Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2010 deems it unlawful for a seller of digital goods to offer for sale
• The bill requires that a platform facilitate that request.
• It's narrowly drafted and limited to digital platforms as defined in statute, with zero spillover into
• Is it the platform or what? The platform, yeah. Okay, so the platform can unilaterally terminate.
• Platform or the platform?

Bills: HB2010, HB2192, HB2310, HB2501

Keywords: digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, independent contractor, marketplace, digital services, contractual agreements

Transcript Highlights:

• The social media service would have a duty to continually monitor content on the platform and remove
• that many of these social media platforms are being used and include children.
• And so... ...media platforms are being used and include children.
• are not having the same protections on social media platforms that they do in Hollywood.
• There's rules about how many hours they can work while they're engaging in that media platform.

Bills: HB2439, HB2483, HB2400

Keywords: public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, social media, content creation, online platforms, digital marketing, user-generated content, 904, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2483 would create an annual data broker registry at the Department of Licensing, requiring covered businesses to register, pay a fee, and disclose information about the data they collect, sell, security measures, and consumer opt-out options. Representative Kloba said the bill is intended to make data collection and resale more visible to consumers and address harms such as scams, surveillance, and misuse of purchased data. TechNet, AWB, and the Washington Retail Association opposed the bill as drafted, saying the definition of data broker is too broad and could sweep in businesses that are not true data brokers, while also noting the need for clearer alignment with other states. Committee members raised questions about public records data, government entities, and whether businesses scraping publicly available information would be covered; the sponsor said publicly available data remains carved out, but businesses that collect and sell such data would register. No vote was taken. House Bill 2400 would regulate monetized social media content featuring children. The bill would require vloggers meeting revenue and nexus thresholds to register with the Department of Revenue, create trust-account requirements for minors featured in monetized content, allow young adults to request deletion of monetized childhood images, require reporting and user education by platforms, and impose civil penalties and statutory damages. Representative Reeves said the bill is meant to distinguish ordinary family posting from monetizing children online and to extend workplace-style protections to children featured in paid content. TechNet and AWB opposed the bill, saying social media platforms should not be placed in the middle of parent-child trust arrangements and objecting to the private right of action, while suggesting more work during the interim. No vote was taken. House Bill 2439 would overhaul cigarette, tobacco, and vapor product policy. The staff briefing described a responsible vendor program, higher license fees and penalties, new distributor and manufacturer requirements, a study of vapor product extended producer responsibility, age-verification changes, bans on certain imitation or entertainment vapor products, removal of state preemption for local tobacco regulation, and changes to how tobacco tax revenue is allocated to public health accounts. Representative Reeves said the bill is a compromise after months of stakeholder work and is aimed at reducing youth access while keeping a regulated adult market. Supporters, including public health groups, King County, the American Heart Association, and pediatricians, backed the youth-prevention measures, local authority, and funding for prevention and public health services. Opponents, including retail, grocery, tobacco, and vapor industry representatives, argued the bill would create a patchwork of local rules, raise costs sharply for small businesses, burden enforcement, and potentially drive more activity into the illicit market. The hearing remained open with additional testimony and questions, and no final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear you, and what the system is, but we're not seeing double-digit, if not triple-digit increases.

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• bill addresses last session's SCOPE Act, which the legislature passed to help protect children from digital
• "Digital providers" was a very broad term.
• specifically protected public schools and charter schools, but we did not protect private schools as digital
• We were very surprised to find out in the interim that private schools could be considered digital service
• In our increasingly digital society, consumer reports play a pivotal role.

Bills: SB315, SB584, SB1228, SB1484, SB1860, SB1802

Keywords: DNA privacy, genetic privacy, genetic testing, genetic material, DNA ownership, property right in DNA, genetic consent, biological sample, genomics, genetic data, HIPAA, health information privacy, health care provider, research ethics, human subjects research, law enforcement DNA, forensic DNA, paternity testing, medical examiner, genetic discrimination

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Digital Childhood Alliance.
• It puts that in the digital world. as well. So in that sense, it's very simple. Ms.
• In today's digital landscape, our children... children are more vulnerable than ever.
• This mission would provide a lifeline for our children's digital well-being.
• Many online platforms, as we all know, have implemented robust parental control features already, not

Bills: SB30, SB517, SB1313, SB1314, SB1316, SB1541, SB1698, SB1845, SB1860, SB2420, SB2429, SB 30

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Bills: HB1590

Keywords: vacation rentals, transient accommodations, tax collection, hosting platforms, destination management, County Transient Accommodations Tax, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey, you have a portion of revenue share coming from this platform.
• Seller must make a digital good available for download.
• Right now, that's not happening with many digital purchases.
• The FTC has issued consumer alerts and guidance on digital ownership.
• This is narrowly drafted and is limited to digital platforms as defined in the statute, with zero spillover

Bills: HB2010, HB2192, HB2199, HB2279, HB2310, HB2459, HB2501, HB2555, HB2690, HB2693

Keywords: digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill defines digital services covered and excluded from the bill.
• We can block most minors from using these platforms to begin with. Please pass SB 6111.
• We can block most minors from using these platforms to begin with. Please pass 611. Thank you.
• So, yeah, platforms have a lot of parental controls out there.
• Also, platforms have things like machine-based learning where it could do age estimation.

Bills: SB5976, SB6111, SB6250, SB6257, SB6289, SGA9060, SGA9169, SGA9265, SGA9266

Keywords: commercial email, spam regulations, online marketing, privacy, consumer protection, SB 6111, Washington Protecting Children Online Act, online child safety, minor privacy, age verification, parental consent, social media regulation, digital platforms, user-generated content, content moderation, online harms, youth protection, data privacy, geolocation, targeted advertising

Summary: The committee heard briefings, sponsor remarks, and public testimony on several bills. SB 5976 would amend the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by requiring a more reliable basis for knowing an email is sent to a Washington resident, narrowing subject-line liability to misleading statements material to a transaction, and limiting damages and Consumer Protection Act claims unless a recipient received, reviewed, and detrimentally relied on the email. Supporters, including retailers, e-commerce groups, hospitality businesses, and business associations, said the current law has led to a wave of class-action litigation over routine marketing emails; opponents argued the bill would weaken consumer protections against deceptive marketing. No vote was taken. SB 6111 would require age verification for certain social media accounts, parental consent for known minors, restrictions on use of minors’ data, and Attorney General enforcement, with a limited private right of action for parents or guardians. The sponsor and supporters, including PTA, parents, and mental health advocates, said the bill is needed to reduce minors’ exposure to harmful content and to give parents more control. Opponents from technology and privacy groups raised constitutional concerns, data-security issues, and uncertainty about how platforms would verify parental consent. No vote was taken. SB 6257 would allow trainee real estate appraiser license timelines to be tolled for documented illness, similar to existing tolling for military service. SB 6250 would raise the maximum principal amount for small loans from $700 to $1,200, with future inflation adjustments; the sponsor and Moneytree said the limit should reflect inflation and still preserve existing safeguards, while consumer, labor, housing, and anti-poverty advocates warned it would deepen debt cycles and harm low-income borrowers, older adults, and communities of color. SB 6289 would direct the Department of Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; Commerce, ports, and business groups supported the idea, while testifiers discussed the need for outreach, resources, and coordination. The committee also heard testimony on several gubernatorial appointments to the Gambling Commission and the Washington State Lottery, with appointees describing their backgrounds and commitment to public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure prohibits the ownership, operation, or management of a digital financial asset transaction
• kiosk that accepts U.S. currency from a customer in exchange for a digital financial asset.
• This measure requires certain social media platforms to provide an accessible mechanism for users to
• delete their accounts on the platform and permanently erase all personal information and sensitive personal
• This measure requires certain social media platforms to provide an accessible mechanism for users to

Bills: HB1511, HB1535, HB1642, HB1753, HB1810, HB2282, HB2614

Keywords: consumer protection, unsolicited mail, unsolicited email, junk mail, spam email, deceptive marketing, misleading solicitation, high-pressure sales, vehicle warranty, auto warranty, service contract, home warranty, license renewal, registration renewal, government impersonation, affiliation disclosure, direct mail, email marketing, consumer fraud, refund

Summary: The committee heard several consumer-protection and insurance measures. HB 1511 HD2 would prohibit unsolicited mail or email using high-pressure tactics or falsely implying affiliation with another entity; it drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection, the DCCA Insurance Division, and the Service Contract Industry Council, with some written support and at least one opposition. HB 1535 HD2, concerning automated external defibrillators and a tax-related provision for devices installed in certain public accommodations, received comments from DOTAX and the Tax Foundation, with additional support from the Department of Health and other groups. HB 1642 HD1 would ban ownership or operation of digital financial asset transaction kiosks that accept U.S. currency; it was strongly supported by OCP, the Attorney General, and AARP, while kiosk operators and industry representatives opposed the ban and urged a regulatory approach instead, including licensing, transaction limits, refunds, and other safeguards. Members questioned whether federal action could preempt the bill and whether a licensure regime could be funded through a surcharge, but no action was taken during the discussion. The committee also took up HB 1753 on social media account deletion and permanent erasure of personal information, with OCP standing on its initial comments and TechNet and Will Caron in support. HB 1810 HD2 would impose prompt payment and financial reporting requirements on professional solicitors selling donated tangible property on behalf of charities; Goodwill Hawaii testified in strong support, emphasizing donor trust and transparency, and several nonprofit and business groups submitted supportive testimony. HB 2282 HD1, which would require explanations for premium increases and clarify insurance licensing and cancellation/non-renewal procedures, was supported by the Insurance Division and OCP; a vice chair asked for complaint data related to condo associations, and a member noted that the same agencies had previously opposed similar Senate bills. Finally, HB 2614 HD1 would require cosmetics merchants to accept returns of new or unopened goods within specified time frames and improve signage requirements; OCP said the bill addressed longstanding complaints about high-pressure sales tactics and no-return policies, citing over 180 complaints and survey results showing most complainants did not understand the policy and felt misled.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once a platform becomes aware of CSAM, child sex trafficking, or online...
• That is why a workable reporting mechanism on a platform is so important.
• . ...even though it's reprehensible to have child porn on platforms.
• I mean, if you go on these platforms, I mean, they're pretty high-tech platforms where I think this is
• So there's a lot of child pornography out on the platforms.

Bills: HB220, HB259, HB463, HB536, HB750, HB830, HB950

Keywords: child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits

Transcript Highlights:

• c> timeline</c><00:49:27.920><c> for</c><00:49:28.079><c> archiving</c><00:49:28.640><c> and</c> platform
• timeline for archiving and platform timeline for archiving and deletion<00:49:29.520><c> is</c><00:49
• ><00:49:56.640><c> media</c> like to require the covered media like to require the covered media platform
• 49:58.400><c> data</c><00:49:58.720><c> not</c><00:49:58.880><c> not</c><00:49:59.119><c> to</c> platform
• to archive the data not not to platform to archive the data not not to make<00:49:59.280><c> it</c><

Bills: HB1849, HB2000, HB1753, HB1511, HB276, HB1513, HB2188, HB1876

Keywords: licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information. On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose. The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and in that regard not all technology is digital.
• </c> continued leadership in the digital continued leadership in the digital economy.<00:02:44.160><c
• It gives a wider scope for a digital.
• </c><00:04:43.759><c> innovation</c> technology and digital innovation technology and digital innovation
• </c> blockchain financial technology digital blockchain financial technology digital innovation<00:11

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just urge you to reject Senate Bill 924 and ensure that all service providers, regardless of the platform

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• broadband, and it reflects the growing need of consumers for faster speeds to participate in the digital

Bills: HB2838, HB2964, HB3213, SB924

Keywords: broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> America<00:25:13.679><c> Digital</c><00:25:14.320><c> Inc.</c> America Digital Inc.
• America Digital Inc., in opposition on Zoom.
• America Digital, Inc., in opposition on Zoom.
• America Digital, Inc. in &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• </c><01:26:50.719><c> digital</c> HP uh 2003 relating to digit digital HP uh 2003 relating to digit digital

Bills: HB2227, HB1775, HB1560, HB1642, HB1647, HB2003, HB1640, HB2198

Keywords: eviction, housing stability, tenant screening, court records, writ of possession, foreclosures, public sale, eligible bidders, housing, downpayment, judicial foreclosure, digital financial assets, consumer protection, financial kiosks, refunds, transaction security, HB1642, Hawaii, cryptocurrency ATM, crypto ATM

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 227 relating to eviction records. Supporters, including the Public First Law Center and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would help people who prevail in eviction cases avoid long-term housing harm from online court records, while the Public First Law Center said keeping records off eCourt Kokua would not violate the First Amendment because the records would still be available in person. Members discussed access-to-justice concerns, and a witness said legal aid attorneys could still access the records through the attorney-only Jeff’s system and the court’s access-to-justice room. The chair also asked about precedent, and a witness cited a Hawaii Supreme Court case as supporting removal from the online database rather than sealing records entirely. The committee then took up HP 1775 relating to foreclosures, but the transcript only shows in-person opposition comments from the Hawaii State Bar Association Collection Law Section, the Hawaii Credit Union League, and the Hawaii Bankers Association. The credit union and banking groups said they had concerns about broader negative impacts on mortgage lending and other requirements, but no detailed discussion or action was captured before the committee moved on. The next measure, HB 1560 relating to consumer protection, drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and cryptocurrency companies including Coinflip and America Digital, which said they already use wallet-pinning and other safeguards to prevent fraud. AARP Hawaii did not take a formal position but said the bill addressed a real problem, noting that Hawaii residents, especially in Kona, had lost more than $920,000 in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams and arguing that stronger oversight was needed. The committee also heard HB 1642, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the ban as the best way to protect consumers from fraud, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed it, arguing kiosks provide cash-based access to crypto, especially for unbanked or underbanked consumers, and that targeted regulation would be better than an outright ban. AARP Hawaii took no formal position but strongly emphasized the harm caused by scams, saying victims are often frightened into acting quickly and that kiosk transactions currently lack enough friction or intervention. Finally, HB 1647, also on consumer protection, would impose liability on host businesses that provide space for crypto kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection warned small businesses might not understand the liability, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed the bill, saying it would unfairly shift enforcement duties to host stores and could discourage businesses from hosting kiosks, effectively creating a de facto ban. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have AI and digital cytology as well.
• Dex already mentioned digital cytology.
• So the cytology platform that we utilize is actually called Whole Logic, and it's the only platform that
• digital twin for you.
• They can use humans and a digital twin.

Bills: SB1786

Keywords: artificial intelligence, content verification, provenance data, transparency, digital content, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requires technology-integrated post-secondary general education core courses to provide instruction in digital
• The bill establishes a framework for structured digital literacy.
• We appreciate that this bill emphasizes digital literacy through the understanding and recognition of

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet dominant platforms... simultaneously as buyers, sellers, brokers, platform owners, and so forth,
• Jason Kent is the CEO of Digital Content Next.
• I've spent my entire career in digital media.
• Tell me what challenges do. digital publishers face in navigating today's digital advertising ecosystem
• Among competing digital platforms? Platforms themselves.

Keywords: antitrust, competition policy, digital advertising, monopoly, America Act, big tech, consumer rights

Summary: The meeting, titled 'Big Fixes, Big Tech', marked the first hearing of the Senate antitrust competition policy and consumer rights subcommittee in the 119th Congress. Chairman Lee opened the session focusing on the urgent need for effective solutions regarding anti-competitive behavior among major tech firms like Google and Facebook, highlighting several ongoing court cases regarding monopolistic practices in the digital advertising and search markets. Key discussions included the limitations imposed on small businesses and innovation due to the dominance of these tech giants, with many testimonies advocating for stronger legislative measures, including the America Act. The act aims to disrupt the monopolistic capabilities of these firms and restore competitive integrity in the marketplace, which has suffered under their oppressive market control.