Transcript Highlights:

• So, that up and running for consumers.
• consumer-directed services program. consumer-directed services program.
• consumer-directed option. consumer-directed option.
• <00:49:25.360> services through consumer-directed services through consumer-directed services
• participants have that consumer-directed participants have that consumer-directed option.<00:53:

Keywords: 0:06 - Roll Call 0:30 - Approval of Minutes 0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER 2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY 5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS 7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING 8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES 15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH 18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES 23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES 1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS 1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's over $50 billion more that American consumers have paid for gasoline and diesel.
• Our households consume less gasoline per capita than much of the country.
• Our households consume less gasoline per capita than much of the country.
• And in difference of prices, the consumer mind the quality must be different.
• So I guess that's the bottom line is consumer choice, right? And that's it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 5254, a bill to amend the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
• to medical debt in consumer reports.
• to medical debt in consumer reports. consumer reporting agencies from including certain information
• related to medical debt in consumer reports.
• But we don't have those same consumer protections as states around the country.

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and attendance showing a quorum. Several senators were excused, and the chamber received communications including House Concurrent Resolution 8, which was referred to the Committee on Government Operations. The Senate also took up introductions and referrals of several bills, including Senate Bills 1078-1082 and House Bills 4727, 4728, 4729, 4959, 1545, 5254, 5255, 6071, 6072, and 6073, with most being referred to committees or, for some medical-debt and consumer-protection bills, sent to the Committee of the Whole by suspension of the rules. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered Senate Bills 535, 536, 1011, 1041, 1042, and 1043. SB 535, 1041, 1042, and 1043 were amended, while SB 536 and 1011 were reported without amendment; all were recommended for passage. The Senate then concurred in the amendments and advanced the bills to third reading. On final passage, SB 433 passed 35-0; SB 535, 536, and 1011 each passed 35-0; and SB 1041, 1042, and 1043 each passed 20-15. Floor remarks focused on SB 1011 as a way to lower small-business health insurance premiums, and SBs 1041-1043 as anti-price-gouging measures during emergencies. Later, the Senate discharged Senate Bill 913 from the Appropriations Committee, suspended the rules, and moved it through Committee of the Whole and to final passage the same day. SB 913, which amends the Michigan Trust Fund Act, passed 20-12 with 6 excused after Senator Albert argued in opposition that it would continue $75 million annual funding to the MEDC and amount to corporate welfare. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also would the enforcement mechanism in most of 548A, which is the consumer protection act, would
• And the truth is that this consumer protection can and frequently does protect the consumer from things
• Screening serves numerous critical consumer protection functions, not least of which is federal fair
• consumer protection can and frequently<01:46:56.880> does<01:46:57.360> protect<01:46:
• 57.679> the<01:46:57.920> consumer frequently does protect the consumer frequently does

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > gives consumers confidence, provides gives consumers confidence, provides insurers<00:26:52.720>
• bill reinforces core consumer bill reinforces core consumer protections.<00:27:03.919> It
• the challenge that consumers are having. the challenge that consumers are having.
• <00:45:30.240> in the best interest of the consumer in the best interest of the consumer in
• don't have any concerns for consumers don't have any concerns for consumers and<00:54:18.000>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 35:19.680> get<00:35:19.839> back<00:35:19.960> to<00:35:20.079> and consumers
• but and I'll get back to and consumers but and I'll get back to and this<00:35:20.359> is<00:
• , though, that insurance fraud is definitely a major driver for price increases passed on to the consumer
• to<01:07:13.680> the price increases passed on to the price increases passed on to the consumer
• And for each agency, there is a person called the chief business technology officer, who is a Minute

Bills: HF2335, HF2400, HF2401, HF2522

Keywords: Medicare, health insurance, supplement policies, preexisting conditions, medical assistance, premium classification, real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, continuing education, out-of-state, licensing, commerce, fraud prevention, automobile theft, law enforcement, insurance crimes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern is that I understand that usage levels will be able to be set by the consumer.
• MY CONCERN IS THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT USAGE LEVELS WILL BE ABLE TO BE SET BY THE CONSUMER.
• I think that we should pass bills that will affect consumers, and even if it affects consumers down the
• I THINK THAT WE SHOULD PASS BILLS THAT WILL AFFECT CONSUMERS, AND EVEN IF IT AFFECTS CONSUMERS DOWN THE
• I think it just helps consumers get the help they need, no.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• revealed that they drive the same day they consume cannabis.
• Not a single item in that farm bill was related to consumables.
• States were given the right to regulate consumables.
• the same day after consuming cannabis with 53% Consumed an hour or less before driving 47% of those
• And so the federal government put pretty tight. rails on what could quote be a consumable versus non-consumable

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB9, SB42, SB15, SB5, SB11, SB12, SCR1

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
• Massachusetts' current ban doesn't eliminate consumer demand.
• This is a failure of policy, not a failure of consumer judgment.
• Massachusetts current ban doesn't eliminate consumer demand.
• This is a failure of policy, not a failure to consumer judgment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• OPEC serves as the voice for Texas small commercial and residential consumers in utility proceedings.
• So a thoughtful re-examination of 4cp would benefit residential and small commercial consumers.
• for a surge in data center development, accompanied by an increase in electricity and consumers will
• And we think there's an opportunity to address this part of consumers the consumers price by re-examining
• This would disincentivize frivolous litigation and save consumers money on their utility bills.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So why not bring it up to the consumer price index for up to 2026?
• The Consumer Price Index for the year is the Consumer Price Index for the year.
• So I understand that the Consumer Price Index is what it is.
• the Consumer Price Index either.
• The consumer price index is a basket of goods.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:47.519> the consumer choice while shifting the consumer choice while shifting the burden
• The consumers want freedom to autonomy.
• And a lot of consumers go into that without knowing this. resources for so many other consumer resources
• So we ask sound consumer protections.
• c><01:04:37.039> is Consumer Protection Committee is Consumer Protection Committee is adjourned

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That<01:05:39.839> consumer<01:05:40.400> is<01:05:40.640> given<01:05:40.960>
• > a<01:05:41.280> contraption That consumer is given a contraption That consumer is given
• when determining which with consumers when determining which reasonable<01:07:31.280> accommodation
• Furthermore, cargo theft increases the cost of merchandise, food, and transportation, with consumers
• The same technology that helps us operate efficiently also creates vulnerabilities that the criminals

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protection and so fight for uh consumer protection and so I<01:41:19.840> would<01:41:20.000>
• And then use the technology that we've been talking about forever to actually learn about this stuff,
• And then use the technology that we've been talking about forever to actually learn about this stuff,
• <02:25:11.680> that<02:25:11.840> we've and then use the technology that we've and
• then use the technology that we've been<02:25:12.240> talking<02:25:12.479> about<02:25

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yen, who is our technology expert.
• Yen who is our<00:19:21.520> technology<00:19:22.080> expert<00:19:22.799> we<00
• to expand our technology expert we try to expand our<00:19:24.240> collaboration<00:19:25.039
• Of course, until they come up with, you know, lighter battery weight technology.
• These lighter battery weight technology. These vehicles are heavier.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying as a consumer. Nancy Roberts: I'm testifying as a consumer. Very good.
• very good uh DD you may begin consumer very good uh DD you may begin um<00:14:25.600> I<00:14
• If you are truly worried about consumer health and are advocating for that, then you will vote no on
• If you are truly worried about consumer health and are advocating for that, then you will vote no on
• They're going to be able to help consumers in a way that a clerk at a liquor store isn't able to help

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 SB 100 Discussion 00:05 SB 100 Vote 06:42 SB 202 Discussion 08:35 SB 202 Vote 43:17 SB 17 Discussion 47:37 SB 17 Vote 48:08 SB 22 Discussion 49:22 SB 22 Vote 52:55 SB 133 Discussion 53:55 SB 133 Vote 55:15 SB 190 Discussion 56:00 SB 190 Vote 56:38 Adjournment 57:19, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 100, which would place cigarettes, vapes, and related nicotine products under the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) system, add enforcement tools against bad actors, and regulate nitrous oxide/laughing gas sales to those under 21. Supporters, including youth advocates Mallerie Jones and Griffin Kian Neth, argued the bill would reduce youth access to nicotine products through retail licensing, compliance checks, and escalating penalties. Higdon said the bill targets illegal sales rather than most retailers, and noted the measure also updates House Bill 11 from the prior year and raises the retail license fee from $250 to $500. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed the bill on a roll call vote, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee then considered Senate Bill 202, focused on cannabis-infused beverages. Senator Julie Raque Adams said the bill was intended to create common-sense public health guardrails for a rapidly growing product category sold in gas stations, liquor stores, and vape shops, and to address enforcement gaps. She explained the committee substitute would define cannabis-infused beverages at a 5-milligram limit per 12-ounce can, place enforcement under ABC while keeping CHFS manufacturing and testing rules in place, require a University of Kentucky report back to the General Assembly, allow existing higher-dose inventory to be sold through June 1, exempt festivals and fairs until January 1, 2026, and allow stores to obtain licenses to continue selling the product. The committee adopted the substitute and then heard testimony from hemp-industry representatives and a consumer. Opponents of SB 202/SB 22, including Dee Taylor of the Kentucky Hemp Association, Cornbread Hemp co-founder Jim Higdon, Annie Rouse of Cannabuzz Barn, and consumer Nancy Roberts, argued the bill would hurt a legal Kentucky hemp industry, reduce consumer access, and force sales into liquor stores. They said the 100-milligram beverage referenced in debate is actually 10 servings with a resealable top, that hemp retailers educate customers, and that the industry already operates under 2024 regulations and needs better enforcement rather than new restrictions. Higdon and Rouse objected to the 5-milligram cap, the on-premise sales ban, the move to ABC enforcement, and the taxation approach, warning the bill could wipe out a large share of business and jobs. No final vote on SB 202 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in that process, there were very—it was a very time-consuming process in which they explained how
• The Committee on Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology recommends that the bill do pass, signed
• President, the Committee on Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology has an amendment regarding
• I move the Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology Committee amendment be adopted.
• We will figure that out with, you know, modern technology and medicine.

Summary: The Senate met, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then handled a series of messages and floor actions. The chamber transmitted a large group of Senate bills to the governor and Senate Concurrent Memorial 1004 to the Secretary of State. It also received House requests to return Senate Bills 1175 and 1198 for reconsideration, which were granted without objection. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House concurrent resolutions. On H.C.R. 2001, a constitutional referral on election requirements, senators debated a Judiciary Committee amendment and a Hoffman floor amendment that would require voter ID, allow election-day tabulation of early ballots at polling places, and require legislative funding for implementation. Supporters said the measure would improve election security, voter confidence, and speed up results; opponents argued it was vague, could undermine mail voting, and lacked clear implementation details. The amendment was adopted, and after further debate the Committee of the Whole gave H.C.R. 2001 a do-pass recommendation by a 15-12 vote. Later, on third reading, the full Senate passed H.C.R. 2001 by a 16-12 vote and transmitted it to the House. The chamber also considered H.C.R. 2003, a referral on student athletics and biological sex. Senator Ortiz offered a floor amendment to replace the blanket ban approach with rules based on athletic ability and inclusion; supporters said it would preserve fairness while avoiding discrimination, while opponents said it would gut the measure and weaken protections for girls’ sports. The Ortiz amendment failed 11-16, and H.C.R. 2003 then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole and later passed third reading. H.C.R. 2044, a referral on prohibiting preferential treatment and discrimination, also received a do-pass recommendation without recorded controversy. The Senate then adjourned after completing the remaining procedural motions and votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2311, amending Title 18, A.R.S., relating to information technology.
• This is a consumer bill. Everybody is now signed off on it from the towing industry to DPS.
• And I've had many constituents complain to me about it, that they are lucky that they are technologically
• But not every Arizonan moves at the pace of technology, and they shouldn't have to do that in order to
• They got a thing called release time, access to employee information, use of district technology.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And in that process, there were very, it was a very time-consuming process in which they explained how
• The President appointed Senator Rogers to the Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
• President, the Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology has an amendment concerning
• I move that the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee amendment be adopted.
• We will figure that out with, you know, modern technology and medicine.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SPGMI now forecasts real consumer SPGMI now forecasts real consumer spending<00:10:00.959> will
• <00:10:21.760> stress observing some signs of consumer stress observing some signs of consumer
• investment and some forms of consumer spending.
• <00:17:28.960> Tariffs some forms of consumer spending.
• Tariffs some forms of consumer spending.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits. State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook. State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November. Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.