Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:42:36.560> Finance to the Committee on Commerce, Finance to the Committee on Commerce
• That would work for me, too, if it doesn't need to go to Commerce.
• , doesn't need to go to commerce, doesn't need to go to commerce, let's<00:50:40.680> hear
• moving it to the commerce committee. moving it to the commerce committee.
• Cloud Chamber of Commerce Night in the Capitol over at the Radisson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By supporting this bill, you uphold the integrity of interstate commerce, ensure continued access to
• commerce clause and um that interstate commerce clause and um that seems<00:40:44.160> to<00:
• Chair Swedzinski invited the person from Commerce to introduce himself.
• Sam Smith identified himself as the government affairs director for the Department of Commerce.
• Smith with the Department of Commerce another question.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of Commerce weaves through all of our workforce conversations.
• Generally speaking, the Florida Department of Commerce does four main things.
• On top of that, we're also the state's International Commerce Agency.
• I was in the governor's office and now at the Department of Commerce.
• I'm very excited next year to work with a new CEO and president at the Chamber of Commerce.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the reason for giving this authorization is so that the Department of Commerce knows that they
• It's just kind of a commerce, go ahead and do what you want to do if you want to do it.
• But then, as far as what the Department of Commerce can do, we just thought it would be best to leave
• it up to the Department of Commerce to work with the regional councils to take a portion of this. ..
• .the Department of Commerce to work with the regional councils to take a portion of their grant programs

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright. Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage. Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• > Clause address Interstate Commerce Clause address Interstate Commerce Clause concerns.<01:07
• operators which the Interstate Commerce operators which the Interstate Commerce Clause<01:11:39.400
• commerce clause today. commerce clause today.
• commerce clause. commerce clause.
• violate the Interstate Commerce Clause. violate the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning June 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, Commerce is required to calculate the maximum annual
• The proposed conference amendment also requires the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord
• But yet there's an agreement that it requires the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord
• The Department of Commerce does have information about the program.
• Commerce does have more information available about that, and I can share that with you.

Summary: The conference committee met on engrossed House Bill 1217 and received a staff briefing on the proposed conference striking amendment S-3395.2. Staff explained that the amendment would set rent increase limits under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, retain and modify various exemptions, update notice requirements, add a July 1, 2040 expiration date, and require the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord resource center. For manufactured/mobile home tenancies, the amendment would limit rent increases to 5% in any 12-month period, adjust exemptions and notice provisions, and align enforcement language with the RLTA changes. The amendment also removes certain miscellaneous provisions from the Senate version, including a social vulnerability assessment and a JLARC review requirement. Representative Lowe raised a procedural point of order about whether the landlord resource center could be added in conference, but the chair ruled the point not well taken under Joint Rule 18. Senator Gainer asked for clarification about the landlord resource center and the referenced RCW 43.31.605; staff explained it would direct landlords to existing Commerce resources, including the landlord mitigation program and related subprograms, and noted that the resource center language was originally in the House bill. A motion was made to reject prior amendments, adopt striking amendment S-3395.2, and give the bill a do pass recommendation. Senator Gainer and Representative Lowe spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s balance, the landlord provisions, and the speed of the process. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference committee report, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Commerce to continue the tomato suspension agreement between the U.S. and Mexico.
• Department of Commerce to maintain the tomato suspension agreement.
• Department of Commerce, thousands of jobs in far Texas and the Rio Grande Valley could be eliminated,
• Department of Commerce to terminate this decade-long trade agreement, which has, as you've heard, provided
• Department of Commerce terminates the agreement, scores of jobs in Roma, Texas, and throughout Starr

Bills: HCR108, HCR127

Keywords: Tomato Suspension Agreement, trade, Mexico, Texas economy, agriculture, import tariffs, job preservation, Taiwan, U.S. relations, economic cooperation, sister-state, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a bill on our agenda today, and then we will shift to a budget discussion for the Department of Commerce
• Colton Medill from the Florida Chamber of Commerce waves in...
• We value this opportunity at the Department of Commerce because we appreciate the time you're taking
• Our one-stop system that our one-stops around the state with Florida Commerce, CareerSource, and DCF
• One that Floridian will be able to access any of the workforce systems that Commerce, DCF, Department

Transcript Highlights:

• You talk to Commerce. Why does this fit best here? I don't want to speak for Commerce.
• I don't want to speak for Commerce. And Secretary Harage is aware of the effort, so is the EDA.
• about Commerce helping out one-person LLCs.
• If you call Commerce right now, you might—I have never tried it.
• There's just not an attention right now with Commerce or with SBDC.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the prior meeting, and heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State’s office described its FY27 budget, emphasizing efficiency gains from technology, election security work, and business services. It said it is operating with fewer staff than a decade ago, but rising costs and outdated statutory fees are creating deficits in service of process and other operations. The office asked the committee to consider either increasing fees or allowing it to retain a larger share of business-service revenue, and it also proposed creating an Office of Entrepreneurship to help small businesses navigate state government, grants, permits, and related services. Committee members questioned the Secretary of State’s office about fee increases, the current 50-50 split of certain revenues with general revenue, and whether the proposed entrepreneurship office would duplicate existing services. The office said it would complement, not replace, Commerce, SBDC, or grant programs, and would report metrics and policy recommendations to the legislature. The Attorney General then requested a one-time $2 million special revenue appropriation to hire additional lawyers and support staff, citing increased litigation, federal and state legal work, and the need to defend new laws. He also discussed embedded DMV lawyers handling DUI revocation hearings and said the arrangement costs the office just over $200,000. The State Auditor reported that his office is largely self-funded through special revenue and said he wants to reduce reliance on general revenue over time. He highlighted savings from renegotiated leases and an open government contract, discussed the need for more auditors in the Chief Inspector’s Division, and described fraud recovery and P-card operations. A major topic was delinquent land sales: the auditor said the office sold about 17,000 parcels last year and believes online bidding and better marketing could generate substantially more revenue, with the surplus potentially shared among counties, the state, and other programs. Members also asked about securities fee changes, fairness hearings, fire department audits, IT/cybersecurity, and how surplus proceeds from delinquent land sales should be handled. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work in close collaboration with Florida Commerce, which provides administrative and financial oversight
• Representative Kendall. of commerce to evaluate.
• But through using that data set and a variety of other data sets, the Department of Commerce produces
• So through using that data set and a variety of other data sets, the Department of Commerce produces
• This data is collected by the Department of Commerce every year.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• name is Tom Leek and this is I represent the people Senate District 7 and this is the committee on Commerce
• Welcome to the Commerce and Tourism Committee.
• of Commerce, largely their Division of Workforce Services and their Division Economic Development and
• Good morning, everyone to the Tourism and Commerce Committee.
• I will members of the Senate Commerce Committee, State of Florida. Good Morning.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, like I said before we recessed, we had just heard the report of the Committee on Commerce and Economic
• S. 71 as amended by the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
• You have declined to amend the report of the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development.
• recommended by the Committee on Commerce recommended by the Committee on Commerce and<00:24:13.360
• recommended by the Committee on Commerce recommended by the Committee on Commerce and<00:24:36.200

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first returned to Senate Bill 71, a consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed language allowing companies to rely on consumer consent to sell certain sensitive data. Supporters argued consent pop-ups and terms-of-service notices are not meaningful consent and that sensitive data should be categorically protected, citing Maryland and other states. Opponents, including the committee presenter, said the bill was a carefully negotiated compromise needed to establish Vermont’s first data privacy framework and warned that adopting the amendment could jeopardize passage in the Senate or with the governor. The committee reported the amendment unfavorable on a 9-0 straw poll, the House rejected the amendment, and then approved the committee’s recommended proposal of amendment by roll call vote, 129-3. During questioning on S. 71, members discussed the bill’s applicability thresholds, with the presenter explaining that the 35,000-consumer threshold was modeled on Connecticut, while lower 3,000 thresholds for sensitive data and data sales were based on business testimony and intended to capture smaller entities such as accountants, lawyers, nonprofits, and trade associations that share or sell lists. Members also asked about the bill’s many exemptions, which were described as covering entities already regulated by state or federal law, including health care entities under HIPAA and banking and insurance sectors. The presenter and supporters emphasized that the bill still requires clear privacy notices, limits data collection to what is reasonable and disclosed, and gives consumers rights to opt out, correct, and delete data. After the roll call vote, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place S. 71 in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. The House then moved to Senate Bill 193, relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons. The committee presenter from South Burlington previewed that the bill would create a permanent forensic facility, with a separate amendment expected to address interim arrangements while the facility is being developed. The transcript ends as the House begins second reading of S. 193 and the committee reports are introduced, with further debate not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You should be in the Chamber of Commerce commercials, gentlemen, for Otero County.
• Speaker, your commerce and economic development committee to him has been referred. Mr.
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee to him has been referred House Bill 27.
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee to him has been referred House Bill 27, has
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 103,

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman. um, Chairman and members, the committee substitute HCR 108 urges the US Department of Commerce
• testify today in strong support of House Committee Resolution 108, which urges the US Department of Commerce
• Should the tomato suspension agreement to be terminated by the US Department of Commerce, thousands of
• The Florida Tomato Exchange, um, they're working hard to try to get the US Department of Commerce to
• I urge this subcommittee to move the resolution forward to ensure the US Department of Commerce knows

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Uh, again, this is endorsed by the trades and the Chamber of Commerce.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Senator Duckworth, the Department of Commerce is neutral.
• got the, uh, Department of Commerce got the, uh, Department of Commerce Commissioner's<00:38:16.160
• Commerce is neutral. Commerce is neutral.
• include members of the Commerce include members of the Commerce Committee<01:44:43.640> the
• Today, it's a hybrid of Commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it’s actually the Department of Commerce—the Secretary of Commerce called our chairwoman directly
• So it’s actually the Department of Commerce—the Secretary of Commerce called our chairwoman directly
• So it’s actually the Department of Commerce—the Secretary of Commerce called our chairwoman directly
• So it’s actually the Department of Commerce—the Secretary of Commerce called our chairwoman directly
• So it’s actually the Department of Commerce—the Secretary of Commerce called our chairwoman directly

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2203, relating to certification of discovery issues in TCEQ contested cases referred to SOAH. The chair noted the House had already passed the companion HB 3249, then moved SB 2203 without amendments. The motion prevailed on a 5-0 vote, and the bill was reported favorably to the full House. The committee then heard SB 1898, which would prohibit the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam for testing and training, while still allowing it in emergency firefighting. The sponsor described PFAS as “forever chemicals” and said the bill would protect firefighters, water supplies, and public health. Testimony in support came from Environment Texas, which cited contamination concerns and noted other states and federal actions restricting PFAS foams. No one testified against the bill, and after closing testimony the committee left SB 1898 pending. The remainder of the hearing focused on SB 1758, a Grayson County pilot program aimed at addressing potential conflicts between Global Wafers’ semiconductor wafer facility and a proposed Black Mountain Cement/aggregate operation. Supporters, including Global Wafers, Grayson County officials, and manufacturing groups, argued that vibration from mining or blasting could threaten a major national-security semiconductor investment and that an independent BEG study was needed to set safe parameters. Opponents from Black Mountain Cement and related industry groups argued the bill would improperly interfere with a lawful permitting process, pick winners and losers, and harm Texas’ pro-business climate; they also said they had already revised operations and removed blast mining. The discussion included extensive questioning about geology, vibration, the permitting timeline, and whether the issue was really about mining rather than the air permit. No vote was taken on SB 1758 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First reading of bills: HB 2937, Nuclear Energy and Water; Commerce 2974, bylaws; Health and Human Services
• 2979, credit unions 2980, home community health services and appropriations 2991, social commerce 2994
• , health services 2995, judiciary 2996, IAFI 2997, animal affairs; HB 4001, commerce, alternative nicotine
• HB 4001, commerce, alternative nicotine; HB 4003, family court, judiciary; HB 4004, DCE, government and
• House Bill 2588 House Bill 2588 is withdrawn from the Committee on Commerce and additionally referred

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation commending law enforcement and Border Patrol personnel involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising the interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine desk business, committee substitutions, first and second readings of numerous bills, and reported attendance at 56 present, three absent, and one excused. The Committee of the Whole considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 each received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extended debate over voter ID, mail ballots, ballot deadlines, and election security. A subfloor amendment was adopted by a 32-26 vote, and the amended resolution then received a do-pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. On third reading, the House passed HB 2010 on digital consumer licensing disclosures by 59-0, HB 2132 on drug offenses by 59-0, HB 2155 on the Arizona Beef Council by 57-2, HB 2178 on state agency licensure requirements by 51-9, HB 2310 on employment relationships by 59-0, and HB 2395 on a Department of Education fitness-related measure by 59-0. HCR 2001 also passed on third reading by 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing election integrity and consumer or public-safety benefits, and opponents criticizing the election measure as restrictive and unnecessary. The House then heard multiple personal privilege remarks and announcements, including a proclamation for Cary Elwes Day, birthday and community notices, and a request for JLBC to review election-related funding. Committee meeting announcements followed, additional bill referrals and withdrawals were announced, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• clarify there was an amendment from committee, and that was at the request of the Department of Commerce
• House File Number 1014, an act relating to commerce.
• I'd also like to thank my co-authors from both sides of the aisle: Representative Keith Allen, Commerce
• Like the previous bill, this is something that we discussed in commerce.
• We've worked closely with the Department of Commerce, their Weights and Measurements Division.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go into um some basic Commerce.
• Commerce. Commerce.
• We divide our department of commerce.
• that, back to you, commerce. that, back to you, commerce.
• I've said this before, Minnesota, commerce has taken the monies in the commerce has taken the monies

Keywords: 1187, senate, all