Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce. >> Good afternoon. I'm Erica McCay with the Department of Commerce. We have two...
• Department of Commerce. We have two contracts before you today.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Commerce Committee will now come to order, Kimberly. Please call the roll. Chair Buchanan.
• is an important part of our economy, and I find it very difficult to reconcile when we are in the Commerce
• I want to remind everyone that next week we will be back here in HOB for Commerce.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waiving in support.
• Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research, which operates within the Florida Department of Commerce
• We did also check with the Florida Department of Commerce, as well as the Bureau, to see if other studies

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> H871 to Commerce and Economic Development. >> H872 to Judiciary. >> H873 to Judiciary. >> H874 to
• General and Housing. >> H875 to Judiciary. >> H876 to Judiciary. >> H877 to Commerce and Economic Development
• >> to [clears throat] commerce and economic >> to [clears throat] commerce and economic development
• 01:52.640> and<00:01:52.799> economic<00:01:53.280> development >> to commerce
• and economic development >> to commerce and economic development >> H878 >> H878 &

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House convened, suspended its rules to introduce 18 bills by number only, and referred the bills to the appropriate committees. House Bill 647, relating to the Vermont Sister State Program and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The chamber also read several resolutions: HR13, concerning support for the people of Palestine and Israel and the end of apartheid, was treated as a bill and referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; JR88, condemning a U.S. military incursion in Venezuela and calling for withdrawal of U.S. forces, was likewise referred to Government Operations and Military Affairs; and JRS37, supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition, was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. JRS39, a weekend adjournment resolution, was adopted in concurrence. On the action calendar, the House passed H541, relating to interference with voters and election officials. It then took up H5, which expands Vermont’s existing hearsay exception for child victims from age 12 and under to age 15 in specified abuse and sexual assault proceedings, with judicial safeguards and a July 1, 2026 effective date. The Judiciary Committee reported the bill favorably 10-1, and the House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading. The House also considered H626, a major Judiciary Committee bill on voyeurism, non-consensual disclosure of explicit images, and sexual extortion. Committee members described the bill as updating criminal and civil remedies for image-based abuse, creating a separate sextortion offense, extending criminal statutes of limitation, and clarifying civil recovery for trauma-related harm. During floor debate, members questioned the distinction between the voyeurism and disclosure provisions and the meaning of “reasonable expectation of privacy”; the committee responded with examples and statutory explanations, including that voyeurism covers unlawful recording while the disclosure offense covers later dissemination of images. The bill remained under consideration as the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• on SP601, this measure was heard by the joint committees of Economic Development and Tourism and Commerce
• Pamela Tuma, Chamber of Commerce: In support. Sher Manor, Chamber of Commerce: In support. G.
• Pamela Tuma, Chamber of Commerce: In support. Sher Manor, Chamber of Commerce: In support. G.
• <00:47:57.200> of in support Pamela Tuma Chamber of in support Pamela Tuma Chamber of Commerce
• and support Sher Manor chamber Commerce and support Sher Manor chamber of<00:47:59.640> Hoy<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1061 on digital equity. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from Rosie Davis of the Maui County Area Health Education Center, who said Molokai and Maui need better digital access for telehealth and clinic services. Members discussed whether the bill should be consolidated with other digital broadband measures and asked about funding; the chair noted the draft used general funds but said federal money was now available for the navigator program. The committee later recommended SB 1061 be passed with an SD1, technical amendments, and an effective date of July 1, 2050, with members voting aye. The committee then heard SB 135 on macadamia nut labeling. Hawaiian Host Group and several supporters argued the bill would help align the industry around a processing solution and support growers and jobs, while the MacNut Association and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company opposed it, saying the state lacks enough processing infrastructure and that existing law already covers labeling. In questioning, members focused on the lack of a current processing facility and the timeline for a new one on Hawaiʻi Island. After hearing mixed testimony, the committee deferred the bill indefinitely. The committee also considered SB 1657 and SB 1539 relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Testimony on both measures was generally supportive, with ADC describing the Wāhō water system as serving about 5,000 acres and over 70 farmers, mostly small and medium growers, and saying the proposal would help expand service without asking for more water. The committee later voted to pass SB 1657 and SB 1539 with SD1s, technical amendments, and a July 1, 2050 effective date. Finally, the committee took up SB 891 on economic development and gaming. The hearing drew extensive testimony, including support from Boyd Gaming and Stanford Carr Development, and opposition from Native Hawaiian speakers who said Hawaiians must have a seat at the table and raised concerns about self-determination and outside control. Members questioned the scope of the proposed gaming working group, the number and makeup of members, and the need to review prior gaming bills and studies. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 891 with an SD1 and major amendments: adding tourism references, changing expense reimbursement rules so private gaming representatives pay their own expenses, expanding the working group to include Native Hawaiian, social services/behavioral health, DBEDT, law enforcement, and tax/professional expertise seats, deleting one proposed seat, and adding a July 1, 2050 effective date. The committee also reported that the recommendations were adopted by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think just as a starting point, we all know that the interstate commerce clause doesn't allow us
• So I think just as a starting point, we all know that the interstate commerce clause doesn't allow us
• So I think just as a starting point, we all know that the interstate commerce clause doesn't allow us
• That doesn't violate the interstate commerce clause.
• doesn't violate the interstate commerce doesn't violate the interstate commerce clause<03:19:30.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• This is our 9:30 a.m. agenda of the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
• I know with Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, we stand on
• I know with Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, we stand on
• I know with Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, we stand on

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pete Wyckoff from the Department of Commerce. All right, thank you for the information.
• Pete Wyckoff from the Department of Commerce. Uh, next on deck is Tracy Hodell from the City of St.
• The Department of Commerce<00:25:51.080> is<00:25:51.240> prepared<00:25:51.760> to<
• <00:43:08.600> Um bill from the Department of Commerce.
• Um bill from the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That suggests to me that it should be heard in the Commerce Committee, and those issues be discovered
• Commerce concerns, as I mentioned before, and Representative Olson's comments also I would support in
• Commerce concerns, as I mentioned before, and Representative Olson's comments also I would support in
• <01:42:49.120> more<01:42:49.360> quickly to move people and commerce more quickly
• to move people and commerce more quickly and<01:42:50.720> more<01:42:50.920> safely.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to open the Committee on Commerce.
• I don't think this is subject matter that the Senate Commerce Committee has to pass on.
• the Senate Commerce Committee has to<00:07:56.639> pass<00:07:56.879> on.
• <00:35:35.359> and employment, commerce, recreation, and employment, commerce, recreation,
• So at least we it was a commerce issue.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Brad Gruhat, president of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 640
• ,<00:05:08.000> which Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, which Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce
• I am the president and CEO of the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce.
• As a chamber of commerce, we do our part every single day to attract and retain talent in Winona.
• As a chamber of commerce, we do our part every single day to attract and retain talent in Winona.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• 1091 by Kendrix of the House and Bergstrom of the Senate, a resolution relating to business and commerce
• HER1091 approves the rules regarding business and commerce related agencies. Moved for adoption.
• 1091 by Kendrix of the House and Bergstrom of the Senate, a resolution relating to business and commerce
• Senate Bill 1403 is agreed upon language between select Oklahoma and the Department of Commerce to update

Bills: SB1543, HB1933, HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, SB1859, HB2988, HB3016, SB237, SB2065, HB3418, HCR1027, SB1641, SB1589, SB44, SB563, SB1403, HB1979, HB3075, SB2045, SB1653, SB1655, SB2030, HB2951, SB2028, SB2071, SB206, SB1849, HB3755, SB1509, SB1314, SB1561, SB1217, SB1618, HJR1096, HJR1099, HJR1100

Keywords: driving under the influence, felony offense, ignition interlock device, community service, criminal assessment, nitrous oxide, Maddix Bias Act, intoxication, underage sale, misdemeanor, drug paraphernalia, enforcement, education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now have our team at the Department of Commerce. What's the next slide?
• The title is to the Department of Commerce, but yes, it's a state-owned property.
• So, the money is appropriated to the Department of Commerce, and then we work with agencies that must
• I would like to say thank you to everyone at the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Chris McKayley here on behalf of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in support of
• Freilander here on behalf of a handful of supporters, Cal Asian Chamber, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Good afternoon, Timothy Burr on behalf of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area Council, Central
• customer surcharges while internet service providers and other entities like streaming service e-commerce

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ashley Hoffman, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, in opposition. Thank you.
• Ashley Hoffman, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, in opposition. Thank you.
• Companies of California also opposed good morning Ashley Hoffman on behalf the California Chamber of Commerce
• Ashley Hoffman on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, respectfully opposed. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement met for its first hearing of the session, adopted committee rules, and heard several labor-related bills. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including limits on testimony and expectations for orderly conduct. Members then took up measures affecting public employee bargaining, contracting, confidentiality, school employee benefits, pay stub information, and state correctional health staffing. AB 672 would require public employers to notify PERB when filing court actions involving statutes PERB administers and allow PERB to intervene; it drew support from SEIU, AFSCME, school employees, labor groups, and no opposition, and was passed out of committee. AB 283 would move IHSS bargaining from the county to the state level; providers and recipients testified about low wages, long delays in bargaining, and care access concerns, while counties and public authorities raised cost, scope, and implementation issues. The bill passed 7-0 after members discussed family care worker concerns and the author said he would continue working on the issue. AB 339 would require local governments to give unions 120 days’ notice before contracting out bargaining-unit work. Labor supporters said the bill would make existing meet-and-confer rights meaningful and protect jobs, while counties, cities, special districts, chambers of commerce, and staffing groups argued it would burden local agencies and interfere with existing MMBA procedures. The committee also heard AB 340, which would make communications between employees and union representatives confidential for PERB purposes; supporters said it codified existing case law, while school administrators, special districts, counties, and business groups warned it could hinder investigations. AB 378 would extend the classified school employees summer assistance program to JPA employees, and AB 374 would require more detailed pay stubs for classified school employees; both had labor support and some education-sector opposition over implementation and cost concerns, and both advanced. AB 393 would require cost analyses before contracting out physician work at CDCR and the Department of State Hospitals; supporters argued the state was overpaying contractors amid high vacancy rates, and the bill also advanced. At the end of the hearing, the committee recorded final votes showing AB 283, AB 340, AB 374, AB 378, AB 393, and AB 672 all passing out of committee, while AB 339 remained on hold with a 4-0 vote and some members not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• or their respective Energy and Commerce or their respective designes<02:25:22.399> the<02:25:
• member of the Energy and Commerce member of the Energy and Commerce Committee<02:46:20.720> Mr
• Committee Mr Guthrie Energy and Commerce Committee Mr Guthrie of<03:09:24.800> Kentucky<03:09
• the chairman of the Energy and Commerce the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee<03:17:
• a letter from the national Commerce a letter from the national Federation<03:23:33.319> of<03

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Kona CDP Action Committee, Konohala Chamber of Commerce
• , the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and two individuals, all in support.
• Then Maui Chamber of Commerce on Zoom, not present. Let's see.
• Then Maui Chamber of Commerce on Zoom, not present. Let's see.
• Then Maui Chamber of Commerce on Zoom, not present. Let's see.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures. SB 1602 would appropriate funds to DLNR for monitoring wells for the Koho aquifer system; DLNR and HHFDC supported it, and written testimony from several organizations and individuals was also in support. Members asked whether monitoring wells are a statewide function rather than a county function, and staff confirmed they are done statewide. The second bill was an administration measure clarifying that criminal water pollution enforcement remains with the Department of Health rather than DLNR. The Attorney General’s office said it was a cleanup clarification and that DOH has stronger enforcement powers and better testing capability; DOH and DLNR supported it, and there was no opposition noted. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1074 on environmental impact statements. The bill would let previously authorized or permitted commercial activities continue for up to one year while an agency determines whether environmental review applies after a challenge, and would allow permit renewals during that review. DLNR said it stood on written comments and suggested aligning the bill with similar House language. Supporters, including several ocean tourism and Maui business representatives, argued the bill would provide certainty and keep families and small operators working while environmental review is completed, especially in the wake of the Lahaina fires and ongoing business losses. Some supporters said the measure should be narrowed with a sunset or limited to recently renewed permits. Opponents, including the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, and other environmental advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could weaken HEPA/NEPA-style environmental review, especially for fisheries and other commercial activities. They said the bill could be used as a “Trojan horse” to avoid review and that DLNR could resolve the underlying disputes more quickly through settlement or existing exemption processes. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was thoroughly vetted in both the Commerce Committee and the Judiciary Committee after it went
• This bill was thoroughly vetted in both the Commerce Committee and the Judiciary Committee after it went
• /c><00:07:13.960> the was thoroughly vetted in both the was thoroughly vetted in both the Commerce
• Committee and the Judiciary Commerce Committee and the Judiciary Committee<00:07:16.759> after
• <02:19:27.719> but cannabis it got sent to Commerce but cannabis it got sent to Commerce but

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• shall the legislature override the Governor's veto on HCS for CS for Senate Bill 21, Labor and Commerce
• HCS for CS for Senate Bill 21, Labor and Commerce.
• session has failed to override the governor's veto on HCS for CS for Senate Bill 21, Labor and Commerce

Keywords: 905, all

Summary: The Alaska Legislature met in joint session to consider gubernatorial vetoes of five bills. Members first took up House Bill 52 on minors and psychiatric hospitals, with supporters arguing it would improve transparency, family communication, oversight, and reporting around seclusion and restraint in psychiatric facilities. Opponents of the veto cited DOJ findings and media reports about abuses at a North Star facility. The override failed, 36-24, falling short of the 40 votes needed. The joint session then considered Senate Bill 41 on mental health education. Supporters said it would help develop age-appropriate mental health curriculum and could aid suicide prevention, while critics argued it was mischaracterized and did not impose a state takeover of local schools. The veto override failed, 38-22. Members next considered House Bill 314 on architects, engineers, surveyors, and interior designers, focusing on the AELS Board’s continuation and the need for professional oversight during major infrastructure work. That override passed, 45-15. The legislature then voted on Senate Bill 21, the Alaska Work and Save Program, which supporters said would expand retirement savings access for workers and small businesses, including an option to direct PFD funds into retirement accounts. The override failed, 39-21. Finally, House Bill 195 on pharmacists and physician assistants was debated as a health care access measure that would let pharmacists provide more services under a standard-of-care model; supporters said it would reduce costs and improve access, while some members raised concerns about scope and abortion-related issues. The veto override passed, 43-17. The joint session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Madam Chair, members of the Committee on Commerce and Labor.
• My name is Emily Osterberg on behalf of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 2,000
• If anyone would like to make public comments that are germane to commerce and labor, we would love to

Keywords: 909, all