Bills: HB1751, HB1752, HB1636

Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, shopping carts, abandoned carts, cart retrieval, cart impoundment, county enforcement, municipal ordinance, retail businesses, grocery stores, wholesale stores, membership stores, private clubs

Transcript Highlights:

• businesses.
• First, dynamic pricing is a method some businesses use to change the price of retail goods.
• Dynamic pricing is a method some businesses use to change the price of retail goods.
• Retailers also share those same concerns.
• So that is great news for small businesses and businesses of all kinds in Washington State.

Bills: HB2278, HB2325, HB2481, HB2503

Keywords: tourism, promotion areas, state funding, economic development, community engagement, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2325, which would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program under the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority. Staff explained the bill would let tourism-related businesses vote on and fund a new assessment program, overseen by a ratepayer board, with a new public records exemption for business financial information. The prime sponsor and supporters from State of Washington Tourism, hospitality, breweries, wine, and the Port of Seattle said the bill would provide sustainable, industry-led tourism funding and help Washington compete with other states. Opponents argued it would amount to another tax on businesses and raised concerns about unelected bodies having taxing authority. The hearing on HB 2325 was then closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2481, which would prohibit surveillance-based pricing, surge pricing, and certain electronic shelf label uses in grocery stores, while requiring price transparency and a Commerce study on electronic shelf labels. The sponsor said the bill is intended to stop individualized, data-driven pricing that could charge different customers different amounts for the same item. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill, saying it would protect shoppers and workers from unfair pricing and confusion. Grocery and retail groups opposed the bill as drafted, warning that the definitions could unintentionally restrict loyalty programs, discounts, inventory management, markdowns, and electronic shelf labels that improve efficiency. Members and the sponsor discussed possible amendments, and the hearing was closed. House Bill 2503, regulating artificial intelligence training data, was then heard. Staff said the bill would require developers of generative AI systems to post high-level documentation about training data, including sources, size, and whether copyrighted or licensed data was used, with violations treated as Consumer Protection Act violations. The sponsor said the bill is meant to provide a basic “ingredients label” for AI and build public trust. Tech industry witnesses generally supported the transparency goal but asked for clearer alignment with California’s law and raised concerns about enforcement and private rights of action. Some other testimony supported stronger enforcement and transparency. The committee closed the hearing on HB 2503 and then opened House Bill 2278, which would remove the July 1, 2027 sunset on the additional $3 per room per night lodging charge in tourism promotion areas. The sponsor said the charge has produced a strong return on investment and supports local tourism promotion; one opponent argued tourism taxes and broader state tax burdens make Washington less attractive to visitors. The hearing on HB 2278 continued with additional testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• trade for purposes of determining whether a company should pay franchise tax at the retail tax rate.
• This bill simply adds industrial uniform and linen rental businesses to that.
• The industry consists of smaller businesses that... family, multi-generational, single-plant companies
• Rent-to-own businesses and heavy construction equipment rental and leasing companies are also included
• HJR4, of course, is the companion bill to SJR50, which passed unanimously out of the Senate business

Bills: SB1211, SB1574, SB2774, SB2873, SB2900, HJR4

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing, sales tax exemption, oil and gas, environmental impact, water reuse, justice, judicial council, centers of excellence, court operations, recognition program, franchise tax, retail trade, tax classification, business regulation, economic impact, SB 2873, Texas Tax Code, electronic filing, e-filing, tax reports

Transcript Highlights:

• The second change is a modification to what happens when a business fails to pay.
• It creates three definitions: essential retail goods, physical retail location, and uniform price.
• So it uses the terminology essential retail goods, but the prohibition remains the same.
• As written, he said, the bill is effectively an eviction notice for small businesses.
• She described it as business-led, business-driven, industry-led, and industry-driven.

Bills: HB2325, HB2481, HB2503, HB2397, HB2278, HB2417

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee met in executive session and considered six bills. House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program for statewide tourism promotion, was amended to add certain large restaurants and retailers to the assessment, adjust enforcement language, remove a report-reference requirement, and make the Washington State Tourism Marketing Authority the governing agency. The committee adopted Amendment WAIL 264 and then voted 12-0, with one excused, to report the substitute bill out with a do pass recommendation. Members supporting the bill emphasized tourism’s economic benefits, local flexibility, and the need to increase statewide marketing. House Bill 2481, addressing surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods, was discussed with a proposed substitute and several amendments, but Representative Kloba withdrew the substitute proposal before action, leaving the bill as written. Members debated fairness in grocery pricing, with supporters arguing consumers should pay the same price regardless of personal data and opponents expressing concern about the bill’s mechanics and impact on retailers. The committee voted 8-4, with one excused, to report the bill out with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2503, concerning documentation of data used to train AI and generative AI systems, was amended to require posting additional documentation describing efforts to remove child sexual abuse material from training datasets. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 8-4, with one excused, to pass the substitute bill out of committee. House Bill 2397, on reimbursements under the State Fire Services Mobilization Plan, was amended so the 60-day reimbursement clock begins when complete documentation is received; it then passed 12-0, with one excused. The committee also unanimously approved House Bill 2278 on tourism promotion areas and House Bill 2417 on victim protections under the Washington Code of Military Justice, each by 12-0 votes with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a small business owner in Massachusetts. My name is Frank Zona.
• There are currently more than 3,200 retail liquor stores in Massachusetts.
• , Cooling, and Electric, which has been in business for 33 years.
• We service homeowners and businesses across the Commonwealth.
• The law mandates that it be compensated at the retail rate.

Bills: S2636, S2628, S2913, H4907, H4877, H4661, H4662, H4597, H4719, H4019, H559, H4588

Keywords: cosmetology, cosmetologist, beauty industry, hairdresser, esthetician, salon, licensure compact, interstate compact, multistate license, license reciprocity, professional licensure, occupational licensing, workforce mobility, license portability, military spouse, military family, background check, disciplinary action, scope of practice, consumer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• As federal law evolves, it's crucial for the state to be able to adapt swiftly so our businesses and
• I think it's an important step forward in ensuring that Texas farmers and businesses have the flexibility
• My name's Eddie Velez, and I'm a hemp farmer, business owner, and the president of the Texas Hemp Coalition
• It gives us the flexibility we need to grow our business and stay competitive.
• Um, as a private business owner, many of us up here on this dais, uh,...

Bills: HB147

Keywords: government contracting, business program, discrimination, state procurement, equity, underutilized businesses

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard several bills, all of which were left pending. HB 1113, by Rep. Cain, would update Texas hemp law to keep state rules aligned with federal changes, require timely rule amendments by the Department of Agriculture, and create hemp research permits for universities and nonprofits. Supporters from the Texas Hemp Coalition said it would improve research, licensing, testing, and enforcement while helping the industry stay compliant and competitive; the author said the bill was intended to reward good actors and deter bad ones. HB 1203, by Rep. Gonzalez, would create an Office of Food System Security and Resiliency within the Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity and coordinate local food access efforts. Gonzalez said the office would build on a prior Department of Agriculture study and help connect farmers, agencies, schools, and local governments; members asked about the fiscal note, consumer costs, and whether the office would overlap with existing programs. HB 1269, HB 1276, and HB 1277 focused on plant disease and pest prevention, including a grant program and studies to identify gaps and track outbreaks. Gonzalez emphasized the need for a more intentional state response, citing crop losses from pests and a recent cotton disease outbreak in his district. HB 1437 would create a pollinator task force to address threats to Texas honeybees and related pollination industries. A Texas Beekeepers Association witness described major recent colony losses, emerging threats such as mites and hornets, and the need to bring agencies and researchers together; Gonzalez noted prior work adding a bee specialist at AgriLife Extension. Finally, HB 147, by Chairman Guillen, would modernize cattle brand registration by moving it to an electronic system at the Texas Animal Health Commission while keeping county clerks involved. Supporters said it would improve efficiency, accuracy, and access for ranchers and law enforcement, while an opponent warned about possible electronic tracking implications and costs for small producers. The committee took no final votes and adjourned after leaving HB 147 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, now to the business, and we're going to go ahead and start with the bill.
• And those entrenched interests, whose business model depends on protecting the credit system itself,
• I mean, I consider President Trump way more smarter than I am when it comes to business and financing
• I mean, I consider President Trump way more smarter than I am when it comes to business and financing

Bills: HB2388, HB2804, HB2926

Keywords: HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages, tax revenue, broadband, infrastructure, secondary businesses, tertiary businesses

Transcript Highlights:

• Our BEAD program is now going to connect 166,000 homes and small businesses in Washington.
• Disadvantaged Individual for the purpose of Business Enterprise State Certification, aka WMBE.
• the things that this bill does, one of them is that it allows the Office of Minority and Women's Business
• This amendment generally requires that rules adopted by the Office of Women and Business Enterprises
• We want to avoid jeopardizing the ability of business to qualify for a federal program or work, urge

Bills: HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs, 904, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Department of Commerce’s new state broadband director on Washington’s BEAD broadband program and permitting plans. He said Washington’s final BEAD proposal, submitted to NTIA in September and resubmitted in January after roughly 25 rounds of federal revisions, is still awaiting approval. He explained that the federal program now prioritizes lower-cost technologies more than fiber, and that Washington’s preliminary awards would connect about 166,000 homes and small businesses with roughly 35% fiber, 38% fixed wireless, and 27% low-earth-orbit satellite. He also described the state’s permitting strategy, including a goal of issuing broadband permits within 90 days, use of permitting roundtables, and hiring NEPA expertise to speed environmental and historic review while coordinating with state, local, federal, and tribal partners. Members asked about the relationship between NEPA and SEPA, how the federal funding total changed from earlier expectations, the long-term costs and durability of fiber versus fixed wireless and satellite, and whether broadband permitting lessons could inform other infrastructure work such as transmission. The witness said NEPA can function as an umbrella for other environmental reviews, that the federal allocation has not been rescinded but only a portion is currently available for deployment, and that fiber is the most durable long-term investment even though it is more expensive up front. Members also discussed how density affects the feasibility of fiber deployment, with the witness noting that remote areas become exponentially more expensive to serve. The committee then considered House Bill 2684, which would add Middle Eastern and North African groups to the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises’ socially disadvantaged certification framework. Five proposed amendments were debated, but none were adopted. The amendments would have narrowed the rebuttable presumption by requiring findings of current discrimination, required disaggregated subgroup data analysis, tied the rules to the state constitution, and required consistency with federal law and Attorney General review. After debate, the bill passed the committee on a 7-4 vote with two excused, and was reported out with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee unanimously approved House Joint Memorial 4012, which urges Congress to address the 20-year rule affecting certain combat-injured veterans and create parity in recognition and benefits. The memorial was reported out with a do pass recommendation on an 11-0 vote, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not going to go through the dirty business of attacking a church.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• I plan to double major in music, business and economics, and then I plan To continue my education in
• She is a health business major and pre-law, and so she will be interning in our office this session on

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• I plan to double major in music business and economics, and then I plan to continue my education in law
• She is a health business major and pre-law, and she will be interning in our office this session on Tuesdays

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared present. Senator Darrell Weaver delivered the opening prayer, speaking about unity, humility, and Christian service in public office. The body then approved, by unanimous consent, the standing committees and their members for the second regular session of the 60th Legislature. The chamber also recognized the week one pages, who introduced themselves and described their schools, hometowns, sponsors, and future plans. Several senators then introduced interns and guests on the floor, including students from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, as well as a homeschool student from Blair. During announcements, Senator Hamilton noted the Local and County Government Committee would meet later that day in Room 2.30. Members were also informed that devotions would begin the following Wednesday. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Wednesday, February 4th at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator be allotted a maximum of $1500 from Senate funds for expenses related to office official State business
• She has a wonderful husband and two young kids, 14 and 11, and when she is not busy, she probably spends
• the gallery, and she works at OU Hospital as an anesthesiologist tech on the weekends, So she's not busy
• So she's not busy at all. Please recognize Peyton and Ava Marie. They will be with us all session.
• Before we go to the next formal part of our business, any announcements? Mr. President, I have one.

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Bills: HB1428

Keywords: HB 1428, North Dakota sales tax, sales tax exemption, thrift store, nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3), charitable organization, used clothing, clothing exemption, retail tax, Century Code 57-39.2-04, charity shop, secondhand clothing, taxable events, nonprofit retail, 908, all

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 1482, which would require certain municipal bond elections to be held on primary or general election days rather than at special elections. Senator Rummel walked the committee through a proposed amendment from Representative Wagner that would remove special-election language, align ballot timing requirements, and make related cleanup changes. Members discussed the distinction between constitutional debt limits and the bill’s election-timing requirements, with Senator Powers seeking clarification that the measure did not change levy or bond limits themselves. The committee also discussed whether the amended language would comply with the Secretary of State’s requirements. Chairman Weber and Senator Rummel said they had consulted legislative council and wanted a further check before the bill moved forward, and the chairman said he would hold the bill until that review was complete. The amendment was approved unanimously, 6-0, and the bill as amended was then adopted unanimously, 6-0. After passage, the committee discussed who would carry the bill, eventually settling on Senator Rummel as carrier. The chair also said several other bills, including gas tax and property tax measures, would be held for the time being while the committee waited for developments in the House. The committee announced it would not plan to meet the next day unless called from the floor, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As y'all know, we have manufacturers, we have wholesalers, and we have retailers.
• Please give considerations for existing businesses. considerations for existing businesses that have
• So, they want to be a manufacturer as well as a retailer in the same business. That's not allowed.
• The whiskey business is tough. You gotta spend...
• Um, so it's a cash flow intensive business, and it's tough.

Bills: SB312, SB316, SB90

Keywords: alcoholic beverages, ABC Board, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control, special event license, special events retail license, nonprofit special events retail license, special retail license, event storage license, government venue license, alcohol storage, alcohol transfer, beer, wine, liquor, on-premises consumption, public venue, government-owned property, municipal property, county property, state property

Transcript Highlights:

• Small business.
• Chairman and members, House Bill 2555 requires a retail business with a physical location in this state
• The bill also prohibits a retail business from charging a fee or penalty for using cash as a form of
• It's $100 and less, and it's for retail businesses. So that's the bill. We'll move for questions.
• It's $100 and less, and it's for retail, retail businesses. So that's the bill.

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:

• </c> business development corporation. business development corporation.
• </c><00:04:07.840><c> development</c> are in fact a business development are in fact a business development
• </c><00:42:00.480><c> of</c> heard, um they are in the business of heard, um they are in the business
• Not every building, business, school, but many do and they're exempted.
• many</c><01:33:01.840><c> do</c><01:33:02.639><c> and</c> business, school, but many do and business,

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so now we're going back to regular order of business of bills. The next bill will be 2352.
• So on a kind of a state business day basis, it's about 7,000 orders.
• You may disagree with how public schools are running their business.
• I know in our area, public schools are doing a great job in Snowflake. ...their business.
• I'm not a cook, but I know that busy parents spend a lot of time and stress not only doing the shopping

Bills: HB2352, HB2388, HB2418, HB2499, HB2500, HB2579, HB2584, HB2804

Keywords: funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth order of business, with the consent of the House, the bills, memorials, and resolutions printed
• Fifth order of business, committee reports.
• Sixth order of business. Second reading. Sixth order of business. Second reading of bills.
• Finally, the Sixth order of business. Second reading of bills. We'll take the following bill.
• So that's being shifted over to homeowners, to farmers, to small businesses throughout.

Bills: HB2325, HB2521, HB2720, HB1960, HB2073, HB2675, HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth order of business, with the consent of the House, the bills, memorials, and resolutions printed
• Fifth order of business, committee reports.
• Sixth order of business. Second reading. Sixth order of business. Second reading of bills.
• So that's being shifted over to homeowners, to farmers, to small businesses throughout.
• To bring other businesses into our community.

Bills: HB2325, HB2521, HB2720, HB1960, HB2073, HB2675, HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber also moved several bills through routine orders, including placing House Bill 273 on health carrier surpluses and House Bill 2681 on cannabis license fees on the second reading calendar, and welcoming guests and honored families to the gallery. The main floor action centered on three bills. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, establishing a tourism self-support program, was amended with a technical clarification and passed 84-5. Supporters said the industry should fund a statewide tourism marketing effort to attract visitors year-round and compete with other states. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960, on renewable energy, was amended to address local tax treatment of wind, solar, and battery storage projects and passed 74-15; proponents said it would replace a shifting property-tax burden with a more stable excise tax so host communities receive lasting benefits. House Bill 2521, concerning firearms background checks, drew the most debate. Amendments to raise the fee cap and to set the fee at zero were both rejected, with opponents arguing the bill would burden constitutional rights and supporters saying the fee should cover the State Patrol’s costs. The bill then passed 53-36. House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill, passed unanimously 89-0 after brief support from both parties. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• than 1% in any company, you have to have an acknowledgement of the proof of conveyance for that business

Bills: SB57, SB130

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, legal tender, gold, silver, bullion, specie, precious metals, coinage, currency, money, alternative currency, sound money, monetary policy, payment, debt, financial institutions