Video & Transcript Research : 'consumer technology'
Page 270 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Theresa Elrich with the Consumer River College, who act as my witnesses, and thank them for coming here
- Theresa Elrich with the Consumer River College, who act as my witnesses and thank them for coming here
- Regional consortia identified priority sectors such as health, information technology, digital media,
Summary:
The committee first adopted its 2025-26 rules on a 7-0 roll call, then approved three consent items—AB 88, AB 240, and AB 313—on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. The hearing then moved to AB 648, which would give community college districts the same zoning authority as the UC and CSU systems to build student and staff housing on property they own or lease. The author and supporters argued the bill would help address severe housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, while opponents and some members raised concerns about local control, zoning exemptions, and the impact on nearby communities. AB 648 passed the committee on a 5-2 vote and was sent to the Local Government Committee.
The committee next heard AB 466, which would require California Community Colleges and CSU campuses to provide organ and tissue donor registry information during student orientation, and request UC campuses to do the same. Supporters shared personal stories about transplants and donation, saying college orientation is a good opportunity to increase registrations. Some members worried about information overload during orientation and suggested campuses have flexibility in how they present the material, but the bill advanced on a unanimous 7-0 vote to Appropriations.
AB 326 followed, proposing campus-by-campus external audits of the CSU every three years and public release of the audits. The author, faculty supporters, and a student argued that systemwide audits do not provide enough transparency about how money is spent at individual campuses, citing examples of financial mismanagement and fee increases. CSU opposed the bill, saying it already conducts annual consolidated external audits and that campus-level audits would add cost without added benefit. After extensive discussion about transparency, audit scope, and implementation, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 335, which would create a California Black-Serving Institution Grant Program to support Black student success and broader underserved student services; supporters emphasized persistent equity gaps and low completion rates, while an opponent argued the bill needed to be carefully amended to comply with Proposition 209 and equal protection requirements. The transcript ends during that item’s discussion, before a final vote is shown.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of that is through legislation, but a lot of that is through a CPI or Consumer Price Index, which
- For example, Florida's gas tax went up by 0.5 of a cent this year based on the Consumer Price Index.
- I think we have to understand that roads are consumable. They're like cheese and crackers.
- Chairman, and Senator, the CPI is a consumer price index.
- Right out to the consumer. So, it's not only just a gas tax.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The second implied norm is that no member should consume alcohol during the legislative day.
- alcohol during the member should consume alcohol during the legislative<00:02:16.120>
day. - <00:25:38.560>
I <00:25:38.680>would what you consumed that day. - I would what you consumed that day.
- And that's a yes or no consume alcohol? And that's a yes or no answer. answer. answer.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Legislators Call for Home Care Nursing Compliance - 05/14/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Keagle, I am chairing the Conference Committee for Commerce and Consumer Protection, where we heard from
- Um, I will say that in the Commerce uh and Consumer Protection Conference Committee, we've completed
- Um, I will say that in the Commerce uh and Consumer Protection Conference Committee, we've completed
- Committee for Commerce and Consumer Committee for Commerce and Consumer Protection,<00:12:27.160
- <00:13:20.280>
Protection <00:13:20.880>Conference Consumer Protection Conference Consumer
Summary:
Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care.
Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected.
Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children.(3-24-26)
Families & Children
Transcript Highlights:
- help guide a young person to be<00:07:37.080>
a <00:07:37.120>good <00:07:37.400>consumer - c> and<00:07:39.040>
this <00:07:39.240>is <00:07:39.360>such be a good consumer - Um and this is such be a good consumer. Um and this is such meaningful<00:07:40.280>
legislation. - c><00:07:53.520>
ability <00:07:53.880>to <00:07:53.960>be <00:07:54.120>consumers - recognize their ability to be consumers recognize their ability to be consumers and<00:07:55.920
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, obviously, we need to improve our technology so that we can receive these citations in a more
- So our technology has to develop along with that.
- I think, obviously, we need to improve our technology so that we can receive these citations in a more
- So our technology has to develop along with that.
- So our technology has to develop along with that.
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro.
Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons.
Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- delay that effective date for another year, and the reason is there's some technical issues and consumer
- some technical issues and consumer some technical issues and consumer protection<00:30:06.440>
- ><00:33:06.280>
various which was to provide for various which was to provide for various consumer- Unfortunately, some of the consumer protections from 515B, which this bill is ultimately about, were
- Unfortunately, some of the consumer Unfortunately, some of the consumer protections<00:35:59.400
- ><00:33:06.280>
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and heard a prayer and pledge. The main legislative business was House amendments to Senate File 2511, the liquor bill authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses. Senators described it as a bipartisan “one-off” liquor bill with local provisions, including a St. Louis Park food hall license, Minneapolis food hall licenses, a Rochester Chateau Theater provision, expanded University of Minnesota liquor licensing flexibility, Brainerd’s Northern Pacific Center license, seasonal resort licensing, and a care-facility “granny happy hour” provision. Senator Wesenberg asked about a proposed 17-year-old server provision, and Senator Klein said it had been dropped and was never part of the Senate language.
The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 2511, advanced it to third reading, and passed it on final passage by a vote of 56 ayes to 10 nays. The chamber also adopted committee reports, took up a confirmation calendar item, and unanimously confirmed Joseph Sullivan to another six-year term on the Public Utilities Commission after Senator Frentz reported unanimous committee support and cited broad stakeholder backing.
On special orders, the Senate passed House File 3741, which modernizes educational assistance for children and spouses of prisoners of war and deceased veterans by moving coverage under the Minnesota GI Bill and increasing the benefit to $750; it passed 66-0. The Senate also passed Senate File 3622, a 97-page technical and conforming update to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act. Senator Kroon highlighted changes for small common-interest communities, insurance responsibility in mixed-use buildings, buyer disclosure, court-rule alignment, and lien priority definitions. An A2 amendment delayed the effective date of a separate 308C cooperative housing rewrite for one year to allow more consumer-protection work; after discussion involving Senators Kroon, Dibble, and Westrom, the amendment was adopted, and SF 3622 then passed 67-0. The Senate later adjourned until the following Wednesday.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- More importantly, uh, there's consumer protection there.
- Right now, I don't have standing or jurisdiction to make a lot of your consumers whole when a problem
- importantly, uh there's consumer importantly, uh there's consumer protection<00:10:58.560>
there. - constituents whole when a consumers constituents whole when a problem<00:11:29.120>
occurs. - 46.640>
counsel, <00:11:47.440>they consumer has to retain counsel, they consumer has to
Keywords:
cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, HB586, Cullman, Cullman County, City of Cullman, annexation, municipal boundaries, corporate limits, local legislation, boundary adjustment, city limits, municipal expansion
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We're meant to be a safety net for consumers who can't find insurance in the private market.
- It helps identify private-market insurance options for consumers and ensure that only consumers who are
- So if we don't want to go and the consumer wants to go, we go to DOAH.
- If we opt for DOAH and the consumer doesn't, they have to go to DOAH.
- As we see that decrease, consumers will benefit because, as we talked about earlier, consumers pay for
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee received a lengthy presentation from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation CEO Tim Serio, with Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski also answering questions. Serio reviewed Citizens’ role as Florida’s insurer of last resort, its statutory funding structure, eligibility rules, depopulation program, reinsurance obligations, and the surcharge/emergency assessment mechanisms that can be used if Citizens runs a deficit. He emphasized that recent legislative reforms, combined with lower litigation and improved market conditions, have helped the private market recover and reduced Citizens’ policy count from a peak of about 1.41 million in 2023 to 936,182 at the end of 2024, with a projected drop to about 771,000 by the end of 2025. He also said the reforms reduced Citizens’ rate need and helped avoid an emergency assessment after the 2024 storms.
Members asked about Citizens’ rate increases, why Citizens still seeks higher rates despite lower litigation, how the 20% eligibility threshold works, whether Citizens should be wind-only, and whether the state or federal government could help with deficits. Serio explained that Citizens is still charging below actuarially sound rates in most areas, that rate filings reflect reduced litigation and lower reinsurance exposure, and that assessments on all Florida property policyholders are the reason Citizens tries to build surplus and depopulate. He said the depopulation program is working better than in the past, with less than 2% of takeout policies returning to Citizens, and that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been vetting takeout companies more carefully.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on claims handling after Debby, Helene, and Milton, including flood-versus-wind disputes and Citizens’ use of the Division of Administrative Hearings for some claim disputes. Serio said Citizens had received 76,625 claims from the three storms and had paid nearly $823 million in indemnity and expenses as of January 7, 2025. He said many closed-without-payment claims were either below deductible, withdrawn, duplicate, or flood-only, and that Citizens had asked its internal audit function to independently review the claims data and denials. He also described Citizens’ storm outreach, catastrophe response centers, managed-repair program, and claim review process, and said the corporation remains focused on paying valid claims while minimizing the risk of assessments on the broader Florida market.
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not clear to me that this bill will particularly save money or result in lower rates for consumers
- For many consumers who also have vegetation trees in their yard, this legislation seems that it will
- And will you work with us to try to find ways to reduce costs for consumers without destroying their
- The speaker said consumers and utilities should be able to work together, and then shifted to a personal
- "Consumers, when I owned my old house, were coming through and they were going to trim the trees.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment met with 13 members present, approved the June 4, 2026 minutes, and took up Senate Bill 947, which concerns dam registration, inspections, and related enforcement. The committee discussed a substitute that made technical changes and implementation adjustments, including lower registration fees for counties with multiple dams, extending registration validity from five to ten years, allowing conditional permits, giving EGLE flexibility to modify deficiency schedules, and adding provisions related to inspection reports and low-hazard dam evaluations. Members also raised an unresolved issue involving FERC preemption and hydroelectric dams; the chair and EGLE said that issue would continue to be worked on, likely through the floor process. Public testimony cards were read in support from a range of environmental and policy groups and individuals. The committee adopted the S-1 substitute 13-0 and then reported SB 947 to the floor on an 8-3 vote with two passes.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 627, which also had been heard previously. No additional questions were raised, and testimony cards were read in support from several organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, Sierra Club, the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. The committee voted to report SB 627 to the floor with the recommendation that it pass, and the bill was reported on an 11-1 vote with one pass.
Finally, the committee took testimony only on House Bill 4361, sponsored by Representative Green, which would direct the Public Service Commission to create a rule allowing utilities broader vegetation management within rights-of-way to improve grid reliability. Representative Green and Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Kevin Mazur testified that the bill would reduce outages, improve safety, and align statutory standards with existing utility practices. Several senators raised concerns that the language was too broad and could allow extensive tree removal, harming property owners, local control, tree canopy, and environmental and health interests; others said utilities already have similar authority and emphasized reliability and homeowner coordination. The committee did not take action on HB 4361 and adjourned after reading in testimony cards from utilities, environmental groups, and others both supporting and opposing the bill.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
SB 2374 Conference Committee Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- House amended and to go back towards more of the original intent of exempting those large commercial consumers
- from having... ...those large commercial consumers from having the restrictions to rebating.
- amendments that we sent around are to remove those exemptions for the large commercial insurance consumers
- the breadth of applying the rebating restrictions and not allowing any forms of rebating for any consumer
- The rebating restrictions and not allowing any form of rebating for any consumer that has those farm
Summary:
The conference committee on Senate Bill 2374 discussed proposed amendments to the insurance rebating provisions and a new study on towing and recovery issues. Deputy Insurance Commissioner John Arnold explained that, after working with industry representatives, the compromise was to remove the large commercial rebating exemption language and keep the rest of the bill intact, while also clarifying that federal crop insurance remains subject to the state’s rebating laws. Members asked several questions about how the large commercial risk definition would work, how the rules would apply to nonresident producers and border-area farm policies, and whether the changes would affect long-standing industry practices.
The committee also considered Commissioner Godfrey’s request for a study on who pays to remove vehicles from the roadside when the owner has liability-only coverage, especially in cases involving totaled or abandoned vehicles. Arnold said the issue has been raised by Highway Patrol and towing interests and that the study language was intended to examine possible solutions for the next legislative session. Some members expressed concern about shifting costs to the insurance industry, but others supported the study as a way to gain clarity.
The committee adopted the amendment package, including the towing study language, by a 6-0 roll call vote. It then passed Senate Bill 2374 as amended by another 6-0 vote. The committee noted that the bill would need floor carriers on both chambers, with Representative Johnson and Senator Klein indicating they would carry it.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, March 2, 2026
Minerals, Business & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- other consumer. Is that accurate? Mr. other consumer. Is that accurate? Mr.
- Utah, Wyoming, Idaho can be considered another set of consumers, each with different ideologies, each
- be one set of consumers. be one set of consumers.
- ,<00:53:49.160>
each <00:53:49.480>with another set of consumers, each with another - I don’t think that’s probably what’s causing consumer upset or concern.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 4188 - Omnibus Commerce and Consumer Protection - Part 3 - 05/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- The A11 amendment raises the cap on the amount of money that can be deposited into the consumer protection
- :05:16.200>
deposited <00:05:17.040>into <00:05:17.320>the <00:05:17.400>consumer - be deposited into the consumer be deposited into the consumer protection<00:05:18.919>
restitution - protection restitution account and amends how the money is distributed to eligible consumers.
- the amount of money that goes into this fund from those activities to provide restitution and make consumers
Summary:
The committee took up a series of amendments to the bill. Representative Keagle’s A21 amendment, which would have prohibited online sweepstakes games, raised the paddle wheel prize value, and added Hessian pepper as a social skill game, was discussed with support cited from a broad coalition of organizations, but it failed on a roll call vote. The A27 amendment, directing the Department of Commerce to perform a 62J evaluation of home care nursing services, was then adopted after members described it as a temporary step toward a longer-term solution for disability home care issues.
Senator French’s A11 amendment, which raises the cap on deposits into the consumer protection restitution account and changes how those funds are distributed to eligible consumers, was also adopted. Representative O’Driscoll then offered the H.F. 4188 A22 amendment, described by counsel as incorporating language from House File 4333 on short-term and long-term home care insurance; members supported it as a way to expand private insurance options, and it was adopted.
Finally, Representative Keagle moved Article 3, Section 11, a provision to reimburse clinical trainees providing mental health services at full rates, and that motion was adopted as well. Afterward, the committee authorized nonpartisan staff to make technical or necessary corrections to the bill, noted that the bill would not be wrapped up that day, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of THC levels and other cannabinoids, will promote product transparency and consumer safety.
- It helps farmers and researchers and consumers while keeping us compliant with federal law.
- How will this office ensure that these products are low cost to consumers?
- How will this office ensure that these products are low cost to consumers?
- It's bad even for the consumers that want to be able to buy American beef.
Bills:
HB147
Keywords:
government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones.
HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district.
HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 10, February 20, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, it's vital to keep our community colleges updated with equipment, labs, software, and technology.
- Technology is turning over quick every year. And uh so I'd ask for your I vote. >> Thank you.
- <00:37:36.400>
Technology <00:37:37.119>is software, and technology. - Technology is software, and technology.
- technology neutral digitalization technology neutral digitalization already<03:13:03.120>
being
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 5 relating to the regulation of certain products derived from hemp, including consumable.
- Institute have warned us that outlawing hemp in this way may very well increase health risks for consumers
- I don't want to recriminalize businesses and consumers who were given permission.
- hemp. in a way that appeals to minors or misleads consumers.
- Regulating consumable hemp is necessary.
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
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- myself such time as I may consume. myself such time as I may consume.
- I mean, hurting consumers, he >> Yeah.
- consumers. Those are our constituents. consumers.
- <02:40:21.040>
are says that uh that the that consumers are says that uh that the that consumers - You know, the consumers, part out loud.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA/AGR Joint Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- of Commerce and consumer of Commerce and consumer affairs<00:24:54.159>
in <00:24:54.360>< - Nobody consumes an ounce of really high-potency stuff in one go. Anyways, thank you.
- Fact number six, without any safety requirements, the consumers do not know what they are consuming or
- Fact number six, without any safety requirements, the consumers do not know what they are consuming or
- Fact number six, without any safety requirements, the consumers do not know what they are consuming or
Summary:
The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement.
Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits.
Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- We support consumers' protection in terms of homeowners.
- any contact from opposition, but would be interested to continue this discussion for the sake of consumer
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- And currently, California has the lowest per capita amount of gas stations per consumer, which we think
- We support consumers' protection in terms of homeowners.
- any contact from opposition, but would be interested to continue this discussion for the sake of consumer
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, consumer protection, and sunset-review bills. Early items included SB 1148, which would let aspiring security guards complete all required training before a guard card is issued; SB 342, which would soften the penalty for contractors who were licensed during part of a project but had a brief lapse; and several sunset bills for boards and bureaus, including the Board of Registered Nursing (SB 1302), the Board of Naturopathic Medicine (SB 1303), the Respiratory Care Board (SB 1304), the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (SB 1363), and the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SB 1368). The committee also heard SB 1311, which makes various updates to DCA boards and programs, and SB 1314, which restricts new tobacco retailers from locating within 600 feet of schools or daycare centers and bans nitrous oxide sales and related paraphernalia.
Testimony was generally supportive on the training, sunset, and licensing cleanup bills, though several measures drew “opposed unless amended” or neutral positions over scope and implementation details. On SB 1314, supporters including prosecutors and school administrators argued it would reduce youth exposure to tobacco, while gas station, convenience store, cigar lounge, pharmacy, and business groups raised concerns about impacts on existing businesses, transferability of tobacco licenses, and possible de facto limits on future stations; some public health groups shifted to neutral after amendments. On SB 1302, nursing groups supported the board sunset bill, while the California Medical Association objected to allowing out-of-state nurse practitioner transition-to-practice experience to count without a California attestation process. On SB 1304, health facilities and long-term care groups supported the board extension but sought broader clarification so LVNs could perform respiratory tasks consistently across settings.
After quorum was finally established, the committee voted to send the consent calendar bills SB 1376, SB 1391, SB 1416, and SB 1315 to Appropriations, and then approved SB 342, SB 1148, SB 1302, SB 1303, SB 1304, SB 1311, SB 1314, SB 1363, and SB 1368, all moving forward to the Committee on Appropriations. SB 1314 passed with some no votes, while the other measures advanced with broad support. The hearing ended after additional members were added on the record and the committee adjourned.