Video & Transcript : 'targeted advertising' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to present SB 1050, the Advertisement Integrity Act, on behalf of Senator Ashby.
- Our concerns are about ensuring the bill is targeted, workable, and aligned with existing law.
- , we see advertisements all the time.
- The bill doesn't—we're not trying to outlaw AI advertisements.
- But people are put in impossible positions when they are targeted.
Summary:
The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard a long agenda focused largely on AI-related consumer protection, child safety, and privacy bills. Members first adopted the consent calendar, then took up SB 1050, which would require disclosures when advertisements use AI-generated or synthetic performers. Supporters, including SAG-AFTRA, Common Sense Media, and labor groups, said consumers should know when an ad depicts a non-human performer and that the bill protects both consumers and workers. Opponents from TechNet, the Motion Picture Association, broadcasters, and business groups argued the bill was too broad, lacked a deception standard, could burden accessibility uses and short audio ads, and created litigation risk. The committee voted the bill out on a party-line-leaning roll, with several members noting concerns but supporting continued work on the measure.
The committee also approved SB 1111, which creates liability and remedies for non-consensual digital replicas using a person’s voice or likeness, and SB 1146, which targets deceptive AI-generated health advertisements that depict synthetic health care providers. Both measures drew support from consumer, labor, medical, and child-safety advocates and faced no formal opposition. Members emphasized the need to prevent deepfake abuse, especially in health-related ads where consumers could be misled into trusting fake doctors or medical endorsements.
Several child- and privacy-focused bills were also heard and advanced. SB 867 would place a four-year moratorium on AI chatbot-powered toys for children, with supporters warning about harmful content, addictive design, and privacy risks; some opposition raised definitional concerns and asked for clearer standards. SB 1247 would give child influencers the right to delete monetized content posted during their minority, and it moved forward without opposition. SB 1000 updated California’s AI Transparency Act to align content provenance rules with newer technology and international standards, with support from Google and Adobe and no opposition. Finally, SB 957 would require social media companies to notify users when the federal government seeks their data through administrative subpoenas, give users time to challenge the request, and report disclosures; supporters framed it as a First Amendment and due process protection, while one member opposed it as an overreach against federal law enforcement. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, with several rolls left open for absent members.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, members, I see Senator Graal, so we will pick up tab 1, SB 408, advertisement of a harmful
- It defines the term advertise.
- It does not say that you can't advertise.
- , which does not always require truth in advertising.
- , which does not always require truth in advertising.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably.
The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well.
Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/13/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> prohibitions on popup advertising prohibitions on popup advertising prohibitions<00:03:42.200><c
- on Advertising at schools prohibitions on Advertising at schools and<00:03:43.599><c> college</c><00
- Billboards everywhere else, there's advertising, advertising, advertising, which entices people to see
- <01:32:35.560><c> advertising</c><01:32:36.239><c> advertising</c> advertising advertising advertising
- advertising advertising advertising which<01:32:37.000><c> entices</c><01:32:37.639><c> people</c><01
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> advertising that's attractive to kids. advertising that's attractive to kids.
- </c> even if they weren't targeting. Okay. even if they weren't targeting. Okay.
- <01:21:21.840><c> to</c> targeted to targeted to minors<01:21:23.920><c> for</c><01:21:24.080><c> advertising
- or display is some type of advertising or display is targeted<01:21:57.200><c> towards</c><01:21:57.760
- children to be targeted."
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House committee considers bill to tax social media platforms, HF3117 4/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- newsletter signups, and advertising tools.
- </c> newsletter signups, and advertising newsletter signups, and advertising tools.<00:10:57.760><c>
- Advertising is one of the most data.
- Taxing advertising stay competitive.
- </c><00:17:29.120><c> internet-based</c> particularly by targeting internet-based particularly by targeting
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill.
Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services.
Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Joint Legislative Audit and Assembly Business and Professions Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- We have seen the most egregious marketing and advertising in the illicit market.
- So I think we see the vast majority of, again, marketing and advertising...
- We have seen the most egregious marketing and advertising in the illicit market.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products attractive to children are being kept out of the legal market. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on licensees to self-police because there is no upfront review before products reach the market. The audit cited examples involving cartoon-like images, bright colors, flavor references, candy-like imagery, strain names, and beverage packaging, and recommended clearer statutory standards, possible pre-approval of packaging, better enforcement tools, and stronger tracking of repeat violators.
Assemblymembers and senators largely agreed that child safety is the priority, but differed on the best policy response. Some members argued for clearer legislative limits and even plain packaging, saying products like root beer, cherry pie, and cereal-like designs are plainly appealing to children. Department officials said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized label-review team, a rubric, improved databases, and more attention to repeat violations, while also emphasizing that the illicit and intoxicating hemp markets are major sources of youth exposure and that resource constraints limit inspections. They said they are open to working with the Legislature on more specific standards and additional funding.
Public witnesses split between public health and industry perspectives. A pediatrician and public health advocate urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, limits on flavors and potency, and a pre-market review system, arguing that vague rules have failed children. Industry representatives said they support youth protections but want bright-line, objective standards so compliant businesses can know what is allowed; they argued that most youth-targeted packaging is in the illicit market and that the legal market needs clearer rules rather than broader bans. No formal vote or committee action was taken during the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Meta's foreign relations and representations to the United States Congress. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- One document you provided to us shows that Facebook's advertising division was developing tools to target
- This book was targeting 13 to 17 year olds.
- One of the things about advertisers...
- Advertising is Advertisers understand that when people don't feel good about themselves It's often a
- We could sell this to advertisers.
Keywords:
Meta, Facebook, whistleblower, regulation, China, user data, artificial intelligence, testimony, Congress
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism focused on oversight of Meta's foreign relations and representations to Congress. An essential witness, Sarah Wynne-Williams, a former executive at Facebook, provided testimony outlining significant concerns about the company's practices and its complicity in aiding oppressive regimes. The atmosphere was charged, with ongoing debates about the regulation of big tech companies and the ethical implications of their policies. The committee explored topics such as user data management, whistleblower retaliation, and the need for legislative measures to protect users and enhance accountability in the tech sector. A notable point of contention was Facebook's alleged cooperation with the Chinese government regarding the dissemination of user data and AI tools, leading to serious ethical implications.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Joint Legislative Audit and Assembly Business and Professions Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- We have seen the most egregious marketing and advertising in the illicit market.
- So I think we see the vast majority of, again, marketing and advertising...
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on whether products are attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague, enforcement is inconsistent, and licensees are left to interpret standards without prior review. In a review of 80 packaging cases, the audit team disagreed with the department’s conclusions in 13 instances, and the report highlighted examples involving cartoon imagery, colorful fonts, candy-like references, flavor names, and cannabis beverages that resembled ordinary drinks. The auditor recommended clearer statutory definitions, possible consideration of plain packaging or pre-approval models like Oregon’s, better internal guidance, and stronger tracking and escalation for repeat violators.
Committee members and Assembly Member Irwin emphasized the rise in poison control calls involving children under five since legalization and argued that legal-market packaging can contribute to accidental ingestion, especially when products resemble candy or drinks. Several members pressed the department on why items such as root beer, strawberry lemonade, and cherry pie strain names should be allowed if they may appeal to children. The Department of Cannabis Control responded that it has already centralized label review, added staff and technology tools, improved compliance-history tracking, and is using progressive discipline tools such as notices to comply, citations, embargoes, abatements, and license actions. The department also argued that the illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp markets are major drivers of youth exposure and that enforcement resources must be balanced across those markets.
Public health witness Dr. Lynn Silver urged stronger restrictions, including plain packaging, bans on added flavors and child-appealing imagery, lower THC limits for edibles and beverages, and a dedicated pre-market review process. Industry representatives from the California Cannabis Industry Association and the California Cannabis Operators Association agreed that youth protections are essential, but argued that clearer, objective standards are needed so compliant businesses can know the rules and enforcement can be consistent. They said most licensed products are already compliant, that the most blatant youth-targeted packaging is concentrated in the illicit market, and that the Legislature should refine definitions and guidance rather than rely on subjective case-by-case judgments. No formal vote or bill action was taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, a do, not just buying advertising.
- From a marketing and advertising here.
- </c> commissions a study on our advertising commissions a study on our advertising effectiveness<00:13
- </c> ads. estimate the impact of advertising ads. estimate the impact of advertising awareness<00:13:
- </c> couple of years ago was we targeted couple of years ago was we targeted military<00:33:16.720><c
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% Tourism Meeting and Convention Marketing Fund. Officials said Kentucky tourism is a $14.3 billion industry that welcomed more than 80 million travelers last year, supports nearly 97,000 jobs, and uses the fund solely for tourism marketing and promotion, not capital projects. They noted the fund received additional appropriations in the enacted budget and also supports several designated tourism-related initiatives.
Commissioner Mike Manet described how the fund is used for paid media, public relations, international marketing, cultural heritage promotion, website content, regional matching grants, research, trade shows, and travel expenses. He said the department spent $10.8 million on paid media in 23 markets in 2024, focused on seven tourism pillars, and used research and advertising ROI studies to guide spending. He reported 180 PR placements, 3.2 billion earned impressions, 3% growth in international visitation, and 12% growth in international spending to $257 million. He also highlighted the African-American Heritage Trail and said the regional matching funds program distributed $2 million to 87 local tourism commissions.
Members asked about the rise of AI in search results, how domestic and international visitor data are collected, how ad agencies are selected, and how regional matching funds are allocated. The commissioner said the department uses GPS-based and federal data, including National Travel and Tourism Office figures, and that ad agencies are chosen through an RFP process. Representative McDaniel raised concerns about bourbon tourism and Canadian visitation; the commissioner said Canadian travel is down significantly, bourbon-related visitation has softened, and the department is shifting more spending toward in-state and closer drive markets while emphasizing bourbon’s heritage story. Representative Fugate asked about eastern Kentucky tourism and ATV trails, and the commissioner said those trails are included in advertising, social media, and earned media efforts. No votes or formal actions were taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Social media advertising is a unique service.
- This tax on digital advertising, not on all advertising, is targeted only to social media companies.
- It's not all advertising.
- But the threshold for targeting an end...
- The claim is that clearly we know who you are if we can target ads, but the threshold for targeting an
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee.
The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And it’s a very targeted situation.
- </c><00:41:54.800><c> This</c><00:41:55.040><c> targeted</c> very targeted situation.
- This targeted very targeted situation.
- ft</c> off- premise advertising within 660 ft off- premise advertising within 660 ft of<01:25:28.800>
- </c> advertising that seems out of character. advertising that seems out of character.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- And so it's about not only truth in advertising...
- It's just about truth in advertising.
- So what is it exactly you're hoping to target?
- So what is it exactly you're hoping to target? No. So what is it exactly you're hoping to target?
- It ensures that decisions about outdoor advertising...
Committee:
House Governmental Organization
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> advertising expenses. advertising expenses.
- I'm wondering, does an advertiser get to advertise get a whatever the benefit is on just advertising
- I'm wondering, does an advertiser get to advertise get a whatever the benefit is on just advertising
- I'm wondering, does an advertiser get to advertise a whatever the benefit is on just advertising on the
- </c> are we advertising? are we advertising?
Committee:
House Ways and Means
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- Of cartoon advertising on substances that were harmful for children.
- Our answer is that truthful advertising doesn't cost more.
- So this is the kind of advertising that definitely needs to be addressed.
- But FDA is starting to get serious, particularly about advertising.
- We don't think that people should be misbranding or false advertising.
Committee:
House Business and Professions
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Joint Legislative Audit and Assembly Business and Professions Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This product advertises fruity crispy rice bars and depicts colorful images of rice cereal.
- The department is committed to working with the Legislature on thoughtful, targeted solutions.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- We have seen the most egregious marketing and advertising in the illicit market.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 52 Jun 4th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, members, I see Senator Grall, so we will pick up tab 1, SB 408, advertisement of a harmful
- It defines the term 'advertise.'
- This is tied not to product defect or misconduct, but simply to advertising.
- It does not say that you can't advertise.
- , which does not always require truth in advertising.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Keywords:
vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, members, I see Senator Graal, so we will pick up tab 1, SB 408, advertisement of a harmful
- It defines the term advertise.
- This bill also raises First Amendment concerns by punishing truthful, non-misleading advertising for
- It does not say that you can't advertise.
- , which does not always require truth in advertising.
Committee:
Senate Regulated Industries
Keywords:
vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably.
The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Joint Legislative Audit and Assembly Business and Professions Committee Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This product advertises fruity crispy rice bars and depicts colorful images of rice cereal.
- The department is committed to working with the Legislature on thoughtful, targeted solutions.
- The vast majority of the package is not advertising at all.
- We have seen the most egregious marketing and advertising in the illicit market.
- vast majority of, again, marketing and advertising in that illicit market.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems.
Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity.
Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our answer is that truthful advertising doesn't cost more.
- Our answer is truth of advertising doesn't cost more.
- So this is the kind of advertising that definitely needs to be addressed.
- But FDA is starting to get serious, particularly about advertising.
- We don't think that people should be misbranding or false advertising.
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several cannabis-related measures drawing the most testimony. AB 1598 would extend and standardize licensing timelines for behavioral health professionals, AB 1850 would clarify that real estate wholesalers are subject to licensure and disclosure rules, AB 1794 would allow enteral formula to be shipped directly to patients’ homes, and AB 2402 would update an old cap on fees for multi-service health club studios. The committee also heard AB 1990 on compounded GLP-1 drugs, AB 2249 on cannabis packaging attractive to children, AB 2532 on cannabis beverage serving sizes, AB 2537 on prioritizing cannabis enforcement, and AB 1826 on due process protections for cannabis businesses facing embargoes or recalls.
Testimony was generally split between public health or consumer-protection advocates and industry representatives. Supporters of the cannabis bills argued for clearer rules, better consumer safety, and more predictable enforcement, while opponents warned that some proposals could overreach, burden compliant businesses, or restrict legitimate branding and access. On AB 1990, supporters said compounded GLP-1 products need stronger testing and truthful advertising, while pharmacists and compounding advocates said existing law already covers much of the conduct and that the bill could create access problems. On AB 2249 and AB 2532, public health witnesses emphasized risks to children and accidental overconsumption, while industry groups sought narrower language and more implementation time.
The committee took several roll-call votes after quorum was established. AB 2249, AB 1826, AB 2402, AB 1794, and AB 2532 were all approved and sent to Appropriations, and AB 1826 was sent to Judiciary. The chair and members repeatedly noted accepted committee amendments and, in several cases, said they were prepared to support the bills with those amendments. Some measures were left open or held pending further action as the hearing continued.