Transcript Highlights:

• This bill seeks to increase consumer choice, lower repair costs, support small repair businesses, and
• Woodson, Smalls, and a whole host of people, Granwood Green, who... ...who, if we didn't have him, we
• I took a group of our business people in our community down a street called Keats Street, and it is a
• Is there any other business before the committee? Senator Rouson moves that we adjourn.
• Is there any other business before the committee? Senator Rusan moves. We adjourned.

Bills: S0014 , S0016 , S0024 , S0052 , S0308 , S0504 , S0506 , S0564 , S0572 , S0590 , S0594 , S0806 , S1396 , S7020 , S7024 , S7026

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: negligence, settlement, police conduct, municipal liability, personal injury, compensation, injuries, Miami-Dade County, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with 14 members present and considered a long agenda of bills, including several open-government sunset reauthorizations, consumer and election measures, claims bills, and policy bills on public safety, ethics, and child protection. The committee reported favorably SB 7024 and SB 7026, which extend and consolidate public-records/public-meeting exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies, and SB 7020, which reenacts the aquaculture records exemption for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It also approved SB 14 and SB 24, two uncontested Miami-Dade County claims bills, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan involving severe injuries after an unlawful arrest and transport incident in St. Petersburg. Several bills drew substantial testimony. SB 308, creating the Florida Museum of Black History Board of Directors and designating St. Johns County as the museum site, received extensive support from advocates and lawmakers who emphasized preserving the full and accurate history of Black Floridians; some speakers urged safeguards to ensure historians and community members help shape the museum’s content. The committee also favorably reported CS for SB 564, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, with supporters saying it would build civic engagement and help election offices. CS for SB 52, which exempts unpaid volunteer armed security at houses of worship from Class D and G licensing requirements, was also reported favorably after testimony both supporting the need for church security and cautioning that congregations should retain control over whether weapons are allowed. The committee approved CS for SB 1396 on litigation financing and consumer protection after a lengthy debate over transparency, foreign funding, and whether the bill would chill access to courts. Supporters said it would create guardrails and disclose foreign involvement; opponents argued it could burden plaintiffs and reveal litigation strategy. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 504 and SB 506, creating a framework and related public-records exemption for code inspector body cameras, with discussion about notice to property owners and protection of sensitive footage. Additional favorable actions included CS for SB 572, updating ethics law to reflect foster family relationships, and CS for SB 590, tolling the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the offense is known to law enforcement or another charging authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling to order this meeting of the Consumer Protection and Business Committee of Wednesday, February
• And so it's not from, you know, the minute they started doing business without registering; it's the
• I don't know who that is, and I have not been able to understand what their particular business plan
• I don't know who that is, and I have not been able to understand what their particular business plan
• Those first-party entities are the companies you do business with and who are selling your data as if

Bills: HB2428 , HB2399 , HB2087 , HB2629 , HB2483 , HB2477

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Transcript Highlights:

• under the OPMA occurs when a quorum of any governing body gathers to conduct the governing body's business
• For the record, Peter Godluski with the Association of Washington Business, respectfully signed in this
• Members of the committee, for the record, Peter Godluski with the Association of Washington Business,
• transported by truck long distances, and this allows local use, which is obviously good for local businesses

Bills: HB2496 , HB2575 , HB2605

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: tribal consultation, energy facilities, site evaluation, environmental impact, policy regulation, environmental regulation, reporting obligations, energy laws, compliance, business impact, HB 2605, Washington asbestos law, naturally occurring fibrous silicate, asbestos-containing building materials, fibrous silicate materials, asbestos labeling, construction materials, renovation, repair and maintenance, EPA method

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses with up to 20 employees to serve small businesses with up to 100 employees.
• How about under the small and micro business recovery fund? I know that...
• Small businesses that apply for the loans have to be paid in full for any previous loan they received
• That some are able to operate businesses either because those businesses are grandfathered or because
• businesses up and running, correct?

Bills: SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3 , SB8 , SB4 , SB43 , SB1 , SB2 , SB13 , SB6 , SB10 , SB16 , SB14 , SB3

Keywords: education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections

Bills: HB259 , SB247 , HB259 , SB247

Committee: House Financial Services

Keywords: income tax credit, tax incentive, recruitment, remote work, remote worker, recruited worker, rural counties, small counties, county population tiers, opportunity zone, teacher recruitment, nurse recruitment, law enforcement recruitment, workforce development, economic development, relocation incentive, Alabama Department of Revenue, nonrefundable tax credit, tax carryforward, state income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• We would encourage you to reject this measure and not get the legislature in the business of setting
• We're not in the business of privatizing deer hunting.
• We're not in the business of privatizing deer hunting.
• We know of came from five wild Mexican wolves, so a very small population.
• That was not a small sum. When you put a helicopter in the air, it's not a small sum.

Bills: HB2023 , HB2100 , HB2147 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2162 , HB2197 , HB2497 , HB2787 , HCM2006

Committee: House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Keywords: land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe consumer safety can be achieved without pricing small businesses out of compliance, and we
• interests, particularly small business interests, and deny consumers access to the natural leaf.
• Probably not a single one of you have ever tried this product. particularly small business interests
• We know that our small corner grocery store is of a different scale and of business than, say, some of
• like any other legal business.

Bills: HB2291 , HB2629 , HB2439 , HB1078 , HB1701 , HB2207 , HB2501 , HB2361 , HB1932

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes

Transcript Highlights:

• Please give considerations for existing businesses. considerations for existing businesses that have
• So, they want to be a manufacturer as well as a retailer in the same business. That's not allowed.
• I think in one of the other businesses... Is it a convenience store, or is it a...
• The whiskey business is tough. You gotta spend...
• Um, so it's a cash flow intensive business, and it's tough.

Bills: SB312 , SB316 , SB90

Committees: House Tourism , House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, special event license, special events retail license, nonprofit special events retail license, special retail license, event storage license, government venue license, alcohol storage, alcohol transfer, beer, wine, liquor, on-premises consumption, public venue, government-owned property, municipal property, county property, state property

Transcript Highlights:

• business licenses in other municipalities.
• I mean, it's their business license fee.
• </c><00:15:29.440><c> license</c> they're paying $10,000 business license they're paying $10,000 business
• </c><00:15:34.959><c> little</c> go over here and do a small little go over here and do a small little
• </c><00:15:45.600><c> license</c> mean, it's that's their business license mean, it's that's their business

Bills: HB268 , SB279 , SB304 , SB303 , SB298 , HB268 , SB279 , SB304 , SB303 , SB298

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: lottery winnings, lottery prize, state lottery, income tax exemption, tax exemption, gambling, games of chance, prize proceeds, Alabama Department of Revenue, state income tax, tax relief, winnings, jackpot, lotto, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building

Transcript Highlights:

• You're good with this as an entity to do business in Alabama.
• You know, certainly business interest, but to recognize them. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• <c> to</c><00:31:41.279><c> recognize</c> business interest, but to recognize business interest, but
• ,</c><00:36:31.520><c> you</c> what we do So with these businesses, you what we do So with these businesses
• They're out there these businesses. They're out there anyway.<00:36:53.520><c> Um,</c> anyway.

Bills: HB168 , HB220 , SB187 , SB270 , SB265 , SB220 , SB242 , SB277

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: loitering, mask policies, school safety, crime prevention, public health, board appointments, governor authority, multi-member boards, state governance, legislative authority, Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code, Title 10A, corporate governance, nonprofit governance, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership

Transcript Highlights:

• Government should not tell businesses how to operate.
• owner how to operate their business.
• I'm also a business owner, Larry Downs Jr. Plumbing LLC. I'm a fourth-generation business owner.
• I'm a fourth-generation business owner.
• A small business owner may be buying cryptocurrency every week, or someone sending remittances back to

Bills: S0198 , S0422 , S1236 , S1356 , S1456 , S1722

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking

Summary: The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote. The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB3712 is pending business.
• HB4204 is pending business.
• The Chair lays out HB4518 as pending business.
• businesses.
• We own a small business, a shrimp... Hold on, and you are for the bill, is that correct? Yes.

Bills: HB1958 , HB2031 , HB2879 , HB3285 , HB3995 , HB4487 , HB4558 , HB4560 , HB4876 , HB4899 , HB5212 , HB5317 , HB5543 , HB5567 , SB1333

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: firearm possession, tenant rights, landlord regulations, civil penalties, property code, justified use of force, deadly force, property rights, home defense, smart devices, data privacy, personal data collection, user consent, mobile application, data transparency, HOA, property owners association, property owners' association, Texas Property Code, Chapter 202

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're a 51% business, you can post that sign.
• Businesses should have the freedom to decide. ...who they allow to carry weapons into their businesses
• Texas sells itself as a haven for small business and claims businesses will face fewer barriers to success
• HB 3428 is bad for business, and it puts... ...its diners and business owners at higher risk of gun violence
• The bundle of sticks that are property rights in Texas for small businesses remain unchanged with this

Bills: HB259 , HB 1128 , HB1337 , HB1506 , HB1794 , HB2215 , HB2470 , HB2771 , HB2882 , HB2993 , HB3053 , HB3428 , HB3669 , HB3789 , HB3924 , HB4201 , HB4675 , HB259

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety, Texas law, short-barrel, law enforcement, election judges, concealed handgun, polling places

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further business before the committee? If not, the chair moves that we adjourn.
• The judges and clerks greet me with smiles and small talk.
• Individuals who are unarmed, female, small in stature, elderly, or distracted are disproportionately
• You know, I was, like I said so many times now, commander of a small arms training unit.
• Is there any other further business before the committee? Committee?

Bills: HB259 , HB259 , HB 1128 , HB1337 , HB1506 , HB1794 , HB2215 , HB2470 , HB2771 , HB2882 , HB2993 , HB3053 , HB3428 , HB3669 , HB3789 , HB3924 , HB4201 , HB4675

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation, healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• :50:07.320><c> the</c> For-profit businesses are exploiting the For-profit businesses are exploiting
• </c> with exploitative business practices. with exploitative business practices.
• What I want to be able to business.
• So, this will provide a bridge for these experienced small business owners to get into cannabis if they
• . business. business.

Bills: HF3794 , HF4472 , HF4410 , HF4347 , HF4412 , HF4398 , HF4397 , HF4201 , HF4199 , HF4203 , HF3706 , HF4071 , HF4120 , HF4175 , HF4188

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, school district health insurance, charter school health benefits, employee benefits, public sector health insurance, health insurance survey, Legislative Budget Office, LBO report, premium costs, retiree coverage, broker commissions, third-party administrator, health plan transparency, health reimbursement arrangement

Transcript Highlights:

• "Okay, we have a quorum and are ready to conduct business.
• have a quorum and ready to &gt;&gt; Okay, we have a quorum and ready to conduct<00:03:14.080><c> business
• Clerk,</c><00:03:15.519><c> would</c><00:03:15.680><c> you</c><00:03:15.760><c> call</c> conduct business
• Clerk, would you call conduct business.

Bills: SB211 , SB305 , SB300 , SB211 , SB305 , SB300

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, education funding, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, local education agencies, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, business incentives, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott in Prescott, this is an important issue for small businesses.
• We need clarity, and what our small businesses are at risk of is potential auditors that don't have the
• You know, what about the small businesses? What is their administrative burden?
• Chairman, my concern is for businesses in Arizona located here, specifically small businesses, and we
• In short, I think that the current... in Arizona located here, specifically small businesses, and we

Bills: HB2143 , HB2273 , HB2290 , HB2373 , HB2784 , HB2794 , HB4037

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Transcript Highlights:

• For job seekers and small businesses, it limits access to training and opportunities.
• Patrick Conner, with NFIB, representing Washington's small business owners.
• In the battle between big hospitals and big pharma, one might ask, why do small business care?
• Our members are small business owners who pay the premiums, absorb the increases, and do their best to
• After repeated double-digit increases in the cost of health insurance premiums for small businesses,

Bills: HB1316 , HB2401 , HB2557 , HB2720 , HB1073 , HB2685 , HB2640 , HB2403

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 145 is a single audit format with some changes to small audit agencies.
• They exceed the entire budget of that small local public body.
• We see very little fraud, waste, and abuse from small local public bodies.
• So this basically alleviates a lot of the red tape for small local public bodies.
• And it shouldn't impact the way that we do business.

Bills: SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• mind. regulations is the part I struggle with in my business mind to get you guys to—you can give me
• But I'm in business. I'm a contractor. If you want a building built, I understand that.
• But being in business, right, from beginning to end, I'm going to win at this.
• Being in business, right? From beginning to end, I'm going to wait at this. Yes.
• No, I mean, I can tell you, I've created a business that the growth outflowed the income, right?

Bills: SB145 , SB143

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license