Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:01.559><c> and</c><00:55:01.839><c> guidance</c> um has independent advice and guidance um
• has independent advice and guidance in<00:55:02.359><c> whether</c><00:55:03.040><c> to</c><00:55:03.240
• asking the court to appoint someone to spend their own money to hire another attorney to give them advice
• ><c> to</c><00:58:48.720><c> work</c><00:58:48.960><c> through</c><00:58:49.359><c> this</c> them advice
• happy to work through this them advice happy to work through this is<00:58:49.680><c> a</c><00:58:49.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are calling your attention today to the proposed tax on financial services and advice.
• They're actually starting earlier to go out and get advice from consultants to help them properly plan
• They're actually starting earlier to go out and get advice from consultants to help them properly plan
• They're actually starting earlier to go out and get advice from consultants to help them properly plan
• </c> you know, gave you accounting advice you know, gave you accounting advice from<01:21:37.840><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I urge that you find the amendment out of order, and I am prepared to offer advice if
• State your advice. It is already wildly more expansive, and that is not permitted under our rules.
• I've reviewed the bill and considered your advice, and I am ruling that the point of order is not well
• and when these things happen, somebody has to be able to make a quick decision based upon expert advice
• </c> decision based upon expert advice decision based upon expert advice already<01:40:53.960><c> in<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's my only advice for next year's class.
• I think that is some of the best advice that the gentleman had ever given me.
• I am going to leave us with a little bit of advice. Oh, let me go back. Pecora Faith Walker.
• So a little bit of advice.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and extensive points of personal privilege recognizing members leaving the chamber, House staff, law enforcement, military service, and family members. Much of the opening portion was devoted to farewell remarks from departing legislators, who reflected on service, bipartisan relationships, and issues they hoped the legislature would continue to address, including property tax reform, the death penalty, gun reform, and mental health. The Speaker also recognized House communications, IT staff, and other employees for their work supporting the chamber. The chamber then took up several Senate-amended measures. House Bill 2636, a consumer and housing protection bill combining mortgage modification, lease-back protections, insurance assignment-of-benefits limits, and real estate wholesale contract disclosures, was adopted and finally passed. House Bill 2397, dealing with water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was also adopted and finally passed after debate over voter thresholds and protections for water service. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill, added observances and memorial highways/bridges including Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Freeman Bosley Jr. Day, Charlie Parker Day, Leon Jordan Day, George Jones Day, the Missouri River Runner Day, the sweet chanterelle as the state mushroom, and several memorial roadways; it was adopted and finally passed. The House also considered Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a state constitutional “Show Me Prosperity Fund” as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a visionary, fiscally sustainable way to reduce the tax burden over generations, while opponents warned it would lock away money during a period of projected budget shortfalls and could leave the state unable to access funds in an emergency. Debate continued as members questioned the funding mechanics and the difference between optional appropriations and mandatory restrictions on the fund, with no final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• page 14, section 10 inserts an exemption for the lived experience engagement for those providing advice
• engagement for um experience engagement for um those<00:08:14.880><c> providing</c><00:08:15.280><c> advice
• /c><00:08:15.800><c> to</c><00:08:15.960><c> the</c><00:08:16.040><c> Housing</c> those providing advice
• to the Housing those providing advice to the Housing Finance<00:08:16.760><c> Agency</c><00:08:17.120

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee on House File 1141, the Omnibus Housing Finance and Policy Bill, reviewed the fiscal spreadsheet and policy language for the agreement. Staff explained the major funding items, including appropriations for greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured home park infrastructure grants, family homelessness prevention, supportive housing, a tenant hotline, and housing infrastructure bonds, along with a cancellation of unused Tyler settlement funds and a reallocation of Housing Development Fund earnings. Staff said the package was budget neutral over the forecast window. The policy walk-through also covered provisions on livestreaming Housing Finance Agency board meetings, limits on administrative retentions for new grant programs, restrictions and reporting on Housing Development Fund transfers and earnings, clarifying language for local public housing, an exemption related to lived-experience engagement, and access for legislative fiscal staff to agency accounting information. Members then considered several amendments. The A12 amendment, allowing certain local governments to invest long-term funds in housing-related investments, was adopted after a roll call showed support from all three caucuses. The A16 manufactured housing bill of rights amendment, which would have addressed park-owner practices, purchase opportunities, enforcement, and rent increases, was not adopted. The A18 amendment to allow additional flags in HOAs and other areas was also not adopted. The A17 amendment to limit private equity ownership of single-family homes to 100 units was not adopted. The A13 amendment to preempt local rent control was not adopted. Members on both sides said some of the rejected issues warranted further discussion in future sessions, while supporters argued they were needed to address housing affordability and ownership pressures. In closing discussion on the bill as a whole, members from both chambers praised the bipartisan process, the staff work, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s collaboration. Supporters said the agreement would help build thousands of homes across the state, assist vulnerable Minnesotans, and improve transparency and accountability in housing programs. They also noted the bill’s mix of single-family, multifamily, manufactured housing, homelessness prevention, and policy reforms. The committee expressed intent to move the agreement forward to the House floor and ultimately to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• that requirement that they follow the actuarial surcharge recommendation, but instead follow the advice
• And I think that's good advice. So, all right, Senator Duhigg, with what I'm calling D3.
• But this notion of the advisory board giving advice to the superintendent, again, no disrespect to this
• superintendent, who has been there a short time, but it's pretty clear that other superintendents have had the advice

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services. Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state. Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times government can't get out of its own way, so appreciate your advice to push through that
• A lot of times government can't get out of its own way, so appreciate your advice to push through that
• We'll give you advice on, if you tell me that you want to increase your waterfowl habitat or your deer
• Well, that's an ironic transition, but that is pretty good advice, Mr. Simmons.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The board met at the State Capitol and approved the agenda and prior minutes after brief motions and no public comment. Executive Director Michael Hare then gave a CPRA implementation update, describing a large portfolio of active projects and highlighting several that are under construction, nearing bid, or recently awarded, including Port Fourchon shoreline protection, Caernarvon marsh creation, Schooner Bayou saltwater barrier rehabilitation, Cain Bayou marsh creation, West Shore river reintroduction work, Morganza to the Gulf, Raccoon Island restoration, Chenier-O-Tig ridge restoration, Bayou Pigeon and Dismal Swamp boat launches, Grand Bayou marsh creation, Highway 1 terracing, and several National Coastal Resilience Fund projects. He also noted the annual plan public meetings had concluded, with comments accepted through February 17, 2026, and answered board questions about the Rockefeller shoreline project, saying CPRA and the Corps were working through geotechnical and environmental issues and trying to move it forward. The board then received a joint presentation from CPRA and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the White Lake Conservation Area and Management Plan. Speakers described White Lake as a 72,000-acre property in Vermilion Parish with major freshwater marsh, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing opportunities, and aging infrastructure that currently operates on limited self-generated revenue. The plan, finalized in October 2025, focuses on habitat protection, maintaining wildlife, supporting revenue generation, expanding controlled public access, and strengthening partnerships. Proposed priorities include GIWW shoreline protection, Unit 2/Caddo levee stabilization, and north shoreline protection, with about $30 million secured for engineering and design and total costs estimated around $120 million to $130 million. Officials also discussed a possible lodge revitalization funded only with private dollars, broader landscape-level habitat management, conservation incentives for private landowners, and potential land acquisition for additional public access. Board members and agency leaders emphasized the importance of White Lake to waterfowl habitat and public recreation, and one member urged similar management attention for Sabine, Lacassine, and Cameron Prairie refuges. The final major presentation covered CPRA’s marsh creation design guidelines. Staff explained that marsh creation remains a major share of the coastal master plan and current project pipeline, and reviewed how projects are built using dredged sediment, containment dikes, and pipeline systems. They said the 2017 design guidelines were intended to standardize minimum design and construction practices, but are now being updated to reflect lessons learned, current survey standards, geotechnical practices, construction methods, and issues such as oil and gas infrastructure and land rights coordination. Board members asked about reducing unnecessary geotechnical costs, improving land-rights timing, considering unconfined marsh creation where appropriate, and accounting for why marsh areas are failing in the first place. Staff said they would consider those suggestions as part of the guideline update and then moved into a follow-up presentation on safety, access, and logistics for marine construction in the coastal zone.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, doesn't provide counseling or legal advice.
• 00:20:13.600><c> legal</c> doesn't provide counseling or legal doesn't provide counseling or legal advice
• :20:15.280><c> able</c><00:20:15.440><c> to</c><00:20:15.600><c> have</c><00:20:15.679><c> an</c> advice
• You may be able to have an advice.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems. A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout. Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• governance agendas by voting or recommending a vote for shareholder-sponsored proposals contrary to the advice
• shareholder sponsor proposals contrary<00:44:01.119><c> to</c><00:44:01.240><c> the</c><00:44:01.359><c> advice
• ><00:44:01.640><c> of</c><00:44:01.720><c> the</c><00:44:01.800><c> company's</c> contrary to the advice
• of the company's contrary to the advice of the company's board<00:44:02.280><c> of</c><00:44:02.599>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:12 SB 4 (Sen. Mays Bledsoe): 01:34 SB 58 (Sen. Webb): 04:53 SB 117 (Sen. Madon): 07:40 SB 121 (Sen. Wheeler): 10:52 SB 237 (Sen. Howell): 13:09 SB 71 (Sen. Boswell): 18:54 SB 174 (Sen. Nunn): 38:18 SB 176 (Sen. Nunn): 40:54 SB 183 (Sen. Nunn): 42:31 Adjournment: 49:51, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, which would create a risk-based AI governance framework for state government and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The sponsor said the bill came from the AI task force and is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI while distinguishing between internal and external systems. The committee took a roll call vote and reported the bill out 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Webb, which would allow Kentucky Retirement System benefits to be designated to a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary. Webb said the bill would help families of special-needs children preserve benefits for supplemental needs such as adaptive equipment, technology, and medical or dental care not covered by government programs. He said retirement systems had provided no-impact letters, and the bill passed 7-0. Members also approved Senate Bill 117, which would let cities adjust incentive payments for training by appointed and elected city officials and remove the statutory minimum from ordinance requirements, and Senate Bill 121, which would authorize county judges to contract with rescue groups to deal with wild horse herds in rural areas. SB 117 passed 10-0 and SB 121 passed 10-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 71, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with local library board appointments. Sen. Boswell said the bill was a compromise but that he preferred removing KDLA from the process entirely; library representatives opposed the committee substitute and said they wanted KDLA out of the selection process. Several senators expressed conditional support but said they wanted further changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out after a roll call vote with 10 yeas and 1 pass, with members noting they expected further floor amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The staff members are not allowed to give legal advice.
• questions about what may need to go in a blank, but they are not going to be able to give any legal advice

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee met on March 14 and adopted the prior minutes. It voluntarily deferred Senate Bill 358, which would have addressed workers’ compensation coverage for independent contractors and sole-proprietor subcontractors. Senator Abraham said the bill would instead be studied to determine whether such workers should be able to buy occupational accident coverage or be required to carry workers’ compensation coverage, particularly where no employees are involved. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand and clarify workers’ compensation petition requirements and broaden employers’ and payers’ ability to file disputed claims beyond fraud and medical-director appeals to other disputes under the chapter. The bill drew strong support from business groups and strong opposition from injured-worker attorneys, who argued it would revive problems seen in 2012 when employers could sue injured workers without a ripe dispute, burden unrepresented claimants, and increase litigation and administrative costs. Supporters said it would improve access to the courts and help employers investigate questionable claims. After debate, the committee voted 5-1 to report HB 456 favorably, with Senator Barrow voting no. The committee also heard House Bill 549, which creates the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, or Bayou Works, a proposed statewide workforce training grant program aimed at helping employers quickly train workers for specific skill needs. The sponsor and Louisiana Workforce Commission representatives said it would be privately funded, modeled on Michigan’s “Going Pro” program, and coordinated with technical colleges, apprenticeships, internships, and other workforce partners. Members asked about statewide reach, youth pipeline efforts, and timing; the department said implementation would likely begin later next year. The committee reported HB 549 favorably by unanimous consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The staff members are not allowed to give legal advice.
• questions about what may need to go in a blank, but they are not going to be able to give any legal advice

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll start with my mom, because sometimes, although I don't want to hear her advice, she gave some of
• the best advice.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think advice and I think that potentially an antibiotic or just, you know, the calm, you know,
• of structure of how this is going to work I'm still calling him and he is still going to give me advice

Bills: HB3239, HB3391, HB3557, HB4128

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, advertising, animal cruelty, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, mountain lions, black bears

Transcript Highlights:

• The group met over a 15-month period and with technical advice and logistical support from the Department
• The group met over a 15-month period and with technical advice and logistical support from the Department

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2479, the Wage Recovery Act, which would create a wage recovery program and account to provide limited advance payments to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship from unpaid wages, while also changing how L&I prioritizes wage complaints and increasing civil penalties for willful wage violations. The bill was described as a consensus product of a labor-business work group, and testimony from the sponsor, work group members, business groups, and labor organizations was strongly supportive, emphasizing faster wage recovery, better enforcement, and a balanced approach to wage theft. No one testified in opposition. The committee then moved into executive session and took action on several bills. It reported out House Bill 291, extending employee contact-information sharing requirements to all state agencies; House Bill 2105, as amended, on notice requirements for I-9 audits and related records; House Bill 2107, as amended, on L&I notice to employers after construction-site hazard inspections; House Bill 2151, as amended, on factory-built housing and inspection standards; House Bill 2190, on compensation for language access providers for missed appointments; House Bill 2303, as amended, prohibiting employer requests or coercion for microchip implantation; and House Bill 2345, as amended, adjusting paid family and medical leave premium allocation to address an IRS-related issue. The committee also deferred action on House Bills 2191 and 2218. Several amendments were adopted during executive session, including technical and policy changes to HB 2105, a carve-out in HB 2151 for certain prefabricated enclosures used for energy equipment, and removal of administrative enforcement from HB 2303. Final votes were largely bipartisan, with most measures passing on voice vote or by recorded vote and receiving due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• good people there that bring the experience that we want to hear, you know, and so we can provide advice
• We can provide advice to the agencies, right?

Summary: The committee met to brief amendments and then took executive action on nine bills related to child care, DCYF oversight, and services for children and vulnerable populations. Before voting, members reviewed proposed substitutes and amendments for HB 1544, 2099, 2219, 2253, 2319, and 2350, with brief discussion on issues such as child welfare risk assessment tools, military family child care access, child care provider flexibility, licensing and monitoring requirements, and residential habilitation center terminology and notice requirements. The committee then reported HB 2099, HB 2185, HB 2219 as amended, HB 2253 as amended, HB 2317, HB 2318, HB 2319 as amended, and HB 2350 as amended out of committee with do pass recommendations. HB 2253 saw one amendment adopted to restore state monitoring and health/safety reviews at the Washington School for the Deaf, while other proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected. HB 2319 was amended to correct technical language regarding Eastern State Hospital and Interlake School. HB 2350’s substitute changed notice procedures for residential habilitation center noncompliance to emphasize posted notices, email, preferred language, and plain-language summaries. HB 1544 drew the most debate. Amendments to add domestic violence, define “safe,” require an audit of missing safety-plan data, and prohibit use of an unvalidated risk tool to screen out referrals were considered; only the domestic-violence amendment was adopted, while the others failed. Members discussed concerns about the current DCYF risk assessment tool, cultural bias, and the need to improve validation, but also cautioned against narrowing the study too much. The committee ultimately reported the second substitute HB 1544 out with a do pass recommendation by a 9-0-2 vote, with two members voting no without recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• they're always nice and respectful, but they've been trained to say, 'We can't give you any legal advice
• Everybody has a way to give you some advice, whether it's an executive committee, whether it's somebody

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it was good advice, Senator. So thank you so much.
• Well, it was good advice, Senator. So thank you so much.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• mean a private right of action, or I'm just trying to figure out, you know, it seems like this is advice
• coming from... ...seems like this is advice coming from the Department of Insurance, but I guess it's

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:04:55.680><c> gives</c><01:04:55.920><c> them</c><01:04:56.160><c> the</c><01:04:56.400><c> advice
• </c><01:04:56.799><c> on</c> attorney who gives them the advice on attorney who gives them the advice
• </c><01:19:59.679><c> of</c><01:20:00.480><c> uh</c><01:20:00.960><c> multiple</c> uh upon the advice
• So in taking your advice from last session as to figuring out a compromise with the MEA process, I just
• So in taking your advice from last session as to figuring out a compromise with the MEA process, I just

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Words of advice or wisdom today? Let's do it.
• Words of advice or wisdom today? Let's do it.
• The advice I would give every small retailer is: make your processor bid a blended rate and assume the

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, payment industry groups, and a credit card issuer. Much of the discussion focused on proposed state laws that would limit interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions, especially Illinois’s Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and similar efforts in other states. Witnesses opposing the proposals argued that interchange helps fund fraud protection, cybersecurity, rewards, and access to credit, and warned that state-by-state rules would create a patchwork that could harm state-chartered banks and credit unions, raise compliance costs, and reduce consumer access to credit. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a significant burden on merchants, especially small businesses, and that current pricing is opaque and often bundled with other processor charges. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides major benefits to merchants and consumers, including security, convenience, faster settlement, online commerce, and broader access to credit. One witness from Capital One said the industry’s losses from fraud and default are substantial and that interchange helps offset those risks; he also noted that merchants already have some tools, such as surcharging where allowed and negotiating clearer processor contracts. Retail representatives and the National Retail Federation countered that small businesses are under pressure from many costs and that interchange and related fees remain a real pain point, with some urging the commission to consider reforms that would return more money to businesses without disrupting the system. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as a significant merchant win that includes temporary rate reductions, more surcharge flexibility, and the ability to decline certain card tiers. No votes were taken. The meeting concluded after all scheduled testimony was heard, with the commission chair saying the session had been productive and that the committee would continue gathering testimony and written comments before making recommendations.