Video & Transcript Research : 'Consumer Protection'
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a regulated monopoly with no choice for consumers.
- We respectfully request you consider amending the bill to remove the cost cap section, protecting jobs
- We respectfully request you consider amending the bill to remove the cost cap section, protecting jobs
- We respectfully request you consider amending the bill to remove the cost cap section, protecting jobs
- Tweedy also said, the role of the Public Utilities Commission is to balance the interest of consumers
Bills:
SB287
Keywords:
solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans
Summary:
The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting.
SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Alex Haley, Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services, is waiving in support.
- I'd be happy to look at that in terms of protection for the citizens. Okay.
- I'd be happy to look at that in terms of protection for the citizens. Okay.
- So that's how I would first, to look at that in terms of protection for the citizens.
- The DCF child protection, on the child and verify the fitness of the mother.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition.
The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Supporting this language would enhance consumer protection and transparency for everyone to know what
- They protect us from wildfires and droughts.
- They protect us from wildfires and droughts.
- We'll make sure we protect the environment.
- We'll make sure we protect the environment.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with SB 978, which directs DEP to report on large sewage disposal facilities, rank them for wastewater treatment upgrades, and provide progress reports; it was reported favorably without public opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and favorably reported SB 1388, which restricts vessel safety inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, addresses spring protection zones, and bars FWC fishing licenses for commercial vessels owned by alien powers. Members raised some questions about spring protections and boating access, and one public witness urged further review of the spring-zone language. The committee then favorably reported SB 880, designating the American flamingo as state bird and the Florida scrub jay as state songbird, after testimony supporting both birds as symbols of Florida’s identity and conservation values.
Several other measures were heard and passed. SB 830, dealing with lost or abandoned migrant vessels and aligning with House language, was amended and reported favorably. SB 1326, which requires local plans to maintain hurricane evacuation clearance times and allocates building permits in Monroe County and nearby municipalities, was amended to spread allocations over at least 10 years and then passed. SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility to correctional officers and correctional probation officers and exempting certain public safety personnel from the waiting period for rifles and shotguns, was reported favorably after support from the Florida PBA. SB 26, an uncontested claim bill for injuries from a 2022 crash, also passed, with one member suggesting future consideration of health insurance coverage for victims in similar cases.
The committee additionally approved SB 98 on securities regulation and fingerprinting requirements, SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety, SB 196 on labeling food and cosmetics that contain vaccine materials or certain chemicals, SB 1300 restricting oil and gas drilling structures in sensitive areas, SB 1612 on financial institution assessment and stock offering timelines, and SB 492 on mitigation banking and wetland conservation easements. SB 1212 drew strong support from firefighters, while SB 492 drew both support and opposition from environmental and development interests, with concerns raised about wetland function, credit release timing, and conservation easement releases. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of 12 appointees to water management district governing boards and adjourned after members recorded individual votes on selected bills.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 22, 2026 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- public record exemption for specified aquaculture records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
- Alex Haley, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services waives in support.
- The Association of Counties is committed to protecting the integrity, functionality, and fairness of
- Please protect home rule in Florida by talking to the sponsors and your leadership and stop this hasty
- It modernizes Florida's tax assessment system. by slowing the rapid increases and protect school funding
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you. legislation that not only protects our legislation that not only protects our military<01:
- them so they can serve us and protect them so they can serve us and protect our<01:34:31.520>
- It protects privacy.
- <03:07:56.560>
We protecting access to the ballot. We protecting access to the ballot. - It protects system respects freedom.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Tomorrow it could be workplace safety, consumer protection, or public health standards.
- >
protection, workplace safety, consumer protection, workplace safety, consumer protection, or - protection.
- So that it's just a way to protect property owners and consumers.
- property owners and consumers. property owners and consumers.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/19/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- What do we do to protect both the inhabitants of the recovery house and the neighbors in the community
- both the inhabitants do we do to protect both the inhabitants of<00:18:21.360>
the <00:18:21.480 - legislation provides level of protection legislation provides level of protection radiator<01:06
- <01:16:47.280>
uh someone from the home for consuming uh someone from the home for consuming - What protection is there to make him get that certification again so they comply with the law?
Summary:
The House Municipal and County Government subcommittee met on February 19, 2025 to gather additional information on House Bill 432, which concerns recovery houses. The first witness, State Fire Marshal Sean Tumi, said his office had worked with stakeholders for more than a year on the bill’s definition changes and supported the revised definition. He explained that the bill removes vague language such as “safe, healthy, family” and instead relies on fire-code requirements and certification standards, including a primarily non-transient dwelling unit and living as a single household. He distinguished recovery houses from boarding or rooming houses and from other congregate settings such as group homes or transitional housing, saying those other uses do not currently have the same exemptions.
Members questioned Tumi about fire safety, inspections, smoke alarms, egress, and whether sprinklers should be required. He said recovery houses are inspected by the fire marshal’s office and local fire departments, with annual inspections under state fire code provisions, and that operators must work with a certifying body. He described the inspection process as checking alarms, extinguishers, heating systems, cooking equipment, street numbers, and no-smoking rules, and said new houses are generally given time to obtain certification. He also said he would prefer sprinklers everywhere but believed mandating them for these existing structures would likely shut down many recovery houses and significantly harm the recovery community.
Bill McKenny of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association then testified in support of HB 432. He said recovery housing is an important step after treatment and that the 2024 code changes and the bill help align state law with federal disability law. He emphasized that certification through a recognized organization gives code officials confidence that standards are being monitored, and warned that if a recovery home loses certification it would lose the waiver from sprinkler requirements and could be treated more like a boarding or rooming house. No vote or final action was taken at this meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- access to protected health information of<00:17:00.839>
individuals? - So, it's a little bit know, consumers.
- 04.320>
confidentiality >> was protected by those confidentiality >> was protected - , someone's protected health information, correct?
- <01:06:16.840>
health We do have access to protected health We do have access to protected
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine advancing carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technologies and ensuring effective implementation of the USE IT Act. Feb 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Groundwater Protection Council has been working with our state members for the past 40 years.
- Underground injection control and groundwater protection issues are critical.
- , groundwater protection, and oil and gas.
- And through work groups through the Groundwater Protection Council.
- Again, both are protective of the underground sources of drinking water.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (05/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And we always want to make sure to protect their health information.
- And we always want to make sure to protect their health information.
- their<00:47:14.880>
health sure to protect their health sure to protect their health information - Members are indemnified are protected.
- , provider, the carrier, and the consumer, provider, the carrier, and the consumer, it's<02:15:51.440
Summary:
The subcommittee continued work on Senate Bill 297 and a new amendment dealing with pooled risk management programs and whether they should be regulated under the insurance department. Lisa Duket, executive director of SchoolCare, testified at length that the draft language could allow co-mingling of public entity risk funds, could trigger producer-licensing requirements for staff who are not actually brokers, and may not fit public entity risk pools because they are not insurance companies. She also raised concerns about the March 1 reporting deadline, the proposed uniform accounting language, aggregate excess insurance, examination costs being charged to the program, and confidentiality provisions that she argued may conflict with right-to-know principles for public entities. She urged the committee to slow down and consider a study committee or more time for review, saying the regulated entities were not adequately involved in drafting the proposal.
Chairman Hunt and the department responded that the bill is intended to create a licensure-based regulatory model, similar to other licensed industries, and that the pooled risk management program would be exempt from producer licensing while anyone else selling or negotiating such coverage would need a producer license. The department said failure to comply would be handled through an administrative licensing process, with denial or nonrenewal of a license and appeal through the department process. On the reporting deadline, the department said March 1 is a standard filing date used for financial analysis and that the filing can be the most recent annual report, regardless of fiscal year end. They also explained that the confidentiality language was taken from existing RSA 5B, that aggregate excess insurance was included as a solvency measure, and that the draft was intended to preserve familiar language while adapting it for pooled risk programs.
The discussion did not include a final vote or formal action on the bill in the portion provided. The committee appeared to be compiling follow-up questions for the insurance department and considering whether additional revisions or a slower process would be needed before moving the bill forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about protecting what we have already built and making the system work better for everyone.
- Second, Minnesota Realtors support policies that recognize and protect the right to own, use, and transfer
- and insert: A rent increase may not exceed the average of the annual percentage increase in the consumer
- Index for shelter means the most current seasonally adjusted index for the consumer price index for all
- urban consumers (CPI-U) as published by July 31st by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Keywords:
education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Small Business and Information Technology (2-18-26)
Small Business & Information Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- He is the Attorney General's division chief of consumer and senior protection.
- 16.720>
rights <00:09:17.040>of protects the first amendment rights of protects the first - chief of consumer and senior protection.<00:10:10.160>
And <00:10:10.399>Chris <00:10:10.720 - puts common sense protections into law. puts common sense protections into law.
- Much better blocked protects nobody.
Keywords:
Meeting start: 00:00
Roll call: 00:05
HB 227 discussion: 01:10
HB 227 voting: 49:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to consider House Bill 227, a time-sensitive measure focused on social media use by minors. The bill sponsor, Rep. Matt Lockett, and supporters including counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, the Attorney General’s office, and the Family Foundation argued that social media is addictive and harmful to children, contributes to mental health problems and exploitation, and that the bill would give parents more control while regulating addictive features rather than banning speech. Supporters said the bill is narrowly tailored, content-neutral, and designed to withstand constitutional scrutiny; the Attorney General’s office said it would defend the bill if challenged and described ongoing multi-state litigation against major platforms. One committee member also described seeing inappropriate AI-generated content on a 16-year-old’s phone as an example of the problem the bill seeks to address.
Opposition testimony came from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, NetChoice, and the Computer and Communications Industry Association. They argued the bill raises First Amendment concerns because it conditions minors’ access on parental consent, regulates how private platforms communicate with users, and could function as a de facto speech ban. They also warned that the age-estimation requirement could force platforms to collect more sensitive data, creating privacy and security risks, and that the ban on “addictive features” was overly broad and could sweep in personalized feeds, notifications, autoplay, and other common tools. Opponents said the bill could especially harm vulnerable youth who rely on online access for community or safety information and urged the committee to craft a constitutional alternative.
During questions, members asked how the state could enforce the law against national companies and were told enforcement would come through the Attorney General within Kentucky and potentially through multi-state litigation. Members also discussed the bill’s practical effects, including advertising revenue from youth users and the need for guardrails to protect children. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s scope, parental consent, age estimation, and liability provisions, but no final vote or other committee action was shown in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The first one is AB 28, which expands PERB's jurisdiction to authorize workers to petition PERB to protect
- The protection of people's retirement is one issue.
- It protects young people from trafficking and a life of preventable despair.
- It protects young people from trafficking and a life of preventable despair.
- And what I'm hoping we'll be able to do is protect California, comply, but protect Californians as well
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- we have done everything possible to make sure that we did place those safe guards so that we can protect
- These costs don't include the time-consuming and expensive local permitting process.
- Currently, craft distillers cannot meet consumer demand for visitors due to a selling limit, the existing
- Currently, direct-to-consumer shipping for craft distillers is set to sunset on January 1, 2026, which
- This bill gives them the ability to meet consumer demand.
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/13/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- This gives them clarity and also informs people of their rights, so it also has consumer protection benefits
- <00:04:47.560>
protection <00:04:48.039>benefits it also has consumer protection benefits - it also has consumer protection benefits uh<00:04:49.120>
that's <00:04:49.400>a <00:04 - we're doing here should help protect we're doing here should help protect sheriffs<00:14:26.360>
- just expands the Privacy protections just expands the Privacy protections that<00:24:52.440>
Keywords:
mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- <00:37:00.160>
Dental <00:37:00.480>loss <00:37:00.800>ratio for Hawaii consumers - Dental loss ratio for Hawaii consumers.
- > options<00:38:00.720>
and <00:38:01.040>contributed <00:38:01.520>to protection - For these reasons, HDS respectfully opposes this bill and considers the broader impact on consumers,
Keywords:
outdoor advertising, billboards, public safety, penalties, community pollution, elections, campaign finance, business entities, political activity, regulation, liability, non-natural persons, insurance, captives, examination, regulations, policyholders, dormant captive, tax exemption, Hawaii revised statutes
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee opened its first hearing of the year with remarks from Chair Jared Kohole outlining hearing procedures, a two-minute testimony limit, rules for remote testimony and decorum, and a revised testimony-publication pilot that keeps 96-hour notice but returns to a standard 24-hour testimony deadline. He then moved through the agenda, beginning with SB 2004 on outdoor advertising, which would increase penalties for violations of billboard and outdoor advertising laws. Testimony on that measure was limited; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land was first up, and written support was noted from Hawaiian Electric and the Outdoor Circle.
The committee then heard SB 2039 on election campaign finance, which would prohibit certain business entities from engaging in campaign finance activities. The Attorney General’s office offered comments and did not take a formal position at the hearing. Several proponents testified in support, including Josh Frost, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Hapa/Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, and Common Cause Hawaiʻi, all arguing the bill would curb corporate and dark-money influence and return elections to the people. Moore distinguished between regulating corporate “rights” and limiting corporate “powers,” and said the state can redefine the powers it grants corporations. In questions, Senator McKelvey asked whether the bill could be expanded to include unions; the Attorney General said he would need to get back with legal analysis, while Moore said his preferred approach would include all entities and that leaving out nonprofits or unions would create problems. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect PACs, and Moore explained that the proposal would prohibit corporate and dark-money flows into PACs while leaving individual political giving and existing political committees in place. The committee then moved on to the next measure.
SB 2042, relating to insurance, was heard next. The bill would reduce the unimpaired minimum capital and surplus required of class 4 sponsored captive insurance companies under certain circumstances. The DCCA Insurance Division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii Captive Insurance Council testified in support, describing the change as a narrow, risk-based adjustment that would not affect the commissioner’s authority where actual risk resides and would help keep Hawaii competitive. The committee noted additional written support and proceeded without a vote or final action in the portion of the hearing provided.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 40th Legislative Day Jun 24th, 2026
Delaware Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 421, an act to amend Title 10 of the Delaware Code relating to sexual violence protective
- for public utility consumers, out of Finance, four on its merits.
- That proactively protects this issue of interracial marriages here in the State of Delaware.
- They would be paying for it as if they were consuming it by the utility.
- Other experts were worried about the damage this technology could cause to GFCI protection.
Summary:
The Senate received a large number of House communications and committee reports, including several nominations and many bills and resolutions returned from House committees or passed by the House. Committee reports covered a wide range of topics, including education, health, judiciary, finance, housing, transportation, emergency management, and business/technology. The Senate also assigned several measures to committees for further consideration and noted upcoming committee meetings.
The chamber confirmed three nominations by roll call: Michael T. Scuse to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, J. Eric Firewold to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees, and Joan F. Coker to the University of Delaware Board of Trustees. The Senate also passed Consent Calendar 66, which included Senate Concurrent Resolution 223 on DIA broadcast access for playoff and championship games and House Concurrent Resolution 149 designating June 12, 2026, as Loving Day in Delaware. Members discussed Loving Day and the importance of recognizing interracial marriage rights, with Senator Huxstable, Senator Buckson, and Senator Townsend offering remarks.
On the floor, the Senate passed House Bill 141, requiring a firearm responsibilities notice for gun purchasers, after debate over gun safety and industry burden; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 200, as amended, expanding insurance coverage for HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP; House Bill 426, modernizing municipal street-aid reporting; and Senate Resolution 21, directing a study of portable solar generation devices and related safety and utility issues. The Senate also passed Consent Agenda O, a large package of bills covering topics such as money transmission and stablecoins, nursing advancement, pilot licenses, commerce and trade, subaqueous lands, driver’s license loss due to medical issues, residential speed limits, electronic bidding, family court jurisdiction, agency regulations, technical corrections to multiple local charters, and other measures. The Senate then recessed until June 25, 2026.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill strengthens our ability to protect Virginia workers against wage theft, misclassification,
- protection of access.
- It's about providing due process protections during immigration enforcement.
- Senate Bill 493 relates to consumer protection, automatic renewal or continuous service offers disclosure
- And finally, it adds a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act for selling or
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- for their heroic service and dedication to protecting the lives and dignity of others, dated this 9th
- It was just about consumer information.
- So this is a good consumer protection act.
- I see an area where we all want to protect our elections and make sure they run smoothly.
- And that Arizona... ...where we all want to protect our elections and make sure they run smoothly and
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- As a group dedicated to protecting manatees, we strongly support House Bill 981.
- Positive actions to protect manatees read economic benefits.
- POSITIVE ACTIONS TO 62 PROTECT MANATEES READ ECONOMIC BENEFITS.
- Protect the water we know and the ecosystem that supports it.
- The reality is, if they charge too high a price, the consumer will not buy it.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no.
The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.