Video & Transcript Research : 'Commerce'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/15/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Off this floor in the commerce omnibus.
  • I very much was proud that this was part of the commerce omnibus bill.
  • I very much was proud that this was part of the commerce omnibus bill.
  • I very much was proud that this was part of the commerce omnibus bill.
  • I very much was proud that this was part of the commerce omnibus bill.
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (04/23/2026)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:23:36.760> and Majority of Committee on Commerce and Majority of Committee on Commerce
  • Uh, our position with the Senate Commerce or the House Commerce Committee amendment is to also stop scams
  • Our position with the Senate Commerce or the House Commerce Committee amendment is to also stop scams
  • And And the Commerce you to do this?"
  • That's what we're trying to do with the Commerce amendment.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives May 27th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, members, I'd like to discharge SCR 68 from Commerce and pass it to a third and final reading
  • Clerk, was final adoption of the Commerce Committee report?
  • Members, these are amendments that were added in Senate Commerce.
  • Members, these are amendments that were added in Senate Commerce.
  • I move to discharge H.R. 286 from the Committee on Commerce to the floor. Daryl's over there.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee has been referred House Bill 250 and has had
  • Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee has been referred Senate Judiciary Committee
  • Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee has been referred Senate Bill 48 and has had
  • This bill has been endorsed by the Home Builders Association, by the Chamber of Commerce, by the New
  • This bill has been endorsed by the Home Builders Association, by the Chamber of Commerce, by the New
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM-EDU, WAM, WAM-GVO, WAM Public Hearings 03-28-2025

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • The League of Women Voters, Democratic Party, Chamber of Commerce, AFL-CIO, Grassroots Institute, Hawaii
  • I know Chamber of Commerce for Maui.
  • 00:33:20.880> of Progressive action I know Chamber of Progressive action I know Chamber of Commerce
  • <00:33:21.519> for Commerce for Commerce for Maui<00:33:23.799> okay<00:33:24.679> um
  • Chamber of Commerce, Richard Mlen? Next item: House Bill 1439. Auditor, LRB, Ethics Commission.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 422, relating to school impact fees. The Education Committee recommended passage with amendments, and Ways and Means concurred. The amendments would repeal the construction fee component of the school impact fee while retaining the land impact fee and in-lieu fee requirements, remove related statutory language, exempt certain developments from school impact fees, raise the unit threshold for satisfying the land component to 100 units, require the School Facilities Authority to adopt rules and policies, and require a report to the Legislature on the effect of repealing the construction portion of the fee. The measure was also given a sunset date of June 30, 2029, with the committee report to note that the changes are intended to test the efficiency and efficacy of the fee structure and could be made permanent if the report supports that outcome. The committees adopted the recommendation, with one senator initially voting no and then changing to yes after the amendments were explained. The meeting also included a separate hearing on House Bill 1155, concerning procurement for Department of Transportation projects and construction manager/general contractor procurement. DOT testified that it supported the concept but wanted to narrow the bill, saying the current language was too broad and that the goal was to allow more innovative procurement while preserving selection safeguards. The State Procurement Office said it supported the bill’s language but was willing to work with DOT on alternative wording. Several construction-related organizations, including subcontractors, iron workers, elevator constructors, and building trades representatives, opposed the bill, arguing that exemptions from the procurement code would weaken protections such as retainage, equality, and prompt payment and could invite favoritism or corruption. In response to those concerns, the chair proposed amendments limiting the exemption to DOT, narrowing the qualifying contracts, adding a two-year sunset, requiring a report after the first year, and clarifying that project management could not be procured under the section. The amended recommendation passed, though several members voted with reservations. A separate item, House Bill 476, was briefly called up at the end of the agenda, with a recommendation to pass with amendments to increase a rate from 7.25% to 8%, but discussion was not completed in the portion of the transcript provided.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Roy, are you available, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce?
  • and privilege of serving as the President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
  • Roy Nassimento, President and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/15/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Madam Chair, your Committee on Commerce has consideration of Senate Bill 1421 and respectfully recommends
  • Madam Chair, your Committee on Commerce has consideration of Senate Bill 1649 and respectfully recommends
  • Madam Chair, your Committee on Commerce has consideration of Senate Bill 1649 and respectfully recommends
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of guests, including Maricopa Community Colleges representatives, Club America students, and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jane Lyons. A proclamation honoring Maryvale High School’s Mariachi Las Panthers de Oro was read and adopted, with Representative Abaitia praising the program’s cultural and educational impact. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole for calendar consideration. In Committee of the Whole, several Senate bills received do-pass recommendations, including SB 1011, SB 1170, SB 1400 as amended, SB 1456 as amended, SB 1476, SB 1511 as amended, and SB 1805 as amended; SB 1519 was retained on the calendar. Members debated multiple measures, especially SB 1476 on prenatal child abuse penalties and SB 1511 on CDL licensing and immigration status, with opponents warning about impacts on mothers, the trucking industry, and law enforcement. SB 1400, SB 1456, SB 1511, and SB 1805 all had amendments adopted before favorable recommendations were reported. The House then took up third reading and passed SB 1121, SB 1137, SB 1206, SB 1477, and SB 1786 by recorded vote. In a second Committee of the Whole on calendar number two, the House gave do-pass recommendations to SB 1043, SB 1095, SB 1316, SB 1421, SB 1649, and SB 1711, with SB 1095 drawing the most extensive debate over gender-affirming care for minors and SB 1421 and SB 1711 also prompting sharp disagreement. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, bills were assigned for third reading or engrossing as appropriate, and the House adjourned until April 16, 2026.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/14/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, the Committee on Commerce is under consideration of SB 1431 and respectfully recommends the
  • The Committee on Commerce is under consideration of SB 1431 and respectfully recommends the bill do pass
  • Chairman, your Committee on Commerce has under consideration Senate Bill 1566 and respectfully recommends
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized Dr. Corinna Saldana as Doctor of the Day. Members also offered several points of personal privilege, including introductions of guests and a proclamation congratulating Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial anniversary. The chamber briefly highlighted the House softball championship trophy and discussed the upcoming charity softball game. The House then took up a series of Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. Bills receiving due pass recommendations included SB 1038, SB 1042, SB 1133, SB 1327, SB 1431, and SB 1447. SB 1429 and SB 1566 were amended before receiving due pass recommendations, and SB 1167, SB 1214, SB 1315, SB 1635, and SB 1763 were also amended and recommended for passage. SB 1501 was retained on the calendar. Debate on several measures focused on foreign funding and university research (SB 1327), local initiative disclosure requirements (SB 1429), school-law enforcement interoperability systems (SB 1315), and a public-safety/immigration-related bill (SB 1635), with opponents raising constitutional and policy concerns while supporters emphasized transparency and safety. After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the House moved several bills to engrossing or third reading. On third reading, SB 1067, SB 1160, SB 1235, SB 1620, and SB 1668 all passed the House, with SB 1160 drawing a floor explanation of vote over First Amendment concerns and SB 1620 drawing concern about reimbursement language. SB 1235 and SB 1668 passed with broad support, and the House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Volk will temporarily replace Representative Connolly on the Committee on Commerce for
  • SB 1511, Commerce; Judiciary. SB 1523, Judiciary. SB 1584, Appropriations; Law Enforcement.
  • SB 1747, Commerce. SB 1776, Juvenile Services and Appropriations.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members then made numerous introductions of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries and a proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day, AFSCME and CWA members, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. The chamber also announced committee substitutions and received Senate messages and committee reports. On business from the desk, the House voted to request the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration. The House then moved through first and second readings of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions, placing them on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2750 and HB 2999 were each amended and recommended do pass; both were reported back and ordered engrossed for further action. On third reading, the House rejected reconsideration of HB 2197, which dealt with water access and camping near water sources, after debate over criminal penalties and conservation concerns. The House then passed HB 2429 on vacation rentals and short-term rentals, HB 2950 creating special districts and tourism improvement areas, and HB 4001 concerning nicotine products and youth access, each after floor debate and recorded votes. The chamber also adopted a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona, made committee and caucus announcements, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
VA

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 3

Virginia House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • good-faith defense for the award of liquidated damages, via technical edits from DOL and the Secretary of Commerce
  • It relates to regulation of gaming, commerce, and development in the Commonwealth.
  • Commerce report is available to the public.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Jan 26th, 2026 at 08:35 am

House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • To ensure that the state gets its money, so the Chamber of Commerce urges your support. Thank you."
  • To ensure that the state gets its money, so the Chamber of Commerce urges your support. Thank you."
  • I'm the Vice President for Government Affairs with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, in strong support
Keywords: 996, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Insurance Committee Apr 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and members, Stephanie Roberson, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, also opposed unless amended
  • Stephanie Roberson representing the Chamber of Commerce, also in opposition. Thank you.
  • Stephanie Roberson representing the Chamber of Commerce, also in opposition. Thank you.
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Insurance met as a subcommittee and heard several bills related to workers’ compensation, insurance access, climate resilience, and farmworker protections. AB 815 would prevent social service workers who use personal vehicles to transport clients from being misclassified as commercial or for-hire drivers under personal auto policies; supporters said the current practice leads to unaffordable premiums and denied claims, while no opposition testified. AB 1329 would revise the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund to reduce litigation and medical-legal costs and lower employer assessments; insurers and business groups opposed unless amended, citing concerns about eligibility standards and the QME process, but the bill advanced after amendments were discussed. AB 1048 would allow disputed unauthorized payment reductions for medical providers to be reviewed through independent bill review; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, while opposition argued IBR is the wrong forum and existing contract dispute processes should control, though the bill also passed. AB 1236 would create a Department of Insurance grant program for climate and sustainability risk-reduction projects, with broad support from the department, environmental groups, and insurers, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard AB 1336, the Farmworker Heat Illness Prevention Act, which would create a rebuttable presumption that a heat-related injury arose out of employment when an agricultural employer fails to comply with heat illness prevention standards. Supporters, including United Farm Workers, argued the bill would help protect farmworkers amid extreme heat and enforcement gaps; opponents from the workers’ compensation and agricultural sectors said the measure improperly uses the compensation system to enforce OSHA rules and could create unclear adjudication and delay issues. Members discussed Cal/OSHA enforcement limits, undocumented workers’ reluctance to report violations, and the relationship between the bill and existing workers’ compensation procedures. Despite opposition, AB 1336 passed on a divided vote. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 1125, AB 1293, and AB 1398, which were approved together. Roll calls were held open and later completed, and the bills that advanced were sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after final votes were recorded.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Apr 8th, 2025

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Brett Stauer, President of the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.
  • Concurrent Resolution 50 recognizes our longstanding tradition that blends our history, culture, and commerce
  • along with the support of County Judge Daryl Melton and Rebecca Fels of the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 31, 2025 - 01:30 PM

Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It also requires that the Department of Commerce make sure the individual is who they say they are, verify
  • they cannot make an interview, and removes email address from the requirement of the Department of Commerce
  • Thank you, Chair, Vice Chair, Ranking Member, and Commerce Committee.
Summary: The committee took up eight bills and memorials and reported each favorably. It first passed HM 4063, a memorial urging Congress to lay the groundwork for a federal sovereign wealth fund. Sponsor Rep. Anderson described it as a long-term economic security measure, while several members questioned how such a fund would be structured, governed, and balanced against paying down debt. Ranking member Hunschofsky and Rep. Spencer raised concerns about transparency, market disruption, and the lack of specific parameters. The memorial passed on a recorded vote. The committee then approved CS/HB 139, allowing pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, with SMG testifying in support as a modernization and pro-business change. It also adopted an amendment and passed HB 1157, which tightens reemployment assistance requirements by adding work-search, interview, identity, immigration, and availability checks; the amendment added protection for missed interviews due to emergencies and removed an email reporting requirement. The Florida AFL-CIO and Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy opposed the bill, arguing Florida’s unemployment system is already overly restrictive and that the proposal would further limit access to benefits, while supporters said it would ensure claimants are actively seeking work and verify eligibility. Members also passed CS/HB 497 to create nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans for farmers and ranchers, with support from Americans for Prosperity, the Florida Hospital Association, and the Farm Bureau; CS/HB 729 to authorize veterinary professional associates to perform limited duties under veterinarian supervision, with testimony from veterinarians and advocates citing access and workforce shortages; and HB 311, a right-to-repair bill for motorized wheelchairs, which drew strong support from disability advocates who described long repair delays, high costs, and the impact on independence and health. Rep. Tramont praised the wheelchair repair bill during debate, and the committee voted it favorably. Finally, the committee passed CS/HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill intended to help regulate financial institutions more efficiently, and CS/HB 715, which allows licensed roofing contractors to perform roof-to-wall connections during reroof or repair projects and extends the emergency cancellation window to 180 days after a declared emergency. HB 715 was amended to require a contract notice advising property owners to verify insurance coverage before signing when the work is tied to an insurance claim. Roofing industry groups and home inspection representatives supported the measure as a way to reduce costs and improve wind mitigation. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced the agenda was complete and the committee rose.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Feb 18th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Kauffman Chamber of Commerce has been pivotal in economic development, turning Kauffman into a commerce
  • Senate Committee on Business Commerce will reconvene. at 1 p.m. upon an e 1 p.m. 0.012 952 Chair recognizes
Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 05/14/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • this in the commerce committee. So would this in the commerce committee.
  • <02:11:53.679> and<02:11:54.000> the department of commerce and the department of commerce
  • I would uh of the commerce department.
  • uh create a cost within the commerce uh create a cost within the commerce budget<03:24:59.200>
  • And so I the commerce uh spreadsheet.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • by President Trump to cease the production of the United States penny and to phase out its use in commerce
  • discussion about the wisdom of taking the action and the impact on the economy, local government, commerce
Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance and development. SB 1005 would authorize local agencies to adopt a five-cent rounding system for cash transactions if penny shortages make exact change impractical, with the author and supporters from county treasurers, cities, special districts, and local government associations arguing it would provide legal clarity and reduce costs. SB 1036 would require local jurisdictions to give credit for prior site uses when calculating mitigation fees on redevelopment or adaptive reuse projects, with supporters from SPUR, Realtors, AARP, the building industry, and housing-related groups saying it would prevent duplicative fees and better align charges with new impacts only.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives May 26th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • is a friendly amendment, and it just removes an amendment that was placed in House Committee on Commerce
  • Are you aware that there was only one objection or one nay to this bill in the Committee of Commerce?
  • If I hadn't been in commerce and heard this when presented, I probably wouldn't have been aware of it
  • Do you recall who presented the bill in commerce? Excuse me? Who presented?
  • Do you recall who presented the bill in commerce? Excuse me? Who presented the bill?
Bills: HR320, HR321, SCR55, SCR69, SCR75, SCR77, SCR78, SCR79, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, HR245, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB378, HB509, HB1090, HB1259, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, SB149, HR168, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Business and Commerce Apr 1st, 2026

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce will come to order.
  • Business and commerce have a huge impact on the state of Texas in the future.
  • This is the Business and Commerce Committee's first interim hearing.
  • We've heard that very loudly from the Department of Commerce.
  • And it's lieutenant governor, just so you No closed door hearings are being done by the Senate Commerce
Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 03/26/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • President, Senate Commerce Committee will meet as soon as feasible after this adjournment.
  • Please get the lunch and get as fast as you can to G15 for Commerce.
  • President, Senate<01:05:54.720> Commerce<01:05:55.160> Committee<01:05:55.520> will<
  • /c><01:05:56.000> uh Senate Commerce Committee will uh Senate Commerce Committee will uh meet<
  • as fast as you can to G15 for Commerce. as fast as you can to G15 for Commerce.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all