Video & Transcript Research : 'small businesses'

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development

Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right off the bat, we are going to hold 29-26, and we're going to do a small presentation first.
  • So with that, now to the business, and we're going to go ahead and start with the bill.
  • These income levels in a small town are $20,000 to $40,000 a year.
  • These income levels in a small town are $20,000 to $40,000 a year.
  • And then for a small modular reactor-specific... ...data centers driving up their rates.
Bills: HB2388, HB2804, HB2926
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/4/26

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.
  • and services from small businesses with small<00:08:43.440><c> business</c><00:08:43.919><c> procurement
  • </c><00:09:01.120><c> small</c><00:09:01.440><c> businesses,</c> businesses, targeted small businesses
  • , businesses, targeted small businesses, and<00:09:02.640><c> veteranowned</c><00:09:03.680><c> small
  • We do work with small businesses.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • States Small Business Administration in the definition of historically underutilized businesses for
  • The bill adds a new category to the existing HUB definition to ensure that small businesses owned and
  • businesses as a category eligible for small business contracts.
  • And a concern I have, and just to be clear, disabled vets really do struggle in the small business space
  • And just to be clear, disabled vets really do struggle in the small business space.
Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271
Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Veteran Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • States Small Business Administration in the definition of historically underutilized businesses for contracting
  • The bill adds a new category to the existing HUB definition to ensure that small businesses owned and
  • We strongly support Senate Bill 390 and the Governor's Small Business Freedoms Council's legislative
  • businesses as a category eligible for small business contracts.
  • It's an honor to be here with you today representing myself as a small business owner and a veteran.
Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

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.
  • But it's a safe assumption that it's a very small amount. It's a small percentage. Perfect.
  • 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.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • businesses, Fortune 500 and 1,000 companies, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.
  • businesses, Fortune 500 and 1,000 companies, nonprofits, and governmental agencies.
  • I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.
  • I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.
  • And it's having major effects on a lot of our small cities and communities across the state.
TX

Texas 89th 1st C.S.

Senate Session (Part II) Jul 21st, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • be online, but they will be in person here at the Capitol, as all bills in the normal course of business
  • And really, we're going about very important business. We all know it.
  • Senate Bill 26 by Alvarado, relating to a disaster recovery loan program for small and micro businesses
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of congressional redistricting, where the committee established the procedures to ensure a fair and transparent process. Led by Senator King, the session focused on adopting a resolution that authorized a special committee dedicated to congressional redistricting and allowed for regional hearings to gather public input via videoconferencing. Concerns were raised about ensuring adequate notice for public participation, especially from marginalized communities potentially affected by proposed changes. Disagreements emerged regarding the timeline for regional hearings and how to address the implications of the redistricting process on minority districts. Overall, participants acknowledged the complex nature of redistricting and the importance of engaging constituents in the legislative process.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

WAM-CPN, WAM Public Hearings 04-07-2026

Ways and Means

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Consumer Protection meeting was a decision-making session on a series of House bills, with no oral testimony taken. The committees first acted on HB 2583, recommending passage on amended, and HB 1591, recommending passage with amendments related to health care. They also recommended passage on amended for HB 1749 on cesspools and HB 2423 on biodiesel, with each recommendation adopted by the members present. The committees then considered a second agenda block that included HB 2080, HB 1520, HB 1576, HB 1711, HB 1785, HB 1802, HB 1838, HB 1842, HB 1853, HB 1976, HB 2104, HB 2218, HB 2246, HB 2270, HB 2289, HB 2361, HB 2551, and HB 2606. Most were recommended for passage unamended and adopted without objection. HB 1520 was deferred because the Senate bill had already crossed over. HB 1711 was amended to replace the option period established by the corporation with a period of up to 10 years. HB 2289 was amended to remove repeal of a ceiling and set a $1 million expenditure ceiling for the automated victim information and notification system special fund. Several members noted reservations on HB 1842, which involved transfer of the Westridge parcel near a rail station; concerns were raised about the property’s value, the long-term lease status, and whether the city would actually accept or pursue the transfer. HB 1853 was passed unamended, with the committee noting the Lions Association had suggestions that could be addressed later in conference. HB 2218 was passed unamended while adopting DLNR testimony to clarify collaboration with community groups in stewarding public lands and recreational areas. In each case, the stated recommendations were adopted, often with members voting no with reservation rather than in opposition.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • 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
  • The goal is to ensure Texans and Texas businesses are shielded from the harmful impact of such taxes.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 18th, 2025

Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:
  • As federal law evolves, it's crucial for the state to be able to adapt swiftly so our businesses and
  • 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,...
  • The cost for small and independent farmers is unreachable.
  • our small farms, and that's bad in a lot of ways.
Bills: HB147
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.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

AEN-EDT, AEN Public Hearings 02-06-2026

Agriculture and Environment

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><00:36:12.720><c> producers</c> practitioners and small-cale producers practitioners and small-cale
  • </c><00:42:00.480><c> of</c> heard, um they are in the business of heard, um they are in the business
  • many</c><01:33:01.840><c> do</c><01:33:02.639><c> and</c> business, school, but many do and business,
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.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/27/2026 - House Commerce

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a big deal for small business. We often know when employees look for work. Thank you.
  • This is a big deal for small business. We often know when employees look for work. Thank you.
  • Small business.
  • As a small business owner, restaurants... Thank you for being here.
  • Really, at the end of the day, we're trying to give small business big business buying power in the market
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fifth order of business, committee reports.
  • Sixth order of business. Second reading. Sixth order of business. Second reading of bills.
  • This is a small amendment that I worked with the proponent. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
  • So that's being shifted over to homeowners, to farmers, to small businesses throughout.
  • It would have been a small portion.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 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.
  • It would have been a small portion.
  • To bring other businesses into our community.
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.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Financial Services Committee Mar 19th, 2025

Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • than 1% in any company, you have to have an acknowledgement of the proof of conveyance for that business
Bills: SB57, SB130
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • I call the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to order.
  • The Senate created this committee to help all small businesses compete with larger firms.
  • business owners and homeowners who have utilized SBA programs. of small business owners and homeowners
  • all small businesses, not just a select few.
  • What I do know is that a significant percent of businesses in Nevada are small businesses, and they have
Bills: SB298, SB300, SB371
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 5th, 2026 at 04:18 pm

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will have access to every single household and every single small business in New Mexico with enforceable
  • New Mexico small businesses pay their taxes.
  • Businesses need predictability.
  • We're not business friendly.
  • But not only about not being able to attract businesses, we're going to have businesses roll up their
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

GVO DEFER, GVO Public Hearings 02-05-2026

Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> procurement</c> program, the small business procurement program, the small business procurement
  • Mahalo. helped to support small businesses in helped to support small businesses in our<00:18:48.960>
  • about them to the small business community and assist small businesses in being able to implement them
  • ><c> program</c><00:19:49.440><c> in</c> pro the small business program in pro the small business program
  • </c><00:19:56.799><c> business</c> word about them to the small business word about them to the small
Summary: The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary. The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against. Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

GVO Public Hearing 02-03-2026

Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> firms and Hawaii firms are usually small firms and Hawaii firms are usually small so<00:32:22.399
  • </c> board as part of its official business board as part of its official business and<00:34:53.440><
  • </c> board's office during regular business board's office during regular business hours<00:43:23.680
  • business, like a house of...
  • </c> small business um like like a house of. small business um like like a house of.
Summary: The committee heard several government operations measures, beginning with SB 2064 on state construction projects, which would create an office of the state architect within DAGS to oversee design review and approvals for state construction. DAGS said it stood on its written testimony, DECAB supported the bill, DOT supported it, and HGA opposed it. No audience testimony or member questions were taken, and the chair moved on. The committee then took up SB 2312 on government contracts, which would make records held by private contractors performing government functions subject to UIPA. The State Procurement Office, Attorney General, OIP, ERS, DHS, and HGA offered comments or opposition, while the League of Women Voters, Public First Law Center, All Hawaii News, Grassroots, and several individuals supported the bill. Public First Law Center argued the bill closes a loophole and does not expand or reduce existing exemptions, while OIP and others raised concerns about privacy, confidential information, and the need for clearer procedures. Members discussed possible clarifying amendments, including changing “government function” to “agency,” and the bill was left for further consideration. Other measures discussed included SB 2662 on government accountability, which would require justification and caps for external consultants; ERS and DOT opposed it, while the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii and Airlines Committee of Hawaii argued consultants are often more efficient and necessary for major projects. The committee also heard SB 2744 on due process, for which no testimony was received; SB 2809 on budget-related reports, with comments from B&F and the Tax Foundation; SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, opposed by the Governor’s Office and the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and supported by one individual; a bill on continuous legislative sessions, with comments from B&F, LRB, and Hope for Hawaii; SB 2336 on tree management standards, supported by an individual and the Outdoor Circle; and SB 2075 on public procurement local preferences, which drew broad support with comments from SPO and the Attorney General and discussion of simplifying the preference structure. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly moved measures along after testimony and questions.