Video & Transcript Research : 'business liability'

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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move the Senate advance to the fifth order of business.
  • I move the Senate advance to the fifth order of business.
  • I move the Senate advance to the seventh order of business.
  • I move the Senate advance to the sixth order of business.
  • Sixth order of business, second reading of bills.
Bills: SCR8410
Summary: The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused. The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote. The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Ways & Means

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 2786 adds the gross proceeds of sales or gross income derived from the business of leasing
  • Even if you own a business and own property, it's specifically focused on primary residence.
  • residence so it's not like you know your you know your secondary residence is not even if you own a business
  • Thank you, and seeing no additional business before the committee, we are adjourned. Thank you.
  • And seeing no additional business before the committee, we are adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Apr 16th, 2025

S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Transcript Highlights:
  • So at the outset this morning, we have one brief matter of pending business.
  • It's an unforeseen cost, and that blows a hole in a small business budget.
  • I'm a business.
  • Can they put that in their business model, or do we make that kind of commitment as a city?
  • Is there any further business for the committee to address?
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Apr 16th, 2026

Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • lobbyists of foreign countries, foreign political parties, foreign government officials, and any business
Summary: The committee heard a series of Senate bills, most of them receiving unanimous or near-unanimous do-pass recommendations. SB 1595, as amended, exempts commercial driver training schools administered by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections from provisions regulating state agency interactions with CDL schools; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 9-0. SB 1303 transferred property and records from the Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation to the Workers’ Compensation Commission, SB 2180 required certain foreign principals’ agents to register with the Secretary of State, SB 2072 expanded title-theft protections and allowed broader law-enforcement investigation and fee waivers, SB 1772 clarified when vehicle lights must be used, and SB 1209 excluded Sundays and federal holidays from eviction timelines; each passed without opposition or with overwhelming support. Members also advanced SB 137, a mirror bill to a House measure dealing with a corrections-related issue, after discussion about retroactivity and possible amendments on the Senate side; it passed 9-1. SB 1944 adjusted an agriculture payroll threshold exemption and passed 10-0. SB 372 clarified that a person may carry a weapon from the front door to a room in a state-owned hotel or lodge and passed 9-1. SB 1636 allowed a victim’s family to request a cold case review from any law enforcement agency and passed 11-0. SB 1256 was amended to remove language requiring certain written judicial findings, then passed 11-0. Additional bills approved included SB 1827, which updated definitions in the Government Tort Claims Act; SB 2104, a cleanup and integration measure following adoption of the Oklahoma Uniform Trust Code; SB 1226, clarifying when a driver must stop after an accident involving property damage; and SB 1876, allowing a foreign insurer to be served through its registered agent rather than only the insurance commissioner. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures out favorably.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:13:35.760><c> and</c> support for our local businesses and support for our local businesses and
  • ,</c> Industries, Department of Business, Industries, Department of Business, Economic<00:15:20.880><
  • </c> disclaimer could be in the business disclaimer could be in the business registration<00:20:44.400
  • </c><00:26:04.000><c> registration</c> that um the business registration that um the business registration
  • U but what is the of your business.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 2410 relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Testifiers from HTDC and the Hawaii Food Industry Association stood on written testimony, and members discussed the funding request, which was described as $1 million each for three programs, for a total of $3 million. The measure appeared to have broad support, with no opposition noted. The committee then took up HB 2235 HD1 on the military and community relations office, where Lori Moore of MACC asked for additional funding to support local businesses and education-to-career initiatives statewide. Members asked about the amount, and the request was identified as $1.3 million total. HB 904 on space operations followed, with three supporters and one opponent, though no substantive testimony was captured beyond the vote counts. HB 2201 on state enterprise zones drew testimony from Georgia Skinner of DBEDT’s Creative Industries division, who said the measure would build on a well-run enterprise zone program and help make Hawaii’s film industry more competitive. Tom Yamashita of the Tax Foundation also provided comments. The committee then considered HB 2349 relating to DCCA and DBEDT coordination; DCCA explained it already provides links and information to DBEDT programs, while DBEDT argued that direct data sharing would allow more proactive outreach. Members raised privacy and cost concerns, and DBEDT said it would consider opt-in collection and acknowledged system changes and possible funding needs. The committee also heard two tax credit bills. HB 1972 HD1, on a caregiver tax credit, received strong support from AARP, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, who described caregivers as an “invisible workforce” and argued the credit would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce financial strain. The Tax Foundation suggested a grant or subsidy program might be more efficient than a tax credit and raised concerns about debarment provisions. HB 20007 HD1, on the household and dependent care services tax credit, also drew strong support from public health and family advocacy groups, who said Hawaii families face some of the nation’s highest child care costs and that the bill would better reflect current expenses; the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and debarment. Members asked about fiscal impacts, and testimony indicated the current credit costs about $6 million, with the bill expected to increase that amount. The committee then moved on to HB 2385 HD1 on housing, where the Deputy Attorney General began presenting written comments on whether the bill limits county authority.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Outdated liability thresholds by increasing per-claim caps from 200 to 300 and the aggregate cap from
  • That is a bad business decision. You are going to spend a ton of time.
  • And so to suggest that there would be any attorney in the state of Florida who could make a business
  • Any other business to come before the committee? Without objection, show those motions adopted.
  • Any other business to come before the committee? Seeing none, Vice Chair Rouson moves we adjourn.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with SB 694 on compensation for the descendants of the Groveland Four. Senator Bracey Davis described the wrongful accusations, convictions, deaths, and long-term harm to the families, and an amendment added a $4 million appropriation and updated the recipient for Ernest Thomas’s family. Multiple family members, advocates, clergy, and supporters testified in favor, emphasizing the decades-long delay in justice and the need for accountability and repair. Senators from both parties spoke in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee then approved SB 330 on disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers; SB 474 on military affairs leave and related benefits; and SB 96 on the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. SB 96 drew the most discussion, with Senator Sharief explaining that the bill raises eligibility to 400% of the federal poverty level and moves $500,000 in recurring funding to the General Appropriations Act. Senator Wright and Senator Harrell raised concerns about whether expanding eligibility could worsen the existing waitlist, while supporters argued the change would help more veterans access needed dental care. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7018 on child welfare, making the Step Into Success pilot program permanent and statewide, adjusting visitor/background-check rules for foster homes, and creating a best-practices program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. SB 480 on information technology was reported favorably after amendments creating a central IT governance structure under the Governor’s office, adding vendor performance metrics and a preferred vendor list, and restoring criminal justice information security provisions. SB 1066 on the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Dam also advanced after extensive testimony from supporters and historians about partial restoration, recreation, and economic benefits; the sponsor said he would continue working through permitting questions before floor consideration. Later, the committee approved SB 1216 on educator compensation, which gives districts more flexibility on cost-of-living adjustments, advanced degrees, and performance pay caps, and SB 1120 on water management district oversight and reporting. The committee also reported favorably SB 1366 on sovereign immunity and claims against government, which would raise damages caps, index them to CPI, shorten claim deadlines, and cap attorney fees at 25%. That bill drew testimony from hospitals, cities, counties, school districts, and others, with some supporting the Senate’s compromise approach and others raising concerns about impacts on self-insured law enforcement agencies and attorney incentives. The meeting concluded with the favorable report on the bill after debate continued over those issues.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Jan 26th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • way of background, donations for children, there is currently a law that provides immunity from liability
  • So originally, we were just trying to limit liability for things that were less than five years old.
  • This is a strict liability crime, meaning that the crime would criminalize conduct regardless of whether
  • This is a strict liability crime, meaning that the crime would criminalize conduct regardless of whether
Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several Senate bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donated children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, while the State Board of Health said it supports injury prevention but would need time and funding if broader rulemaking were required under the underlying bill. The substitute version appeared to narrow the bill, and no fiscal note was requested on the substitute. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing by requiring courts to grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence. The sponsor and Washington Innocence Project argued the current standard is too restrictive and leads to lengthy litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs’ representatives said the bill flips the burden, could increase motions, and would strain crime lab and attorney resources; they also said many requests are pro se and most tested cases are inculpatory. The bill drew strong support from exonerees and innocence advocates, and opposition from prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement groups. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful conviction compensation law by broadening the definition of actual innocence, adding commutation and reprieve to qualifying relief, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and allowing monetary advances. The sponsor, Washington Innocence Project, and exoneree Ted Bradford said the bill would reduce confusing barriers and better support exonerees and their families, including by updating tuition waiver provisions; the fiscal note showed no fiscal impact. SB 6017 would expand victim-centered protections by allowing courts to appoint a representative to question victims when a defendant represents themselves, extending forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, adding female genital mutilation survivors to sexual assault rights protections, and reauthorizing and refocusing the SAFE Advisory Group. Survivors, advocates, child advocacy centers, and state agencies strongly supported the bill as trauma-informed and necessary to prevent re-traumatization, while defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally confront witnesses and warned of possible appeals and implementation costs. The committee also heard extensive survivor testimony describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as deeply re-traumatizing.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Mar 19th, 2025

Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Transcript Highlights:
  • They don't need to be in the business of economic development.
  • All righty, does anybody have any other business to bring before the committee for the good of the state
Bills: SB45, SB61, SB222, HB385
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, February 18, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • You guys are a busy committee with lots of stuff in front of you.
  • You guys are a busy committee with lots of stuff in front of you.
  • interest on your debt is one of the highest expenditures the federal government has, that's not a good business
  • that's<00:24:13.440><c> not</c><00:24:14.480><c> a</c><00:24:14.799><c> good</c><00:24:15.039><c> business
  • </c> that's not a good business practice. that's not a good business practice.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/12/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> other homesteads, other business other homesteads, other business property,<00:24:02.159><c> or<
  • It's good for dishonest business and will come at a competitive cost to the majority of our businesses
  • It's good for dishonest business and will come at a competitive cost to the majority of our businesses
  • </c> good about working with uh, businesses good about working with uh, businesses in<01:02:48.079><c
  • </c> including our businesses? including our businesses?
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Labor & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's going to, as you heard, adjust penalties and hold bad employers accountable and help businesses
  • They face higher costs, limited market access, and real barriers to sustainable business growth.
  • I'm James Crandall with the Association of Washington Business. And James?
  • Agreements to higher wage earners, balancing worker mobility with legitimate business interests.
  • It hurts competing businesses.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/20/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> schools healthc care small businesses schools healthc care small businesses hospitality<00:02:31.000
  • </c><00:02:35.840><c> selling</c> online course a small business selling online course a small business
  • </c> hundreds of Minnesota small businesses hundreds of Minnesota small businesses and<00:04:49.680><
  • </c> industry I started off at the business industry I started off at the business end<01:03:58.520><
  • </c> hookups for creating new business hookups for creating new business industrial<01:41:37.960><c>
Bills: HF47, HF335
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're going to take care of some pending business. The Chair lays out HB 74 as pending business.
  • The Chair lays out HB 112 as pending business.
  • HB 2214 is now pending business.
  • The Chair lays out HB 3016 as pending business.
  • I'm not looking to try to run anybody out of business or hurt small business in any way.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending. Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm not looking to try to run anybody out of business or hurt small business in any way.”
  • They're in the business.
  • I'm not putting anyone out of business. I am all for small business.
  • The owner liability provided for in Chapter 53 is termed personal liability of the owner.
  • There will be no further business.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB 74 is pending business.
  • HB 2214 is pending business.
  • Item 15, expanding business.
  • They're in the business.
  • I'm not putting anyone out of business. I am all for small business.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're going to attend to pending business.
  • The chair lays out as a matter of pending business Senate Bill 783.
  • As a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 458.
  • Business Law Section.
  • Many businesses, including...