Transcript Highlights:

• Far too often, conventional treatments fail to produce lasting healing.
• So in my role as a co-director of the Center, You know, I consider myself a scientist and a clinician
• This year, Texas can choose to help end addiction and become the epitome of a center of developmental
• They're being 990 days committee substitute the Senate bill 2 4 8 0 is favorably reported center Perry
• Secondly, it establishes an outcomes-centered approach to patient-to-patient care. approach for patient

Bills: SB128 , SB640 , SB672 , SB904 , SB1141 , SB1263 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB2041 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2357 , SB2446 , SB2695 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2583

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you ever attend, and this is probably the most boring convention you could ever attend, but if
• Did you try to stay within the city center, or are you way out in Buckeye or Maricopa?
• There's a separate section of law applying to facilities, which are called centers, that apply to 11
• That is a requirement for all homes and centers.
• That is a requirement for all homes and centers, and it makes sense that these contracted agents have

Summary: The committee first considered the reappointment of Troy L. Campbell to the Arizona State Liquor Board. Campbell described his nearly 10 years of service, his role as chair since 2019, and his focus on fairness, public safety, and applying the law consistently. He answered questions about the board’s workload and authority, noting it hears roughly 40 to 50 cases a year and does not issue fines. With no public testimony, the committee voted 6-0 to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate. The committee then heard several liquor and consumer-related bills. SB 1478, an annual liquor-policy cleanup bill, made technical changes to liquor statutes, including conforming the definition of cider to federal tax law and clarifying other terminology. The bill drew support from industry stakeholders and neutral testimony from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control; the committee adopted a clarifying amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. SB 1108 would require Swedish rounding of cash transactions when pennies are unavailable, with signage and enforcement provisions; an amendment removed an individual-item exemption and clarified tax calculations, and the bill passed as amended with support from business groups. SB 1205 would regulate private-property vehicle booting by setting signage, notice, fee, and recordkeeping requirements and making violations a misdemeanor; members raised concerns about appeals and signage on non-parking property, but the committee adopted a technical amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. The committee also took up SB 1241, which would allow private permitting providers to conduct plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential projects without municipal or county approval. Supporters argued it would reduce delays and costs for homeowners and help cities focus on higher-priority work, while cities and counties opposed the bill on public-safety and local-control grounds, warning about private incentives and inspection quality. After adopting an amendment granting immunity to municipalities that rely on private providers, the committee recommended the bill do pass as amended by a 5-2 vote, with some members explaining their votes and asking for further stakeholder work. Finally, the committee heard SB 1366, which creates a Public Property Towing and Impound Practices Study Committee to review towing fees, standards, insurance, background checks, and related DPS policies, and to report recommendations by the end of 2026. Supporters said the study would help address inconsistent standards and consumer concerns before permanent changes are made. Some members objected that the study committee did not include minority-party appointments, but the sponsor said that could be addressed later. The committee adopted a strike-everything amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended. The committee then began SB 1431, a housing-design bill limiting municipal design standards and restrictions on certain shared features, but the transcript cuts off during extended debate and no final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first stop was at the convention center, which was turned into a supply hub at the time.
• I center upon we seek justice.
• Tomorrow, chemical companies, data centers.

Bills: HR1046 , SB1733 , SB1439

Transcript Highlights:

• certified staff to complete long-term care eligibility screenings used by Aging and Disability Resource Centers
• With regard to Alzheimer's and dementia policy, it permanently establishes the Florida Alzheimer Center
• Karen with the Florida Center for Fiscal Economic Policy in support.
• At Turning Point USA convention, he stated that we made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Chris Cargill, President of Mountain States Policy Center.
• At Mountain States Policy Center, we believe the state constitution should reflect a series of values
• At the age of 26, Blaine served as a delegate to the very first Republican National Convention.
• members of the committee, my name is Grace Howitt, and I serve as policy analyst at Idaho Family Policy Center

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• state legislators to talk about policies, and they regionalize, and then they have a full state convention
• Hello, my name is Whitney Barclay Denny, and I am Senior Policy Counsel at The Center for Responsible
• The Center for Consumer Financial Protection Bureau agrees it's a loan.
• Madam Chair, this is Melissa Candelaria. for the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> motivation and purpose in conventional motivation and purpose in conventional schooling<00:19:37.039
• </c> drives transformational student centered drives transformational student centered designs<00:37:
• Our coalition comprises children's advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to protecting
• Our coalition comprises of children's<01:09:12.799><c> advocacy</c><01:09:13.359><c> centers</c><01:09
• :13.839><c> and</c> children's advocacy centers and children's advocacy centers and multidisciplinary

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the National Center for State Courts study that the judges participated in.
• The National Center for State Courts. Okay.
• So also you mentioned the National Center. The National Center only provided a framework.
• Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA.
• Boise, Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA.

Bills: SCR59 , SCR70 , HR275 , HR279 , HR282 , HR289 , HR307 , HCR112 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB121 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HCR117 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SCR65 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB54 , HB137 , HB321 , HB368 , HB386 , HB414 , HB431 , HB552 , HB555 , HB578 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB638 , HB670 , HB692 , HB707 , HB708 , HB715 , HB718 , HB732 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB796 , HB807 , HB822 , HB848 , HB856 , HB887 , HB888 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1082 , HB1243 , HB1246 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB159 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1126 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1235 , HB1249 , SB259 , SB295 , SB312 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB441 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB463 , HB998 , SB197 , SB268 , SB123 , SB276 , SB326 , SB80 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB479 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB42 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB449 , SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Transcript Highlights:

• It was an opportunity for child care, and it was like a little mini convention.
• Many convention. They had different sessions.
• That's the center of Pasco County, the heartbeat of Pasco, is what I call it.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• For generations, it was a center of literacy, research, and civic engagement.
• For generations, it was a center of literacy, research, and civic engagement.
• </c><06:07:09.600><c> defensive</c> hardening their conventional defensive hardening their conventional
• The world needs an America that finds its moral center. Mr.
• Speaker, let us rise to this center. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're employment centers in their communities.
• We’re the closest to the convention center in Orlando.
• Miami International Airport happens to be in my district, and Boeing also has a flight simulator center
• Next to my district, very close to Representative Fabricio’s district, is the largest distribution center

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just filmed the convention, and this is totally government overreach. You read my testimony.
• We just filmed the convention advocate.
• We just filmed the convention and<01:03:46.000><c> this</c><01:03:46.160><c> is</c><01:03:46.319><c>
• </c><01:22:19.520><c> In</c> department at Queens Medical Center.
• In department at Queens Medical Center.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 888, which would bar operators of smart household security devices from sharing user data with law enforcement unless the user consents or police obtain a warrant. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection offered comments and Judiciary submitted written support. Several individuals also submitted written support. The committee recommended passage with amendments clarifying that the Office of Consumer Protection may enforce violations and adopting Judiciary’s recommended changes, while also deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed unanimously among members present, with one senator excused. The committee then took up SB 2777 on insurance disclosures. The bill would require authorized insurers to disclose claim-handling data to consumers, including claims open at the start of a period, closed with payment, closed without payment, and open at the end of the period. The committee described amendments to clarify the bill, remove a requirement for the DCCA insurance division to handle publication, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. The measure was passed with amendments and the recommendation was adopted, with one member voting no and another excused. In a joint Commerce and Consumer Protection/Judiciary hearing on SP2738 relating to tax haven abuse, the Department of Taxation offered comments and the Tax Foundation testified in opposition, arguing the state should rely on IRS audits and existing worldwide reporting rules rather than create a separate state approach. Other written testimony was noted in both support and opposition. The committees recommended passage with amendments adopting Taxation’s technical changes and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050; the recommendation was adopted, with one senator noting reservations. The joint hearing then moved to health-related bills, including SB 2690 on primary care spending, SB 3103 on energy assistance, SB 3137 on Department of Health authority over food, drugs, and cosmetics, SB 3164 on child welfare service organizations, and SB 3206 on cannabinoids. SB 2690 drew strong support from physicians and advocates who said it would address primary care shortages, especially on neighbor islands, while HMSA and others warned a fixed spending percentage could raise costs and suggested a working group. SB 3164 drew support from child welfare providers and opposition from the Attorney General over indemnification language, and SB 3206 drew mixed testimony: state agencies raised federal-law and vagueness concerns, while hemp and cannabis advocates and some farmers supported the measure and urged broader legalization or amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• China, Russia, and North Korea pose an increasing nuclear and conventional threat to key U.S. cities.
• ordered the Defense Department to expand the Department of Homeland Security's Migrant Operations Center
• , but at the detention center where alleged and convicted international war criminals are also housed
• It all centers on homeland defense. Thank you. To move to a different topic, General. Thank you.
• On January 29th, President Trump greenlighted the expansion of the Migrant Operations Center, or MOC,

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy

Summary: In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been to the delegate assembly, and I would have thought that I was at the DNC convention.
• I've been to the delegate assembly and I would have thought that I was at the DNC convention.
• an appropriate use of a school district, to use its government-provided resources to find profit centers
• intent of giving the ability for school districts to lease property they're turning it into profit centers
• It has to go into the Civic Center fund. It can be used for other things.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several school-related bills, with much of the discussion focused on governance, transparency, and accountability in school districts. House Bill 2318 would impose term limits on school district governing board members in districts with at least 250 students, while allowing county superintendents to appoint a term-limited member to fill a vacancy. Supporters argued it would bring fresh ideas and prevent entrenched leadership; opponents said voters should decide. The bill received a due pass recommendation after a divided roll call. House Bill 2312 would allow certain patriotic youth groups to address students during school hours and require equal access for those groups in school forums. The sponsor said it was intended to promote programs such as FFA, Scouts, and similar organizations. Some members objected that it would take instructional time and was not truly permissive if access was granted to one group, and the bill nonetheless received a due pass recommendation. House Bill 2320 would require school districts to hire a registered independent municipal advisor before calling a bond election and for each successful bond issue. The sponsor and supporters said this could reduce underwriting fees and save taxpayers money, while some members raised questions about costs if a bond failed and whether the bill should be narrowed; it passed with a due pass recommendation after several members voted present or no. The committee also approved House Bill 2376, which would bar districts from buying or leasing school property while a charter or private school is still operating there, and House Bill 2378, which tightens conflict-of-interest rules for the School Facilities Oversight Board by barring the architect and engineer members from having school-construction business. Both were framed by the sponsor as responses to concerns raised in Tolleson Union-related testimony and reporting. House Bill 2379, as amended, requires school board members to complete biennial training approved by the Auditor General, to be offered by county superintendents or ADE, with counties able to contract with others; supporters called it needed training, while opponents raised concerns about unfunded mandates, inclusion of ASBA, and charter schools. It received a due pass recommendation. Finally, House Bill 2380 would require board and subcommittee meetings to be held in-district, preserve online access to materials, and require public approval of out-of-state travel, with reimbursement if retroactive approval is denied. Rural districts and others raised concerns about flexibility, executive-session confidentiality, and administrative burden, but the bill was discussed with amendments and public access concerns rather than a final recorded action in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been to the delegate assembly, and I would have thought that I was at the DNC convention.
• I've been to the delegate assembly and I would have thought that I was at the DNC convention.
• : is that an appropriate use of a school district’s government-provided resources, to find profit centers
• They’re turning it into profit centers, and that’s just not the role.
• It has to go into the Civic Center fund. It can be used for other things.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Nancy Gardella, and I'm the executive director of the North of Boston Convention and Visitors
• So we are a profit center for the Commonwealth. On Cape Cod, the impact is even more pronounced.
• As the executive and artistic director of Jacob's Pillow, I lead one of the nation's premier dance centers

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Summary: The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development held a hearing on October 21, opening with a moment of silence for former committee chair Senator Edward Kennedy. Chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey then heard testimony on several bills related to tourism funding, arts infrastructure, public art, Native heritage, and a choreographer laureate. A major focus was legislation to require earlier distribution of regional tourism council grants from the Tourism Trust Fund, with testimony from regional tourism leaders from North of Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod, and Senator Joan Lovely. Witnesses said delayed grant allocations make it difficult to plan fall, winter, and shoulder-season marketing, and they argued that an October 1 or September 1 deadline would help preserve tourism’s economic impact without increasing appropriations. They cited tourism’s role in jobs, tax revenue, and regional economic development, especially for smaller and less prominent tourism regions. The committee also heard strong support for the Creative Space Act and the PLACE Act, which would help municipalities preserve affordable creative workspace and create a public art funding mechanism tied to state construction projects. Testimony from MassCreative, MAPC, arts organizations, muralists, and local arts leaders emphasized loss of workspace, displacement of artists, and the economic and community benefits of public art. Additional testimony supported bills to protect Native American heritage by preventing the sale of funerary and sacred objects in public or nonprofit collections, and a bill to establish a first-in-the-nation choreographer laureate of the Commonwealth. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives a lot of ability for people to get around that need that additional boost that conventional
• Washington, people use regional trails to walk dogs, push strollers, recreate, and commute to job centers
• Regional trails to walk dogs, push strollers, recreate, and commute to job centers.

Bills: HB2307 , HB2374 , HB2379 , HB1823 , HB2111

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commute trip reduction, definitions, transportation, environmental impact, urban planning, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation, vehicle classification, tolling, emergency suspension, public access, state highways, transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match

Transcript Highlights:

• And what better place to hold it than right here in San Marcos at San Marcos State University, a center
• And according to Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, in general, a bachelor's
• And the innovation centers are no different, getting together, sharing ideas, working together.
• And the innovation centers are no different, getting together, sharing ideas, working together.
• that we really put as a hallmark of this center was social innovation, trying to come in as we were

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:09:45.240><c> uh</c><00:09:45.880><c> an</c><00:09:46.079><c> Advocacy</c><00:09:46.640><c> Center
• </c> was surrendered to uh an Advocacy Center was surrendered to uh an Advocacy Center called<00:09:47.360
• Market but what has conventional Market but what has happened<00:48:24.440><c> is</c><00:48:24.760><
• CMS, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has put forward a fix in rule to address that
• CMS or the centers for Medicare and<01:19:28.280><c> Medicaid</c><01:19:28.679><c> services</c><01:19

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, I do represent Miss Chinatown and we do get to co-star in a show that funds the Hawaii Convention
• Center.
• </c><00:29:42.559><c> Center.
• </c> &gt;&gt; that funds the Hawaii Convention Center.
• &gt;&gt; that funds the Hawaii Convention Center.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.