Transcript Highlights:

• our states define our competitiveness as far as uh taxes, regulations, uh but that does not keep commerce
• between our states define our competitiveness as far as taxes, regulations, but that does not keep commerce
• 38.560> keep regulations, uh but that does not keep regulations, uh but that does not keep commerce
• 40.480> from<01:49:40.800> either<01:49:41.199> leaving<01:49:41.600> our commerce
• um from either leaving our commerce um from either leaving our state<01:49:42.320> or<01:49:42.719

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway 13 is a critical corridor of commerce to both the South Metro region and to the state of Minnesota
• The commerce that's involved in the ports of Savage is critical to the state of Minnesota.
• That is a significant amount of commerce. to try and make the the road safer and to try and make the
• That is a significant<00:15:56.800> amount<00:15:57.120> of<00:15:57.360> commerce.
• be the OMS County Board of Commissioners, Destination Medical Center, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm fully aware of the Commerce Clause, you know, but I think we need to try and just seen over the years
• I'm fully aware of the Commerce Clause, you know, but I think we need to try and just seen over the years
• And again, saying that with clearly the interstate commerce clause, but I believe this is an attempt
• And again, saying that with clearly the interstate commerce clause, but I believe this is an attempt
• And again, saying that with clearly the interstate commerce clause, but I believe this is an attempt

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• Union Calendar Number 436, H.R. 4294, a bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot
• Union Calendar Number 436, H.R. 4294, a bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot
• <05:05:49.120> of a bill to direct the Secretary of a bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce
• establish<05:05:50.240> a<05:05:50.400> pilot<05:05:50.878> program Commerce
• to establish a pilot program Commerce to establish a pilot program with<05:05:51.840> respect

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• missed it, the 2018 Farm Bill nationally legalized and defined hemp, which kicked off an interstate commerce
• missed it, the 2018 Farm Bill nationally legalized and defined hemp, which kicked off an interstate commerce
• missed it, the 2018 Farm Bill nationally legalized and defined hemp, which kicked off an interstate commerce
• change course. 2018 Farm Bill nationally legalized and defined hemp, which kicked off an interstate commerce
• We know that people are afraid to engage in normal commerce because, for example, they may be violently

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 3091, appropriation, Agriculture and Commerce Department. I make the usual motion.
• This is our Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
• :26:57.920> of<01:26:57.960> Agriculture<01:26:58.400> and<01:26:58.480> Commerce
• Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the rest of the corporate actors to want to use our laws to do legitimate business and further commerce
• to the rest of the corporate actors to want to use our laws to do legitimate business and further commerce
• 22:04.000> business<01:22:04.880> and<01:22:05.199> further<01:22:05.679> commerce
• legitimate business and further commerce legitimate business and further commerce in<01:22:06.239

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce
• You have the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department
• To give you a hypothetical that I think is very relevant to all of us, your Chamber of Commerce is working
• Department of Treasury, Department of Justice, Homeland Security, Commerce, National Security Council
• Now it's vibrant, vital, tax-generating, and a treasure trove of culture, commerce, and community.

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127, SB906, SB1229, SB855, SB703, SB1025, SB888, SB1119, SB1080, SB929, SB1355, SB2231, SB1877, SB1998, SB552, SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB2697, HB3801, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3469, HB2594, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB 1181, HB3963, HB5111, HB2785, HB1661, HB200, HB1803, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB 1128, HB1904, HB30, HB1916, HB541, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB175, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4730, HB4743, HB4463, HB4139, HB4752, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2266, HB2229, HB2189, HB5224, HB5195, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB3745, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HB4944, HB2284, HB4506, HB3317, HB4166, HB3913, HB1768, HB4603, HB2494, HB3099, HJR138, HB133, HB3832, HB1988, HCR34, HB3421, HB3892, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Transcript Highlights:

• But if something is declared to be an unfair or deceptive act in commerce in any statute in New Hampshire
• :19:31.840> with<01:19:32.000> everything<01:19:32.400> in<01:19:32.640> commerce
• be done with everything in commerce? be done with everything in commerce?
• Do you have any just a rough guess when we're going to be done with everything in Commerce?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up HB 164, dealing with homeowners and certain service agreements tied to residential real estate. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be framed as prohibiting “service agreements” or more specifically as banning “future right to listing” agreements, and whether the bill should mirror Maine’s newer law. Mike Padmore of AARP New Hampshire presented suggested edits, including clarifying that the agreements are unenforceable, striking a provision at Roman 6C, and adding language making clear that registry of deeds staff are not liable when they record documents they are statutorily required to file. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors said the bill and Maine’s law reach the same result, but he preferred simpler wording and argued the bill should not include a two-year time limit because legitimate listing agreements should not create liens at all. Members and witnesses debated whether the bill should simply make the practice illegal outright, whether the Consumer Protection Act is the right enforcement vehicle, and whether the lien-removal process should be modeled on the recent undischarged mortgage bill. A consumer protection official said the bureau supports the statute and explained that under RSA 358-A, consumers could seek damages and equitable relief to strike a lien, while also noting that the bureau often uses the Consumer Protection Act as an enforcement tool. The committee also discussed narrowing the bill to residential real estate, with the sponsor and witnesses saying the problem has been seen in residential transactions and that commercial property was not the focus. The testimony described the underlying problem as companies, often national rather than New Hampshire-based, using long-term or future listing agreements to impose liens or penalties on homeowners, sometimes in connection with estate transfers or home sales. Witnesses said legitimate real estate listings do not normally place liens on houses, but these arrangements can include hidden or unclear penalties, including a reported 3% charge on home value. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the committee appeared to be working through possible amendments and whether to adopt Maine-style language or a simpler New Hampshire-specific approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to open Commerce and go into a two-minute recess.
• I think everyone has the list of Commerce bills to exact, and we'll be in executive session for about
• > minutes<01:00:56.119> yeah<01:00:56.319> all right<01:01:25.920> e Commerce
• 19.640> recess<01:02:20.640> and<01:02:20.880> open<01:02:21.160> the Commerce
• out of recess and open the Commerce out of recess and open the hearing<01:02:21.520> on<01:02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maui Chamber of Commerce in support. Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation in support.
• Maui Chamber of Commerce in support. Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation in support.
• <00:44:15.839> Maui<00:44:16.200> Chamber<00:44:16.599> of<00:44:16.800> Commerce
• <00:44:17.160> and you Maui Chamber of Commerce and you Maui Chamber of Commerce and support

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pamela Tumac, Maui Chamber of Commerce, in opposition.
• testimonies, I can point out the groups in support: Lahaina Town Action Committee, Maui Chamber of Commerce
• <01:02:44.000> Maui<01:02:44.480> Chamber<01:02:44.880> of<01:02:45.200> Commerce
• committee uh Maui Chamber of Commerce committee uh Maui Chamber of Commerce Pacific<01:02:46.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under his visionary leadership, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce expanded his mission to promote
• Harlem president and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber<00:13:28.720> of<00:13:28.959> Commerce
• Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce and<00:13:30.880> co-founder<00:13:31.760> of<
• , becoming one of the longest of Commerce, becoming one of the longest serving<00:15:16.639> leaders
• the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce expanded<00:15:33.120

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two witnesses who testified in favor of the canopy cut in the commerce committee, and these
• favor of the canopy cut in the commerce favor of the canopy cut in the commerce committee<01:19:
• When we heard testimony in the Senate Commerce Committee on the Office of Cannabis Management's policy
• <01:45:53.199> President,<01:45:53.679> I place of commerce. And Mr.
• President, I place of commerce. And Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:21:11.479> in<02:21:11.560> front<02:21:11.760> of<02:21:11.920> Commerce
• <02:21:12.439> last<02:21:12.640> year bill was in front of Commerce last year bill
• was in front of Commerce last year there<02:21:13.000> were<02:21:13.160> only<02:21:13.359
• able to communicate a few things to this committee: what is a biologic, as I know last year the Commerce
• year<02:37:10.600> the biologic as I know last year the biologic as I know last year the Commerce

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• recover the cost of those fees if their appeal is successful, just like they could if this was DNR, Commerce
• if this successful, just like they could if this was<00:15:07.560> DNR,<00:15:08.120> Commerce
• Ag,<00:15:08.959> or<00:15:09.079> any<00:15:09.320> other was DNR, Commerce
• , Ag, or any other was DNR, Commerce, Ag, or any other agency. agency. agency.

Bills: HF4491, HF4338, HF4288, HF4566

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• might ask that you all got a red book on your desk or delivered to your office from the Chamber of Commerce
• Chamber<00:48:19.839> of your office from the Chamber of your office from the Chamber of Commerce
• 21.680> CNBC<00:48:22.720> poll<00:48:24.160> that<00:48:24.480> was Commerce
• The CNBC poll that was Commerce.

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 5, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 127 members present, heard a prayer, and then recognized 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and the Maryland Municipal League on its 90th anniversary. The Blue Ribbon resolution named Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Diamond Elementary School, Little Flower School, Meyersville Elementary School, St. Louis School, Stoneleigh Elementary School, and Wilson Whims Elementary School, with principals introduced from the gallery. The MML resolution honored the league’s service to Maryland’s cities and towns and invited members to meet municipal officials after the floor session. The clerk also noted a second printing of the 2026 rule book due to a table-of-contents error. The chamber then took up House Bill 80, the Residential Leases Fee Disclosures bill. Floor debate focused on what fees must be disclosed, what counts as a utility versus a fee, whether the bill applies to oral leases, and how the measure applies to landlords with four or more units. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure tenants know all upfront fees before signing and to create a clear enforcement pathway; opponents raised concerns about penalties, affordability, and the burden on landlords. The bill passed on third reading by a vote of 95-34. The House next considered House Bill 153, which requires air conditioning in newly constructed residential rental units and units undergoing specified substantial renovations, with the standard that habitable spaces be kept at 80 degrees or lower. Members asked whether window units would satisfy the requirement, how the bill interacts with older buildings and ongoing renovations, whether it applies retroactively, how enforcement would work, and whether it references federal refrigerant rules; the sponsor said it does not require central air and is prospective only. Supporters argued it reflects existing practice in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and clarifies habitability standards, while opponents cited costs and concerns about older homes. The transcript ends during debate on this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration: House enrolled act number 19, being original House Bill 75, an act relating to trade and commerce
• Congratulations, Representative Clausen. relating to trade and commerce providing relating to trade and
• commerce providing for<00:09:09.360> the<00:09:09.480> operation<00:09:10.080> of
• File 21, sponsored by Blockchain, Wyoming Stable Token Amendments, an act relating to trade and commerce

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pamela Tumpup, Maui Chamber of Commerce, in support. Hawaii Farmers Union, in support.
• Pamela Tumpup, Maui Chamber of Commerce<01:03:08.960> in<01:03:09.200> support.
• <01:03:09.520> Hawaii<01:03:10.000> Farmers Commerce in support.
• Hawaii Farmers Commerce in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a large number of health-related measures, with the most extensive discussion on SB 2283, which would expand mail-order pharmacy access for prescription drugs. Supporters including HMSA, the Board of Pharmacy, and health plan groups said mail order could lower costs, improve adherence, and reduce hospitalizations, while independent pharmacies and rural neighbor-island providers warned it could harm local pharmacies, reduce access for patients who rely on face-to-face service, and create delivery and storage problems for medications. No vote was taken on SB 2283 during the excerpt, and the chair moved on after hearing testimony. The committee also heard SB 2855 on opioid antagonists, with the Insurance Division and HMSA noting that medically necessary opioid antagonists are already covered and suggesting the issue may be addressed through education or administrative fixes. Fentanyl and substance abuse groups supported the measure. SB 3045 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors drew broad support from diabetes and health organizations; HMSA said it had already expanded coverage for members on injectable insulin but raised concerns about supply constraints and said it had not yet seen an auditor study referenced in discussion. Members asked whether the bill would extend coverage beyond current policy. SB 2843 on domestic violence received support from the Public Defender’s Office, prosecutors, and victim-related organizations, who said the pilot program for misdemeanor domestic violence cases had reduced backlogs and improved court efficiency. A prosecutor also supported retaining coercive control as a petty misdemeanor tool in larger domestic violence cases. SB 2845 on healthcare facility access drew strong support from many health, legal, and advocacy groups, who said it would protect patients and staff from disruptive interference at healthcare facilities; one opponent argued it would chill lawful speech and protest and unfairly exempt labor demonstrations. The committee then heard SB 2854 and SB 3202, both healthcare-related measures, with testimony largely in support. SB 2854 drew comments from health and dental groups, and SB 3202 focused on workforce and licensing issues, including support for retired physicians volunteering, preceptor tax credits, and adding advanced midwifery and physician assistant-related provisions. The chair repeatedly enforced a one-minute testimony limit and moved through the agenda without recorded votes in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in support on Zoom. >> Thank you.
• ><00:17:34.160> Uh,<00:17:34.480> Chamber<00:17:34.799> of<00:17:34.960> Commerce
• Uh, Chamber of Commerce >> Thank you.
• Uh, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Hawaii Hawaii in<00:17:38.240> support in support in support upstream

Bills: HB1924, HB2121, HB1928, HB1979, HB1650, HB1543, HB1981, HB1982

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.