Transcript Highlights:

• Andrew Antwey here today on behalf of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and the California Moving
• Andrew Antwey here today on behalf of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association and the California Moving

Summary: The committee hearing focused heavily on CARB’s broad trailer bill request for regulatory fee authority. Finance and CARB argued the proposal would let CARB develop fees to recover reasonable costs for implementing and enforcing regulations, while the LAO recommended rejection because the authority was too broad, could apply to an entire division of code, and would delegate core legislative taxing/fee-setting power without enough guardrails. Members from both parties raised concerns about the breadth of the authority, accountability, affordability impacts, and whether the Legislature would be put in an up-or-down position after CARB had already developed regulations. CARB responded that fees would still go through a budget change proposal and legislative approval before collection, and cited existing examples such as transport refrigeration units and commercial harborcraft fees. The committee then reviewed CARB’s request for permanent resources to implement SB 905 on carbon capture, utilization, storage, and carbon dioxide removal. CARB said the Legislature had previously authorized limited-term positions and funding, but it had struggled to recruit and retain staff with specialized regulatory and technical expertise, and that the work had included pre-rulemaking contracts, technology review, and permit-related preparation. Members questioned the pace of work, the use of limited-term positions, and whether additional permitting authority would be needed. CARB said it hoped to begin rulemaking later in the year if permanent resources were approved. Members also discussed the cap-and-trade spending plan, noting lower-than-expected auction revenues but higher interest earnings, and the need to monitor the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and possible May Revision changes. The committee then heard overviews of the zero-emission vehicle package, the Community Air Protection Program, demand-side grid support, and e-bike incentives. CARB described ongoing investments in community-based transportation equity, drayage trucks, harbor craft, and other clean technology demonstrations, while members pressed on affordability, program duplication, and whether enough funding was being directed to incentive programs. No formal votes were taken during the portion provided, and the chair repeatedly indicated that the hearing was intended to surface concerns for later budget negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• power plants to instead use forest residues like tops and limbs, as well as dead and dying non-merchantable
• 03:55.560><c> dead</c><00:03:55.720><c> and</c><00:03:55.920><c> dying</c><00:03:56.560><c> non-merchantable

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sea piracy is a violent crime that endangers the lives of merchant sailors, disrupts global trade, and
• Sea piracy is a violent crime that endangers the lives of merchant sailors, disrupts global trade, and
• the lives of merchant sailors, disrupts global<02:25:15.760><c> trade,</c><02:25:16.080><c> and</c><
• </c><02:26:07.280><c> I</c><02:26:07.600><c> support</c><02:26:07.920><c> this</c> merchant sailors.
• I support this merchant sailors.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were fathers, husbands, merchants, farmers who understood the cost.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were offered, and the journal was approved. The chamber received notice of Senator Galloway’s substitute appointment and moved through committee reports, introductions, and messages from the House. Several bills were routed to committees, including new Senate bills on appropriations, slow-moving vehicles, property rights, and road rules, while House Concurrent Resolution 31 was referred to State Affairs and House Bill 608 was signed and returned to the House. The Senate then adopted three joint memorials and one resolution. Senate Joint Memorial 110 urged federal action to restore sugar import safeguards to protect Idaho sugar beet growers and rural jobs; Senate Joint Memorial 111 reaffirmed Idaho’s support for keeping public lands in public hands and opposed land sales or transfers to the state; and Senate Joint Memorial 113 supported Treasury bonds redeemable in gold as a way to strengthen dollar credibility and address inflation concerns. Senate Resolution 116, a cleanup of local government and taxation rules related to sales and lodging taxes, also passed without opposition. On final passage, House Bill 624 passed 32-0 after debate focused on regulating Idaho Home Learning Academy’s virtual learning program with added oversight, contract controls, and funding safeguards. Senate Bill 1305 passed unanimously on a roll-call vote to let water districts charge property transaction-related recordkeeping costs to the specific buyer or seller rather than all users. Senate Bill 1271, as amended, passed 28-3 after debate over a state role in coordinating response to invasive rats; supporters said the bill would help assess and manage a growing public health and agricultural nuisance, while opponents argued private industry already handles the issue and objected to possible state spending. The Senate then adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott Hazelgrove, on behalf of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, an association that includes

Bills: SB5820, SB5467, SB5995

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Transcript Highlights:

• Oddly enough, a lot of merchants have been actually denying some customers the use of exact change, saying

Bills: HB1269, HB2624

Keywords: pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, consumer protection, financial regulation, real estate transactions, nonprofit, land conservancies, unsolicited offers, property rights, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oddly enough, a lot of merchants have been actually denying some customers the use of exact change, saying

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade, and Economic Development Committee heard public testimony on several House bills. HB 2624 would expand an existing exemption in the solicited real estate transaction law to allow public entities to solicit and buy real property for any public purpose, and also for Indian tribes and nonprofit nature conservancy organizations; the sponsor said the bill is meant to fix an omission from last year’s law, while a forest landowners group opposed it as creating a loophole for low-ball offers to vulnerable owners, and Trust for Public Land supported it as a different kind of transaction with existing appraisal and public-process protections. HB 2334 would create a cash-transaction rounding system to address the end of penny minting; staff said rounding would apply after tax and be permissive for sellers, with immunity and preemption provisions, and retailers and grocery groups supported it as a practical solution to penny scarcity, while members asked about signage and mixed-tender transactions. The committee also heard HB 1269, which would shorten pawn loan terms from 90 to 60 days, raise interest and fee caps, increase storage fees, and allow online payments for extensions. Pawn industry witnesses and the sponsor said the changes are modest, overdue, and needed to reflect inflation and operating costs while serving unbanked customers; some senators questioned whether the combined changes would more than double costs for borrowers, and industry witnesses said they were willing to work on the numbers. HB 2428 would require insurers to send advance lapse notices for individual life insurance policies to policyholders and a designated third party, with proof of delivery, to prevent unintended lapses; the sponsor, the Insurance Commissioner’s office, life insurers, AARP, and a business group all supported the consumer protection goal, though insurers noted added compliance costs and the bill’s delayed effective date for new policies. Finally, the committee heard HB 1078 on pet insurance, which would bar cancellation or nonrenewal based on a pet’s age or conditions that develop during the policy term and would restrict certain affiliate-policy transfers; the Insurance Commissioner’s office strongly supported it as a consumer protection measure, and staff noted a fiscal impact estimate and a new fiscal note request. The committee also took testimony on HB 2624 from both supporters and opponents, and on HB 2334 and HB 1269 from industry and public witnesses, but no votes were taken in the meeting. The chair closed public testimony and adjourned the committee after hearing all scheduled bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to say, since our conversation, Chairman Geren, that the following people in Merchants are

Bills: SB650, HB3667, SB28, HB3201, SB1184, HB1800, SB 28

Keywords: permit issuance, regulatory framework, business operations, efficiency, application process, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, lottery regulations, occupational licensing, fraud prevention, criminal background checks, lottery couriers, SB 1184, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, wine collection seller, collectible wine, vintage wine

Transcript Highlights:

• In Zoom, we have the Retail Merchants of Hawaii in support.
• Let's move on to the next person in Zoom, Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments. have the retail merchants
• of Hawaii in have the retail merchants of Hawaii in support<00:39:55.359><c> let's</c><00:39:55.599>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meaning, we buy electric supply on behalf of our customers from a competitive marketplace made up of merchant
• Meaning, we buy electric supply on behalf of our customers from a competitive marketplace made up of merchant
• Meaning, we buy electric supply on behalf of our customers from a competitive marketplace made up of merchant

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Merchant helped me draft this bill with Senator Rosenwald.
• And, like I said, The Honorable Gary Merchant is here; he's the chair.
• And, like I said, The Honorable Gary Merchant is here; he's the chair.
• Welcome, Representative Merchant. I have to admonish you, we try to stick to three minutes here.
• Representative Merchant said a reasonable price is to buy a car.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• get to say, 'I'm an Army soldier, I'm a Marine, I'm a sailor, I'm in the Space Force, I'm in the Merchant
• sailor, I'm in the space force, I'm<01:15:50.240><c> in</c><01:15:50.320><c> the</c><01:15:50.400><c> merchant
• </c><01:15:51.480><c> This,</c><01:15:52.160><c> the</c> I'm in the merchant marine."
• This, the I'm in the merchant marine."

Bills: HF3373, HF4449, HF3486, HF4180, HF4227, HF2505

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• lessons of the Revolutionary War, where colonial militia men, ordinary farmers, blacksmiths, and merchants
• ordinary farmers, militia men, ordinary farmers, blacksmiths,<00:57:28.319><c> and</c><00:57:28.559><c> merchants
• </c><00:57:29.839><c> stood</c><00:57:30.160><c> against</c> blacksmiths, and merchants stood against
• blacksmiths, and merchants stood against the<00:57:30.640><c> might</c><00:57:31.119><c> of</c><00:57

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Williamson, the executive director, and talking to the honorable Gary Merchant, who's their chair, on
• director and talking to the honorable director and talking to the honorable Gary<00:12:09.600><c> Merchant
• 11.040><c> chair</c><00:12:12.040><c> um</c><00:12:12.720><c> on</c><00:12:13.320><c> on</c> Gary Merchant
• who's their chair um on on Gary Merchant who's their chair um on on what<00:12:13.680><c> we</c><00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gary Merchant was the prime sponsor of this, but he was not reelected, and so I was one of the several
• I spoke with Senator/Representative Merchant this morning about this.
• I spoke with Senator representative I spoke with Senator representative Merchant<00:05:53.360><c> this
• 53.440><c> morning</c><00:05:53.840><c> about</c><00:05:54.080><c> this</c><00:05:54.240><c> I</c> Merchant
• this morning about this I Merchant this morning about this I understand<00:05:54.880><c> this</c><00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Merchant generators and the Tier 2 AEPS generators are two separate concerns that are growing in costs

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sagres from Portugal, a merchant ship from Romania. A sweet...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading. Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have local merchants. We have Walmart and these internets. You know about the internets.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 June, 2026; 2:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not require merchants to change their software for their point of sale if they do not want to

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 31 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the March 10 journal as corrected. The body then moved through committee reports and messages from the House, including referrals of several House bills and memorials. It also introduced and referred Senate Joint Memorial 115 and Senate Resolution 120 to Judiciary and Rules for printing, and received multiple committee reports on bills being printed, enrolled, or sent to the governor. The main floor action centered on several resolutions and memorials. Senate Concurrent Resolution 121, on modernizing Idaho’s public school funding formula, was adopted after debate emphasizing the need to update a 1994-era system, shift toward student-centered funding, and give school leaders more flexibility. Senate Concurrent Resolution 123, declaring support for rangelands and pastoralists, was adopted with discussion of Idaho’s ranching heritage, grazing lands, and land-management challenges. Senate Resolution 118, calling for a state plan for kinship caregivers, was adopted after testimony about the Idaho Caregiver Alliance and the number of children being raised by relatives. Senate Concurrent Resolution 124, supporting wildlife crossings, was adopted on the grounds of reducing vehicle collisions and protecting wildlife migration. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 119, approving certain temporary and pending administrative rules from the Department of Agriculture and Idaho Hops Growers Commission, with one seed-production rule subsection not approved. Senate Joint Memorial 114, urging Congress to address college athletics name, image, and likeness issues and protect athletes and competitive balance, was adopted after debate about fairness, agent conduct, and the financial pressures on schools. Senate Bill 1350, providing for cash rounding in the absence of pennies, passed 24-9 after debate over retailer guidance and concerns about cash use. Senate Bill 1373, the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for economic development and related agencies, passed 26-7 after extended debate over budget reductions, especially the impact on the state public defender and constitutional obligations, versus arguments for fiscal restraint and balancing the budget. The Senate also handled first- and second-reading referrals for numerous House bills and Senate Bill 1386, held some bills on the calendar, and advanced to miscellaneous business. Announcements included an upcoming presentation by the Pacific Legal Foundation and a minority caucus meeting. The Senate adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sagres from Portugal, a merchant ship from Romania. A sweet...

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.