Video & Transcript Research : 'purchasing power'
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NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Allowing the Department of Health to set vaccination standards for adults and requiring vaccines purchased
- pursuant to the statewide vaccine purchasing program to be recommended by the 5.
- It was a very powerful moment.
- pursuant to the statewide vaccine purchasing program to be recommended by the Department of Health,
- Establishing the Commission's powers and duties. Senate Bill 5.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have the power to open those doors instead of keeping them locked.
- And we have other communication tools like the Blue Envelope program that's also very powerful, which
- So this bill allows us to criminalize loitering for the purpose of purchasing commercial sex in order
- And there is a provision of the bill that creates a new crime of loitering with the intent to purchase
- So individual, What that provision would have done was make it so individuals who purchase sex from 16
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only.
The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously.
The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (05/13/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting local governments from mandating HOAs 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- power, limiting how many Minnesotans can achieve home ownership.
- power, limiting how many Minnesotans can achieve home ownership.
- power, limiting how many Minnesotans can achieve home ownership.
- power, limiting how many Minnesotans can achieve home ownership.
- power, limiting how many Minnesotans can achieve home ownership.
Summary:
House File 2614 was heard with a delete-everything amendment adopted at the outset. The bill, as explained by the authors, would prevent local governments from requiring amenities or common property that effectively force the creation of a homeowners association, while still allowing developers to create HOAs voluntarily when needed. The authors said the language was negotiated with stakeholders, including the League of Minnesota Cities, and was intended to be moved on to the Housing Committee for further discussion.
Supportive testimony came from Housing First Minnesota and the Minnesota Homeownership Center. They argued that unnecessary HOA mandates can raise housing costs, reduce homebuyer choice, and shift public infrastructure costs onto homeowners through dues in addition to property taxes. Testifiers cited examples involving single-family developments, a Burnsville case involving a large roof assessment and disputed ACH withdrawal, and the Heritage Park development in Minneapolis, where an HOA was required but later became difficult to dissolve. They said the bill would preserve HOAs where they are genuinely needed, such as townhomes or shared-amenity developments.
Members raised questions about the removal of county-specific language in the amendment, the meaning of the bill’s references to services and common property, and whether the bill would still allow neighborhood signs or other developer-requested features. A major point of concern was stormwater ponds and drainage infrastructure: one member argued that prohibiting cities from requiring HOA maintenance of such facilities could shift costs to taxpayers, while the authors responded that the bill was meant to stop cities from mandating discretionary amenities and that maintenance issues had been partly addressed in the amendment. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was discussed for referral onward.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- arrangements with an APR of 36 percent that compounds to 150 percent often and creates a simple purchase
- Third, if the consumer is financing the purchase, there's a three-day waiting period so the buyer can
- Fourth, if a veterinarian determines the animal was unfit for purchase, any financing arrangement is
- Shortly after purchase, the puppy developed a serious liver condition.
- Section 501.997 also expands state subpoena power over these identity-bound records, increasing both
Keywords:
special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, artificial intelligence, personal data protection, consumer rights, chatbot, deceptive practices, government contracts, public records, consumer protection, data privacy, investigations, proprietary information, chatbots, Florida statutes, nonprofit
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably.
The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote.
SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 2, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- WHEN THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER POLICIES TO PURCHASE.
- YOU WILL NOT BE RELEVANT BECAUSE NO ONE WILL PURCHASE IT.
- WE HAVE OVER 4.7 MILLION FLORIDIANS THAT CHOOSE TO GO PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE THERE.
- SOME ANSWERS WE RECEIVE ARE SO POWERFUL IT WILL CAUSE YOU TO CRY. THEY ARE EMOTIONAL.
- WE ARE HIGHLY REGULATED AS NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We support this legislation because it preserves options for homeowners serving as landlords to purchase
- concern about older buildings in the state of California and whether or not they actually have the power
- Would that owner then need to downgrade to something that causes less power?
- The median home price in Santa Clara County is $1.5 million for a purchase.
- We also know that the density bonus is a powerful tool for developers to provide affordable housing.
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with AB 2002, which would clarify and extend the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 1.0) grant program to support regional governments, cities, and counties with housing element planning and technical assistance. Supporters from SCAG and CalCOG said REAP helped jurisdictions meet housing obligations and build capacity, while the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns the bill could create additional local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments, including emergency and permanent regulations, suballocation to subregions, and a three-year expenditure deadline. The bill was moved on a do-pass-as-amended basis and kept on call, along with the consent calendar.
AB 1684 would bar homeowners associations from restricting a homeowner’s ability to install, use, or replace a home cooling system. Supporters argued cooling is a health and safety necessity during extreme heat, especially for vulnerable residents, while opposition from the Community Associations Institute said the bill needed more clarity on electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement of equipment. Committee amendments were summarized to require licensed electrical contractors where permits are needed, preserve HOA authority over unpermitted or unsafe installations, and require disclosure to buyers. The bill was approved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Judiciary and kept on call.
AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes after the entitlement process begins, except for certain health, safety, and environmental exceptions. Supporters said it would reduce delays and costs in housing development, while special districts and water agencies opposed unless amended, warning the bill could improperly freeze later state, regional, or federal requirements. Senators raised concerns about overbreadth and operational conflicts, but the bill was moved do-pass as amended to Senate Local Government and kept on call. The committee also heard and advanced AB 2263, authorizing the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to develop employee housing with a preference for employees and annual reporting; AB 2270, which would adjust tax credit scoring for farmworker housing to reflect rural realities; AB 2118, which would refine AB 2011 streamlined approval rules for mixed-use and affordable housing; and AB 2050, the HOA reserve-funding bill, which would require associations to build reserves over time and add notice and safeguards, but drew opposition over enforcement and foreclosure concerns. Each of those bills was moved forward with amendments and kept on call for absent members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- But these are actually products today that children can go to the store at all to Sephora and purchase
- Countless Californians go through an age of error process for their purchases.
- You could go to that aisle, purchase it, and know that you can at least do something until you can get
- Parents could still buy it. them and you have to be 18 to purchase. Yeah, exactly. Appreciate it.
- Energy by new geothermal, 4,000 megawatts of untapped power.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 20th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- purchase a firearm in this country. purchase a firearm in this country.
- It gives institutions power.
- It gives institutions power. power. power.
- It gives institutional power. It gives institutional power.
- We hold the reins of power.
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved through announcements recognizing Nowruz/Persian New Year, Ute Day at the Capitol, Mosaic students, and other brief invitations and tributes. The chamber then agreed to proceed out of order to resolutions and adopted House Joint Resolution 1017, which urges the federal government to fulfill obligations to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe regarding water rights and the Animas-La Plata project. Supporters emphasized tribal water security, federal funding, and the tribes’ longstanding stewardship; an amendment (L.004) was adopted 60-0, and the resolution then passed 60-0, with several members adding as co-sponsors.
The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, reappointing Carrie L. Hunter as State Auditor for a five-year term. Speakers from the Legislative Audit Committee praised Hunter’s professionalism, nonpartisan leadership, and the office’s national recognition; the resolution passed unanimously, 62-0, and members invited Hunter to be recognized in the chamber. After that, committee reports from Appropriations and Finance were read and several bills were set as special orders for later consideration.
In Committee of the Whole, the chamber considered several measures. Senate Bill 39, dealing with Fire and Police Pension Association disability and survivor benefits, received a technical cleanup amendment and passed. House Bill 1311, concerning bonds in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, was amended to clarify public versus private projects and passed; supporters said it would help smaller contractors, including contractors of color and women contractors, enter the market. House Bill 1184, continuing the Colorado Forest Health Council, passed after committee report amendments. House Bill 1305, on aligning state and federal statutes to improve access to inpatient behavioral health, passed despite some committee-level concerns about regulation. House Bill 1234, concerning access to child abuse or neglect records, passed after an amendment limiting access unless courts explicitly grant it; supporters said it would help victims access their own records, including for legal defense. Finally, Senate Bill 50, on child care center policy disclosures, was introduced with sponsors explaining it would require centers to disclose mandatory reporter obligations, camera and footage policies, and related privacy/access rules, in response to a case where parents were denied access to video footage.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, with all due respect, powers.
- purchasing at Kentucky State University. purchasing at Kentucky State University.
- Uh, how much Narcan is actually purchased, or is Narcan purchased with this?
- 19.760>
is <01:24:20.000>Narcan actually purchased or is Narcan actually purchased or is - And and if it purchased u with this?
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 10 meeting, and then approved a large agenda of contracts and related items, with the total agenda amount stated as $359,638,393.88. Most items were approved without objection, but two contracts were pulled for discussion: attorney general panel counsel contingency fee contracts and a Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission personal services contract.
For the attorney general’s office, Chris Lewis explained that the contracts were panel counsel contingency fee agreements, with 14 qualified awards from 16 applicants. He said the contracts were contingency-based, so no money would be paid unless cases were successful, and that the fee structure worked out to roughly 5% under the statutory waterfall. Senators asked about the size of the contracts, whether the terms were uniform, why no Kentucky firms were among the awardees, and how the public should understand the large dollar figures. Lewis said one Kentucky firm applied but was disqualified for a late submission, other Kentucky firms had inquired but did not apply, and local firms could still work with national firms on cases. The committee then approved the contracts.
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission contract drew more extensive questioning. Commission representatives said they had previously had a contract disapproved because the proper process was not followed, so they used an RFI process posted on the state and commission websites for at least three weeks. They received one applicant, a Kentucky firm, and set the rate at $125 per hour. Members questioned whether the commission was acting beyond its ethics mission, whether staff were helping draft complaints against legislators, and whether the commission was taking on a prosecutorial or human-resources role. The commission said its role is limited to enforcing the legislative code of ethics, providing advisory guidance, and following the formal complaint process; it does not pursue matters outside that code. Members also raised concerns about the earlier procurement misstep and the commission’s credibility, and the commission apologized, said it had corrected the process, and pledged to comply going forward. The committee then approved the contract.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- purchasing firearms. purchasing firearms.
- And that is that the federal government is abrogating to itself every legal power possible, and it is
- <00:32:32.600>
possible itself every legal power possible itself every legal power possible - But they have attempted to arm their citizens with more power in court, state courts, in addition to
- in court, state courts, in more power in court, state courts, in addition<00:33:42.560>
to <00
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- win for those consumers, and frankly a win for the environment because we'll be needing to produce power
- It restricts state government investments and prevents the use of state funds for purchasing obligations
- The 10th Amendment gives states this authority to manage powers not specifically assigned to the federal
- You know I purchased ammunition but I I guess I don't know. Are there some federal limits now?
- People are encouraged to make every purchase that they can to put together a new or improved product,
Bills:
HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate - 01/22/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- reliability overall second is power reliability overall second is power generation<00:15:23.000>
- <00:36:50.440>
and manager for elite Minnesota Power and manager for elite Minnesota Power - <00:52:00.640>
that basically the need for the power that basically the need for the power - <00:53:24.559>
them to to uh Power them to to uh Power them well<00:53:27.040>thank that the ability of nuclear power that the ability of nuclear power ability<01:45:32.639>to<
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 25, 2026 - AM
Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration
Transcript Highlights:
- Money to purchase computers for teachers, computers for office staff, and computers for other people
- And so this was a response to a feeling that there's too much screen time and a very strong, powerful
- Whatever the thing we're purchasing is and we're going for.
- Um, and you know, I know that the school district has the power to ban certain apps and whatnot.
- Power School online information system enrollment is $18,000.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 055 Mar 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:58:08.799>
Mothers power may with beauty flow. Mothers power may with beauty flow. - Representative DeGraaf continued: “...this body derives its just powers, which means that the powers
- Unions can be a very powerful thing, but with that power comes responsibility, and sometimes it's not
- But it is also about purchasing power, about how much workers are paid.
- 44.000>
by Rebuilding working worker power by Rebuilding working worker power by strengthening
Summary:
The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance.
The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber.
Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/29/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- an app, or make an in-app purchase.
- So before giving consent, purchase.
- consent every time they try to purchase consent every time they try to purchase such<02:12:31.199
- amount of essentially legislative power amount of essentially legislative power would<02:41:34.960
- expenses, and dangerous loss of power expenses, and dangerous loss of power over<04:24:21.439>
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee - Afternoon Session Jan 12th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, we purchase our computers.
- We also were able to purchase copiers as opposed to leasing copiers, which also was a savings for LEAT
- Several items were purchased, producing long-term savings and reducing injuries for staff and cadets,
- And then the purchases we were able to make were some gym Equipment that I spoke of, some computers,
- Do they have arrest power if they're employed by a police agency? Do they have a driver's license?
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- that we have, the separation of powers.
- >
powers. - how is that not a separation of powers how is that not a separation of powers concern?
- >> Sir, chairman, I'm George Powers. Uh I'm >> Sir, chairman, I'm George Powers.
- It just books that are purchased.
Keywords:
administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- What they do from there is once they get, say, a $300 or $500 gift card, they then purchase, make purchases
- And then the last piece I wanted to bring up was in terms of when it's a return purchase.
- It's a very powerful organization, and nothing to do with it, I can assure you. I can assure you.
- We all answer to a greater power.
- It's so powerful to have you both here providing testimony together. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders.
SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call.
SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call.
The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Surveillance-based price and wage discrimination prohibited 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But in consolidated markets, this is a powerful mechanism for gouging buyers.
- But in consolidated markets, this is a powerful mechanism for gouging buyers.
- <00:09:50.800>
companies on consumers, powerful seed companies on consumers, powerful seed - powerful mechanism for gouging buyers. powerful mechanism for gouging buyers.
- history<00:26:16.320>
to collects from purchase history to collects from purchase history
Summary:
House File 3794, as amended by the A4 amendment, was heard in committee. Representative Greenman described the bill as a ban on surveillance-based pricing and wage discrimination, with a disclosure requirement for companies using automated data to set individualized prices or wages. The A4 amendment was adopted; Greenman said it updated language based on attorney general and stakeholder feedback and added a burden-shifting provision that would let consumers or workers establish a presumption, which companies could then rebut with data. Greenman and supporters argued the bill would stop companies from using personal data and AI tools to charge different prices to different people, while still allowing ordinary market-based discounts and clearly offered group discounts such as those for veterans, students, or teachers.
Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Farmers Union, a neighborhood bookstore owner, Consumer Reports, and a small business owner. They said surveillance pricing undermines fairness, transparency, and competition, and cited examples such as different online prices based on location, browser history, or loyalty-program data. Testifiers also warned that AI-driven pricing and discounting can be opaque and discriminatory, and that small businesses cannot compete with large firms that control more data. Consumer Reports said consumers should not have to use workarounds like VPNs to compare prices and noted that some discounts based on personal data may also need sunlight and guardrails.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Progress. They argued the bill’s definitions are too broad and could sweep in ordinary business analytics, loyalty programs, targeted promotions, inventory tools, and even spreadsheets, creating compliance risk and discouraging innovation and investment. They also warned the bill could burden small businesses and interfere with workplace management and compensation decisions. During member discussion, several legislators voiced support for the bill as a transparency and fairness measure, while one member noted that the most egregious examples appear to be in e-commerce and said the committee was laying the bill over for further consideration.