Transcript Highlights:

• Without SBIR and STT... SBIR funding, many of these products may have never seen the light of day.
• Specifically, the Open Topic AFWERX SBIR program.
• And three, limits on SBIR awards.
• And it allows them to leverage. additional SBIR funding, up to $15 million with just SBIR funding, to
• SBIR grants can still pass as a small business.

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I met with you, you mentioned that SBIR awards Should be awarded on a merit basis.
• About half of SBIR grantees actually produce commercialized technology.
• SBIR awards lead to commercialized technology, but half don't.
• This would specifically authorize some of the pre-market scale-up costs through SBIR.
• The SBA plays a critical role in coordinating SBIR activities across the whole government.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the HSBR program matches companies that are awarded federal SBIR grants.
• federal SBIR federal SBIR uh uh uh grants.<00:48:05.520> So,<00:48:05.680> allows<
• <00:49:11.640> and Tron, I want to focus on SBIR and Tron, I want to focus on SBIR and manufacturing
• This is for SBIR 2 and 3, so this is for companies that have gotten SBIR level 1 and have extended beyond
• This is for SBIR 2 and 3, so this is for companies that have gotten SBIR level 1 and have extended beyond

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 2045 relating to combat sports and recommended passage with SD1. Members adopted requested changes from DCCA and the boxing commission, including clarifying that the onsite medical professional must be a licensed physician, specifying when a deputy combat sports commissioner must file a written report, removing the combat sports registry language and ambulance requirement, clarifying promoter payment requirements, and requiring advance coordination with the nearest emergency room or hospital. The bill also makes technical amendments and sets an effective date of July 1, 2050. The measure passed unanimously among members present, with Senators Fukunaga and Kim excused. The joint hearing then considered SB 2187 relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Testimony was brief and largely in support, and the committees agreed to pass the bill with SD1, making technical non-substantive amendments and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees voted to adopt the recommendation, with members present voting aye and some senators excused. A longer portion of the hearing focused on several economic development measures, including SB 2072 on tourism, SB 3049 on a trade-oriented production capacity grant program, and SB 3166 and SB 3167 involving technology development and the blue economy. SB 2072 drew questions about cost, benefit, and the practicality of promoting Michelin-star restaurants in Hawaii. SB 3049 received broad support from DBEDT, HTDC, chambers, and industry groups, but members questioned whether a new grant program was needed, why DBEDT could not do it without legislation, and whether the state should instead use existing entities like HTDC; the discussion also covered matching funds, likely beneficiaries, and administrative capacity. SB 3166 and SB 3167 were supported by technology and ocean-sector witnesses who said the state needs coordinated planning, specialized expertise, and support for advanced manufacturing and ocean innovation, but members raised concerns about relying on third-party consultants, duplication of existing public capacity, ethics, cost, and whether the work should instead be done by state staff or existing institutions. No final votes on the later bills were captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sankar mentioned that you understand the importance of SBIR.
• SBIR, and I'm going to talk about how we can actually reform SBIR while it's important.
• SBIR and expand on this work across the DoD innovative ecosystem.
• We talk about mobilizing America; this particular capability with SBIR is key.
• I think there are three important things that we need to do in the SBIR program.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two federal fund programs: the Small Business Innovation Research Program, called SBIR, and
• So, the federal SBIR and STTR programs are a lifeline for the state.
• The federal SBIR program features a competitive selection process with master-driven funding.
• By leveraging the rigor of the SBIR process, SB209 would deploy taxpayer funds into promising companies
• For the $4 billion in grants through the SBIR and STTR program, it's important for Texas to be able to

Bills: SB209, SB529, SB1265, SB1592, SB1728, SCR37, SCR38

Keywords: SB 529, Texas Tax Code, municipality, hotel and convention center, hotel convention center project, tourism development, economic development, tax revenue pledge, revenue commitment, qualified project, municipal finance, local government, special district, hotel occupancy tax, nearby establishments, convention center financing, city population 130000, Section 351.155, Section 351.157, child care

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:50:51.400> Uh grants other than the SBIR program.
• Uh grants other than the SBIR program.
• Uh<00:52:22.680> cuz<00:52:22.920> SBIR<00:52:23.360> awards<00:52:23.640> are
• <00:52:23.720> based<00:52:23.960> on<00:52:24.120> a Uh cuz SBIR awards are
• based on a Uh cuz SBIR awards are based on a project<00:52:25.040> level.

Bills: SB2580, SB2578, SB2259, SB3084, SB2816, SB2928, SB2075, SB3322, SB2377, SB2436, SB2835, SB3248

Keywords: SB2580, Hawaii film tax credit, motion picture tax credit, digital media credit, film production incentive, income tax credit, general excise tax exemption, DBEDT, DOTAX, local hires, local workforce, film industry, movie production, television production, streaming platform, streaming series, loan-out companies, motion picture project employer, qualified production, qualified production costs

Summary: The committee opened by reviewing hearing procedures and then took up SB 2580, which concerns Hawaii’s film production tax credit and related incentives. Testimony was strongly supportive overall, with witnesses saying the measure would help attract productions, extend the sunset date, include streaming platforms, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness. Several supporters asked for cleanup language on grant administration, tax credit management, local-hire uplifts, and limits on third-party audit requirements for smaller productions. The state film office said the bill was generally strong but suggested clarifying language and noted that DBEDT and DOTAX already provide oversight of the current credit. No vote was taken in the transcript, but the bill drew broad support with a few comments and one opposition noted later in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2578 SD1, a measure to create a film commission and related grant structure. Testifiers said the proposal would formalize industry input, improve accountability, and help the state compete globally, but they also raised concerns about how a new grant program would interact with the existing tax credit system. The film office said the grant program and tax credit should be separated operationally, that the advisory structure should include industry voices and possibly union representation, and that county film commissioner language may need technical adjustment. A testifier also suggested a Hawaii film museum and related tourism opportunities. The measure was described as having 42 supporters, one opposition, and five comments, with no final action shown. The committee next considered SB 2259, a dementia training measure. Supporters, including the bill’s drafter and the Alzheimer’s Association, described personal caregiving experiences and said free dementia training could help workers and families. Suggested amendments focused on clarifying the relationship between EOA and DBED and allowing retraining every two years because of workforce turnover. DBED said the bill is worthwhile but is not really an economic development initiative, and it should align with existing dementia programs and be easy for businesses to use, preferably online. The committee then moved to SB 3084 SD1, which HTDC said would expand its R&D matching program beyond SBIR to other federal research grants because of uncertainty at the federal level; the transcript ends as testimony begins, with no vote or final action recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 5100 to extend SBIR and STR programs and for other purposes. clause six of rule 20.
• and STR programs HR5100 to extend SBIR and STR programs and<03:03:47.200> for<03:03:47.520>
• the SBIR and STR programs<03:03:56.880> and<03:03:57.040> for<03:03:57.200> other
• Unfortunately, the SBIR and STTR programs are set to expire on September 30th.
• > SDTR Unfortunately, the SBIR and SDTR Unfortunately, the SBIR and SDTR programs<03:07:31.279

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, September 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:05:17.920> and<03:05:18.120> STTR an act to extend the SBIR and STTR an act to
• extend the SBIR and STTR programs<03:05:19.720> and<03:05:19.840> for<03:05:19.960>
• The<03:06:39.000> SBIR<03:06:39.640> and<03:06:39.720> the<03:06:39.840> STTR
• <03:06:40.480> programs<03:06:40.920> have The SBIR and the STTR programs have The
• It is time for small businesses to access SBIR and STTR programs again after 5 long months.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so I want to talk to you about Minnesota U SBIR has been a driver of innovation and economic growth
• year 2026 to Minnesota SBIR year 2026 to Minnesota SBIR um<01:35:15.120> in<01:35:15.440>
• It's a pleasure to testify on behalf of SF 2427 to support Minnesota SBIR, Inc.
• Let me first say we have three high-tech companies built via working with Minnesota SBIR.
• uh in our received by Minnesota SBIR uh in our collaboration<01:39:42.239> and<01:39:42.480><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SBA provides about $4 billion in grants through the Small Business Innovation Research SBIR and the Small
• tourism division, it will provide companies based in Texas that receive grants or contracts under SBIR
• emerging companies have the ability to go to the Small Business Research Innovation, um, Program, SBIR
• that offering state beach based matching grants to Texas headquartered companies that receive federal SBIR

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• administration, SBA provides about $4 billion in grants. through the Small Business Innovation Research, SBIR
• It will provide companies based in Texas that receive grants or contracts under SBIR and STTR. programs
• businesses, emerging companies, have the ability to go to the Small Business Research Innovation Program, SBIR
• think that offering state-based matching grants to Texas headquarter companies that receive... federal SBIR

Bills: HB186, HB517, HB 1093, HB 1268, HB1395, HB186

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, property owners' association, residential watering restrictions, vegetation, fine limitations, drought, technology, innovation, economic development, grants, Texas Economic Development, business funding, HB 1395, private passenger vehicle rental, car rental, vehicle rental

Transcript Highlights:

• you look at things like the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation that really tries to work on SBIR
• SBIR is a federal program that we actually used a lot of the high-growth net funding as a corpus base
• <00:14:33.760> and<00:14:34.079> access really tries to work on SBIR and access really
• tries to work on SBIR and access to<00:14:35.120> a<00:14:35.360> startup<00:14:35.760
• <00:14:47.199> that<00:14:47.519> we SBIR is a federal program that we SBIR is a federal

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, we have the Wyoming SBIR STR initiative, small business innovation research program
• And then finally, we have the Wyoming<00:31:20.320> SBIR<00:31:21.039> STR<00:31:21.840
• > initiative,<00:31:22.480> small Wyoming SBIR STR initiative, small Wyoming SBIR STR initiative
• <00:32:18.559> matching<00:32:18.960> grant could get into the SBIR matching grant
• could get into the SBIR matching grant that<00:32:19.440> the<00:32:19.600> business<00

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is, I recently was on a committee that evaluated Hawaii state matching grants to SBIRs, right, and
• learning about the team at HTDC has done in terms of providing all kinds of seminars and things for SBIR
• I'm not frankly aware of other companies at this point, but the SBIR matching was one way for me to get
• For the team at HTDC has done in terms of providing all kinds of seminars and things for SBIR.
• I'm not frankly aware of other companies at this point, but the SBIR matching was one way for me to get

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the research program, the SBIR, is another program, which is the Hawaii Small Business Innovation
• And then the research program, the SBIR, is another program, which is the Hawaii Small Business Innovation
• Again, these companies for SBIR are the ones that really have the high-paying jobs.
• And then the research program, the SBIR, is another program, which is the Hawaii Small Business Innovation
• Again, these companies for SBIR are the ones that really have the high-paying jobs.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do hear quite a bit about<01:36:11.199> SBIR<01:36:12.000> and<01:36:12.239> I've
• Right now, it is very specific to the SBIR program.
• Right now, it is very specific to the SBIR program.
• Right now, it is very specific to the SBIR program.
• Any questions or comments about the SBIR?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the SBIR program—excuse me, please say your name. Oh, sorry, Trunk Lamb with HCDC.
• Just to give you an idea, this past year we had 11 applications for our SBIR phase 2, phase 3.
• My apologies.<00:35:18.880> Uh<00:35:19.119> the<00:35:19.359> SBIR<00:35:20.079
• Uh the SBIR program takes apologies.
• Uh the SBIR program takes what<00:35:21.200> is<00:35:21.440> R&D<00:35:21.920>

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, uh, in FY 23, the EDD Office of Science and Technology operated only two grants, the SBIR

Transcript Highlights:

• Space Force organizations here, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center helping these companies get to SBIRs
• So while we are a very small team, we do employ a grant writer so that we can get federal funds, SBIR

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations in the form of NIH funding for academic and research institutions, but also in terms of SBIR
• organizations in the form of NIH funding for academic and research institutions, but also in terms of SBIR

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology met on August 19, 2025 to examine the effects of federal grant cuts, tariff uncertainty, and related policy changes on California’s biotech, medtech, and academic research ecosystem. The chair and panelists emphasized California’s outsized role in the industry, describing major clusters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and explaining how research, startup formation, manufacturing, and clinical trials are interconnected across the state. Speakers from Biocom California, California Life Sciences, Farma, UC, Stanford, CSU Biotech, and UCLA all argued that NIH and NSF funding are foundational to discovery, workforce training, and commercialization, and that disruptions are already chilling venture capital, startup formation, and hiring. Witnesses described several concrete impacts: suspended or terminated grants, reduced doctoral admissions, fewer training opportunities, canceled retreats and internships, and anxiety among graduate students and early-career researchers. UC reported hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or terminated NIH and NSF funding, while Stanford said more than a thousand training and career-development grants nationwide have been frozen or ended, affecting multiple trainees per grant. CSU Biotech said 133 federal grants had been terminated, scaled back, or canceled, totaling about $140 million, including nearly $30 million from NIH and NSF. Industry representatives also warned that proposed antitrust limits on mergers and acquisitions could undermine the standard biotech exit path and further deter investment. Committee members asked about the duration of the disruption, the possibility of state action to offset federal losses, and whether California could better support workforce development, manufacturing, and R&D tax credits. Panelists urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state support for STEM education, internships, apprenticeship pathways, manufacturing incentives, and the R&D tax credit, and to consider infrastructure and housing as part of competitiveness. They also noted that tariffs are already raising costs for medtech components and building materials, and that China is increasingly competing for R&D, talent, and licensing deals. No formal votes or bill actions were taken at the hearing; the meeting was informational and focused on testimony and discussion.