Transcript Highlights:

• Goodwin Realtors started the day I graduated from the University of Texas in 1972 as a small real estate
• These are small houses that have been passed down from generation to generation.
• Small mom-and-pop water districts, which makes it even more work.
• Sometimes the problem has been that a smaller utility for a small community does not ever come in to
• It's not just the big items, but the small items, challenges that we're dealing with in Marlin.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what actually gets to the board goes through a whole process, and a small amount actually go to the
• amount that goes to a volunteer board. ...at a staff level, so this is a very small amount that goes
• Big companies, electrical contractors, small—Representative Sapp, Miller Electric from your part of the
• That reduces competition, increases client costs, and places unnecessary burdens on small businesses.
• I represent more than a quarter of a million members and hundreds of thousands of small businesses.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I agree, you know, small businesses especially, they need to be able to get their deliveries.
• For a small business already facing inflation, labor shortages, and increased operating costs, these
• assume that delivering during the daytime would be more expensive than delivering overnight for the small
• I don't think anybody argues the balance that we're trying to strike here between supporting small businesses
• It's pretty small compared to your district, Chairman, and in there are five municipalities.

Bills: HB246, HB796, HB 1056, HB1544, HB1846, HB2001, HB2618, HB2625, HB2869, HB2898, HB3069, HB3114, HB3157, HB3228, HJR98, HB246

Keywords: federal directives, state authority, Tenth Amendment, government enforcement, local governance, gold standard, legal tender, currency, transactional currency, financial transactions, electronic payment systems, state finance, regulatory compliance, electric trucks, charging infrastructure, advisory council, transportation, sustainability, criminal penalties, official information

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT IS NOT SMALL GOVERNMENT.
• JOHN'S COMMUNITY AND TO BE A SMALL PART OF THE HISTORY THAT WILL BE TOLD HERE. THANK YOU. >> Sen.
• THEY WANT STRONG LOCAL ECONOMIES, THEY WANT TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.
• THEY WANT TO SMALL PHOTO HOUSING UNITS BACK HOME.
• WE WANT TO SUPPORT OUR SMALL BUSINESSES AND CRAS DO THAT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the small states is an Alabama Law Institute Bill, so very fortunate to have them do that and
• This is the revised Small Estates Act. Representative Alond would be... ...act.
• The Alabama Small Estates Act allows the... ...the Alabama Small Estates Act allows the surviving spouse
• The other question I had was if you have a small estate, and they maybe have a bank in another county
• , but they're a resident of, say, Lamar County, can you file this small estate in... ...County.

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, firearm possession, domestic violence, violent offenses, criminal penalties, pretrial detention, bail, offenses, constitutional amendment, criminal justice, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit of history on this bill: From 2012 to 2018, I was a Christian school administrator at a small
• Vegetation management is a very small but very important factor in providing safer, more reliable, and
• Vegetation management is a very small but very important factor in providing safer, more reliable, and
• This would be true in rural, suburban, small towns, and cities.
• I live in a rural ...suburban, small towns, and cities.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment met with 13 members present, approved the June 4, 2026 minutes, and took up Senate Bill 947, which concerns dam registration, inspections, and related enforcement. The committee discussed a substitute that made technical changes and implementation adjustments, including lower registration fees for counties with multiple dams, extending registration validity from five to ten years, allowing conditional permits, giving EGLE flexibility to modify deficiency schedules, and adding provisions related to inspection reports and low-hazard dam evaluations. Members also raised an unresolved issue involving FERC preemption and hydroelectric dams; the chair and EGLE said that issue would continue to be worked on, likely through the floor process. Public testimony cards were read in support from a range of environmental and policy groups and individuals. The committee adopted the S-1 substitute 13-0 and then reported SB 947 to the floor on an 8-3 vote with two passes. The committee then considered Senate Bill 627, which also had been heard previously. No additional questions were raised, and testimony cards were read in support from several organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The committee voted to report SB 627 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass, and the bill was reported on an 11-1 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee took testimony only on House Bill 4361, sponsored by Representative Green, which would direct the Public Service Commission to create a rule allowing utilities broader vegetation management within rights-of-way to improve grid reliability. Representative Green and Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Kevin Mazur testified that the bill would reduce outages, improve safety, and align statutory standards with existing utility practices. Several senators raised concerns that the language was too broad and could allow extensive tree removal, harming property owners, local control, tree canopy, and environmental and health interests; others said utilities already have similar authority and emphasized reliability and homeowner coordination. The committee did not take action on HB 4361 and adjourned after reading in testimony cards from utilities, environmental groups, and others both supporting and opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also received something from a coffee shop, the Manhattan Coffee Shop, a very small company who's very
• concerned for small businesses.
• I will point out for small businesses that this bill exempts businesses that create less than two tons
• And I'd like to point out to you that those small businesses, like...
• And I'd like to point out to you that those small businesses, like that coffee shop, may be exempt, but

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The New York State Senate Finance Committee met with Senator John Liu presiding for Chair Liz Krueger, joined by members of the majority and minority. The committee considered a broad agenda of bills covering agriculture, public health, technology, taxation, corrections, education, housing, transportation, and civil rights. Among the measures discussed were a youth agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, a Bronx asthma study commission, a statewide multi-factor authentication requirement for governmental entities, a tax on noise emissions from certain helicopter and seaplane flights, a requirement that state events serving alcohol include New York-produced alcohol, a veterans and service members alternative resolution program, packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure legislation, limits on certain debt-collection practices involving foreign sovereign debt, commissary rules in correctional institutions, school energy performance contract recovery periods, a senior rent cap tied to income, a dental health demonstration project, farm succession planning, Operation SNUG gun violence prevention grants, expanded breast cancer screening coverage, direct Medicaid billing for creative arts therapists, a vacant storefront registry, academic credit for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, a plan to expand wheelchair-accessible vehicles outside New York City, STAR exemption notification, restrictions on certain tropical hardwoods in state contracts, a PSC guidebook on gas and electric rate making, gender-affirming care coverage and anti-discrimination provisions, and state leave for Civil Air Patrol members on airport-assigned missions. Most of the meeting focused on the packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure bill, which drew extended debate. Supporters said the bill had been revised after months of discussion with industry, included waivers for food safety and federal-law conflicts, and could save local governments money through producer responsibility funding. Opponents argued it would raise costs, harm food packaging flexibility, threaten food safety, and hurt manufacturers and small businesses, citing examples from dairy, meat, and coffee businesses. The sponsor’s representative said the bill had been updated and that some small businesses would be exempt, while acknowledging not all concerns were resolved. The committee also discussed the fiscal impact, with testimony that upfront state costs would be reimbursed and localities could see savings. Several other bills prompted brief policy discussion, including the helicopter/seaplane noise tax, where staff explained it would be assessed per ticket or up to $200 per flight and exempt quieter aircraft meeting DOT standards, and the sovereign debt/claims bill, where a senator warned it could drive financial activity out of New York. The committee also heard concerns about the packaging bill’s effect on New York food manufacturers and the availability of waivers. After discussion, the committee voted to report the bills; the transcript indicates the measures passed, generally with some members recorded as without recommendation or opposed, and all listed bills were moved to the floor before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this would apply to your counties across the state, your small governments, your small cities.
• I have a friend that's on a county, on a city commission on a small city in Louisville.
• And it's amazing how much money this small city has.
• Number two, it kind of um not terrifies me, bothers me that these small cities all across Louisville
• manufacturers, and small businesses. manufacturers, and small businesses.

Bills: SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a relatively small portion of the whole market in Minnesota.
• So this is a relatively small portion of the whole market in Minnesota.
• So this is a relatively small portion of the whole market in Minnesota.
• What do we do to prop this small and failing market into the future? Mr. Andreason. Uh, Mr.
• <01:17:38.640> local it'll make it easier for small local it'll make it easier for small local

Bills: HF3766, HF3972, HF3437, HF4118

Keywords: travel insurance, regulation, insurance licensing, consumer protection, travel assistance, short-term rental, vacation rental, home sharing, rental marketplace, online platform, property damage guarantee, damage waiver, reimbursement insurance, insurance regulation, commerce department, platform user, Airbnb, Vrbo, host protection, rental home marketplace

Transcript Highlights:

• I found myself living in a small rural town in Greater Minnesota.
• I found myself living in a small rural town in Greater Minnesota.
• I found myself living in a small rural town in Greater Minnesota.
• I found myself living in a small rural town in Greater Minnesota.
• cost reporting system that many small cost reporting system that many small providers<01:38:15.800

Bills: HF2367, HF2319, HF2523, HF1742, HF671, HF2331, HF2722, HF2406, HF1674

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 70% of Ramsey County are small businesses.
• Over 70% of Ramsey County are small businesses.
• Over 70% of Ramsey County are small businesses.
• Over 70% of Ramsey County are small businesses.
• Large corporations are not as affected as much as small mom-and-pops are.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're having conversations with advocates on that as it relates to the impacts on small settings for
• We're having conversations with advocates on that as it relates to the impacts on small settings for
• some additional flexibility for small some additional flexibility for small assisted<00:03:40.720
• will very likely lead to some small will very likely lead to some small nonprofit<00:08:09.000><
• I mean, there's small communities that might need a little flexibility on this.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:11.440> number, while it may seem like a small number, while it may seem like a small
• Um, we're very small.
• Um, we're very small.
• Um, we're very small.
• Um, we're very small.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a small but dynamic committee. We're doing the... It's a small but dynamic committee.
• We're a small think tank out of the D.C. area. Okay.
• For a small station, we are robust.
• NCTV is a small but mighty team.
• the small towns in the region.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's into small minority support.
• Um, but I am wondering, the cases that you studied were a pretty small amount.
• Um, but I am wondering, the cases that you studied were a pretty small amount.
• Um, but I am wondering, the cases that you studied were a pretty small amount.
• In in your pretty like small amount.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no exemption for small or family-owned or sole proprietors.
• See, I'm a small business owner, or there are small business owners on this committee.
• Counsel, so I have a small business. I employ one person.
• And even with that, some of them have exemptions for small businesses.
• Especially when you're a small business owner. Yeah.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We get small chunks of payment. Probably Mr.
• So we just get small chunks as they come. They don't tell us when or how much.
• There is a small gaming tax, but the state is not making a lot of revenue on it.
• But even then, there's no water to water the small gardens that are out there.
• However, we do have a small grant to help our participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Later that day, Bob and I stepped into a small shop to escape the heat.
• them feel small.
• That is a small group of people that you have lumped me in with when I didn’t even know.
• That is a small group of people that you have lumped me in. I am one of seven people.
• That is a small group of people that you have lumped me in with when I didn’t even know.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried. The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission. No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yes, I work for a small employer.
• But that exception is so that small businesses aren't overly burdened by this.
• And yes, I work for a small employer.
• And yes, I work for a small employer.
• <00:48:49.119> rural to any mayor from a small rural to any mayor from a small rural community

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first returned to House Bill 157, which had been left pending from an earlier session. After correcting the procedural posture, the committee voted on a motion of ought to pass and it failed on a roll call. A reconsideration motion then passed unanimously, restoring the bill to the floor. Representative Turcot then moved ITL, explaining the committee believed there was a better path, likely through an ad hoc study and a future bill; that motion passed 9-2, and the chair said a minority report would be required and not to place the bill on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 331, which would require the Secretary of State to publish the current location of bills on the website until gubernatorial action. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and legislative limbo after bills leave the House and Senate. Online testimony was reported as 116 in support and 4 opposed. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill and placed it on consent. House Bill 347 followed, dealing with protections for legislators’ employment when serving in office. Supporters argued it would protect elected officials from employer retaliation and clarify existing law; opponents said it was an unnecessary mandate on employers and raised enforcement concerns, especially for out-of-state employers. The committee voted 8-3 to pass the bill, and a minority report was anticipated; it was not placed on consent. The committee then considered House Bill 605, which included student loan forgiveness provisions tied to legislative service. Members opposing the bill argued legislators are not state employees and should not receive that benefit, while others noted the bill’s employment-related provisions and the difficulty of meeting the hours requirement. The committee voted 11-0 to ITL House Bill 605 and placed it on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without state support, small towns love.
• , every community, no matter how small, every community, no matter how small, has<00:23:44.799>
• So, uh, I was thinking of that, and indeed it is a really big problem for small communities.
• So, I look for small communities.
• <00:37:10.240> cities, replaced in townships, small cities, replaced in townships, small cities

Keywords: 1187, senate, all