Transcript Highlights:

• . small businesses.
• We're seeing businesses close up.
• They range from agricultural businesses to child care businesses and restaurants.
• the sectors of the businesses.
• Who's down in Deming working in his business. He is a business owner. Yeah, happy anniversary.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a business, you should know the business a business, you should know the business tax tax tax season
• </c> business taxes. That was yesterday. business taxes. That was yesterday.
• </c> businesses. But, that now has passed. businesses. But, that now has passed.
• </c> businesses file their taxes. businesses file their taxes.
• </c> small businesses. small businesses.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But the business services teams are going actually out into the business community to work with them.
• What do you do to help small businesses overcome that so we can get the money to small businesses that
• I'm a small business owner myself.
• Businesses that are not covered—it's typically agricultural businesses—would not show up in the data
• So businesses that are not covered, it's typically agricultural businesses, would not show up in the

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> in</c> businesses, our current businesses in businesses, our current businesses in Minnesota,<00:
• </c> other businesses. other businesses.
• Our job is not to be in this room advocating for this business or that business.
• </c> what business we're talking about. what business we're talking about.
• I'm not speaking to this business. I'm I'm not speaking to this business.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, certified small businesses, micro-businesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises
• Under current law, certified small businesses, micro-businesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises
• disabled veteran businesses.
• business, I'm not thinking about the business that has 100 employees.
• small businesses achieve the same level of success as other businesses have.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SERVICES RANGE ANYWHERE FROM HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES START THEIR BUSINESS FILING ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
• , BUSINESS PLANNING, MARKETING, EXPORT MARKETING PLANS, ONCE THE BUSINESS BECOMES MORE MATURE WE CAN
• DON'T JUST THINK OF IT AS WE HELP BUSINESSES START THEIR BUSINESS WE HELP THEM THROUGH ALL LIFE CYCLES
• OF THEIR BUSINESS.
• THAT IS ABOUT FROM 2009 BUSINESSES WE HAVE STARTED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• profits and business uh way our business profits and business enterprise<00:15:08.079><c> especially
• that manage to stay uh from businesses that manage to stay in<00:47:26.720><c> business</c> in business
• </c> businesses stay in business, eventually businesses stay in business, eventually become<01:05:27.200
• and which companies are not in business and which companies are not in business. business. business.
• and businesses that advertise businesses and businesses that advertise in<04:54:37.920><c> them.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no scaling for big business or small business, and no scaling for full-time or part-time.
• and big business.
• The other two businesses I was able to open because of the success of my first business.
• The other two businesses I was able to open because of the success of my first business.
• </c><00:27:12.200><c> in</c> business however operating a business in business however operating a business

Bills: HF1976

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: paid leave, family leave, employment law, Minnesota statute, benefit eligibility, seasonal employment, workforce, labor rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . business. business.
• Like I own a small business, business.
• </c> a tiny business. a tiny business.
• . businesses. businesses.
• </c> business owners. business owners.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Government Operations held an informational briefing with the State Procurement Office on its small business procurement program. SPO staff described the program’s purpose as expanding access to state contracting for small businesses, including veteran-, Native Hawaiian-, and women-owned firms, and said they are seeking to make the current five-year initiative permanent before it ends in June 2027. They reported outreach efforts, a new website and newsletter, statewide surveys, draft administrative rules, and a 38% increase in small business registrations in the HANS database. They also explained that the program is intended to support outreach, education, certification, compliance, and a statewide database to connect agencies with qualified small businesses. Committee members focused heavily on whether the program is producing measurable contract awards, not just registrations. The chair and senators questioned the definition of “small business,” noting that SPO currently relies on SBA standards in HANS and is considering a Hawaii-specific definition based on employees, revenue, and Hawaii residency. Members raised concerns that the data showed only a small number of registered businesses receiving awards and that the database does not yet track awards well enough to evaluate performance. SPO responded that the database has had funding gaps, that the position was only filled in February 2025, and that the agency is still building the system and rules needed to track outcomes accurately. A major theme was how to make the program more effective for very small or “micro” businesses and how to reduce the complexity of state procurement. Members discussed the difference between set-asides and bid preferences, with SPO explaining that set-asides are generally tied to RFPs and preferences to IFBs. The committee suggested that future rules should make participation easier, provide more training and hand-holding, and possibly create pathways for micro businesses or groups of small businesses to bid together. No votes or formal actions were taken; the briefing ended with the committee asking SPO to provide more performance data and clearer information on outreach results and database contents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm one of those business owners and I want everyone to have access to my business.
• I'm deeply involved in my business community in my district, and the business owners that I know feel
• By more businesses proactively seeking CASP inspections, by accessibility at businesses improving for
• And running a business is not easy.
• Issue and it's pro-business.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote. AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion. AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they also impact businesses, so it increases the cost of doing business.
• community and let the business community do what the business community was going to do.
• community and let the business community do what the business community was going to do.
• My dad was a small business owner.
• EDC Small Business Center, Business Advisor, and Dave White, CEO of Opportunity Stanislaus.

Summary: The committee held an information hearing on California’s economy and household affordability, with the first panel focusing on inflation, housing, energy, wages, and the likely effects of new federal tariff policy. PPIC’s Sarah Bone said Californians remain deeply pessimistic about the economy, with inflation the main driver of concern; she noted prices are still about 23% higher than in January 2020, with especially large increases in food, energy, and housing costs. LAO’s Brian Euler emphasized that housing is the largest household expense and pointed to insurance, electricity, gasoline, and health care as other major cost pressures, urging the Legislature to review whether existing policies are actually reducing costs and to consider studies of why recent housing laws have not produced more units. UC Davis economist Catherine Russ warned that tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and potentially broader imports could raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and hurt California exporters, farmers, and small businesses; she suggested monitoring prices, strengthening food assistance, and preparing transition support for affected workers and producers. Members pressed the panelists for concrete, near-term policy ideas, especially on housing and tariffs. Questions centered on whether accessory dwelling units are making a meaningful dent in affordability, how to improve implementation of pro-housing laws at the local level, and how to measure the impact of tariffs on consumers, health care, and agriculture. Panelists said ADUs help but are limited, that state laws can be undermined by local implementation and litigation, and that tariff effects may show up quickly in prices and later in hiring and investment. Several members stressed that the tariff issue is not a minor disruption for constituents and asked for more data on consumer impacts, food aid needs, and crop-specific farm losses. The second panel shifted to regional economic development and small business support. Go-Biz’s Derek Kirk described California Jobs First and the state economic blueprint as a first-in-decades, regionally informed strategy to create good-paying jobs, support key sectors, and align workforce and business development across 13 regions. The California Association for Local Economic Development’s Gerbach Sahota argued that local governments need practical tools, stable policy, and stronger partnerships with the state, while warning that prosperity is not always perceived as shared and that rural communities can be left behind. He urged the Legislature to use hearings, local input, and existing funding streams more effectively, including for recovery and infrastructure. David Fitzgerald of the Small Business Development Centers said California’s SBDC network serves hundreds of thousands of clients, many of them women and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, and has generated billions in economic impact, capital access, revenue, and jobs. He said the biggest gaps are outreach to the state’s many self-employed businesses with no employees, better labor data on those workers, and more flexible support for direct services. Committee members then asked what small businesses need most in the face of inflation and tariff shocks, including lower licensing costs and other relief, and the discussion continued on how to better target state support to businesses and households under pressure.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:14.519><c> in</c> asian-owned businesses in asian-owned businesses in Minnesota<00:02:16.319
• </c><00:03:24.280><c> through</c><00:03:24.560><c> micro</c> their business through micro their business
• and other entities. business Cal's support gave me inclusive business Cal's support gave me inclusive
• and business-to-business product lines.
• and business-to-business product lines.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the open for business sign must be open for the state. and we And the open for business sign must
• business interaction starts with a relationship.
• And that is going to bring more business to California.
• Handley has mentioned, trading the environment for business to be able to do business more freely and
• to elevate their business.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• > ready</c> business community uh business ready business community uh business ready grants<00:04:42.320
• </c><02:02:24.239><c> to</c> business to stay in, what business to business to stay in, what business
• </c> the speed of business. the speed of business.
• business.
• business.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• counties had higher business growth.
• count businesses differently.
• Businesses that contribute to the program can claim a dollar-for-dollar business and occupation tax credit
• Thirty-four loans went to women-owned businesses, low-income or minority borrowers, or rural businesses
• A qualifying business has up to six years to meet the jobs target, so this means that for a business

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reiterate, this would impact business reiterate, this would impact business businesses<00:09:35.600
• Would this be considered a business-to-business tax?
• Small businesses start as small businesses.
• . businesses. businesses.
• </c> business. Not for my business. business. Not for my business.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I move to suspend the regular order of business.
• With that, I move suspension of the regular order of business.
• With that, I move suspension of the regular order of business.
• With that, I move to suspend the regular order of business.
• Move suspension of the regular order of business.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're mentioned in Business Bureau?
• , 30% being the larger businesses.
• These are family-owned businesses. The financial burden on these businesses is horrible.
• And that's where the businesses are at.
• With no further business before the committee, the Committee on General Laws is adjourned. their business

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First order of business will now be on the marijuana micro-business rules, specifically 19 CSR 100-1.060
• So per the Constitution, micro-businesses are essentially a small business license that must be majority-owned
• State and least cost to businesses.
• What do these business... And I think it matters what these business practices look like.
• Because obviously, you can own a business and not show up to that business ever for work and still have

Committee: House Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• count businesses differently.
• Businesses that contribute to the program can claim a dollar-for-dollar business and occupation tax credit
• Thirty-four loans went to women-owned businesses, low-income or minority borrowers, or rural businesses
• A qualifying business has up to six years to meet the jobs target, so this means that for a business
• Because fewer than three businesses reported.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.