Video & Transcript Research : 'Consumer Protection'
Page 184 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 28-29 and make it harder to protect 28-29 and make it harder to protect essential<00:16:03.600><
- Just like tariffs promise smaller prices, but it's the consumers who end up paying.
- <00:47:25.680>
If it's the consumers who end up paying. - If it's the consumers who end up paying.
- Consumers when they're paying the tip?
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3524 and House File 3525 and laid both over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, with no amendments adopted and no vote taken at this stage. HF 3524 would conform Minnesota law to the federal overtime tax deduction, and HF 3525 would conform to the federal tip-income deduction. The author argued both bills would help workers keep more of their earnings, simplify tax filing, support labor-force participation, and provide relief to workers in hospitality, trades, health care, and other industries.
The committee heard testimony in support from a restaurant owner, Sandra Weiss of the Finnish Beastro in St. Paul, who said the bills would help tipped workers keep more of their income and would support hospitality businesses. She described her staff as roughly half men and half women, including students and long-term employees, and said front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house workers face different pay levels. She also said Minnesota’s tip rules and lack of a tip credit create challenges for the industry. During questioning, members discussed wage disparities, the makeup of her workforce, and the practical effects of the proposals.
Opposition testimony came from Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, both of whom argued the bills are regressive, poorly targeted, and costly. They said the deductions would mainly benefit higher earners, violate horizontal equity by treating similar incomes differently, and could encourage compensation restructuring. They also warned the combined cost would exceed $500 million over the 2028-29 biennium and could pressure funding for health care, education, and other public services. Mark Havenman of the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence similarly criticized the bills on tax fairness and administrative grounds, noting the federal tip deduction framework is still under development and could create enforcement issues. Nonpartisan staff provided revenue estimates showing HF 3524 would reduce general fund revenue by about $365.9 million in fiscal 2027 and HF 3525 by about $126 million in fiscal 2027, with smaller ongoing impacts in later years. Members also raised questions about how the bills would be paid for and what income would qualify under the overtime deduction.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're a personal consumer of the pistol, you can get that.
- <01:15:53.520>
product Um, is there any other consumer product Um, is there any other consumer - not in reference to another consumer not in reference to another consumer product product product
- But maybe that is a protection that we need to look at as well. So thank you.
- We could word it so that it was only, you know, they're protected if it's not defective.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Opening more pathways for wineries to connect face-to-face with consumers is critical for supporting
- They're connected to consumers through the farmers' market.
- They primarily rely on direct-to-consumer sales, either through the wine tasting room itself or through
- California must take a strong stance and protect our communities against these abuses and send a clear
- And also we'll maintain transportation safety protections, which is, I believe, everyone's goal.
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because a quorum was initially absent, and it heard several bills focused on nonprofit support, alcohol regulation, immigration-related funding restrictions, outdoor advertising, and green building standards. SB 1240 by Senator McNerney would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and reimbursement processes; supporters, including the Child Care Resource Center and the Little Hoover Commission, said nonprofits provide essential services but face delayed payments and burdensome bureaucracy. Committee members raised accountability concerns, but the author emphasized the bill does not dispense grants and would cost about $1.7 million in the first year. The bill was later approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 917 by Senator Laird, which would remove the estate-grown grape requirement for wineries selling at farmers markets, allowing more family wineries to participate; winery and grape grower representatives said the change would help direct-to-consumer sales and local growers. SB 1171 by Senator Caballero would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded loans or grants; supporters from immigrant-rights groups described ICE detention and raids as harmful and inhumane, while some members spoke in favor of using state funds to avoid indirectly supporting ICE-related activity. Both bills advanced on party-line or near-party-line votes and were sent to Appropriations or Local Government as noted in the roll calls.
Senator Rubio presented SB 1195, which would expand tied-house exemptions for certain entertainment, convention, and sports venues in specified counties, and SB 1228, which would allow a small number of existing outdoor advertising displays to continue operating despite a statutory sunset. Supporters said SB 1195 would create economic opportunity and clarify current law, while SB 1228 was described as a narrow fix to preserve legally permitted signs and local revenue; both bills passed the committee and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1398, which would recognize Green Globes as an alternative green building certification for state projects alongside LEED; supporters argued it would add flexibility and competition, while the U.S. Green Building Council opposed bypassing the Department of General Services’ equivalency review. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up a consent calendar and adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Dana Feldman, executive director of KDA's Office for Consumer and Environmental Protection.
- executive director of KDA's<00:14:48.160>
Office <00:14:48.520>for <00:14:48.640>Consumer - <00:14:49.120>
and KDA's Office for Consumer and KDA's Office for Consumer and Environmental - <00:14:49.720>
Protection. - Environmental Protection. Environmental Protection.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 932, Senator Harris, Consumer Protection Social Media Platforms Display of User Location.
- ><00:09:52.000>
Harris, Senate Bill 932, Senator Harris, Senate Bill 932, Senator Harris, Consumer - <00:09:52.840>
Protection <00:09:53.360>Social <00:09:53.680>Media Consumer Protection - Social Media Consumer Protection Social Media Platforms<00:09:54.480>
Display <00:09:54.960>
Summary:
The Maryland Senate reconvened with a quorum and took up Budget and Taxation matters first. The chamber considered Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, with the capital budget subcommittee chair describing a $5.7 billion capital program focused on jobs, reliability, and infrastructure, including funding for transportation, state facilities, local projects, and legislative bond initiatives. The committee report and reprint were explained, and the bill with its 291 committee amendments was special ordered until the next day for further amendment work.
The Senate then adopted the favorable committee report for Senate Bill 769, the University System of Maryland Academic Facilities Bonding Authority, and ordered it printed for third reading. On the third reading calendar, the Senate passed Senate Bills 84, 618, 932, 148, 202, and 623 by constitutional majorities. SB 84 concerned collective bargaining for graduate assistants; SB 618 addressed a public ethics exemption for General Assembly members and certain state and local employees; SB 932 dealt with social media platforms displaying user location; SB 148 created an income tax subtraction modification for public safety employee retirement income supporting 911 specialists; SB 202 reinstated an order-to-show-cause process in police discipline, which drew floor opposition from a senator who argued it would revive an unnecessary exception to the streamlined police accountability process; and SB 623 created the Maryland Premium Cigar Lounge Act of 2026.
The Senate also handled Senate Bill 463, a second-reading bill on municipal vagrancy and local authority to prohibit it, which the committee chair moved to special order for the following Tuesday without objection. The session concluded with announcements about caucus meetings, a quorum call, and adjournment until Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m., along with thanks to the secretary’s office, DLS staff, and pages for their work.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This adds where they have to get the CIE; the CIE will oversee it, but only from a consumer protection
- This is just the consumer protection piece that is already over so many other programs.
- This adds where they have to get the CIE; the CIE will oversee it, but only from a consumer-protection
- This is just the consumer-protection piece that is already over so many other programs.
Summary:
The committee first took up PCS for HB 1503, which would require general education courses that use technology to provide students opportunities to build digital literacy, including instruction on applications of artificial intelligence and related topics such as software engineering, computer networks, database systems, and cybersecurity as applicable to the course. It would also require high school computer science courses offered by school districts to include instruction on AI. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote.
The committee then considered PCS for HB 1279, an education bill that the sponsor said was intended to improve consistency, oversight, and transparency while putting Florida students first. The bill drew extensive questioning and opposition over provisions affecting university admissions and funding, including a 95% Florida-resident first-time-in-college enrollment target tied to preeminent funding, a cap on nonresident students from any one country, standardized GPA weighting, limits on institution-wide graduation requirements, and changes related to accreditation references and other education programs. The sponsor argued these changes would open more seats for Florida students, preserve academic rigor, and align statutes with existing regulations and court action, while opponents said the bill would harm university competitiveness, research, revenue, faculty recruitment, and access for international and nontraditional students.
Public testimony on HB 1279 was largely opposed. Speakers included a student advocate, a dental hygiene representative concerned about dual regulation of expanded-function dental programs, and faculty representatives from FSU and FAMU who warned the bill would politicize admissions and curriculum, reduce competitiveness, and create negative fiscal impacts. During debate, supporters emphasized taxpayer investment in Florida students and the need to prioritize in-state applicants, while opponents argued the bill would weaken the state university system and undermine its national standing. The committee reported PCS for HB 1279 favorably by a 12-5 vote.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill gives corporate practice of medicine its own section and updates and clarifies protections
- , and that protects all of us.
- We think we're protecting somebody in the process.
- This isn't about the First Amendment; this is about protecting the lives of kids.
- They need the licensing so we can protect them.
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 03/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- when a utility company is under investigation for perhaps overcharging that they should have some consumer
- protections.
- Authorities Law in relation to requiring utility service providers to disclose planned rate increases to consumers
- This bill is going to be referred to the Consumer Protection Committee.
- on limiting fat billing from utility companies, but we want to make sure it extends all of the protections
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Cameron Parker, considered a large agenda focused on utility consumer protections, rate transparency, NYSERDA oversight, and energy transition policy. Several bills were discussed in detail, including measures to prohibit residential utility shutoffs during extreme temperature forecasts (Bill 120A), delay shutoffs and late fees while a utility is under certain PSC investigations (Bill 904B), require disclosure of planned rate increases (Bill 4989A), limit certain utility charges after 12 months (Bill 8710), and require utilities to disclose more information with major rate change applications (Bill 9433A). The committee also considered bills on net energy metering credits (Bill 1553), reconnection for low-income customers (Bill 965), sanctions and civil penalties (Bill 8908), and annual NYSERDA reporting obligations (Bill 1819).
Members raised recurring concerns about affordability, arrears, and who ultimately bears costs when utilities are prevented from collecting immediately. Senator Walczyk repeatedly questioned whether protections would shift costs to other ratepayers, while sponsors and the chair emphasized that the bills did not erase arrears but created temporary consumer protections. Senator May noted that some proposals could produce significant savings for ratepayers. On Bill 1819, Senator Walczyk supported greater accountability for NYSERDA’s use of ratepayer-funded money. Bill 1668, which would authorize NYSERDA to administer grants for switching residents to electric heat pumps, drew questions about funding; staff said it would be funded off-budget from existing sources and would have no direct state cost, though it could require shifting existing program resources.
The committee advanced most bills to third reading after motions and votes, with several measures receiving no votes but still moving forward. Bill 2477 was held for possible amendments. Bill 4989A was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee. Bill 5111, the Just Energy Transition Act, prompted extended discussion about its study timeline and a PSC order to facilitate replacement and redevelopment of at least 4 gigawatts of fossil fuel generation; the bill was advanced to third reading after debate. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the committee completed its agenda.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Press Conference: Senator Nathan Johnson Jul 30th, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Present Texas THC laws are inconsistent and inadequate to the task of protecting the public, particularly
- marijuana, low-level adult use of the exact same molecule in the same quantities is illegal if it's consumed
- Excise taxes generally decrease in value over time as the consumer price index goes up.
- Part of the place that we're going to direct it to is to the for greater education of physicians, consumers
- It is about protecting people's health and it's about empowering people to make their own health care
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 16, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- How about the Office of Consumer Advocate? Can we hear from the Office of Consumer Advocate?
- Can we hear from the consumer advocate?
- Is anybody office of consumer advocate?
- here from the office of consumer here from the office of consumer advocate?
- <00:38:21.680>
is getting actually out to the consumer is getting actually out to the consumer
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Protecting those who protect us has always been central to my life.
- The HALO Act provides clear, reasonable protections.
- This clarity will strengthen accountability, protect survivors, and save lives.
- Tampering undermines that protection.
- also undermining consumers' trust in the retail industry and the gift card brands.
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (05/21/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- protection, as well as stabilizing the emergency medical services system through rate setting, which
- <00:10:32.480>
protection <00:10:33.360>as <00:10:33.600>well <00:10:33.839>as - <00:10:34.640>
um consumer protection as well as um consumer protection as well as um stabilizing - the consumers and the ambulance services.
- Keep the hammer away from her for your protection.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-19-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
- all of pages 12 and 13 of the measure and replace all references to the Department of Commerce and Consumer
- <00:02:40.239>
of <00:02:40.480>Commerce <00:02:40.800>and <00:02:40.959>Consumer - Department of Commerce and Consumer Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs<00:02:42.239>
Bills:
SB3275
Keywords:
cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making on SB 2760, which had previously been heard jointly with the Agriculture and the Environment Committee. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including language authorizing suspension of certain regulations as needed to enable quarantine treatments and changing the effective date. No members objected, and the recommendation was adopted by unanimous aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and other senators present.
The committee then reconvened on SB 3275 relating to cannabis. The chair explained the bill was being kept moving so the Legislature could continue discussing the impacts of recent federal actions on the hemp industry, especially cultivation and processing of CBD products in Hawaii. The proposed amendments would strike several sections and pages of the bill, remove references to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and substitute the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation, along with technical non-substantive changes.
During discussion, several senators raised concerns about CBD purveyors and the effect on the 329 program, and noted constituent communications on both sides of the issue. One senator said they would vote with reservations, and others said they would vote no. Despite the concerns, the committee voted to pass SB 3275 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:40:35.920>
those having the ability to protect those having the ability to protect those - <01:01:56.079>
them, officer in every room protecting them, officer in every room protecting - Uh, it is a right protected by our laws. In theory, it is protected by our government.
- 1793, Protect College Students Act. 1793, Protect College Students Act.
- protect themselves. protect themselves. one<01:54:05.360>
of <01:54:05.520>the one
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- protect and safeguard our communities. protect and safeguard our communities.
- <02:36:57.760>
Gentleman's time as I may consume. Gentleman's time as I may consume. - myself such time as I may consume. myself such time as I may consume.
- And my son wasn't doing anything to protect the nation or protect members of Congress.
- > their protecting their pay, protecting their protecting their pay, protecting their benefits,<03
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- They are not about protecting consumers but market share. Jeff Smith: We don't want the wild west.
- Chair Alvarez: Sara Numeral, Consumer Defense, waives in support.
- This protects children, Anthony Dugo: this law protects parental rights, this protects parental consent
- This bill does not protect children or parents.
- In the State of Florida, we protect minor children.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1105, Statute of Limitation, Prosecution or Enforcement of Local Consumer Protection Codes
- <00:28:49.880>
protection enforcement of local consumer protection enforcement of local consumer - that we are protecting the ratepayer. that we are protecting the ratepayer.
- protection.
- the principles of fairness and consumer the principles of fairness and consumer protection.<02:55
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a quorum call showing 116 members present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It then took up three ceremonial resolutions. One honored Robert Buchanan for his philanthropy, community leadership, and service in the greater Washington region; another welcomed a visiting delegation from County Tipperary, Ireland, and recognized efforts to strengthen Maryland-Ireland ties; and a third congratulated Dr. Miriam Rogers on her retirement as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools and her 2026 Woman in School Leadership Award.
The chamber then moved through a series of committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports on bills without objection and ordering them to third reading. Measures included House Bills 435, 954, 1087, 1470, 936, 1110, 1554, 187, 324, 688, 776, 1152, 1320, and 1348, covering topics such as movie captioning in public accommodations, procurement and finance, health care facilities, school food procurement, tax foreclosure notice requirements, agricultural electricity tax study, expungement, child support rights, intercepted communications penalties, juvenile supervision, police orders studies, victim notification, and human trafficking reporting.
Several bills were amended before being advanced, including House Bill 768 on benefits for children in custody, which added a foster youth savings program; House Bill 877 on institutional debt reporting, which changed reporting dates and required a data dictionary; House Bill 1092 on child advocacy centers, which clarified continuity-of-care standards and technical assistance grants; House Bill 310 on restrictive housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, which required assessment at admission; House Bill 634 on police training, which added training on intellectual and developmental disabilities; House Bill 750 on access to religious facilities; House Bill 752 on gift card valuation and forgery; House Bill 1005 on child abuse and neglect reporting; and House Bill 1105 on consumer protection limitations, which was amended to apply only to civil suits.
House Bill 1105 drew additional discussion, with the minority leader asking for a special order to review the changes, and the House agreed to postpone it until the appropriate time the next day. Later, House Bill 953, which would authorize transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, prompted extended questioning about Western Maryland flooding, FEMA denials, and the state’s response; the bill was presented as a way to provide relief after federal aid was denied. The transcript ends with the House still in session and continuing through the appropriations report.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:14:03.239>
you signage on the trails to protect you signage on the trails to protect you - land and protect our resources along trails.
- <01:15:13.679>
resources protect land and protect our resources protect land and protect our - things related to safety, whether it's rollover protection, seat belts.
- safety whether it's rollover protection safety whether it's rollover protection seat<01:34:16.239
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services, February 16, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, my question is, do you think this could be a consumer protection?
- And so I really hope that this would help our—it would be a consumer protection as well because many
- And do you think this might be a good consumer protection bill? external review in 2025.
- They are critical to cash flow and financial viability for our hospitals. consumer protection bill?
- Um, regardless consumer protection bill?
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IN PLACE SO THAT WHEN WE CAN PROTECT THE STUDENTS INSTRUCTION TIME.
- IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT INCURRED BY ONE THE OTHERS ARE PROTECTED BY NULLITY.
- ARE THERE ANY PROTECTIONS IN THIS BILL THAT WOULD PROTECT US FROM THIS KIND OF ACTIVITY?
- PROTECTIONS IN PLACE WHICH WILL PROTECT US A MORE THAN ALLOWING THESE COMPANIES THE COME IN AND HOW
- THANK YOU AND THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THE PROTECTIONS IN THE BILL.