Video & Transcript Research : 'electronic voting machine'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/17/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We got one of those grooming machines.
- My my employees got grooming machine.
- <04:13:32.239>
It's wouldn't want a machine to do that. - It's wouldn't want a machine to do that.
- Chairman, I recommend you take a second look at this legislation and uh vote ought to pass.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 20, March 5, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:41:09.680>
Machine >> Senate File 28, Election Voting Machine >> Senate File - 28, Election Voting Machine and<00:41:10.240>
Voting <00:41:10.640>System <00:41:11.119 - <00:41:20.079>
Machine <00:41:20.319>and File 28, Elections Voting Machine and File - 28, Elections Voting Machine and Voting<00:41:20.800>
System <00:41:21.119>Test. - Many of our county clerks store those voting machines in very limited quarters.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 39 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:41 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Roll call having been ordered, voting machines are now open, or remain open, for four minutes.
- Roll call having been ordered, voting machines are now open and will be open for four minutes.
- Voting machines are now open. They will be open for four minutes.
- Voting machines are now open and will be open for two minutes.
- Roll call having been required, voting machines are now open. They will be open for four minutes.
Summary:
The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday.
The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin.
The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 20 March, 2026; 9:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for<00:06:36.040>
which <00:06:36.280>it <00:06:36.440>stands, >> Open the machine - Has everyone voted? Close the machine, Madam Clerk. There's a quorum present, Mr. Speaker.
- Has<00:07:05.320>
everyone <00:07:05.680>voted? - <00:07:06.320>
Close <00:07:06.520>the <00:07:06.560>machine, Has everyone voted - Close the machine, Has everyone voted? Close the machine, Madam<00:07:07.040>
Clerk.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no reports from select committees, and the chamber moved through routine introductions and recognitions of visitors, including students, family members of members, and guests from the Magnolia Bar Association and MML. Members also highlighted a few individual visitors and student achievements, including cross-country competitors from Forest Hill.
On the calendar, the only substantive action was on House Bill 4073, the sole item on the supplemental calendar. The House agreed to the motion to invite conference on the bill. No other calendar items were taken up.
Before adjournment, a member announced a post-adjournment wellness-related event in Room 401 for the first day of spring. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:10.640>
for discussion be okay. uh vote on 183.5 for discussion be okay. uh vote on - machines in the state.
- In March or in April we had 4,400 machines in the state.
- So, and then for 2027, again, I'm going to assume 220.3. machine revenue, um he he averages that machine
- So we're is closer to $280 for machine.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 44 Morning Session Apr 21st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I voted no, but then was told to vote yes, that the voters would not come send me back if I voted against
- Those who vote or change vote. Chair's prayer and to close. Declare the vote. 38 nay.
- The vote on the bill will be the vote.
- for a recorded vote.
- Declare the vote: 87 yes, 7 no, having received a majority vote.
Bills:
HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427
Keywords:
tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 25th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- [Voting machine call] Torver, Brass, vote your machine.
- Glorioso, Bacala, Riser, Eccle[s], vote your machine, members. Members, are you through voting?
- Members, are you through voting? The clerk will close the machine. We have 98 members.
Bills:
HR320, HR321, HR308, HR309, HR310, HR311, HR312, HR313, HR314, HR315, HR316, HR317, HR318, HR319, SCR65, SCR74, SCR76, HR245, SCR30, SCR40, HB1259, SB4, SB52, SB57, SB83, SB145, SB152, SB194, SB276, SB319, SB333, SB448, SB450, SB465, SB484, SB501, SB509, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR114, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB119, HB129, HB233, HB283, HB538, HB789, HB850, HB870, HB1236, HB1241, HB378, HB509, HB1090, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB149, HB463, HB998, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, SB82, SB97, SB283, SB326, SB518, SB197, SB268, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB89, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449
Keywords:
Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- opportunity to replace many ancillary systems that they may be paying for at the moment, such as electronic
- the application so that we always know not only the user that was logged in, but the computer, the machine
- In addition, I wanted to mention again when students transfer To be done electronically across the system
- It will allow for easier and quicker electronic transfers rather than a family having to go collect.
- So yes, we do have within Synergy an electronic student records request for any Synergy district to this
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HLT-HHS Joint Info Briefing - Fri Mar 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:18:25.480>
medical They have to do with electronic medical They have to do with electronic - to upgrade electronic health records for those who have them, but really aren't fully functional.
- But in addition to getting the electronic health records out, we need to create interfaces with those
- to upgrade electronic health records for those who have them, but really aren't fully functional.
- addition to getting the electronic addition to getting the electronic health<00:29:01.640>
records
Bills:
HB2246, HB2119, HB1929, HB1953, HB1572, HB2549, HB2594, HB2551, HB2595, HB2548, HB2459, HB1931, HB1604, HB1616, HB1736, HB2233, HB2241, HB1891, HB1803, HB2567, HB2534, HB2399, HB2172, HB1595, HB1811, HB2168, HB1780, HB1781, HB1785, HB2122, HB2012, HB2398, HB1779, HB2296, HB1894, HB1925, HB2019, HB1896, HB2294, HB2298, HB2300, HB2344, HB2345, HB2391, HB2037, HB2201, HB1941, HB1635, HB1943, HB2325, HB1926, HB2490, HB1710, HB2545, HB1976, HB2173, HB1804, HB1563, HB2015, HB1619, HB2475, HB1889, HB2367, HB2187, HB1765, HB1452, HB2231, HB1700, HB1705, HB1626, HB1897, HB1642, HB1523, HB2593, HB815, HB1655, HB1596, HB1732, HB1842, HB2476, HB2478, HB2022, HB1588, HB2575, HB1163, HB2153, HB772, HB1519, HB2050, HB2309, HB2147, HB2329, HB2274, HB2280, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2306, HB2148, HB2088, HB1764, HB2438, HB2117, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2155, HB1832, HB2216, HB1601, HB1934, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2454, HB2004, HB2427, HB2207, HB1810, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB2323, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB1691, HB2386, HB2423, HB2121, HB1984, HB1593, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB1643, HB2558, HB1864, HB1898, HB2214, HB2167, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB322, HB1964, HB2218, HB2616, HB1535, HB1574, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2250, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1740, HB1724, HB1733, HB1799, HB1725, HB2049, HB2161, HB1970, HB2519, HB1790, HB2416, HB1873, HB2001, HB2151, HB1603, HB1880, HB1753, HB2198, HB1511, HB1991, HB2546, HB1615, HB1939, HB2140, HB2429, HB1870, HB1850, HB1782, HB2137
Keywords:
agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- CHAIR BRODEUR. >> MEMBERS BY YOUR VOTE, SHOW SENATE BILL 1182 REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- IT'S NOT A WELL OILED MACHINE IT'S A SYSTEM STUCK IN NEUTRAL.
- LAST TIME WE WERE HERE I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY I VOTED NO IN ONE COMMITTEE AND VOTED YES AND NEXT COMMITTEE
- I'M NOT SURE HOW I WILL VOTE BECAUSE I SEE BOTH SIDES OF THIS ISSUE.
- BY YOUR VOTE CS FOR SENATE BILL 526 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're testifying, please make sure you have filled out the electronic...
- You know, folks need to understand that when they're voting in favor of a bond proposition, they are
- Majority vote to approve bonded indebtedness would be a good idea.
- you know if you have a manufacturing business you've got raw materials part of the tax you've got machines
- And it's just such an ugly vote, and we hear it directly from our folks, and I think if there's certainly
Keywords:
HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why I urge you to vote yes on S. 1554.
- We urge We urge you to vote yes on S. 1554.
- By voting yes on S. 1554, you will save lives.
- By voting yes on S. 1554, you will save lives and save the state millions of dollars.
- I urge you to vote yes on Senate Resolution 1554.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people.
Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers.
On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law.
The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-05-13 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- THE CLERK WILL UNLOCK THE MACHINE - HAVE ALL MEMBERS RECORDED THEIR PRESENCE?
- THE CLERK WILL LOCK THE MACHINE AND ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM. >> 97 MEMBERS VOTING, A QUORUM
- THE CLERK WILL UNLOCK THE MACHINE AND MEMBERS WILL PROCEED TO VOTE. HAVE ALL MEMBERS VOTED?
- THE CLERK WILL LOCK THE MACHINE AND ANNOUNCE THE VOTE. >> 88 YAY 10 NAY. >> SHOW THE BILL PASSES.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 50 Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The eye declares the vote. 55 I 27 nay received a majority vote.
- Declare the vote: 2/3 vote of those elected in the house failed to receive a majority vote.
- Clerk, on the machine for a vote.
- Those wishing to change their vote, if you're in the chamber, you're required to vote. You got it.
- Declare the vote: 51 in favor, 16 against, having received a majority vote.
Keywords:
bail bondsman, bondsman license, multicounty agent bondsman, surety bondsman, Insurance Commissioner, bail bond regulation, bond deposit, forfeiture, deposit ratio, writing capacity, license transfer, power of attorney, surety bond, bail industry, Oklahoma insurance law, financial solvency, administrative action, Oklahoma Local Food for Schools, school meals, local food procurement
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 18th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- way we can get the bill in a form that if at a future date Chairman Ingram brings us back up for a vote
- vote, we'll be in a position to do that. vote, we'll be in a position to do that.
- So, in light of the incredible IT challenges, you can run a coffee machine.
- <00:20:06.840>
So, not taking a a vote on that day. So, not taking a a vote on that day. - Of directors, including quorum requirements and participation in electronic means.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Of course, we will not be taking a vote today.
- You know, I learned something from President Trump, who, probably people know, I didn't vote for.
- Is based around electrons and molecules of water.
- And with the growth of AI, Machine learning and everything else, it's at the forefront right now.
- I'm conflicted... because we walked in knowing that we weren't voting on this. Now we are.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 112 May 5th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . vote. vote.
- Scheible, please open the machine, and members proceed to vote. before us is the adoption of the first
- members proceed to open the machine and members proceed to vote.
- Shebo, please open the machine, and members proceed to vote. Please close the machine.
- Shebo, please open the machine, and members proceed to vote. Please close the machine.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions. Members marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, promoted Cinco de Mayo and a related potluck, welcomed DeMolay International guests, and recognized correctional officers and employees during Corrections Officers and Employees Week. Several committees also announced upcoming meetings and bill hearings, including Health and Human Services, Judiciary, Transportation, Housing, and Local Government, Capital Development, and Appropriations.
Committee reports were read, including favorable recommendations on several bills and a postponement indefinitely of House Joint Resolution 1029. The Majority Leader then moved a slate of bills to special orders, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then proceeded to floor consideration of Senate Bill 134, concerning payment card network fees.
Senate Bill 134 drew debate over whether merchants should continue paying swipe fees on the tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters said the bill would provide meaningful relief to small businesses and restaurants, with estimated savings of $8,000 to $10,000 per business and about $217 million statewide. Opponents argued the bill shifted costs to banks and could have unintended consequences, suggesting the state should instead directly pay or reimburse the fees. After debate, the House passed Senate Bill 134 by voice vote.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Jun 4th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Transcript Highlights:
- I do not think that there was a specific board vote on these charges.
- They provided some machines. Well, that's all they put.
- I don't need... ...machines. Well, that's all they put.
- I don't either, but I don't know what we gave them other than a place to put a machine. They did.
- Another question is on the... ...but I do not think there was a formal board vote. No, sir. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met to review education audit reports and adopted the minutes. Legislative Audit reported 103 education audits total, with 89 having no findings and 14 containing findings. The committee first heard from Camden Fairview School District, which had findings for spending operating funds on an end-of-year employee banquet and for unauthorized credit card charges. District officials said they had implemented stronger internal controls, stopped using the affected card, and would limit future events to comply with state law and constitutional requirements. Members questioned the district about prior practices, donated funds, and how teacher appreciation could continue without using operating funds; the report was filed as reviewed.
The committee then reviewed Forest City School District, which had a finding for spending $33,000 in operating funds on an off-campus end-of-year celebration and entertainment event. District representatives said the money came from a long-standing Pepsi-related donation fund, but acknowledged confusion over whether it should be treated as operational funds and said they would stop using it that way and provide training to staff and the board. Members discussed whether the funds were private donations or operating funds, the lack of a formal board vote, and whether the event was intended to recognize staff and growth; the report was filed as reviewed.
The committee also received notice of more serious findings that were referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general, including Conway School District for misuse of district funds and resources by former maintenance employees, Magnolia School District for undeposited activity funds, Westside School District for undocumented and personal credit card charges, and Boonville School District for paying a board member’s son in excess of the statutory limit without an approved exemption. The remaining eight reports with findings were filed en masse as reviewed, and the 89 reports with no findings were also filed en masse. The committee adjourned after noting that most districts reviewed had no findings.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Jun 4th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Transcript Highlights:
- I do not think that there was a board, a specific board vote on these charges.
- They provided some machines. Well, that's all they put.
- I don't need... ...machines. Well, that's all they put.
- I don't either, but I don't know what we gave them other than a place to put a machine. They did.
- Another question is on the... ...but I do not think there was a formal board vote. No, sir. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met to review education audit reports and heard responses from several school districts with findings. Camden Fairview School District was cited for using operating funds for an end-of-year employee awards banquet and for unauthorized credit card charges that caused a small loss; district officials said the current administration had strengthened controls, stopped the banquet practice, and improved monthly credit card reconciliation. Members questioned whether the prior officials were still employed, whether the credit card issue was an outside hack, and how teacher appreciation could continue without using district funds. Forest City School District was cited for spending about $33,000 on an off-campus staff celebration and entertainment event; district representatives said the money came from long-standing Pepsi-related donation funds, that the event was intended to recognize staff and growth, and that they would change practices and receive training going forward. Members discussed whether those funds were private donations or operational funds, and staff said the district’s accounting treatment made them subject to the constitutional restriction at issue.
The committee also reviewed several other findings. Conway School District was referred for an ongoing investigative report involving misuse of district funds and resources by former maintenance employees. Magnolia School District had undeposited activity funds totaling more than $21,000, tied to a resigned high school secretary and sponsor receipts not deposited. Westside School District had about $30,000 in credit card charges lacking documentation or business purpose, including charges by the superintendent, personal purchases, and items shipped to personal addresses; the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney. Boonville School District was cited for paying a board member’s son more than the statutory limit for seasonal groundskeeping without the required exemption, and DESE later denied the exemption request.
After discussing those cases, the committee filed the remaining eight findings en masse and then filed the 89 reports with no findings. Members noted that most school districts audited had clean reports and encouraged districts to continue good practices while learning from the findings discussed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- to machine within a day or 24 hours.
- machine.
- But it's right next to an ATM machine.
- His response was, 'It's not our machine.'
- His response was, it's not our machine.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use.
Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting.
The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.