Transcript Highlights:

• This is especially important for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
• Nearly 89% of manufacturers are small businesses, and many lack the internal HR capacity or resources
• Senator Small Ruevas, aye. Senator Strickland, no. Senator Cortese, aye. Senator Durazo.
• Senator Small-Cuevas, aye. Senator Strickland, aye. Senator Small-Cuevas, aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills. SB 1059 would modernize the Employment Training Panel by allowing electronic record-keeping, digital attendance documentation, and updated training terminology; supporters said it would reduce paperwork and better match current workplace practices, while no opposition appeared. SB 966 would make permanent refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the Richmond Chevron fire; labor supporters backed the bill as a way to preserve stop-work and safety review rights, while the Western States Petroleum Association opposed it, arguing it conflicted with a prior settlement and could be preempted by federal labor law. SB 1024 would provide 26 weeks of paid postpartum and recovery leave for firefighters, with supporters emphasizing recruitment and retention of women in the fire service and the health risks of returning too soon after childbirth; there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 1316, which would strengthen wage theft enforcement by allowing Labor Commissioner liens to be renewed, limiting late use of records by employers, and requiring Cal/OSHA to report complaints and citations data annually. Supporters said the bill would help workers collect judgments and address long backlogs, while no opposition testified. SB 1185 would apply skilled-and-trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction and maintenance; labor and building trades groups supported it as a safety and quality measure, while contractor groups opposed it as an unnecessary expansion of state mandates onto private projects. SB 1227 would create apprenticeship pathways into DIR enforcement jobs, including Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner roles, to address staffing shortages; supporters said it would improve enforcement and create career pathways, and no opposition was heard. The committee first heard the bills in subcommittee and later took formal votes once a quorum was present. All six bills advanced: SB 966 passed 4-1 to Senate Appropriations, SB 1024 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, SB 1059 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, SB 1185 passed 4-1 to Appropriations, SB 1227 passed 5-0 to Appropriations, and SB 1316 passed 5-0 to Senate Judiciary. Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1059, SB 1185, and SB 1227.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to see a small decline there this month at 3.5%.
• So we expect to have a small impact there.
• And when you look into some of those specific categories, those are small numbers.
• So we expect to have a small impact there.
• And when you look into some of those specific categories, those are small numbers.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Avantavius Carter, a senior elementary education major hailing from the small but powerful city
• Uh, at 11:15 today, I have a small group that will be visiting Jackson State.
• today,<00:30:31.360> I<00:30:31.520> have<00:30:31.600> a<00:30:31.840> small
• <00:30:32.159> group >> Uh at 11:15 today, I have a small group >> Uh at 11:15
• today, I have a small group that<00:30:32.880> will<00:30:33.120> be<00:30:33.679>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 17 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and approved motions to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the Richland Mayor’s Youth Council, a doctor of the day, visitors connected to Alcorn State University, the Mississippi Railroad Association, and junior pages. Senators also shared a health update on Senator Warren Barnett, noting he was hospitalized but stable and asking for prayers. The chamber then took up a special resolution commemorating the 155th anniversary of Alcorn State University, recognizing it as America’s first historically Black land-grant university and Mississippi’s second oldest institution of higher learning. Alcorn’s president, Dr. Tracy Cook, and student leaders addressed the Senate to thank members for their support. The Senate also considered a block of commending resolutions, including measures honoring the Rockabilly district, Donna Jill Johnson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Taiwan economic ties, Jack and Jill of America, South Panola cheer and JROTC drone teams, Alcorn State’s anniversary, Bishop William Thomas Bill Malilly, and Three Doors Down. Senate Resolution 3, concerning European Union deforestation regulations, was explained as a request—backed by Farm Bureau and the Forestry Association—to urge Congress to prohibit implementation of the regulations because of their potential cost to farmers. After questions were waived, the resolution passed by use of the morning roll call. The remaining commending resolutions in the block also passed by morning roll call. During announcements, committees were scheduled to meet after adjournment and on the following day, including Judiciary A, Public Health, Highways and Transportation, and Appropriations. Members also noted a pancake dinner to support repairs for Beth Israel synagogue after arson damage and an Ash Wednesday observance with ashes available before the next day’s session. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let Down Junior was laid out Junior Plumbing, LLC because fecal matters and also I have a small farm
• It's hidden because that's what these attacks are, their little small pieces.
• not only for my own attorneys but the party suing me and industry significantly larger than me as a small
• You know, most of us are just small business owners.
• litigation may be manageable for large corporations with deep pockets, but it can be devastating for small

Transcript Highlights:

• The first part relates to the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.
• Also, citizen participation: there are excessive hearing requirements, and small communities are disadvantaged
• This will give small, distressed, unincorporated communities fair access to state rural development tools
• Just for clarification, Senator, do you mean—I know we touch into small cities CDBG, are you talking
• Let's crack down on the small business owners.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism considered a series of bills affecting tax policy, workforce development, business regulation, consumer protection, rural development, and artificial intelligence. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida; an amendment removed an appropriation from the bill, and the committee reported it favorably. SB 554, a broad update to Florida’s not-for-profit corporation law, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from Florida Bar representatives. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales and predatory financing practices, received strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which provides rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was likewise reported favorably. SB 214, expanding the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties for economic development purposes, was reported favorably. SPB 7030, a public records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations, was adopted as a committee bill and favorably reported. The committee also heard extensive discussion on SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program, clarify rural community eligibility for certain unincorporated areas, exempt military entities from a reverter clause on land conveyances, and revise E-Verify enforcement procedures. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including penalties, protections for workers incorrectly flagged, and the treatment of gig workers. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal treatment between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. Despite the debate, SB 998 was reported favorably, with Senators Bracy Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no. The committee also took up SB 482, an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” that would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate periodic disclosures that users are interacting with AI, restrict certain uses of personal data and likenesses, and give the Attorney General enforcement authority. The bill drew both support and criticism: supporters emphasized child safety, transparency, and consumer protection, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, broad definitions, lack of audit mechanisms, and the absence of a private right of action for adults. Senators Smith and Davis urged clearer definitions and stronger accountability, but both said the bill was a starting point. The committee reported SB 482 favorably. The meeting ended with recorded affirmative votes requested by Senators Yarbrough, Wright, and Davis on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first part relates to the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.
• Also, citizen participation: there are excessive hearing requirements, and small communities are disadvantaged
• This will give small, distressed, unincorporated communities fair access to state rural development tools
• Just for clarification, Senator, do you mean—I know we touch into small cities CDBG—are you talking about
• Let's crack down on the small business owners.

Bills: S0214, S0482, S7030, S0554, S0994, S0998, S1004, S1074, S1076, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote. SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, no, I agree, but I was just looking at what the bill specifically—it's, so for the very small employers
• If I'm a district that does receive a lot of state funding, if I'm a small school, a harmless district
• that gets... ...district that does receive a lot of state funding, if I'm a small school, a harmless
• So it's a very limited levy, and so it really impacts our small... ...levy.
• And so it really impacts our smaller, and a lot of our small rural communities that have that limited

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UNFORTUNATELY, I GUESS THIS IS UNFORTUNATE IN A SMALL WAY BUT ALL THE STATES THAT ARE SIGNATORIES OF
• I HAD A SMALL QUESTION AND I BELIEVE I KNOW THE ANSWER BUT I WOULD LOVE TO GET THAT ANSWER FROM YOU AS
• MY SAILORS OUT AND MAKE SURE THEY VOLUNTEER AND THEY MENTOR AND THEY BELIEVE IN THIS EVEN IF IT'S A SMALL
• 2021 TO RECEIVE THIS GRANT AND AS DID OUR RESEARCH MOST OF THE COLLEGES LIKE OURS WOULD DEDICATE ONE SMALL
• I WILL SAY THAT WE HAVE SMALL SOLUTIONS BUT I ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT WITH I'M A COCHAIR FOR

Transcript Highlights:

• The people who are replacing them, the Xers, are a very small generation.
• That's a very small generation. It looks like that generation will be even smaller than the Xers.
• what we consider active in the plan. 6,700 of those have between one and nine years, so it is a very small
• Because it's a pretty small thing to have any effect.
• I realize some small communities don't have that ladder, but are there any incentives that the state

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will just do a small connection to Representative Senser's bill that we passed last biennium around
• And I will just do a small connection to Representative Senser's bill that we passed last biennium around
• And I will just do a small connection to Representative Senser's bill that we passed last biennium around
• And what I always remember hearing as a small girl was that we were their dream.
• And what I always remember hearing as a small girl was that we were their dream.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anything else that would, um, there's a carve out in the bill for, for small royalty amounts
• The carveout here is really for small accumulated payments that over 12 months will be $100 or less.
• Um, some of these royalty owners have very small fractional pieces, is that right?
• Sometimes there are large groups of people with tiny little slices, and that, even if it's just a small
• Um, a big portion of that is a very small percentage of the royalties from oil and gas wells.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I would recommend that putting this small delay in is not going to stop the work.
• As a good Republican, I am very concerned about the cost that this might impose on small businesses.
• In the small world case, there were five charged felonies, one of them for my daughter, and one...
• having the conversations and moving forward with something is a good start, but I am really afraid of a small
• Cost was, but I feel I think the cost concerns—which I sound like a Democrat saying this—small business

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras

Transcript Highlights:

• This age restriction shrinks an already small pool of candidates.
• Older people are living on fixed incomes, as you probably heard, and even a small increase, for whatever
• This is not a big costly mandate; it's a small mandate. It comes with a small cost.
• So if you did move forward, we'd ask for that small change. Okay, here are the questions.

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that even small savings accounts drastically increase the child's likelihood of pursuing
• Research shows that even small savings accounts drastically increase the child's likelihood of pursuing
• 24.680> even apprenticeships research shows that even apprenticeships research shows that even small
• <00:02:25.239> savings<00:02:25.680> accounts<00:02:26.080> drastically small savings
• accounts drastically small savings accounts drastically increase<00:02:27.000> the<00:02:27.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it a small number of exemptions? I'm just trying to feel better about this.
• I would say this is a small percentage of the overall child support caseload.
• Those might not seem like high numbers, but in a small county like ours, it's significant.
• Members of the committee, I am Erica Moss from Think Small.
• being a DFLer who got a letter of support from the Center for the American Experiment has given me no small

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ARE A SMALL COMMUNITY. 2.4 SQUARE MILES. LESS THAN 9,000 PEOPLE.
• IN LISTENING TO SOME OF THE COUNTIES SPEAK THOSE ARE SMALL COUNTIES THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
• THIS WILL WE LOOK AT THIS AS A SMALL AMOUNT WILL POSSIBLY BANKRUPT THEIR BUDGET.
• DEVELOPMENT TAXES HOW COMMUNITIES FUND LOCAL TOURISM EFFORTS WHICH SUPPORT ALL THE LOCAL TIME LARGE AND SMALL
• TIME. >> IS A SMALL COMMUNITY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY WE RELY ON DISCRETIONARY DOLLARS TO HELP US WITH INFRASTRUCTURE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a very, I don't have that number in front of me, but there is, it's a very small percentage,
• That kind of differentiation has never been funded, and so right now we only have a very small. to uptick
• Our agency is very small. We only have 14 FTEs. We have.
• Okay, our final witness, the chair calls Amy Small.
• My name is Amy Small. I am the Executive Director.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would prohibit lodging establishments from providing personal care products in small plastic containers
• ><01:02:12.920> care<01:02:13.160> products<01:02:13.440> in<01:02:13.599> small
• um uh personal care products in small um uh personal care products in small pla<01:02:14.480>
• We are going to turn this into a working group to assess recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Small but mighty. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to remind the body of exactly what the 4-H kids do.
• every single coyote; it's about control, and when they're starving to death, they come in and kill a small
• months in California, at the end of those three months, my brother and I stood with my mother in a small
• safety and environmental laws on workers and on corporations, and of laws affecting immigrants and small
• abundance of distinct characteristics is striking even within my own personal experience growing up in a small

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, just it's a small thing I'm giving, but it's important, and that safety record is very
• We have a small fair. We sell about 124 animals, which I believe...
• When you have a small agency with 52 people and one person leaves a position, Somebody has to take up
• This would go a long way for this small agency. I appreciate your time.
• I believe Representative Small.