Transcript Highlights:

• It prevents arbitrary price waiver.
• paying high prices for services are paying high prices for services without<00:03:36.799><c> clear</c
• Thank their prices for their product?
• </c> business owner can adjust their prices business owner can adjust their prices to<01:18:34.080><c
• </c> Every little thing has a price Every little thing has a price associated<01:35:35.760><c> with</

Bills: HF2216, HF1978, HF2354, HF1963, HF1994, HF1995, HF1894

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• , algorithmic pricing, surveillance pricing.
• </c> open price. open price.
• Corporate CEO consultant McKinsey said of surveillance pricing, it can enhance price pricing to generate
• </c> price for the same item. price for the same item.
• pricing, really enables companies to hide the prices.

Bills: HF3794, HF3408

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, automated decision systems, consumer protections, data privacy, biometrics, consumer protection, price setting, biometric data, retail, privacy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So if tariffs are already pushing that price up, then requiring businesses to keep up with every new
• So if tariffs are already pushing that price up, then requiring businesses to keep up with every new
• There have been a number of factors that have driven up the price of cars over the last 10 years.
• There have been a number of factors that have driven up the price of cars over the last 10 years.
• Because we don't even make the cars, we're at the mercy of what the manufacturers have to say is the price

Bills: H5036, H5138

Keywords: tariff transparency, consumer disclosure, price transparency, vehicle pricing, Monroney label, auto dealer, car manufacturer, retail pricing, shelf tag, receipt disclosure, online storefront, import duties, trade taxes, Chapter 93A, Attorney General enforcement, consumer protection, federal preemption, customs, supply chain costs, tariff surcharge

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on two bills: House Bill 5138, which would create a statewide cash-rounding standard for transactions involving pennies, and House Bill 5036, which would require consumer disclosure of tariff-related price impacts. Committee chairs noted the hearing was taking place while the House and Senate were in session and that members might need to leave for roll calls; the hearing was ultimately closed after testimony, with a motion and voice vote to adjourn the hearing. Testimony on H.B. 5138 was broadly supportive. Senator Paul Feeney described the bill as a response to the federal decision to stop producing pennies, saying the measure would reduce confusion for consumers and businesses by requiring cash totals to be rounded to the nearest five cents, while leaving electronic, check, and gift-card payments unchanged. Retail and restaurant representatives said the bill would improve operational efficiency, provide legal clarity, and create a fair statewide standard, though the Retailers Association suggested changing mandatory language from "shall" to "may" to preserve flexibility. Several witnesses also noted that clear notice requirements would help consumers understand the rounding process. Testimony on H.B. 5036 was largely opposed. The Massachusetts Retailers Association, New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association argued that requiring tariff disclosures on shelf tags or similar materials would be difficult or impossible to implement because tariffs and product costs change frequently and vary by item and manufacturer. They said the proposal would add burdens, create confusion, and potentially raise costs rather than help consumers. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Somebody is going to pay the price for the injury, right?
• Somebody is going to pay the price for the injury, right?
• </c><00:18:40.720><c> for</c> Somebody is going to pay the price for Somebody is going to pay the price
• And in speaking tremendous price, right?
• Um, and um Chair Mhler, it seems like this bill requires state review of certain price increases.

Bills: HF3935, HF2216, HF4354, HF4210, HF4212

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services

Bills: HB 35, HB 138, HB 754, HB 1314, HB 1612, HB 2254, HB 2510, HB 2789, HB 3560, HB 3597, HB 4224, HB 4273, HB 4643, HB 4783

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• It restricts resale prices, but does nothing to address pricing at the box office, where dynamic pricing
• </c> result in higher prices for consumers. result in higher prices for consumers.
• Price controls resale price controls.
• </c> price gouging. price gouging.
• </c> we're not getting price gouged. we're not getting price gouged.

Bills: SF1750, HF4250, HF3938, HF3904, HF3642

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's not a dynamic pricing bill. it's not a dynamic pricing bill.
• Johnson. ...price or to this price of labor to this contract you say you have?
• </c> further in not just the price further in not just the price surveillance<01:22:13.520><c> and</c
• ." pricing." pricing."
• </c> been doing this price wage setting. been doing this price wage setting.

Bills: HF3878, HF4131, HF3796, HF4097

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> prohibits the use of algorithmic price prohibits the use of algorithmic price setting<00:14:35.440
• </c> in regards to rents and the pricing. in regards to rents and the pricing.
• </c> about being priced out of paradise. about being priced out of paradise.
• </c><02:04:31.199><c> at</c> market the units are priced at market the units are priced at initially.
• </c><02:08:00.000><c> index,</c> So, it could be consumer price index, So, it could be consumer price

Bills: HB2611, HB2102, HB1710, HB1868, HB1920, HB1812, HB1733, HB1715, HB1723, HB1724, HB1727, HB1711

Keywords: HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent. The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.

Bills: HB27, HB290, HB308, HB311, HB382, HB417, HB575, HB755, HB980

Keywords: HB 290, Act 426, sunset law, Department of the Treasury, Louisiana Treasury, re-creation, reauthorization, statutory entities, termination date, sunset review, Title 49, fiscal administration, state finance, agency continuation, legislative authority, insurance premiums, Municipal Fire and Police, dedicated fund, assessments, Louisiana legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't stop price increases.
• Does that count as a price increase? It's a self-imposed price increase.
• If you've ever been in the stores and you've seen these digital price tags, these digital price tags
• Amendment 10 defines price-setting algorithm, substantial factor, and surveillance-based price.
• So if it knows that you're sensitive to price, it may actually cater to you a lower price than somebody

Bills: HB471, HB798, HB947, HB1140, HB1186, HB1195, HB1222

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Transcript Highlights:

• we're doing is increasing the cap from $6 million to $8 million, and then tying it to the consumer price
• And one of the things that it would increase the bid prices is because travel now on a piece of equipment

Bills: HB27, HB143, HB205, HB308, HB311, HB417, HB430, HB562, HB812, HB1129

Keywords: inmates, department of public safety, per diem, local correctional facilities, jail funding, insurance premiums, Municipal Fire and Police, dedicated fund, assessments, Louisiana legislation, hazardous waste, cleanup fund, environmental protection, state treasury, Consumer Price Index, law enforcement, firefighters, health insurance, survivors benefits, Lafayette

Transcript Highlights:

• When looking at hotel prices online, the price is an important part of choosing a hotel.
• price shopping difficult.
• HB 800 is not price-control legislation, nor does it mandate any uniform pricing.
• HB 800 is not price-control legislation, nor does it mandate any uniform pricing.
• The prices are higher.” “The prices are higher.

Bills: HB267, HB478, HB617, HB659, HB800, HB922, HB924, HB947, HB1166, HB1223

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1520 establishes coordination by the General Land Office to create a network of hiking and

Bills: SB317, SB1250, SB1520, SB1950, SB2298, SB2532, SB2539, SB2747, SB2925, SB2993

Keywords: monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, project financing zone, municipal tax revenue, convention centers, multipurpose arenas, infrastructure development, hike and bike trails, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, Bicentennial Trail, Texas history, cultural heritage, unemployment benefits, eligibility, Texas Workforce Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• These forests and preserves allow for activities such as hiking, bird watching, hunting, camping, and

Bills: HB1397, HB1886, HB3088, HB4187, HB4229, HB4230, HB5032, HCR6, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR80, HCR86, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a consumer price index, but maybe my co-sponsor could help me out on that.
• Senator Woods, this is based upon the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, published in that
• We're using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published by the United States Department

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not going to raise prices or tinker with them in any way.
• So I didn't know if that inspection, the mismatch in the price of the fertilizer...
• So I didn't know if that inspection, the mismatch in the price of the fertilizer.
• And so with respect to that, yes, the ability of the producer to pass on the price to consumers is, as
• The price per acre varies dramatically depending upon the density of the salt cedar as well as the method

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Determining their price, if the price of a product changes, the cost of the goods changes.
• Restaurants have prices change all the time. Grocery stores have prices change all the time.
• They change prices all the time.
• Thank you, Senator Price. "...going finance, though. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Price."
• Senator Price, thank you.

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Bills: SB1117, SB1373, SB672, SB1986, SB1098, SB626, SB1784, SB2480, SB2487, SB437, SB660

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically says, and I'll read it, a pharmacy. shall disclose the lowest cost cash price at the pharmacy
• So basically, they will let him know what the lowest price is.

Bills: SB1117, SB1373, SB672, SB1986, SB1098, SB626, SB1784, SB2480, SB2487, SB437, SB660

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness