Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:05.000><c> across</c> SE more than 1700 small employers across SE more than 1700 small employers
• </c><00:52:32.520><c> regulations</c> other substantial employment regulations other substantial employment
• Tara Ryan. other means of employment do you still other means of employment do you still have<00:56:39.720
• </c><01:23:40.639><c> then</c> with a large group of employers then with a large group of employers then
• </c> parents for employers parents for employers I<02:28:21.080><c> just</c><02:28:21.200><c> want</c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that it's going to consume a lot of power.
• The brain itself consumes a lot of calories.
• It will help employers.
• The people who can't work or they need supported employment, and supported employment is one of those
• This amendment right now directs the Department.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2681, SB5467, SB5820, SB5863, SB5892, SCR8406, HB2487, HB2711, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a statewide exchange of employment for people with disabilities. Okay.
• One thing that did come up was the fines, the $250 fine, that employers have to pay every year.
• I think it’s per— I’m not sure if it’s per employer, per apprentice.
• I think the employer has to pay this fee to be able to join this apprenticeship program and bring in
• But what the employer community was saying is that it can be an impediment anyway; just don’t.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models. The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to direct my comments to two groups while I speak here today.
• And so this is a step in the right direction. It's well overdue.
• AB 566 is a consumer privacy focused bill.
• California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 gave California consumers important privacy rights, including
• Consumers are often unaware of how their personal data is being collected, shared, and sold.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 446 by Assemblymember Ward and others, an act related to consumer protection.
• Programs which are also good for consumers.
• Currently, direct-to-consumer shipping for these distillers is set to sunset on January 1st of 2020.
• File item 100, AB 1510, by the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. Clerk will read.
• Speaker and members, AB 1510 is the Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee bill.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just so consumers in that community.
• So how do consumer in most communities.
• Okay. 6,700 private employer.
• ><c> participate</c> So private employers could participate So private employers could participate in
• </c> &gt;&gt; private employer. &gt;&gt; private employer.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we just price out the consumer.
• Nicholas Morrow on behalf of Center of Employment and support.
• Nicholas Morrow on behalf of Senator of Employment and support.
• These wages are immoral and a direct relic, an afterlife of slave labor.
• Michael Stringer, with the Center of Employment Opportunity, in full support.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are still getting a sense of federal policy direction under the new administration, and there are
• </c><00:14:37.079><c> spending</c> and some forms of consumer spending and some forms of consumer spending
• </c><00:15:39.560><c> abilities</c><00:15:40.079><c> to</c><00:15:40.319><c> add</c> limit employers
• 17:24.880><c> employment</c><00:17:25.600><c> has</c> federal government employment has federal government
• This increase is due directly to a higher forecast of the Consumer Price Index.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's hard for consumers and even...
• Consumers need that appeal process to show that.
• Consumers need that appeal process to show that.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau...
• Our network is built on a consumer-directed privacy model where individuals opt in to share their information

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about consumer protection.
• Our average consumer that we loan $700 to, the average consumer we require, as of last year, over three
• But if you lie to consumers and you do it from a position to manipulate consumer behavior, that’s always
• But if you lie to consumers and you do it from a position to manipulate consumer behavior, that’s always
• SB 6111 follows that direction.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several bills. SB 5976 would revise the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by narrowing liability for misleading email subject lines and changing damages and Consumer Protection Act claims. Business, retail, hospitality, and e-commerce witnesses supported the bill, saying recent litigation has created uncertainty and exposed routine marketing emails to excessive penalties. Consumer advocates and the Washington State Association for Justice opposed it, arguing the current law protects consumers from deceptive marketing and that the bill would weaken enforcement and class actions. SB 6111 would require age verification and parental consent for minors creating social media accounts, restrict providers’ use of minors’ data, and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General and a limited private right of action. The sponsor and several parents, medical professionals, and advocacy groups supported the bill as a response to social media harms, including addiction, depression, cyberbullying, eating disorders, and exposure to harmful content. Technology and civil liberties witnesses opposed it, warning about privacy, data security, constitutional concerns, and the difficulty of implementing reliable parental consent and age verification. The committee also heard SB 6250, which would raise the maximum small loan amount from $700 to $1,200 and index it to inflation. The sponsor and a lender representative said the change would update an outdated limit and preserve existing consumer protections. Opponents, including legal aid, poverty, housing, labor, AARP, and community advocates, argued the higher cap would increase debt burdens and fees for low-income borrowers and older adults. Staff also briefed SB 6257, which would allow illness-related tolling for trainee real estate appraiser licensing timelines, and SB 6289, which would direct Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; SB 6289 drew supportive testimony from Commerce, ports, economic development groups, and business interests. The committee also held confirmation hearings for several Gambling Commission and Lottery appointees, who described their backgrounds and service, but no votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1059, Archuleta, employment training panel records, due pass as amended to limit the scope of the
• SB 923, Becker, consumer privacy requests, do pass out with Republicans not voting.
• SB 1012, Smallwood-Cuevas, employment of inmates, do pass. That's out on an A roll call.
• SB 1284, Smallwood-Cuevas, Medi-Cal employer reports, holding committee.
• SB 898, Weber-Pearson, connected consumer products, holding committee.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texana Cafe hires adults with autism or intellectual disabilities to receive employment training.
• TAB is supportive of this because, specifically, we do work in our foundation to help educate employers
• Consumer Brands Association. I'm their local contracted lobbyist.
• So bottom line, HB 1290 is a step in the right direction.
• It leads to them losing a consumer faster than they otherwise would.

Bills: HB367, HB497, HB549, HB983, HB 1188, HB 1290, HB1368, HB2243, HB2310, HB2849, HB3099, HB3546, HB3629, HB3627

Keywords: education, absences, severe illness, life-threatening, school policy, verification, healthcare, insurance, affordability, coverage, patient rights, school health, respiratory distress, airway clearance devices, medication training, public health, HB 983, Texas Education Agency, TEA, educator privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• the safety of everyone here and ensure the public's access to the discussion, please follow the directions
• I'm an economist and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where I direct our Center
• Others will be adjusting employment in response to reduced demand for their export sales.
• Russ, on what does that look like for the consumer. Right?
• Like, how much do we imagine those costs will be filtering through to consumers?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The employer. And that's...” “And that's typically who?
• I received these services through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver, APD, Consumer Directed
• Consumer Directed Care, and these services allow me to live independently and work a full-time job.
• , vulnerable adults, and consumers.
• This bill also creates due consumer protections.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> myself such time as I may consume. myself such time as I may consume.
• </c><03:22:29.520><c> by</c><03:22:29.840><c> directing</c> find qualified workers. by directing find
• </c> may consume. The gentleman's recognized. may consume. The gentleman's recognized.
• The gentleman is I may consume.
• It directs the Small disabilities.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we know from changes in consumer habits to tariffs, From changes in consumer habits to tariffs, to
• Because while direct-to-consumer prices from wineries, which is the most valuable distribution channel
• It’s an open secret that most consumers prefer sweet wine.
• This investment strengthens families and employers.
• It also creates and supports hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs through either direct employment or ancillary

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2441 provides survivors of LEOs that were killed in the course of employment with additional
• It took an hour to do it and didn't cost the consumers anything.
• This bill is nothing more than a new 10-cent tax on consumers for beverage containers.
• The bill shifts costs to retailers and consumers, not toward recycling. Thank you.
• He asked what the program would look like and how consumers would get their money back.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really consumer protection.
• protection it really you really consumer protection it really you know<01:37:31.520><c> consumers</c
• , this is not a small employer, you're a large employer, you're an ERISA plan, okay, and wanted to shop
• </c><02:26:19.680><c> or</c> have any influence or any direct or have any influence or any direct or
• </c><02:28:52.600><c> any</c> decision or have any or direct any decision or have any or direct any decisions

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• not saving consumers that much.
• for not saving consumers that much.
• , as well as supporters California Low Income Consumer Coalition and Consumer Reports.
• , as well as supporters California Low Income Consumer Coalition and Consumer Reports.
• Robert Horell, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of California, here to support consumer

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote. The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment. The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for those employment for those employment duties<01:22:39.000><c> um</c><01:22:39.560><c> and</c
• If the employer met either of the following conditions: that the employer has that time and attendance
• I would also now direct members' attention to the revenue estimate."
• I would also now direct members' attention to the revenue estimate.
• </c><01:33:41.840><c> who</c> places an undue burden on employers who places an undue burden on employers

Keywords: 1187, senate, all