Transcript Highlights:

• We made reference, or Representative Engen made reference, to mainstream media reporting.
• If we can't make reference to mainstream media reporting, not sure what we're doing here.
• We made reference, or Representative Engen made reference, to mainstream media reporting.
• </c> Engen made reference to mainstream media Engen made reference to mainstream media reporting.<00:
• :15:13.600><c> not</c><00:15:13.839><c> sure</c> mainstream media reporting, not sure mainstream media

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I love the fact that I think our media in Idaho does a much better job, generally speaking, than the
• media in other states.
• Given what we've run into, And the media in other states, given what we've run into and, you know, in
• the age of social media, looking at what other institutions and other states are doing, would the media
• The media, your media, has reported on the problems we're having hiring.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1225, which would codify a more standardized, partially public process for university and higher education presidential searches. The bill requires a search committee, periodic public updates, and a 10-business-day public comment period after a sole finalist is named, while aiming to protect applicants’ current employment from being jeopardized by early disclosure. The sponsor said the bill passed the Senate 34-0. The Idaho Press Club testified in opposition, arguing the measure reduces transparency under the Public Records Act, though it acknowledged the search committee structure itself was reasonable. Members discussed whether alternative approaches, such as releasing multiple finalists, might preserve more public input, but the sponsor said that would still deter applicants. The committee then voted to send the bill, as amended, to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also received an informational update from Dawn Hall, executive director of IDEAL, Idaho’s 529 education savings program. She reviewed the program’s history, tax advantages, investment options, recent app updates, and expanded uses under federal changes, including broader K-12 and credentialing expenses. Hall said IDEAL accounts are growing, new accounts were up 11% over the prior year, and the program is working to increase awareness, employer participation, and contributions statewide. Members asked about the relationship between savings accounts and later educational attainment, and Hall said the accounts help start family conversations about higher education and are especially valued by lower-income families. Finally, Representative Pickett presented RS 33205, a cleanup bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. He said the proposal would clarify interest calculations, update language about when the state can step in on unsafe school buildings, and ensure any remaining funds are properly returned or redirected. A member asked who would pay a state-appointed district supervisor’s salary and whether the district would have input, but Pickett said he had not researched that specific point and would follow up. The committee voted to introduce the RS.

Transcript Highlights:

• were >> Yes, there were actually people in the U.S. federal executive branch who contacted social media
• In the last couple of decades, social media through, you know, I'm an old guy, so Facebook, but also
• I don't want to get into the psychology of it, but there are, I mean, there's one... if the social media
• I know people who had adverse events from these shots, and so there's no validation in social media.
• And so, I think that aspect of down regulating or removing posts from social media has a much... ...has

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy met to review its mission, approve prior minutes at a future meeting, and discuss materials related to COVID-19 vaccination guidance. Members examined a pediatric vaccination handout from a private pediatric practice and compared it with New Hampshire DHHS and AAP/AAFP immunization guidance, focusing on how COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are presented for children and adults. Committee members also discussed the scope and accuracy of the committee’s endnotes and supporting documents. The main business was a draft letter urging the governor to direct state agencies to stop recommending COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Members revised the letter paragraph by paragraph, including changing wording about age ranges for children, clarifying references to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and adding discussion of vaccine safety concerns, alleged suppression of safety data, and federal investigations. They also debated whether to reference specific reporting systems such as VAERS and V-safe, and whether to include examples from other states, including Tennessee, Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida, as evidence of broader concern about mRNA vaccines. After the edits were completed, Representative Villio moved to accept the letter as amended, Representative Leroy seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote 4-0. The chair said the revised letter would be finalized and distributed later in the week. The meeting then adjourned at approximately 11:57 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and, in connection therewith, requiring an operator of a social media platform to ensure the social
• the social media platform concerning a search warrant and to require an operator to report to a local
• law enforcement agency if the operator's social media platform takes an adverse action against a user
• Um, so briefly, this bill under our current system, social media platforms have 35 days to respond to
• So this requires social media companies to comply with search warrants within 24 hours, and it requires

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I noticed that in this bill they carve out social media influencers who may be minors.
• I noticed that in this bill they carve out social media influencers who may be minors.
• </c> actually did include social media actually did include social media influencers<00:37:42.920><c>
• </c> chunk there that refers to social media chunk there that refers to social media influencers<00:37
• </c> their earnings for social media their earnings for social media performers<00:38:08.440><c> oh</

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• ANYWAY, IT IS WIDELY ADVERTISED AND IT IS NOTABLE ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS, WHICH...
• RELEASING THIS ONLY SERVES TO GIVE THE MEDIA AND, OF COURSE, PUBLIC OPINION.
• THE FIRST ITERATION OF THE BILL WAS BANNING ENCRYPTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS.
• BUT THE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS DO HAVE APPS SPECIFICALLY FOR KIDS.
• DESPITE WHAT SERVE STRESS SOCIAL MEDIA SERVING LOWS WOULD DO.

Bills: SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SB227 , SB269 , SB330 , SB434 , SB437 , SB438 , SB463 , SB528 , SB584 , SB604 , SB663 , SB668 , SB682 , SB747 , SB841 , SB912 , SB968 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1044 , SB1137 , SB1138 , SB1143 , SB1164 , SB1169 , SB1200 , SB1236 , SB1244 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1335 , SB1369 , SB1410 , SB1418 , SB1422 , SB1455 , SB1468 , SB1495 , SB1534 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1612 , SB1624 , SB1667 , SB1734 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1760 , SB1784 , SB1860 , SB1862 , SB1864 , SB1896 , SB1898 , SB1920 , SB1940 , SB1952 , SB1998 , SB1999 , SB2004 , SB2032 , SB2052 , SB2068 , SB2073 , SB2121 , SB2127 , SB2141 , SB2145 , SB2161 , SB2167 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2216 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2395 , SB2429 , SB2431 , SB2439 , SB2443 , SB2581 , SB2601 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2798 , SB2873 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3034 , SCR4 , SCR38 , SB39 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB648 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB843 , SB847 , SB870 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1181 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1283 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1395 , SB1433 , SB1455 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1624 , SB1626 , SB1640 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1845 , SB1868 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB2004 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2075 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2206 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2349 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2623 , SB2626 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2753 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1257 , SB240 , SB1727 , SB870 , SB618 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB843 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1299 , SB1349 , SB1868 , SB2037 , SB2349 , SB2788 , SB39 , SB1183 , SB1717 , SB1832 , SB2743 , SR429 , SR432 , SCR38 , SB39 , SB240 , SB618 , SB870 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1717 , SB1727 , SB1832 , SB2743 , SB2 , SB3058 , SB3059 , HB6 , HB14 , HB43 , HB 100 , HB136 , HB149 , HB204 , HB206 , HB307 , HB467 , HB685 , HB 1130 , HB1393 , HB1644 , HB2027 , HB2118 , HB2176 , HB2468 , HB2488 , HB2525 , HB2596 , HB2890 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3114 , HB3204 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SB269 , SB330 , SB434 , SB437 , SB438 , SB463 , SB528 , SB604 , SB663 , SB668 , SB682 , SB747 , SB841 , SB912 , SB968 , SB1020 , SB1044 , SB1138 , SB1143 , SB1236 , SB1244 , SB1325 , SB1335 , SB1369 , SB1418 , SB1422 , SB1455 , SB1468 , SB1495 , SB1534 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1612 , SB1624 , SB1667 , SB1734 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1760 , SB1784 , SB1860 , SB1862 , SB1864 , SB1896 , SB1898 , SB1920 , SB1940 , SB1952 , SB1998 , SB2032 , SB2052 , SB2068 , SB2073 , SB2121 , SB2127 , SB2141 , SB2145 , SB2161 , SB2167 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2216 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2395 , SB2431 , SB2439 , SB2443 , SB2581 , SB2601 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2705 , SB2798 , SB2873 , SB2881 , SB2964 , SB3034 , SB227 , SB584 , SB1013 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1200 , SB1299 , SB1410 , SB1999 , SB2004 , SB2429 , SB2717 , SB3058 , SB3059 , HB6 , HB14 , HB43 , HB 100 , HB136 , HB149 , HB204 , HB206 , HB307 , HB467 , HB685 , HB 1130 , HB1393 , HB1644 , HB2027 , HB2118 , HB2176 , HB2468 , HB2488 , HB2525 , HB2596 , HB2890 , HB2894 , HB3077 , HB3114 , HB3204

Keywords: Pflugerville, Trail Capital, health and wellness, outdoor recreation, community connectivity, patriotism, town designation, community engagement, Trophy Club, Texas Town of Patriotism, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Fishing Capital of Texas, Texas fishing, coastal tourism, charter fishing, deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, pier fishing, angling

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Murphy Media Literacy Program. Any discussion?
• Grooming happens many times via social media, and our sweet, innocent children do not always realize
• We know the negative effects that social media may have on some teens.
• We also know that many might say that social media isn't all negative.
• We have seen kids who have been victims of abuse that started through social media.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is the publisher of Black Voice News and the founder of Voice Media Ventures.
• attention, and fostered a dynamic community of longevity researchers, investors, and media leaders.
• attention, and fostered a dynamic community of longevity researchers, investors, and media leaders.
• , any volunteer opportunity, and in his video updates from the burn areas that he shared on social media
• Folks didn't just remember seeing Larry and his Pally Strong green at community events, on social media

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:34.399><c> and</c><00:15:34.639><c> social</c><00:15:34.880><c> media</c> social media and
• social media social media and social media performers.<00:15:36.079><c> And</c><00:15:36.240><c> it's
• </c><00:15:50.240><c> and</c><00:15:50.480><c> social</c> made in the social media and social made in
• the social media and social media<00:15:50.959><c> influencer</c><00:15:51.519><c> world.
• </c><00:15:52.000><c> and</c><00:15:52.240><c> they're</c> media influencer world. and they're media

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes. The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it. No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.

Transcript Highlights:

• some ongoing lawsuits right now, uh, through the Attorney General's office dealing with the social media
• some ongoing lawsuits right now, uh, through the Attorney General's office dealing with the social media
• some ongoing lawsuits right now, uh, through the Attorney General's office dealing with the social media
• some ongoing lawsuits right now, uh, through the Attorney General's office dealing with the social media
• that is just such a social media that is just such a different<00:29:12.480><c> uh</c><00:29:12.640>

Committee: House Families & Children

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:10 - Discussion of 26RS HB 669 08:25 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 669 09:25 - Discussion of 26RS HCR 36 13:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HCR 36 14:05 - Discussion of 26RS HB 686 29:20 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 686 30:10 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In a final act of aloha, 911 dispatchers issued a special broadcast across all channels.
• End of watch: August 15, 2025. broadcast across all channels. She broadcast across all channels.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said, it's social media. These kids are faced with something that we never had growing up.
• The pressures from these social media platforms, these kids aren't ready to deal with that.
• But when you're a kid dealing with some unknown profile on a social media platform, the way in which
• The dopamine hit that you get from a social media addiction is the same as any lethal drug.
• The way that social media platforms are designed, they listen and they learn.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the previous day’s journal. It received a Senate message returning House Bill 559, reported several newly printed bills, and advanced multiple measures through the calendar. Among the introduced bills were proposals on restroom and changing-room access and privacy, school facilities cooperative funding, tax exemptions, homestead tax exemption, and prior authorization reform in health insurance. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 512 on land surveyors, reinstating an Idaho-law jurisprudence exam; House Bill 502, moving forest products commission rules into statute; Senate Joint Memorial 107, supporting the Delamar Mine Project and urging faster federal permitting; House Bill 494, moving background-check rules into statute; House Bill 531, updating school epinephrine administration rules to cover newer delivery methods; House Bill 542, regulating social media access for minors through age verification and parental consent; House Bill 500, extending traffic protections and duties to electric-assisted bicycles; House Bill 533, eliminating the vehicle registration sticker requirement; and House Bill 555, rewriting the solid waste code to place primary regulatory authority with DEQ while allowing contracts with health districts. House Bill 552 was returned to committee, and remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. Debate centered on the social media bill’s private right of action, the background-check bill’s statutory references, and the solid waste rewrite’s regulatory structure and federal-water-law implications. Most measures passed by wide margins, though House Bill 494 drew a closer 36-33 vote and House Bill 542 passed 62-7. The House also approved title corrections where none were offered, transmitted passed bills to the Senate, received the enrolled House Bill 559 back from the Senate, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Epic by an overwhelming number of ads and media and social media, people are buying compounded versions
• Epic by an overwhelming number of ads and media and social media, people are buying compounded versions
• She's using one of the major social media apps.
• The current social media landscape is a data monopoly.
• The current social media landscape is a data monopoly.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, accessibility, labor, and public safety. AB 1798 by Assemblymember Wilson would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer test results, in underwriting. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage genetic testing, while insurers opposed it as unnecessary and said genetic data should be treated like other predictive health information. The bill passed the committee on a 7-0 vote and was held open for absent members. AB 2190 by Assemblymember Wallace would create website accessibility standards based on WCAG guidelines and add affirmative defenses intended to reduce serial litigation while improving access for people with disabilities. Disability advocates supported the measure as a needed civil-rights update, while business groups warned it could increase liability and create unclear compliance obligations. The bill passed 9-0 and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2721 by Assemblymember Carrillo would require hotels to post notice when they know or should know that U.S. Customs and Border Protection or ICE are using the premises, with supporters saying workers and guests deserve transparency and safety. Hotel and business groups opposed it, citing privacy, liability, and concerns about interfering with federal operations. The committee voted 6-2 to pass the bill to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2027 by Assemblymember Ward would restrict employers from using worker data to train AI systems that replace workers and limit sharing of worker data for automation; labor groups supported it and business and public-sector groups opposed it as too broad. The bill passed 7-2 to Appropriations, with the roll left open. The committee also heard AB 1837 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, which would extend and tighten privacy rules for transit agencies’ use of forward-facing cameras to enforce bus-lane violations; supporters said the cameras improve transit flow and safety, and the bill was presented with amendments, though no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in a way it pairs together two somewhat related topics of social media and artificial intelligence
• In this situation, it's for social media.
• In this situation, it's for social media.
• In this situation, it's for social media.
• In this situation, it's for social media.

Bills: HF4598 , HF4884 , HF3732

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

Keywords: workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, correctional officer, security counselor, public safety dispatcher, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability

Transcript Highlights:

• And he has said, quote, "We're going to come after people in the media.
• Patel posted on social media. Quote: "January 6th, never an insurrection.
• Go after the free media. I can't go after the media for other people. That's a decision they have.
• media platform Truth Social.
• "...media and technology group. Yes, Senator, as I've stated to you in writing.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• and have persisted in in bringing back up in the media over a two-year period.
• </c><00:23:45.200><c> in</c> irresponsibility of Lexington media in irresponsibility of Lexington media
• </c> feeding false statements to the media feeding false statements to the media and<00:24:54.240><c>
• media over a two-year<00:25:18.480><c> period.
• </c><00:51:16.000><c> and</c> looking at the Lexington media and looking at the Lexington media and things

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Continuing on with that media impact, you may or may not realize that media is one of the best ways that
• </c> have a 980 increase in our social media have a 980 increase in our social media engagement<01:18
• </c><01:19:27.440><c> impact</c> um continuing on with that media impact um continuing on with that media
• </c> uh you may or may not realize that media uh you may or may not realize that media is<01:19:31.000
• </c> billion positive National media billion positive National media Impressions<01:19:40.560><c> we<

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

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2038 imposes an additional business and occupation tax on businesses operating a social media
• By way of background, businesses operating a social media platform report most of their advertising income
• you, beginning January 1, 2027, an additional B&O tax is imposed on any business operating a social media
• There's all kinds of public record indications, absolutely, that the social media companies know their
• This time, it's a new tax on social media companies, sold as a solution to youth mental health.

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor presentations, and public testimony on several finance bills. HB 2038 would impose an additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms beginning in 2027 and create a youth behavioral health account funded by the tax. The sponsor argued the bill would help address youth mental health harms linked to social media and support implementation of the Washington Thriving plan. Supporters in testimony, including youth advocates and some public health voices, said social media contributes to youth anxiety and addiction and that the revenue should be used for behavioral health services. Opponents, including technology and business groups, argued the tax unfairly singles out one sector, could be passed on to consumers, and may violate federal internet tax law. The hearing on HB 2038 was suspended and later reopened for public testimony; no vote was taken. HB 2297 would create tax incentives for grocery stores in underserved communities, including local B&O preferences, a sales tax exemption for security services, a 30-year property tax exemption program, a B&O tax credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to preserve and attract grocery stores in food deserts, especially after recent store closures, and to help communities with limited transportation and access to healthy food. County representatives supported the goal but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption and its effect on local revenues. Public testimony was largely supportive, with advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents describing grocery stores as essential community infrastructure. No action was taken. HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco product taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to a time-sensitive emergency system, tobacco enforcement, and the foundational public health services account. The sponsor said the bill would generate needed revenue, support cancer research funding, and strengthen public health and enforcement. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce use and help cover long-term health costs, while some public health witnesses supported the revenue but suggested directing more funds to existing tobacco prevention accounts. Opponents from retail and industry groups argued the proposal is regressive, could increase illicit sales and cross-border purchasing, and would hurt small businesses and low-income consumers. The committee also heard HB 2487, a Department of Revenue request bill that would narrow the B&O exemption for insurers to clarify that it applies only to premium income subject to insurance premium tax, and apply the change retroactively to 2019. The sponsor and supporters said the bill closes a loophole created by a recent Supreme Court ruling and preserves tax equity, while insurers and business groups objected to the retroactive application, warning of higher premiums and unfair taxation. Finally, HB 2018 would increase the solid waste tax by 0.5% per year for five years and direct the new revenue to a local government solid waste assistance account for county and city waste management plans. County officials supported the bill as a way to stabilize funding for solid waste systems, and testimony emphasized rising disposal and infrastructure costs. No votes were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It raises real concerns about social media companies and what has happened with our teenagers.
• It raises real concerns about social media companies and what has happened with our teenagers.
• It raises real concerns about social media companies and what has happened with our teenagers.
• It raises real concerns about social media companies and what has happened with our teenagers.
• It raises real concerns about social media companies and what has happened with our teenagers.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A (Part 2) - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 4:15 P.M., 925, all