Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 112, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce
• And Indian Affairs Committee, then the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
• House Bill 130, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Commerce
• Rural Government, Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs Committee, then the House Commerce
• House Commerce and Economic Development, Ranking Member. N.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, this month the Senate joins the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in celebrating its annual
• , if you can please stand to be recognized, Isabella Lopez, joining us today from the Chamber of Commerce
• Um, aalo to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such important
• Um, mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such
• Um, mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Interstate commerce can... Can one of you explain?
• We can't stop interstate commerce. I understand. Mr. Smith.
• Interstate commerce, yeah. So the reality is that.
• The interstate commerce issue is very complicated.
• Now, I want to get at the Supremacy Clause and the Commerce Clause.

Bills: HB28, SB3, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• It has already been heard in Commerce, and Senator Klein, you can go ahead and present your bill.
• Yes, I'd like the Department of Commerce to present the bill. Oh, okay.
• So, the Department of Health had some related Commerce provisions that were amended in the Commerce Committee
• That's helpful to know; that was something we discussed in Commerce.
• Madam Chair, a vote to pass back to Commerce would be optimal.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be with the Chamber of Commerce with comments.
• I'll be have the Chamber of Commerce I'll be have the Chamber of Commerce with<00:45:01.800>
• Next up, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Hi.
• <00:49:03.799> of Commerce of Commerce of awaii<00:49:06.839> hi<00:49:07.440> good<
• support chamber of M Chamber of Commerce support chamber of M Chamber of Commerce or<00:49:36.040

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 699 — to Commerce and Economic Development.
• HB 699 — to Commerce and Economic Development.
• <00:15:08.639> and<00:15:08.880> economic the committee on commerce and economic the
• committee on commerce and economic development.<00:15:10.720> Member<00:15:11.120> from
• on commerce and economic development? on commerce and economic development?

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks from Representative Greer focused on perspective, kindness, and the idea that people “earn” respect and love through shared humanity. After that, the chamber suspended rules to introduce 17 House bills by number only, and adopted JRS 3 in concurrence, setting a joint assembly for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to receive the governor’s budget message. Several announcements followed, including birthday wishes, a note about the new federal whole milk for schools law, guest introductions, and caucus notices. The House also approved committee transfers for H.393, an act relating to the prohibition of requiring face masks in schools, moving it from Education to Healthcare, and H.334, an act relating to limiting employer restrictions on individuals separating from employment, moving it from General and Housing to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber then took up H.649 on captive insurance companies. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee explained that the bill, based on Department of Financial Regulation proposals, would prohibit risk retention groups from lending to or investing in members or affiliates, require annual and quarterly filings in NAIC form with a jurat page and actuarial certificate, and create new filing requirements for sponsored captive protected cells. The committee reported unanimous support, and the House amended the bill and ordered third reading. The House next considered S.60, establishing a Farm Security Special Fund. The Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee and Appropriations described the bill as a response to repeated weather-related losses affecting farms and forestry operations, including flooding, freezes, drought, and other extreme events. The House version adds forestry and changes assistance from grants to payments to make aid faster and less cumbersome. The program would be administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, with a review board and payments of up to 50% of uncovered losses, capped at 5% of annual appropriations and $150,000 per application. The committee testimony emphasized the need for a permanent, predictable state relief mechanism, and the bill was advanced with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is essentially a discourage rather than encourage productive innovation in the form of e-commerce,
• There was e-commerce and and call centers and all sorts of stuff happening back in 2009, the last time
• of the world and other folks that have a high e-commerce distribution business?
• Rock Chamber of Commerce. Yes, sir. Testifying against this bill. Yes, sir.
• Another very important aspect when it comes to e-commerce is Wayfair, which was a U.S.

Bills: HB134, HB135, HB 1109, HB 1243, HB1392, HB1399, HJR99, HB134, HB135

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Department of Commerce appropriation. Any questions?
• Senate Bill 10 is the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, appropriation.
• This is the Department of Commerce, economic development.
• But I do believe in our Department of Commerce. I believe in Hugh McDonnell. And I...
• Our Department of Commerce, I believe in Hugh McDonnell, but we have not seen that yet.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Chamber of Commerce, he is waiving in support. Where are we at? Yay. Hi.
• law enforcement and U.S. departments for further investigation and requires the Department of Commerce
• law enforcement and U.S. departments for further investigation and requires the Department of Commerce
• The amendment removes Section 4, removing the requirement for Department of Commerce to get a new job
• And yes, I believe even the Department of Commerce will admit that when the pandemic hit, their system

Summary: The Housing, Agriculture and Tourism Subcommittee heard and advanced several bills. HB 615, allowing landlords to send required notices electronically with tenant written consent, was amended to allow either landlords or tenants to send messages electronically and passed favorably after testimony from legal aid and tenant advocates urging stronger opt-in, opt-out, and notice protections. HB 665, dealing with local government impact fees and development permits, would limit certain art-related impact fees, define “extraordinary circumstances,” and require more public process before fee increases; it passed after local government and industry testimony focused on refining the extraordinary-circumstances definition and concerns about public art funding. HB 365, a tenant protection bill for affordable housing units receiving public incentives, was amended to apply only to leases of 13 months or less and to take effect in July 2026; it passed with support from housing advocates and AARP and was described as preventing mid-lease rent increases while preserving renewal-time adjustments. HB 381, requiring issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers within a set timeframe, was amended to extend the deadline to 20 business days and shift the fee consequence to the address fee rather than the building permit fee; it passed after discussion about delays affecting developers and local government responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 254 by Senator Mizell, Commerce with amendments, Bureau without amendments.
• Senate Bill 279 by Senator Morris, Commerce with amendments, Bureau with amendments.
• Senate Bill 279 by Senator Morris, Commerce with amendments, Bureau with amendments.
• Senate Bill 384 by Senator Harris, Commerce favorably, Bureau without amendments.
• Senate Bill 469 by Senator Abraham, Commerce with amendments, Bureau with amendments.

Bills: HR308, HR309, HR310, HR311, HR312, HR313, HR314, HR315, HR316, HR317, HR318, HR319, HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR273, HR276, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR113, HCR114, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, HB255, HB378, HB509, HB1090, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB25, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB295, SB433, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB1199, SB268, SB283, HB782, SB149, HR84, HB646, HB998, SB56, SB163, SB197, SB97, SB326, SB341, SB518, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449

Keywords: HR 308, House Resolution 308, Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Holy See, Vatican, commendation, resolution, Louisiana Catholic heritage, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, South Louisiana parishes, religious recognition, ceremonial resolution, faith leadership, pontificate, spiritual solidarity, human dignity, peace, mercy

Transcript Highlights:

• Nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and
• Nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, has the background and
• Currently, we have three nominees for critical positions at Treasury and Commerce, including officials
• I know we're short on time, so I'll just shortly say the Department of Commerce, as you know, has an
• So, land and commerce has very important tools.

Keywords: legislation, housing affordability, financial regulation, public testimony, accountability, oversight

Summary: The meeting involved significant discussions around key legislative proposals, primarily focusing on various bills such as HB2 and SB5. The committee examined the implications of these bills on issues like housing affordability and financial regulation. Notable members engaged in debates, providing differing perspectives on the potential economic impacts of the proposed bills. The meeting witnessed public testimony, which included a call for accountability in government actions and oversight of current financial policies. Members echoed concerns about following through on commitments to address critical issues affecting everyday Americans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Sher Manor, President and CEO for the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, in support.
• Next we have Kieran Pul, Executive Director from the Chamber of Commerce, in support, on Zoom.
• <00:38:54.599> of<00:38:54.760> Hai CEO for the Chamber of Commerce of Hai CEO for
• on of Commerce and support on Zoom<00:39:07.800> good<00:39:07.920> morning<00:39:08.280
• Next we have Kieran Pul, Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, in opposition, on

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , partner at GLI, the Chamber of Commerce, partner at GLI, the Chamber of Commerce, Bill<00:05:07.199
• all walk working chambers of commerce all walk working together<00:05:24.960> to<00:05:25.199
• ,<00:24:01.039> industry tourism, chambers of commerce, industry tourism, chambers of commerce
• <00:24:42.480> Um<00:24:42.960> Commerce to access and find.
• Um Commerce to access and find.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:58 Putting Young Kentuckians to Work: First Year Update 00:04:06 Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative 00:21:59 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership 00:57:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October minutes, and heard first a progress report on the state-funded “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” initiative. Workforce leaders from Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Works said the HB 1 funding has allowed them to contract with all 10 workforce boards and build new pipelines with high schools, area technology centers, school districts, and community and technical colleges. They reported an end-of-year goal of 3,600 job placements, with 218 placements reported as of October 2025 and enrollment numbers continuing to rise. Testimony emphasized that the program is aimed at disconnected youth and high school seniors, that federal WIOA funds are too limited to support this work alone, and that the flexible state funding has enabled short-term training and placements in fields such as welding, CDL, and CNA. Members asked about barriers to implementation, wage levels, and services for students with disabilities; presenters said the main challenge was building school relationships and that wage growth should improve as students gain more skills and credentials. The committee then received an update on the Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative. Representatives from Greater Louisville Inc. and Commerce Lexington explained that the General Assembly previously provided $250,000 for a consultant to develop a statewide talent attraction and retention strategy, and that more than 13 organizations across the state support the effort. Development Counsellors International described its research process, including statewide stakeholder engagement, and said the goal is to create a Kentucky talent value proposition that combines job opportunities with quality-of-place messaging. They reported that Kentucky faces a shrinking labor force and a projected national worker shortfall, while internal research found 47% of working-age respondents could consider leaving the state within two years because they are not confident in career opportunities. At the same time, they said 96% of surveyed higher education students would stay if offered a full-time job, and 72% of employers expect to expand staffing in the next two years. The presenters said they are moving from research into messaging and an action plan, and that the strategy should be customized and measurable rather than one-size-fits-all.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 309 in Commerce from Senator Innis.
• House Bill 499 FN removed from Commerce by Senator Birdsell.
• House Bill 309 in commerce calendar.
• House Bill 499 FN removed from uh Commerce<00:26:58.400> by<00:26:58.799> Senator Commerce
• House in Commerce, House Bill May 22nd.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Commerce um Julia dryer Department of Commerce um Julia dryer and<00:02:43.480> we
• I'm with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• Editorial comment coming by the Commerce chair right now.
• premiums as shown through the Commerce premiums as shown through the Commerce Department<01:07:28.400
• You heard the Commerce Department.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARK WILSON WHO HAPPENS TO BE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CEO OF FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• BETWEEN OCTOBER 17th AND OCTOBER 29th SECURE FLORIDA FUTURE AN ARM OF THE FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• WILSON'S LETTER DECLINING OUR INVITATION BUT I WILL NOTE THAT ANY MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• I WOULD BE EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS THE FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation reported from the Committee on Labor and Commerce with amendments.
• Reported from the Committee on Labor and Commerce with an amendment and substitute.
• Legislation reported from the Committee on Labor and Commerce with amendments.
• Legislation reported from the Committee on Labor and Commerce. Delegate Ward from Hampton.
• I move the Labor and Commerce substitute. Shall the committee substitute be agreed to?

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthew Stackpole here on behalf of the New Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce.
• For these reasons, the Greater Elk Creek Chamber of Commerce supports House Bill 61.
• Herring and really would not trigger the dormant commerce clause.
• The concern that I have still with your bill is the dormant commerce clause issue.
• I think what the chair is doing is eliminating a dormant commerce clause argument.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one in your agenda is with the Department of Commerce Workforce Connections.
• The first one in your agenda is with the Department of Commerce Workforce Connections.
• The first one in your agenda is with the Department of Commerce Workforce Connections.
• Number three, Department of Commerce with DWS with U of A Fayetteville.
• 52, Department of Agriculture with Zach Lanehart for precision land leveling. 53, Department of Commerce

Summary: The committee met to review a supplemental agenda, procurement rule revisions, methods of finance, discretionary grants, contracts, and a member disclosure. The Office of State Procurement presented rule changes tied to 2025 legislative changes, including Act 782, with updates to sole-source definitions, unrealistic bids, protest requirements, debarment procedures, and recodification references; the committee voted to accept the supplemental agenda and approve the rules. Members also approved eight methods of finance covering university repairs, equipment replacement, property purchase, and capital projects, along with a large slate of discretionary grants for courts, health, DHS, historic preservation, and tobacco prevention programs. The committee then reviewed RFQs and six ratifications. The ratifications included a Workforce Connections payment to ACT WorkKeys, Department of Health costs from an ice-storm-related water leak, a large Department of Public Safety ratification for Motorola’s Arkansas Wireless Information Network upgrade, Veterans Affairs HVAC and medical-service payments, and a UA Little Rock painting contract. The Department of Public Safety ratification drew extended questioning about why the expired Motorola contract had not been renewed sooner and why the issue took months to reach the committee; agency officials said the project was bond-funded, had not been tracked in ASIS, and involved ongoing negotiations and system updates. Despite concerns, the committee approved the ratifications. Members also reviewed a long list of construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts, including numerous university, DHS, health, corrections, and state agency agreements. Several contracts were discussed in more detail, including an SAU custodial contract question about sales tax and transparency reporting, and Department of Corrections aerial application contracts for Tucker and Cummins farms, which officials said served separate facilities in different parts of the state. The committee approved the contract lists, reviewed reports, and accepted a disclosure from Representative Andrew Collins regarding his investment interest in a company leasing property to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Commerce has under consideration HB 2459 and respectfully recommends the bill do pass
• The Committee on Commerce has under consideration HB 2501 and respectfully recommends the bill do pass
• Chair, with your permission, the Commerce Committee will meet upon adjournment in hearing room number
• Commerce. HB 492 — peace officers cameras. Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Appropriations.
• Commerce. HB 2012 — road Kachina transportation infrastructure. HCR 258.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month, with Representative Willoughby emphasizing CPR, AED awareness, and cardiac emergency preparedness. Members also welcomed school visitors and representatives of the Arizona Fairs Association, and the chamber handled routine business including committee assignments, first and second readings, and referral of bills. The main floor action occurred in Committee of the Whole, where the House considered several bills and amendments. HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, HB 2459, HB 2501, and HB 2785 were all advanced with do-pass recommendations, with amendments adopted on HB 2016, HB 2133, HB 2223, and HB 2785. HB 2785 drew extended debate over tax conformity and the governor’s tax forms: supporters said it would codify federal tax conformity, preserve filing certainty, and prevent taxpayers from having to amend returns, while opponents argued it would mainly benefit corporations and wealthy taxpayers and lacked a clear funding plan. HB 2785’s committee amendment was adopted by division vote, 31-22. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House moved to third reading and passed HB 2029, HB 2120, HB 2126, and HB 2131. HB 2045 failed on third reading, and a later motion to reconsider that failure also failed. The chamber then entered a period of personal privilege remarks about legislative process, representation, and Black History Month, followed by committee announcements and adjournment until the next day.