free to, um, take note of this QR code
• 46.400> access<00:46:46.960> our<00:46:47.359> handbook<00:46:47.839> of code
• and you can access our handbook of code and you can access our handbook of 101<00:46:49.119> realw
• If you use Visa rails, where we would already be on those rails, except at 150 million merchants around
• rails except at 150 million merchants rails except at 150 million merchants around<01:19:38.080>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Stable Token Study Commission held its first regular meeting, welcomed all remaining appointed members, and completed brief introductions from legislators and agency designees. The chair outlined the commission’s plan to use the first part of the enabling legislation as a “level-setting” discussion, focusing this meeting on the basics of blockchain, the current landscape for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, and leaving blockchain-based trust for a later meeting. No votes were taken. The main presentation came from Deanna Bario Zales of the Global Blockchain Business Council, who described stablecoins as increasingly converging toward fiat-backed or asset-backed models, with algorithmic designs viewed more cautiously. She said stablecoins are being used for payments, remittances, DeFi activity, cross-border transfers, retail use in high-inflation markets, and treasury functions, while noting risks such as peg instability, reserve transparency, counterparty and network risk, and possible capital flight from weaker banking systems. She cited growth in supply, wallet activity, and transfer volume, and said U.S.-pegged stablecoins dominate the market, with USDT and USDC leading. Zales also discussed tokenized real-world assets, describing them as digital representations of physical assets that can enable fractional ownership, liquidity, and faster settlement. She said the market is growing quickly, with institutional participation from firms such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, and projected continued expansion. She closed with an overview of regulatory developments, emphasizing the new U.S. stablecoin framework under the Genius Act, the proposed Clarity Act, OCC guidance, and similar regimes in the EU, UK, UAE, Singapore, Japan, and elsewhere, all of which she said are shaping compliance requirements and market development.

Transcript Highlights:

• problematic because all businesses are registered with the Secretary of State's office, and there's certain codes
• Starting in 2004, we began pulling produce and other products from our shelves that were near code or
• document, the founders said 17 people agreed that it shall be the policy of this club to buy from local merchants
• ><01:33:52.000> buy<01:33:52.239> from<01:33:52.560> local<01:33:52.960> merchants
• <01:33:53.440> as this club to buy from local merchants as this club to buy from local merchants

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.