Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear from Rodney Scott, who is nominated to serve as Commissioner of the U.S.
• Today's hearing is to determine whether Rodney Scott possesses that experience along with the strength
• Scott supervised.
• Scott. I'll begin.
• Scott, thanks.

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the committee meets to consider two critical nominations, Scott Cooper to be Director of the Office
• Scott Cooper has worked as an executive and an investor in the technology industry for nearly 30 years
• Scott, there was a massive data breach at OPM a decade ago.
• Scott, you've invested. Give me a second.
• Well, thank you, Scott. I look forward to confirming you. Thank you for doing this.

Keywords: nominations, Scott Cooper, Eric Ulan, federal workforce, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, accountability, collective bargaining

Summary: The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj_EUzPtEGw, 2026-07-02T01:22:35+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Rep. Scott K. Saiki, Co-Chair Mr. Peter Ho, Co-Chair, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for not allowing that number one.
• I recognize Senator Tim Scott, the bill sponsor to introduce the bill.
• I recognize Senator Scott. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Briefly respond to Senator Scott.
• Senator Scott. No by proxy.

Bills: SB163, SB558

Keywords: civil rights, higher education, discrimination, complaints, awareness campaign, antisemitism, education, Civil Rights Act, IHRA definition, federal enforcement, Jewish community, anti-discrimination laws, Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, Protecting Students on Campus Act, First Amendment, Senator Tim Scott, free speech, college campuses, legislation, Trump administration

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing two significant bills: S558, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S163, the Protecting Students on Campus Act. Senator Tim Scott introduced S558, emphasizing its importance in combatting anti-Jewish violence and harassment, and providing the Department of Education with necessary tools to investigate incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses. The bill sparked a vigorous debate among members who expressed concerns over potential implications for free speech, particularly regarding its definitions of anti-Semitism, and whether it would infringe upon First Amendment rights.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jMGz8X8Jb8, 2026-07-02T01:22:34+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS Rep. Scott K. Saiki, Co-Chair Mr. Peter Ho, Co-Chair, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhggD1Q5BXs, 2026-07-02T01:22:48+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, To open the working group created from HR10 (2023) which is to oversee the Department of Hawaiian Homeland's execution of funds appropriated and pursuant to Act 279, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. Chair Rep. Troy N. Hashimoto Members Rep. Daniel Holt Rep. Scott Y. Nisihimoto Rep. Mahina Poepoe Rep. David A. Tarnas Rep. Gene Ward, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvja9daCy9E, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEET START 00:00 ROLL CALL 00:13 DISCUSSION WITH THE EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET WORKER’S CLAIMS DIVISION, SHELBY LEWIS, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR, SCOTT WILHOIT, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPT. OF WORKER’S CLAIMS, AND DALE HAMLIN, ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL ON AN OVERVIEW OF WORKER’S CLAIMS, GENERAL STATISTICS, EMPLOYERS, BENEFITS DETERMINATIONS, FUNDING, AND 2023 APPROPRIATIONS 01:02 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 47:29, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8tQ_IM11lI, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, This video was aired on Olelo Channel 49 on April 9th, 2020. Footage courtesy of Olelo Community Media. Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 11:00 a.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Mr. Scott Murakami, Director 12:00 p.m. Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness Mr. Scott Morishige Behavioral Health Services Administration Mr. Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director Partners in Care Ms. Laura E. Thielen, Executive Director 1:00 p.m. Releasing of incarcerated persons Honorable Daniel Foley (Ret.), Special Master 2:00 p.m. Department of Public Safety Mr. Nolan Espinda, Director Please note that there may be committee members or invited speakers participating remotely via video or teleconference. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Friday, March 27, 2020 The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 49 on Oahu and will go out live for pick up by neighbor island public access channels. It will also be live-streamed via http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=13. No public testimony will be accepted. If you require special assistance, please call 586-6800 or email your request to waysandmeans@capitol.hawaii.gov. -End of Agenda-, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• County, which is evident by the support that we have from the cities of Scott County talking about how
• Next up we have Lisa Freeze, project manager for Scott County.
• <00:18:34.400> Please manager for Scott County. Please manager for Scott County.
• But the first thing is they really had a challenge when they tried to regionalize with Steele, Scott,
• But the first thing is they really had a challenge when they tried to regionalize with Steele, Scott,

Bills: HF3700, HF3982, HF3927, HF3933, HF3949, HF4238, HF4275, HF4476, HF4504

Keywords: Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start out with Commissioner Brennan from Scott County. stakeholder process.
• out with Commissioner Brennan from Scott out with Commissioner Brennan from Scott County. >> Thank
• Scott County has transportation sales tax projects underway that our residents had voted for and are
• Scott County wants to be a real partner in coordinating transit and roadway investments.
• Scott County wants to be a real partner in coordinating transit and roadway investments.

Bills: HF3373, HF4449, HF3486, HF4180, HF4227, HF2505

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Summary: The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 3373, which was laid over. The bill sought trunk highway bond funding for preliminary and final design work at the 70th Street interchange in St. Paul Park. Representative Hansen, Mayor Keith Frankie, and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham described the interchange as undersized and increasingly unsafe because of refinery truck traffic, aggregate hauling, nearby growth, and changing traffic patterns. Members asked about prior study, cost, and greenhouse gas requirements, and the bill author said the request was about $500,000. Chair Cosgrove noted the bill would be laid over and suggested the issue could involve future statutory exemptions. The committee then took up House File 4449, also laid over, after adopting the A4 author’s amendment. Representative Jones presented the bill as a transit planning and accountability measure for the Twin Cities metro. It would set numeric transit goals, require better coordination between road projects and future transit projects, and give the Met Council more tools to support transit-oriented development, including property acquisition and development around transit corridors. Jones argued the bill would help avoid rebuilding roads twice and improve transit ridership, frequency, speed, and reliability. Representative Olson offered an amendment to exempt highway projects primarily addressing documented safety issues, arguing that safety projects should not be burdened by added transit requirements or costs. Jones said she supported the safety concern but opposed the amendment as written because the bill was aimed at major construction projects. After a roll call, the amendment failed on an 8-8 tie. The bill itself remained laid over for further work, with the chair noting there was still time to refine the proposal.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfxEkZHiWzs, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00:00 ROLL CALL 00:00:26 DISCUSSION WITH KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEMS, ACTING PRESIDENT, LARRY FERGUSON, VICE PRESIDENT OF WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JESSIE SCHOOK, AND OWENSBORO CTC PRESIDENT, SCOTT WILLIAMS ABOUT CAMPUS OVERVIEW, MISSION STATEMENT, COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS, TRANSFER EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING. TRYING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS WITH WORK BASED LEARNING AND APPRENTICESHIPS. BUDGET REQUEST FOR ASSET PRESERVATIONS THAT WERE SUBMITTED FOR THE 2022-2024 BUDGET. 00:01:16 DISCUSSION WITH MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY, PRESIDENT ROBERT JACKSON ON UPDATES FOR RANKINGS AND REPUTATION, RECRUITING AND RETENTION. INFORMATION ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, QUALITY ASSURANCE, NEW HEALTHCARE EDUCATION BUILDING, MAINTENANCE AND CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, BUDGET REQUEST FOR ASSET PREVENTION PROJECTS, THE NEW HEALTHCARE EDUCATION BUILDING, AND THE BREATHITT VETERINARY CLINIC. 00:39:24, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Rodney Holmes: All right, my name is Rodney Holmes. I'm the mayor for the city of Boyd.
• That's one of our Rodney Holmes: biggest issues.
• Rodney Holmes: And that's all I have to say on that.
• Scott Norman Jr.: Well, that could be the situation.
• Scott Norman Jr.: That's correct. I wouldn't think so.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's served 26 years along with Scott Wait. Scott, can you please stand? Thank you, Scott.
• So Scott has been the lead training officer and has served for 33 years.
• He's served 26 years along with Scott Wait. Scott, can you please stand? Thank you, Scott.
• We have Mayor Rodney Head.
• We have Mayor Rodney Head. representing District 2, Bullhead City.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened for the opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with prayer, presentation of colors, the pledge, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and welcomed members and guests. Senate leadership reflected on the chamber’s prior session, emphasizing member-driven budgeting, committee authority, tax cuts, and a conservative agenda under divided government. The Senate also heard an opening-day address from Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who argued Arizona could reduce poverty by aligning education and workforce training with projected job growth, including expanded degree, online, apprenticeship, and technical programs, along with AI skills and neighborhood investment in west Phoenix. The body then handled organizational business. Members adopted a motion to simplify reading of bills and memorials, appointed a committee to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized, and received the House’s reciprocal notice that it was ready for business. Senators also introduced numerous guests, including family members, local officials, law enforcement leaders, education advocates, tribal leaders, and community representatives. Several members used their introductions to highlight policy interests such as victim rights, water, housing, public safety, education, and support for historic neighborhoods and tribal communities. The Senate adopted an amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature as amended. It also approved committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The chamber requested House consent to adjourn from January 15 to January 20, 2026, after completing its work. A long list of bills was introduced and assigned to committees, covering topics such as health care, education, public safety, elections, housing, water, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and other regulatory matters. The Senate then announced committee schedules and adjourned until January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lFg9jQehW8, 2026-07-02T01:22:43+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Today's meeting is also being broadcast with closed captioning on ‘Olelo Community Media's channel 49 and on the online stream: http://olelo.granicus.com/player/event/5589?view_id=13 Just press the CC button when you hover your mouse over the video screen. Meeting of the Special Committee Senate State of Hawaii COVID-19 Monday, March 30, 2020 Agenda The special committee will convene to assess and advise the Senate regarding the State of Hawaii's COVID-19 plans and procedures to include, but not limited to: 1) Confirm the development of the state departmental plans and procedures; 2) Review and assess current state departmental plans and procedures; 3) Review and assess whether state departmental plans and procedures are properly and timely implemented to safeguard public health and safety; and 4) To communicate and disseminate information obtained therefrom. The special committee will be meeting with the following: 1:00 p.m. Office of the Governor Ms. Linda C. Takayama, Chief of Staff 1:30 p.m. Department of Budget and Finance Director Craig Hirai 2:00 p.m. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Scott Murakami 2:30 p.m. Department of Human Services Director Pankaj Bhanot, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Next speaker is Scott Leam.
• Good afternoon, I'm Scott Leam, president of the Alabama Bankers Association.
• Rodney Marshall. We're going to give you three minutes; you got 30 more seconds than the...
• My name is Rodney Marshall. I've been in practice in... Rodney Marshall.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have Debra Scott here, who will state her name, who she represents, and her position on the bill
• My name is Deborah Scott, and I'm a certified wildlife biologist representing myself as a manager of
• OK, I do have invited witnesses: Morgan Hodges, Rob Rodney Schronk, and Brian Attenborough.
• Rodney: My name is Rodney Schronk. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And the chair calls Rodney Holmes. Thank you for being here today.
• We show you registered as Rodney Holmes on behalf of the city of Boyd, and that you will be testifying
• My name is Rodney Holmes. I'm the mayor for the city of Boyd. the city of Boyd.
• Scott Norman, Jr. Thank you for being here today. We show you registered as M.
• Scott Norman. Mr. Thank you for the record, it shows you are Mr.

Bills: HB602, HB1322, HB1930, HB2225, HB2304, HB2494, HB3275, HB3810, HB3919

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have Deborah Scott here.
• My name is Deborah Scott, and I'm a certified wildlife biologist representing myself as a manager of
• Okay, I do have invited witnesses: Morgan Hodges, Rodney Schrock, and Brian Adamek.
• Rodney Schrock: My name is Rodney Schrock. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB 1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, thank you, Rodney. I appreciate that.
• Um, and as Rodney said, I spent close to 30 years uh in the combat arms branch of the military infantry
• Scott Edwards—located in Starkville, Mississippi. >> Okay. >> Uh, Nathan Hughes is located in Senatobia
• Scott Edwards what's Edwards first name?
• Edwards is on call for Chaplain Scott Edwards is on call for this<00:15:43.760> month.

Keywords: MS Save Our Service Members Task Force - Room 216, January 12, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting focused on veteran suicide and mental health challenges affecting Mississippi National Guard soldiers, with Colonel Chris Cookie describing recent losses in the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team. He said that in roughly 50 days, from late September to mid-December 2025, three soldiers died by suicide, and that the unit had seen 50 to 60 suicidal ideations over the past year. He emphasized that suicide is a threat he cannot “defeat” through military training alone, and that warning signs are often hard to detect compared with battlefield threats. Cookie identified the biggest gap as the period between drill weekends and annual training, when soldiers are back home and less connected to leadership. He said the unit does well when soldiers are together at drill or Camp Shelby, where behavioral health support is available, but struggles to reach them in between. He urged the state to create preventive and responsive support that leaders in traditional status could activate quickly, and he strongly supported expanded chaplain access because chaplains are trained in behavioral and mental health issues and may be easier for soldiers to approach without stigma. Committee members discussed possible solutions, including a statewide chaplain rotation or on-call system, community-based support networks, and a 24/7 hotline staffed by Mississippi veterans. They also discussed legislation to have the state cover TRICARE costs for Guardsmen and to use TANF funds for related support services. Members said a draft bill was being prepared for public review, with committee reporting deadlines approaching on February 3, and that they would circulate the bill once it received a number and was posted online. The meeting ended with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have Rodney Fong with us here today.
• Joining us today are Stephen Chung, president of the World Trade Center Los Angeles; Rodney Fong, CEO
• It's a great honor to be here, and great to see my good friend, Rodney Fong, who it's baked in his DNA
• Rodney Fong, who it's baked in his DNA, he'll always be part of the tourism industry and the iconic identity
• So I went to the Winfield Scott School, what is now the Chavez School on Shotwell.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.