Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1026 is a step in the right direction to combat these criminal organizations and promote state commerce

Bills: HB 1026, SCR37

Keywords: transportation, Farm-to-Market Road, highway designation, Texas Transportation Commission, state highway system, SCR 37, Senate Concurrent Resolution, Panama Canal, Texas ports, port infrastructure, maritime trade, shipping lanes, supply chain resilience, global commerce, exports, LNG, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, refined petroleum, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
• Today we're here to talk about stopping deadly drugs from crossing our maritime borders.
• requiring data sharing between CBP and the Coast Guard is streamlining interdiction in the Southern Maritime
• We also need to reverse the Biden administration's dangerous policies in the Middle East, where maritime
• Maritime domain presents unique national security challenges.

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to give the Commerce Authority more to do, okay?
• I want to give the Commerce Authority more to do, okay?
• I want to give the Commerce Authority more to do, okay?
• And as I mentioned to the Commerce Authority, this is not an anti-Commerce Authority move.
• Commerce Authority. This is not an anti-Commerce Authority move.

Bills: HB2746, HB2751, HB2752, HB2753

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona competes fund, economic development, fund repeal, state finances, state appropriations, Arizona Commerce Authority, job creation, business incentives, commerce authority, public-private partnership, business regulation, Arizona governance, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Alan Renteria of the Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce, who promoted Rocky Point as a major tourism and investment destination for Arizonans. He highlighted tourism growth, cross-border ties, safety coordination, the importance of fishing and shrimp to the local economy, and potential commercial opportunities such as improved border infrastructure and a possible cargo or cruise port. Members responded with personal comments about travel, geology, medical volunteer work, and the city’s appeal, and Renteria said he wanted to serve as a liaison to improve communication between Arizona offices and Puerto Peñasco. The committee then considered three bills related to the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). HB 2751 would continue the Arizona Competes fund indefinitely and subject use of the fund to legislative appropriations; HB 2752 would shift oversight of trade offices from the ACA board to legislative appropriation and require annual reporting to JLBC; and HB 2753 would add legislative ex-officio members to the ACA board, including committee chairs and, under an amendment, minority party ranking members. Supporters argued the bills would give the legislature more oversight and a seat at the table, while Greg Blackie of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club opposed HB 2751, calling for repeal or stronger guardrails and citing past audit concerns. All three bills advanced on due pass recommendations. HB 2751 passed 7-1 with one member present and one absent; HB 2752 passed 9-0 with one absent; and HB 2753 passed 9-0 after the Austin amendment was adopted, adding minority party representation. The committee also removed HB 2746 from the agenda before taking up the ACA measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
• Chair Miyamoto, and members of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
• maritime benchmark for fee changes. maritime benchmark for fee changes.
• <01:04:15.680> and operational experts in the maritime and operational experts in the maritime
• You know, Fast Maritime is a... Can you guys give us a ballpark?

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Bills: HB3622

Keywords: HB3622, 2030 Census, Decennial Census, U.S. Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Commerce Department, census preparation, federal census, state treasury fund, revolving fund, continuing fund, deemed appropriated, technology upgrades, census outreach, redistricting, population count, Title 74, OMES, State Treasurer, budgeting

Transcript Highlights:

• Right, it would be somebody in the course of commerce paying for that.
• between how we lay out a national strategy for maritime issues. Thank you, Mr.

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:

• Committee, we're going to take up Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce Department budget.
• All right, committee, any other business to take care of on this Commerce budget? Mr. Chairman?
• Committee, that takes care of the Commerce Budget.

Bills: SB2018

Keywords: funding, commerce, autonomous technology, workforce development, economic growth, grant programs, 908, all

Summary: The E&E Committee met to finalize action on Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce Department budget. Members reviewed several funding lines and made verbal adjustments, including reducing tourism marketing awareness to $5 million, keeping Operation Intern at $2 million, restoring the Destination Development Fund to $20 million, setting Autonomous Agriculture Grants/Grand Farm at $10 million, and reducing the WIP Regional Workforce Impact Program to $5 million. Representative Martinson proposed additional earmarks for the Fargo Theatre, Maddock trolley cars, a theater in Marmarth, and Driscoll’s community hall, and also moved to keep the Destination Development Fund at $25 million; the committee discussed these items, but the transcript does not show separate recorded votes on those proposals. The committee adopted two amendments. One dealt with the drone replacement program and related data-collection direction, with language agreed to by UAS representatives, IT, and the governor’s office. The second, offered by Representative Swantec, created a trigger for funding children’s science centers in Fargo and Grand Forks if the SIF fund exceeds a specified threshold during the 2025-27 biennium; the amendment was clarified to use the term “Children’s Science Education Center” and passed 7-0. The committee then approved a do-pass motion on the Commerce budget as amended and with the verbal changes discussed, passing the bill 7-0. During debate, Representative Louser raised concerns that the budget’s spending could affect property tax relief, while the chair responded that there would still be sufficient money for tax relief and that the programs funded were ongoing and successful. The chair closed by thanking members and staff, noting conference committee assignments and a committee dinner, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Katie Ralston-Howell, Workforce Director of Commerce.
• Yeah, is there anybody from Commerce?
• Committee, that is Commerce in a nutshell.
• So right now, Commerce, I...
• If it's not in Commerce, does it have a home? Again, I think Commerce might be able to answer that.

Bills: SB2018

Keywords: funding, commerce, autonomous technology, workforce development, economic growth, grant programs, 908, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate Bill 2018, the Department of Commerce budget, and walked through the long sheet and a series of proposed changes. Members discussed restoring a vacant workforce FTE that Commerce said it could fill soon, monitoring federal funding delays but reporting no known cuts, and adjusting several one-time items including Operation Intern, the North Dakota Development Fund, the Global Talent Office, and tourism-related funding. The chair also proposed separating tourism marketing and Good Life funding again, rather than combining them, and members raised concerns about ensuring tourism dollars are used only for tourism purposes. A number of program amounts were reviewed or adjusted in discussion, including UAS grants, Vantus/Beyond Visual Line of Sight funding, Grand Sky, Grand Farm autonomous agriculture grants, base enhancement grants, Native American small business grants, regional workforce impact grants, technical skills training grants, and tribal college workforce grants. Commerce officials explained that some grant language would be changed to require competitive RFP processes, and they clarified that the housing opportunity and community property improvement items were handled in other bills or programs. The committee also discussed apprenticeship efforts across state agencies and Commerce’s role in workforce development. The committee reviewed carryover and exemption language for prior appropriations, including federal weatherization and energy funds, and Commerce said three one-time FTE tied to those federal programs should become ongoing because the federal dollars continue over several years. A motion to add $1.5 million for the North Dakota Safety Council failed for lack of a second. The committee then planned to return the next day to continue work on Commerce and take up the CTE budget, including a pending amendment related to CTE’s possible move from the 15th floor of the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will hear first from William Kimmett who is nominated to serve as Undersecretary of Commerce
• The Commerce Secretary says all is well because Trump's plan is to bring back sweatshop labor.
• He's been in the building working at the Commerce Department for a while.
• You've been nominated to be the Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade.
• Kimmett, if confirmed you would report directly to the Commerce Secretary, Mr. Lutnick.

Keywords: Commerce, International Trade, Tax Policy, Nominees, Inflation, Middle-class, Trade Practices, Economic Concerns

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will come to order.
• Senator Hagerty, welcome to the Commerce Committee. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Lee, welcome back to the Commerce Committee.
• Thank you, Chairman Cruz, Ranking Member Cantwell, and members of the Senate Commerce Committee.
• We do regulate interstate commerce here in the federal government. Does that make sense to you?

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• favorably reporting the nominations of William Kimmett, who is nominated to serve as Undersecretary of Commerce
• morning, as you've noted, we're going to vote on the nominations of William Kimmett. to serve as the Commerce
• Donald Trump has pushed the Commerce Department front and center to the trade and tariff debate.
• Kimmett has been at the Commerce Department for a while.

Keywords: nominations, William Kimmett, Kenneth Keyes, Commerce Department, Tax Policy, economic agenda, trade, tax cuts, public testimony

Summary: This meeting of the committee was centered around the consideration of nominations for two key positions: William Kimmett as Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Keyes as Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Members were given the opportunity to provide remarks on the nominees, with discussions revealing contrasting views on their potential impact on U.S. economic policy. While some members expressed support for the nominees, highlighting their qualifications and expertise, others voiced strong opposition, arguing that their confirmation would further a harmful economic agenda that favors billionaires over average Americans. Senator Wyden, the ranking member, emphasized concerns about trade chaos and the detrimental effects on workers and businesses across the country.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kessler be the Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. Clerk will call the roll. Mr.

Keywords: nomination, Senator Warren, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Undersecretary of Commerce, accountability, oversight

Summary: The committee convened to discuss several nominations, notably for key positions including the directors of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Undersecretary of Commerce. Senator Warren raised significant concerns during her opposition to all four nominees, citing their failure to provide satisfactory answers regarding their qualifications and policy perspectives. She expressed particular alarm over Jonathan McKernan's ties to external influences and Jeffrey Kessler's hesitance to acknowledge geopolitical threats, leading to discussions about accountability in nominations and oversight. The votes resulted in a mixed outcome, with some nominees being approved while others faced substantial opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Smith, you Department of Commerce. Mr.
• <00:31:18.080> and<00:31:18.320> as Commerce Department had mentioned and as Commerce
• by the Department of Commerce. by the Department of Commerce.
• spoken with the Department of Commerce spoken with the Department of Commerce and<00:59:02.960><
• Department of Commerce, all 50 states. Department of Commerce, all 50 states.

Bills: HF3604, HF2236, HF3709, HF3766, HF2400

Keywords: bulk fuel, nonoxygenated gasoline, environment, exemption criteria, transportation, HF2236, Minnesota commerce, obsolete language, statutory cleanup, retail installment contract, consumer credit, vehicle financing, auto loans, retail buyer, retail seller, delinquency charge, collection fee, attorney fees, assignment notice, payment receipt

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 26, after correcting the header date to Thursday, February 26. It then took up House File 36004, as amended by the author’s technical A1 amendment. Representative Van Binsbergen described the bill as a change to statute governing bulk delivery of nonoxygenated fuel, especially for boats and other watercraft, to allow direct delivery to vehicles rather than requiring transport of fuel in containers or removal of boats from the water. Members generally supported the concept, citing convenience for lake users, reduced travel and potential invasive species spread, and fewer spill risks, but the chair said the bill would be laid over pending additional clarification from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and other agencies. House File 2236 was then introduced as a vehicle bill for possible future omnibus use and laid over without testimony or opposition. The committee also heard House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The authors framed the bill as a consumer-protection and competitiveness measure that would let local institutions keep pace with customer demand and prevent Minnesotans from relying on out-of-state or offshore providers. Testimony from the Department of Commerce and credit union representatives supported the bill, saying it would level the playing field, keep digital assets under Minnesota oversight, and help local institutions remain relevant; one witness said significant liquidity had been leaving local communities for outside exchanges. Questions from members focused on whether the accounts would be NCUA-insured, how the bill related to unclaimed property, and whether the policy goal was consumer protection or simply preserving bank relevance. Several members expressed support but also cautioned about crypto volatility, scams, and the need to avoid turning credit unions into exchanges. The discussion ended without a final vote in the excerpt, with the bill still under committee consideration.

Bills: SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 2351, SB 2550, SCR 48

Keywords: concrete crushing, hospital proximity, environmental regulation, public health, zoning laws, concrete plants, standard permit, construction regulation, environmental compliance, health and safety code, water rights, property transfer, disclosure requirements, coastal property, Texas legislation, real estate, environmental impact, Gulf of America, coastal resources, Texas sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• General's office; they'll have input with any of the agencies that are going to oversee the Business and Commerce

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Transcript Highlights:

• First on the agenda, we will hear a presentation from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• First component is adding members to the Commerce Authority as ex officio members.
• Is providing oversight that we want to work with the Commerce Authority.
• It falls completely under the Commerce Authority and their director.
• Tony, tell me about the Commerce Authority. Tell me about the Competes Fund.

Bills: HB2754

Keywords: Arizona Commerce Authority, business development, economic growth, small business support, job creation, Board of Directors, e-verify, grant administration, 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on International Trade heard a presentation from Monica Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who shared trade and economic data on Hispanic businesses and consumers in Arizona and nationally. She emphasized that Hispanics are a major economic driver, that small and medium-sized businesses are central to trade, and that tariffs and border disruptions can disproportionately hurt smaller exporters and importers. She also described the Chamber’s district-level trade profiles and an upcoming business engagement tour to Mexico City aimed at matching Arizona and Mexican small businesses. Members asked about major Mexico trade products, transportation equipment, and what the state could do to support small businesses; Villalobos said access to capital and technical assistance are the biggest needs, especially as some federal support has been cut. The committee then took up HB 2754, which would expand the Arizona Commerce Authority board to include the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House International Trade Committee, shift oversight of trade offices to legislative appropriation, require annual reporting on trade office activities to JLBC, and remove the sunset date for the Arizona Competes program. The sponsor argued the bill would restore legislative oversight and give lawmakers a stronger role in trade office decisions and the Competes Fund. Members generally supported the bill’s oversight goals, though some raised concerns about the board changes and indicated they might seek amendments later. The committee voted 5-0 with two present and three absent to give HB 2754 a do pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm asking today to please include HF1646 in the final commerce omnibus bill.
• It encompasses the Department of Commerce and also the Office of Cannabis Management.
• This is the operating adjustment for the Department of Commerce.
• Article two Is miscellaneous commerce policy.
• What is commerce? Daniel Webster says it's merchandise or it's a market.

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• revenue for the department of commerce. revenue for the department of commerce.
• <00:52:57.440> in are the appropriations to commerce in are the appropriations to commerce
• created in the Department of Commerce. created in the Department of Commerce.
• Commerce. Uh section four requires a Commerce.
• Committee: What is commerce?

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• For over a century, we've been vital to our region's maritime safety and local economy.

Bills: SB 35, SB 249, SB 546, SB 1353, SB 1493, SB 2246, SB 1902, SB 1029

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• For over a century, we've been vital to our region's maritime safety and local economy.

Bills: SB35, SB249, SB546, SB1353, SB1493, SB2246, SB1902, SB1029

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County