Video & Transcript Research : 'commerce'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- On page 26, Senate File 258 will be referred to the committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- 00:06:05.919>
the <00:06:06.120>committee <00:06:06.560>on <00:06:06.880>Commerce - referred to the committee on Commerce referred to the committee on Commerce and<00:06:07.680>
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-04 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and whatever.
- South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, would
- In Central Florida, we have a thriving Pride Chamber of Commerce, which is an LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- Which is an LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
- of Commerce.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and a moment of silence honoring service members killed in the conflict in Iran, including Florida native Captain Cody Cork. The chamber then moved through a special order calendar, taking up several bills on education, public safety, insurance, health, and local government policy. Many measures were accompanied by sponsor explanations and supportive remarks from members, often emphasizing constituent impacts, public safety, and administrative efficiency.
The first major bill, SB 1062 on speech and debate education, was expanded through a delete-all amendment and passed 37-0 after extensive floor debate praising debate programs as a civic and educational tool. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office; an amendment clarified that criticism of Israel is not prohibited, and the bill passed 37-0. SB 1230/HB 1019 addressed PFAS “forever chemicals,” especially in firefighting foam, with phase-outs, testing, enforcement, and exceptions for certain federal, military, and emergency uses; it also passed 37-0 and was dedicated in memory of former firefighter Joe Casello. SB 1706 expanded the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program with tighter eligibility rules, and SB 186 required broader seizure-response training and seizure action plans in schools; both passed unanimously.
The Senate also approved SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 990 authorizing protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 modernizing nonprofit corporation law, SB 560 streamlining foster care medication and oversight procedures, SB 684 easing electronic signature requirements for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, and SB 778 revising forensic client services for certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including SB 432, SB 928, and SB 620. Most of these measures passed by votes of 36-0 or 37-0 after brief debate or no debate.
The most contentious item was SB 1134 on official actions of local governments related to DEI. The sponsor argued the bill would stop taxpayer funding and promotion of discriminatory or indoctrinating DEI practices, citing examples from several counties and cities. Multiple amendments sought to narrow penalties, protect good-faith officials, and preserve local proclamations and observances, including LGBTQ Pride Month and other cultural events, but those amendments were rejected. Debate centered on vagueness, local discretion, and whether the bill would chill legitimate government activity. The transcript cuts off during questioning on the underlying bill, before final disposition is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/09/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment just puts the correct number for the budget base in the tails for the energy division of commerce
- commerce um going into the next bianium. commerce um going into the next bianium.
- Uh if we remember back to the testimony from the Department of Commerce, this certificate of need is
- I have talked to the Department of Commerce about the federal money and how that might be affected.
- Um, and data has been forthcoming from residents and installers, farmers, Department of Commerce.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- That is something that we're trying to deal with over on the Commerce Committee, yeah.
- That is something that we're trying to deal with over on the Commerce Committee, yeah.
- know if you're who serves on Commerce know if you're who serves on Commerce here<00:17:04.919>
- <00:18:18.760>
Committee <00:18:19.280>yeah with over on the Commerce Committee yeah- with over on the Commerce Committee yeah but<00:18:20.600>
very <00:18:20.760>good <00: - <00:18:18.760>
Keywords:
Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:53.200>
Um Department of Commerce. Um Department of Commerce. - Thank you for Department of Commerce.
- Commerce. Commerce.
- licensing within the commerce licensing within the commerce department,<00:27:10.960>
disclosure - , have, but uh the Department of Commerce, have, but uh the Department of Commerce, you<00:31:45.200
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy
Summary:
The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders.
Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far.
The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/11/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill had a full hearing in Commerce, and I understand it's here because it deals with the Attorney
- The bill had a full hearing in Commerce, and I understand it's here because it deals with the Attorney
- The bill had a full hearing in Commerce, and I understand it's here because it deals with the Attorney
- <00:25:15.480>
this today by I was in house Commerce this today by I was in house Commerce - My name is Andrew Morley, and I'm with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/25/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- and Consumer Affairs, Office of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of<01:06:47.760>
Consumer <01:51:34.920>- and Consumer Affairs, which Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which asked<01:12:22.200>
that <01:- First up, we have the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection.
- I am not Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
and from the Department of Commerce and from the Department of Commerce and - and Consumer Affairs, which Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which asked<01:12:22.200>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays.
HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners.
The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Because the infrastructure maintained by this facility supports regional travel, commerce, recreation
- ,<00:25:47.120>
recreation, <00:25:47.679>and <00:25:47.840>educational commerce - , recreation, and educational commerce, recreation, and educational needs,<00:25:49.200>
a <00: - uh between those two cities um commerce uh between those two cities that<01:05:59.440>
that <01 - It's a 0.5% tax on their food and beverage, and it goes to the chamber of commerce, and they use this
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, instead, I would propose that we give it to the Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit.
- ,<01:20:31.120>
a give it to the Chamber of Commerce, a give it to the Chamber of Commerce - can take ownership Chamber of Commerce can take ownership of<01:21:08.320>
the <01:21:08.480>< - <01:26:31.679>
The <01:26:31.920>sole conquered chamber of commerce. - The sole conquered chamber of commerce.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-AEN, CPN-EDT, CPN-HOU, CPN-EIG Public Hearings 01-29-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, 9:30 a.m. joint committee agenda between the Senate Committee on Commerce
- and Consumer Protection, Agriculture and Environment, and Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- Good morning, and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- Oh, Vice Chair, I guess, for questions, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Good morning.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 252 on invasive species, which would broaden the Department of Agriculture’s authority to inspect items moved into or within Hawaii, prohibit the sale of pest-infested merchandise, and allow quarantine, treatment, or destruction of affected materials with clarified penalties. Testifiers from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, the Farmers Union, and many others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing gaps in current inspection authority and the need to address high-risk non-agricultural commodities such as outdoor furniture and other cargo that can carry pests like red imported fire ants. Members raised concerns about staffing, inspection capacity, commerce impacts, and whether better manifest descriptions or scanners could help target higher-risk shipments. The chairs recommended passage with Department of Agriculture and technical amendments, and the committees adopted the recommendation.
The joint CPN/EDT hearing then took up SB 148 on combat sports, which would create a Hawaii Combat Sports Commission and regulate combat sports while prohibiting no-rules contests. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments on effective dates and later said other jurisdictions generally use a single commission for boxing and MMA. Supporters, including a professional fighter and a longtime advocate, argued the bill would help revive the sport in Hawaii, improve local opportunities, and reduce costs associated with separate commissions; one testifier initially appeared opposed but clarified he was actually in support. Committee members asked about safety, medical coverage, staffing, vacancies, and whether separate commissions could share staff. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including an Attorney General effective-date amendment, amendments from the Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses to increase health-care coverage at fights, and DCCA’s recommendation to unify boxing and MMA under one commission; the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted.
A later joint CPN/Housing agenda began with SB 69 on deposits of public funds, which would require the Director of Finance to consider the benefits of using in-state depositories, including favorable lending terms for affordable housing. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Hawaii Bankers Association offered comments, and no other testimony or questions were noted before the discussion moved on. The next measure introduced was SB 24 on limited profit housing associations, which would create a regulatory framework and a limited profit housing council; the transcript cuts off as testimony on that bill was beginning.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And we shouldn't interstate commerce.
- >
one <01:12:07.080>of <01:12:07.120>the Commerce was disrupted and one of the Commerce - US Chamber of Commerce with regularity. US Chamber of Commerce with regularity.
- <02:53:54.320>
has However, the US Chamber of Commerce has However, the US Chamber of Commerce - <03:19:44.520>
and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and Frederick County Chamber of Commerce
Summary:
The House of Delegates met on February 27, 2026, with a prayer, roll call showing 130 members present, and the reading of the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up several House resolutions recognizing guests and honorees, including Harold Futch Sr. II and his daughter R.V. for their collaboration on the album “Harmony” and R.V.’s status as the youngest Grammy winner; Michelle Eberle for her leadership of the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange; and the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County on its 85th anniversary. Each resolution was read and adopted with applause and congratulations.
The House also received Senate Bill 108 from the Senate consent calendar and, by unanimous consent, had it read the first time and referred to committee. In the Economic Matters Committee report, the House adopted favorable reports and sent multiple bills to third reading, including HB 306 on dealer website price transparency, HB 461 on rural readiness and capacity building, HB 573 on fair housing discrimination standards, HB 798 on small minority- and women-owned business capital access, HB 850 on open house disclosure requirements, HB 951 on land records revisions, HB 996 on corporations and associations revisions, HB 1026 on rounding cash transactions, and HB 1312 on legal tender species establishment.
HB 306 drew the most debate over its title, which included the “Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act.” One delegate argued the title improperly referenced a private business and should be removed; the floor leader responded that the bill honored consumer advocate Jack Fitzgerald and that the dealership was employee-owned. A motion to special order the bill failed on a roll call vote of 95 no to 38 yes, and the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. HB 691 on permitting efficiency for housing development projects was also special ordered until the next day after members sought more time to review possible amendments.
The House adopted amendments and favorable reports on several bills, including HB 243 on comprehensive and general plans, HB 343 on housing counseling services, HB 483 on charitable organization audit thresholds, HB 523 on residential foreclosure restrictions, and HB 243’s amendments clarifying prospective application. Members asked questions about HB 243’s planning requirements and about HB 523’s “zombie mortgage” protections; the floor leader explained that HB 523 would protect homeowners from surprise foreclosures on old debts without forgiving the underlying debt, while HB 243 would modernize comprehensive planning standards without changing local subdivision review processes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 4/25/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/31/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #15 & #16
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Whitman, members, as amended by the Committee on Commerce, Senate Bill 1206 outlines prohibitions
- Madam Wippin, members, the Commerce Committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1254
- The Commerce Committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1254, which makes revisions
- Madam Wippant, members, the strike-everything amendment adopted by the Committee on Commerce to Senate
- Madam Wippin, members, the Commerce Committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1515
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees.
A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work.
The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the Chamber of Commerce benchmark report does a pretty good job of laying out all of the ways
- I think the Chamber of Commerce benchmark report does a pretty good job of laying out all of the ways
- Read the Chamber of Commerce benchmark report. I and it lays it out pretty well.
- ><00:15:16.800>
the <00:15:16.959>Chamber <00:15:17.199>of <00:15:17.360>Commerce - Read the read the Chamber of Commerce Read the read the Chamber of Commerce benchmark<00:15:18.240
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- That's more than my friends at Commerce.
- That's more than my friends at Commerce, DEP, DOT, other agencies combined.
- Jason Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development of the Department of Commerce. Mr.
- I'm the Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce.
- So Florida Commerce is the governor-designated state authority that is responsible for administering
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard two hurricane-recovery presentations focused on Florida’s response and long-term recovery efforts. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reviewed response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including meals, water, sheltering, search and rescue deployments, power restoration, debris removal, flood-control efforts, and generator distribution. He also described ongoing public assistance and mitigation funding, the state’s FROC system for standardizing and speeding reimbursement documentation, and the Elevate Florida residential mitigation program, which will use about $400 million to elevate or reconstruct eligible flood-insurance properties and may expand to county-run programs. Senators asked about manufactured homes, school shelter hardening, mobile home tie-downs, reimbursement for USAR teams, debris hauling, regional sheltering, and FEMA review delays; Guthrie said the state is trying to move recovery faster and more proactively, while acknowledging some limits and federal bottlenecks.
The committee then heard from Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce, on HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs. He explained that Commerce administers long-term recovery funds through its Office of Long-Term Resiliency for housing, infrastructure, and economic development, with funds used as a last resort after FEMA and insurance. Domer outlined the process for the most recent $925 million allocation covering multiple disasters, including Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, Broward flooding, and North Florida tornadoes, and said the state currently manages about $3.4 billion in DR funds, rising to over $4 billion with the new allocation. He highlighted completed and ongoing housing programs for Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, plus workforce recovery programs and subrecipient infrastructure grants. Senators asked about Broward and Fort Lauderdale funding, homeowner turnaround times, and mobile home eligibility; Domer said Broward and Fort Lauderdale will have separate HUD-directed programs, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-04-09
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Next we have Jonathan Cotter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. advocating um, to for a pause to
- My name is Jonathan Cotter, director of healthcare and commerce policy with the Minnesota Chamber of
- Commerce, representing more than 6,300 businesses of all sizes and all industries across the state.
- And I think that the Chamber of Commerce gave some examples of where um data should be non-public.
- <00:26:09.960>
is exactly what the Chamber of Commerce is exactly what the Chamber of Commerce
Keywords:
municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations
Summary:
The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the minutes from March 25 and March 26, then took up House File 4077, a bipartisan bill authored by Representatives Greenman and Roach. The bill would prohibit municipalities from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities that restrict disclosure about land development, economic development, or publicly funded projects, while preserving existing Chapter 13 data practices rules and trade secret protections. The authors argued the bill is needed to prevent secret agreements and backroom decision-making that undermine public transparency, and they moved that the bill be re-referred to the general register.
Several local officials and residents testified in support, including a St. Louis County commissioner, the mayor of Lonsdale, and residents from Farmington and Hermantown. Supporters said NDAs had been used in connection with data center and other development projects to keep elected officials and the public in the dark, eroding trust and limiting community input. They described the bill as a common-sense transparency measure and said existing law already protects legitimate trade secrets.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership, which argued that NDAs are often necessary in early-stage economic development discussions to protect sensitive business information and remain competitive with other states. They warned the bill could discourage investment, jobs, and tax growth, and said it would impose a one-size-fits-all state mandate that limits local discretion. Committee members then debated whether the bill was too broad and whether it should be narrowed to data centers; supporters responded that the issue extends beyond data centers to other forms of economic development. A roll call vote was requested on the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register, but the final vote result was not stated in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- violating the act constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the conduct or trade of commerce
- <00:04:47.120>
or <00:04:47.360>trade <00:04:47.680>of <00:04:47.919>commerce - <00:04:48.240>
within the conduct or trade of commerce within the conduct or trade of commerce
Keywords:
foreign influence, campaign finance, contributions, state elections, transparency, election integrity, criminal offense, natural resources, tree protection, state property, environment, land use, boundary amendment, administrative fines, Land Use Commission, infrastructure compliance, highway safety, driver's license, administrative revocation, alcohol-related offenses
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and considered several Senate bills, generally following recommendations to pass measures with or without amendments. SB 2981 would prohibit minimum off-street parking requirements for new development in urban districts and was adopted unamended, with Senator Awa voting no. SB 2982, which bars foreign entities and foreign-influence business entities from making election-related contributions or expenditures, was adopted with an amendment adopting Attorney General language for required advertisement statements.
The committee also advanced SB 2983, creating a misdemeanor offense for criminal destruction of a tree on state or county property; one member opposed it, suggesting a replanting requirement would be a better environmental remedy, but the bill was still adopted unamended. SB 2986, concerning Land Use Commission authority to amend or revise district boundary amendment decisions when conditions are not met, passed with an amendment addressing a defective effective date. SB 2991, on driver’s license revocations for certain alcohol-related offenses and re-examination requirements, passed with amendments clarifying revocation orders and re-examination procedures.
Members then approved SB 3001, which regulates conversational artificial intelligence services by requiring disclosures and protocols to prevent suicidal ideation, with amendments incorporating AG and OCP recommendations, including a personal data definition and broader data minimization language. SB 3010, allowing officials and in some cases private citizens to enter unattended vehicles to protect endangered pet animals, passed with amendments. The committee also adopted SB 3014 on higher fines for taking or harassing protected turtles, SB 3032 clarifying beach and marine deposit prohibitions, and SB 3033 allowing petitions to review beach structure integrity despite a bad effective date; Senator Awa again voted no on SB 3033. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
- Senator Peters Adding CCP Labor Abuses Act, introduced with Senators Lummis and Curtis, will keep the Commerce
- Chester for their Deploying American Blockchains Act, which will direct the Commerce Department to support
- forecasting with the goals of increasing vessel safety, helping the shipping industry, and keeping commerce
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Commerce and Tourism will now come to order. Rededa, please call the roll.
- I appreciate the opportunity to represent the Florida Commerce and the Office of Broadband and provide
- $1.16 billion from the NTIA, which is the funding source that we're receiving from the Department of Commerce
- that. from the NTIA, which is the funding source that's we're receiving that from the Department of Commerce
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met briefly and first announced that Senate Bill 232 by Senator Rodriguez was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. The main item was a presentation from Leo Garcia of the Office of Broadband on Florida’s broadband programs, current deployment progress, and upcoming funding opportunities. Garcia said the office is administering multiple grant programs that have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars for broadband infrastructure, community facilities, and digital device access, with a focus on rural areas, workforce development, and digital literacy. He also described the state’s strategic plan and partnerships with local governments, ISPs, workforce boards, community colleges, and community action agencies.
Garcia explained that Florida has already deployed over 1,100 miles of fiber and enabled about 4,300 connections, and said the remaining unserved and underserved locations should drop significantly by the end of 2026 before the BEAD program addresses the rest. He said BEAD is a fully federal program for Florida, providing $1.16 billion from NTIA, with most of it reserved for infrastructure and additional amounts for workforce training and cybersecurity/digital literacy. He noted that Florida is prioritizing fiber but will also use fixed wireless or satellite where fiber is not cost-effective or feasible. He also said the office is seeking additional spending authority for the Digital Capacity Grant Program.
Members asked about county coverage, especially Duval County, and Garcia said Duval and Monroe had not yet received funds because they currently have limited unserved or underserved areas, but they are expected to be addressed through BEAD and related workforce and literacy efforts. Senator Davis raised permitting delays as a major challenge, and Garcia said the office is exploring ways to help local communities process permits more quickly. Senator Wright asked about competition with satellite-based broadband providers, and Garcia said the state is technology-agnostic but prioritizes fiber for reliability. There were no public comments, no votes or formal actions taken, and the meeting adjourned.