Video & Transcript : 'Peter Westbrook' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) May 7th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant? Yes. Paul Feeney? No. Dylan A. Fernandes? No. Barry R. Finegold? No. Jason M.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge? No. Ryan C.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge? No. Ryan C. Fattman? Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge. No. Ryan C. Fattman? Yes. Paul Arfini.
- Peter J. Durant? No. John C. Villis? Yes. Have all members been recorded?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 4th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Yes.
- Peter J. Durant? Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes. Adam Gomez. Yes. Jason M.
- Peter J. Durant again. Peter J. Durant. No. Have all members been recorded?
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Arfini. Dylan A.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States and another congratulating Zachary Erich on earning Eagle Scout. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 on multiple petitions and adopting extension orders giving the Committee on Financial Services additional time to report on credit union and mortgage financing bills, with members emphasizing the extensions were limited and needed to complete ongoing work.
The Senate then took up House No. 4361, a bill relative to benefits for teachers, which was amended by Ways and Means and passed to be engrossed after extensive support from members. Senators described the measure as a long-delayed fix to the Retirement Plus program, creating a one-time window through June 30, 2027 for eligible teachers to buy in, with required back payments of missed contributions. The bill passed by a roll call of 39-0. The chamber also passed S. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and S. 3107 on advancing the profession of commercial interior design, both after supportive floor debate.
The Senate later adopted a conference committee report on the FY26 supplemental budget, H. 5470, after debate over its major spending items. Supporters highlighted municipal winter relief, MBTA operating and capital support, education funding, housing incentives, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents criticized MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax-related provisions. The report was approved by roll call, and the bill was passed to be enacted. The Senate also enacted several local bills, including measures for Berkeley recall elections, a Milton school construction deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing.
Near the end of the session, the Senate concurred in a House amendment to S. 2563, a broad bill revising laws affecting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by replacing outdated and offensive terminology in 346 sections of the General Laws. Members described it as a dignity and language modernization measure. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed the bill to be enacted. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday, and the day’s adjournment was dedicated to the memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Mar 12th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye.
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye. Aye.
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Whaley? Aye. Yeah.
- Peters. Schmidt. Aye. Whaley? Aye.
- Peters? Aye. Schmidt? Aye. Aye. Aye.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Peters. Ranking Member Fuchs, here.
- Representative Peters. Yes, I'm sorry to inquire. Please. Sorry, I'm as part of the discussion.
- Vice Chair Peters? No. Ranking Member No. Ranking Member Fuchs? Pass.
- Representative Peters: I'll send you those. Thank you. Representative Peters: To inquire, please.
- Representative Peters: Okay, and they do have all FAA approval. So thank you for clarifying that.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter, please go ahead when you’re ready. Thank you, Madam Chair, Madam Ranking Member.
- Thank you, Peter. Do we have any questions for staff?
- Thank you, Peter. Since we have you, Peter, I’ll keep asking you questions.
- Is that correct, Peter? Correct, Representative Reeves.
- Is that correct, Peter? Correct, reveries.
Summary:
The House Consumer Protection & Business Committee held a public hearing on a bill concerning indemnification of commercial liquor servers. Staff explained that under current law, both licensed retailers and individual servers can face administrative penalties and civil liability if they sell alcohol to someone apparently under the influence, and the bill would require the retailer to pay the server’s defense costs and any civil judgment, while preserving existing administrative penalties and causes of action against the retailer. Members asked about how the current penalty structure works, whether the bill would change administrative enforcement, and how liability would apply in situations involving a lone server or multiple establishments; staff said the bill did not specifically address those scenarios.
The prime sponsor said the bill was intended to protect lower-paid servers from losing everything in civil lawsuits when they were not the ones who violated the law, while still holding accountable those who actually break the rules. She emphasized that the bill was meant to start a broader conversation and that the term “indemnification” was used as a placeholder for the policy concept. Members raised questions about whether the retailer’s insurance would cover judgments, how the proposal would interact with existing liability rules, and whether cannabis service would be included; the sponsor said cannabis was not currently covered but might be if treated like alcohol in the future.
A representative of the Washington Hospitality Association testified that liquor liability insurance is increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain, with fewer insurers, higher premiums, and some businesses unable to get coverage. The association said the bill would not materially change current law because licensees already defend themselves and employees in civil suits, but it would not stop servers from being named in lawsuits, which can still harm workers’ backgrounds and future employment. The association argued the larger problem is lawsuit abuse and urged broader reforms to damages, demand rules, and joint-and-several liability. The hearing ended with the committee closing public testimony on the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 4th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Paul Feeney.
- Peter J. Durant? Yes. Dylan A. Fernandez. Yes. Barry R. Feingold. Yes. Adam Gomez. Yes. Jason M.
- Senator Peter J. Durant again. Peter J. Durant. No. Have all members been recorded?
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Feeney. Dylan A.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Peters: Here. Ranking Member Fuchs: Here.
- Vice Chair Peters: Yes. Ranking Member Fuchs: Yes. Vice Chair Peters: Yes.
- Vice Chair Peters: Yes. Ranking Member Fuchs: No. Representatives Davidson, Hausman, Hinman...
- And then Representative Peters, 2368, was added on the floor, and then the latter bill...
- And Representative Peters, as a member of the committee, do you want to inquire of her? Yeah. Okay.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter Claudeville, staff of the committee.
- Thank you very much, Peter.
- Peter. Yes, again, Peter Klaught Feltor Committee staff.
- Any questions for Peter? Thank you very much, Peter.
- Any questions for Peter? Thank you very much, Peter.
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, real estate, appraisal, business operations, regulatory compliance, email regulation, commercial communications, data privacy, electronic mail, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties, real estate transactions, nonprofit
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge? No. Ryan C.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge. No. No. Lydia Edwards. No. James B.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. No. James B. Eldridge. No. Ryan C. Fattman? Yes. Paul Feeney.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Feeney. Dylan A.
- Peter J. Durant? No. John C. Velis? Yes. Have all members been recorded?
Summary:
The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life.
A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn.
The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, and other materials from the Massachusetts Port Authority, and an authorization to subpoena the production of memoranda, documents, records, an Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Peters. Mr. Chairman, I am opposed to... this motion.
- Thanks, Senator Peters, for his comments.
- I'll point out as well that Senator Peters urged that subpoenas should be good faith and bipartisan.
- Peters. Aye, by proxy. Ms. Baldwin. Aye, by proxy. Ms. Duckworth. Aye, by proxy. Ms. Rosen.
- Peters, aye by proxy. Ms. Baldwin, aye by proxy. Ms. Duckworth, aye by proxy. Ms.
Keywords:
oversight, subpoena, illegal immigrants, Massachusetts Port Authority, O'Hare Airport, legislative practices
Summary:
The meeting was convened by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where robust discussions were held regarding the need for improved oversight within the Senate. The chairman emphasized the historical decline in oversight activities and proposed motions to authorize subpoenas related to an ongoing investigation involving the Massachusetts Port Authority and allegations of illegal immigrant sheltering at airports. This prompted a detailed examination of the current practices and measures needed to address such issues effectively, particularly in light of recent reports from O'Hare Airport. The committee engaged in deliberations that highlighted the importance of maintaining legislative oversight to safeguard national interests.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter, please go ahead when you’re ready. Thank you, Madam Chair, Madam Ranking Member.
- Thank you, Peter. Do we have any questions for staff?
- Peter, on the books now, what are the consequences when you’re over-served at a bar?
- Thank you, Peter. Since we have you, Peter, I’ll keep asking you questions.
- Is that correct, Peter? Correct, Reeves.
Bills:
HB1977
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter Claudeville, staff of the committee.
- Thank you very much, Peter.
- Peter. Yes, again, Peter Klaught Feltor Committee staff.
- Any questions for Peter? Thank you very much, Peter.
- Any questions for Peter? Thank you very much, Peter.
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met in executive session to review several bills and amendments. Staff briefed House Bill 2483 on creating a data broker registry, House Bill 2477 on limiting claims arising from appraisal reports, House Bill 2274 on the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, House Bill 2394 on insurance fraud enforcement, House Bill 2624 on consumer protections for unsolicited real estate transactions, and House Bill 2240 on self-service storage rental agreements. Members discussed proposed amendments on narrowing the data broker definition, delaying registration dates, expanding exemptions, clarifying appraisal-related limitations, and revising email and insurance fraud language, but action on HB 2483 and HB 2477 was deferred.
The committee then moved HB 2274 forward. Supporters said it was a needed fix after litigation involving misleading commercial emails, while some members noted remaining concerns but wanted to advance the bill before policy cutoff. The committee adopted the proposed substitute and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. HB 2394 was also deferred without action.
HB 2624 was reported out with a due pass recommendation after debate over whether the bill’s carve-out for public entities, tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies was too broad; the vote was 9-6. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2240, requiring both email and first-class mail delivery of rental agreements when an email address is provided and extending notice for termination or nonrenewal to 25 days. As amended, HB 2240 was reported out with a due pass recommendation by voice vote, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force 10/8/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter Martin, Peter Martin, Rebecca<00:05:14.080><c> Montgomery,</c><00:05:15.360><c> Kristen</c><00:
- </c><01:39:55.840><c> Peter</c> discussion on that. Peter discussion on that.
- </c> Peter, go ahead. Peter, go ahead.
- Thank you, Peter.
- Thank you, Peter. And then Dale, >> Okay. Thank you, Peter.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas in the 1990s he and his life partner, Peter Herrian, professor of fine arts theater at St
- And whereas in the 1990s he and his life partner, Peter Herrian, professor of fine arts theater at St
- his husband, Peter Herrian, and numerous<00:10:18.640><c> family</c><00:10:18.959><c> members</c><00
- Today we have joining us Stan's husband, Peter Herrian, along with his sister, Peg Herrian.
- </c><00:11:20.560><c> and</c> Please join me in welcoming Peter and Please join me in welcoming Peter
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Applebaum, Bosley, Bush, Caden, Cook, Dolan, Dahl, Griffith, Harbison, Hruza, Kelley, Laubinger, Mansur, Peters
- And two years ago, Representative Peters passed this exact same bill, except it was for county hospitals
- Representative Peters. Thank you, Chair Lady. Just a comment. Proceed.
- Representative Peters: Just inquired to be funny this morning.
- Representative Peters. Just inquired to be funny this morning.
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes capital investment general obligation bonding bill, HF 18 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter or an NOA, but they're out of beds. And what does that mean?
- Peter is the end of the road, right?
- Peter or an NOA, but they're out of St.
- </c><00:05:30.960><c> Peter</c><00:05:31.280><c> is</c><00:05:31.360><c> the</c><00:05:31.520><c> end
- Peter is the end of the an NOA and St. Peter is the end of the road,<00:05:32.240><c> right?
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Apr 8th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- Vice Chair Peters. Ranking Member Fuchs, here.
- Representative Peters. Yes, I'm sorry to inquire. Please. Sorry, I'm as part of the discussion.
- Vice Chair Peters? No. Ranking Member Fuchs? Pass.
- by Vice Chair Representative Peters, which was third read and passed out of the House at the end of
- Representative Peters. To inquire, please. Thank you, Senator. Hey, I just have a question.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1747, an artificial intelligence-related measure. Members adopted a House committee amendment and then a substitute. The sponsor explained the amendment standardized the definition of AI, changed mandatory language to permissive language to address First Amendment and business concerns, clarified language about using marks to avoid damages, and limited the bill’s reach to future conduct rather than retroactive requirements. The committee then voted the House committee substitute do pass by a roll call of 5 ayes, 3 noes, and 2 present.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 1092, which would allow social worker supervisors to qualify after three years of practice instead of five. Senator Patty Lewis said the bill is intended to address Missouri’s mental health workforce shortages and would not change licensure, education, supervised hours, or scope of practice requirements. Supporters from the National Association of Social Workers, Missouri Chapter, and Burrell Behavioral Health said the current five-year requirement creates a bottleneck, especially in rural areas, and that the bill would help more clinicians enter supervision roles sooner. No opposition was presented.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1421, a drone/public safety bill. Senator Schroer said the bill strengthens law enforcement tools against dangerous unmanned aircraft near critical infrastructure and other sensitive sites, while adding a carve-out for lawful commercial drone operations authorized by the FAA. Committee members asked about the definition of critical infrastructure and whether the bill could affect commercial drone delivery operations; the sponsor said the commercial exemption was added to avoid harming lawful business uses. Testimony in support came from the Department of Public Safety and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and no opposition was heard.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Paul Feeney. Ryan C.
- Peter J. Durant, yes. Dylan A. Fernandes, yes. Barry R. Finegold, yes. Adam Gómez, yes. Jason M.
- Peter J. Durant. Lydia Edwards. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Feeney. Dylan A.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes.
- Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Peter J. Durant. Yes. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the nation’s 250th anniversary and congratulating Zachary Erich on becoming an Eagle Scout, and then took up several committee reports and extension orders. The chamber suspended rules multiple times to act immediately on committee extensions for Financial Services and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and it referred a House petition on cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to Financial Services. Members also adopted an order extending the Financial Services committee’s reporting deadline on credit union and mortgage financing matters.
The Senate then considered and passed House No. 4361, a bill on teacher retirement benefits, after extensive debate in support of a one-time window for certain teachers who were excluded from Retirement Plus due to administrative errors. Senators described the measure as a long-overdue fix for more than 8,500 educators, noting that eligible teachers would have to pay the difference in contributions. The bill was ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call, and sent on for further action. The chamber also passed Senate No. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and Senate No. 3107 on commercial interior design licensure, both after supportive remarks about patient safety and professional regulation.
A major item was the conference committee report on H. 5280, the FY26 fair share supplemental budget. Supporters highlighted funding for municipal winter relief, MBTA operations and capital needs, education initiatives, housing incentives, home heating assistance, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents raised concerns about MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax policy implications. After roll call, the report was approved by a 37-3 vote. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble and passed H. 5470, the FY26 supplemental appropriations bill, and later enacted local bills including Berkeley recall authority, a Milton school deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing.
Near the end of the session, the Senate recognized guests from the Caribbean diplomatic corps and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, who spoke about Caribbean American Heritage Month and partnership agreements with Massachusetts. The chamber then concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563, a bill updating disability-related terminology in the general laws, with senators emphasizing the importance of person-first language and dignity for people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and enacted the bill. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday and with adjournment in memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Godlowski, and then online, if we can have on deck, Peter Hasegawa and Jeff Behrwald.
- Up next, we have Peter Hasegawa. If you can go ahead when you're ready. Can you hear me okay?
- John Rothlin, followed by Peter Godlowski, and then online, if we can have on deck, Peter Hasigawa, and
- Up next, we have Peter Hasegawa. If you can go ahead when you're ready. Can you hear me okay?
- And, Peter, the solution to this would possibly be some timelines? Absolutely. Okay, great.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
nuclear energy, energy strategy, advanced technology, sustainability, state policy, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, tribal consultation, government-to-government consultation, federally recognized tribes, energy facility siting, RCW, clean energy, alternative energy
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 25th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Peters: Here. Sites. Here. Peters: Here. Sites.
- Greg, Mansor, Mayhew, Miller, Peters, Sites.
- Peters: Aye. Sites.
- Peters: Aye. Sites.
- Peters, please proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just to discuss... Rep. Peters, please proceed.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee met in executive session and voted to do pass House Bill 3027 by an 8-0 vote. It then considered House Bill 3490, which deals with historic preservation and colleges and universities. Members debated local control, private property rights, and whether the bill should apply statewide rather than only to Kansas City. The committee adopted a House Committee Substitute that removed the geographic limitation and made the measure apply to public and private colleges and universities, with an option for institutions to opt in or out of local historic commission rules. The substitute was then passed 6-2.
The committee next took up House Bill 3316, which includes Department of Revenue cleanup changes related to vehicle registration, temporary plates, boats, trailers, and lien notice language. Members discussed the bill’s effect on temporary tags and enforcement. The committee adopted a House Committee Amendment, rolled it into a substitute, and then voted unanimously 8-0 to do pass the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3316.
The committee then moved to a public hearing on Senate Bill 973, a consumer protection bill sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent. The bill requires disclosures for real estate wholesaling and sale-leaseback transactions so sellers understand that wholesalers are not acting as fiduciaries and may not be maximizing the seller’s price. Supporters said the bill would protect distressed or uninformed sellers, while opponents from the real estate industry supported the disclosure concept but raised concerns about the 14-day waiting period before a transaction can proceed, especially in foreclosure or other time-sensitive situations. Some members also questioned whether the bill should require licensed real estate agents or allow waivers of the waiting period. No final action was taken on SB 973, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.