Video & Transcript Research : 'variable message signs'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Without further ado, I would like... ...our message in the chat if you'd like to ask a question.
- National Guard, five years signed up, did what he was supposed to do and got out.
- So that’s why it wasn’t just two, because you signed up for—at least that was how it was when I signed
- So that’s why six years is chosen, because you fulfilled the commitment that you signed up for.
- And not only that, so that is the last witness we have signed up.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-26 session on recognitions, definitions, and designations related to veterans. Chairs John Velis and Joseph McGonagle opened the hybrid hearing with housekeeping rules and noted the committee’s reporting deadlines. The hearing focused on several bills honoring veterans and military-related service, including H. 3825 to include reserve components in flag half-staff recognition for service members killed in action, S. 2499 to place a State House marker honoring three Medal of Honor recipients from the war on terror, S. 2498 to add Merchant Marine recognition at veterans cemeteries and the State House and create a Massachusetts merchant mariner medal, and H. 2500/S. 2500 to have Massachusetts fly the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and fallen service members.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 3871 and S. 2467, which would update the Commonwealth’s definition of “veteran.” Testimony came from the Office of Veterans Services, veterans organizations, Public Health Service and NOAA representatives, National Guard and Reserve veterans, and Gold Star advocates. Witnesses argued the current state definition is inconsistent with federal law and excludes some service members who should be recognized, especially members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, reservists, and some National Guard members. Supporters said the bills would improve fairness, consistency, and access to benefits and services, while several speakers emphasized that service in uniform should be honored regardless of branch. Some testimony also urged a broader moral recognition of all who raised their right hand, while others focused on aligning state law with federal definitions and closing gaps in eligibility.
Committee members asked questions about the practical and fiscal effects of broadening the definition, including how the proposed language would interact with existing federal standards and state benefit programs. Witnesses explained that the bills would remove the current 180-day and 90-day active-service calculations and instead recognize certain active service and six-year reserve or Guard commitments, though some members noted that this could create a broader state standard than the federal one. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing, and the committee concluded after hearing from the final witness and adjourning.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 31st, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- But I think today is a really big part to get the message out there.
- And if there are messages we can send to the feds, we need to do that as well.
- We'll get you if you don't but you'll still have to sign up for card.
- We need to bring back signing up for emergency alerts via driver's license renewals.
- So if you haven't signed up If you want to testify, please come up, we'll get you signed up.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 28th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Governor: there are none. Messages from the Senate: there are none.
- To the tech companies, my message is simple: Get your blank together and solve the problem.
- So let's pass this bill unanimously with bipartisan support and send a message not just to the world,
- Vermont was signed into law last week.
- to know the signs, like my colleague said.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before moving through the daily file. Several measures were taken up and passed, including bills on county jail accountability (AB 2257), claims against public agencies (AB 2529), affordable housing management metrics (AB 2689), digital wellness instruction in schools (AB 2071), pedestrian and bicycle safety project streamlining (AB 1976), manufactured home transport permits (AB 2012), a Surplus Land Act amendment tied to an Inland Empire soccer project (AB 2139), a Monterey Bay stewardship authority (AB 1548), online electrician licensing (AB 1707), a Caltrans study of navigation apps’ traffic impacts (AB 2105), coastal resiliency permitting reforms (AB 2051), downtown housing streamlining and financing (AB 2074), Cal Fire compensation (AB 2129), emergency care authority for Del Puerto Health Care District (AB 2282), charter school facilities hardship relief (AB 2316), theft by a peace officer under color of authority as serious misconduct (AB 2337), an Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-serving institution designation (AB 2374), energy and cannabis support bills (AB 2464, AB 2537), and a suicide prevention plan requirement for treatment facilities (AB 2562). Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan margins, and several were described as support bills with no opposition.
The floor also debated a major criminal justice measure, AB 2727, which would raise the threshold for elderly parole eligibility for people serving sentences for violent sex offenses and add screening safeguards. Supporters from both parties emphasized child protection, survivor trauma, and specific local cases involving offenders who had become eligible for release; the bill passed 66-0. Another significant debate centered on AB 1958, which would clarify procedures under the California Racial Justice Act by refining how disparity claims are established and rebutted; the author said he would take Senate amendments to address concerns from district attorneys. The Assembly also considered AB 2313, a gas-to-electric transition bill allowing customers with planned service line replacements to opt out of gas service and use funds to electrify their homes. Members raised concerns about cost shifts and equity, and the author responded that the bill includes no-cost-shift language, larger credits for disadvantaged communities, and would not proceed if the math does not work; it passed 41-21.
The final major item was AB 1709, a high-profile social media safety bill creating a minimum age of 16 for accounts on platforms using addictive features and establishing an e-safety commission. The author and many supporters from both parties framed the bill as a response to youth mental health harms, addictive design, and the need for age-based safeguards, while some members raised concerns about impacts on LGBTQ youth and other isolated young people who rely on online spaces. Supporters said the bill targets addictive design rather than speech and is intended to preserve safe online connection while limiting harmful features. The measure drew extensive bipartisan support and was still under debate at the end of the transcript.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Oversight Commission on Opioid Settlement Funds Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ultimately, we want to be able to tell the message along the way about that important work.
- We want to ensure we put our message in front of the right people at the right time with the right message
- We want to make sure that the message is not just broad, but very specifically focused and laser-focused
- For us, it's really important that we focus and balance the efforts that we have on the right messaging
- That is messaging that we can put on social media. we can put on social media.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, August 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair will receive a message. PROCEEDINGS IS APPROVED.
- Speaker, messages from the Senate. The Secretary: Mr. Speaker.
- Signed, sincerely, Kat Cammack, Member of Congress.
- SIGNED, SINCERELY, CAT CAMMACK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:56.400>
that message that message that said,<00:38:58.480>"Shamari, <00:38:59.200 - Specifically, three signed it.
- If you say The message is clear.
- He has signed several to do so.
- manner that was meant to send a message manner that was meant to send a message to<08:47:25.920>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Transcript Highlights:
- The message was, "Mr. Conan, I haven't eaten in two days." That was a child.
- Thank you for your time, and I strongly urge you to support S. 63 and H. 128. shared with me a message
- The message was, Mr. Conan, I haven't eaten in two days. That was a child.
- However, when I walked into that DCF office, there were pesticide signs on the sides and it stunk of
- And Sydney is our last person we have signed up to testify.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts.
Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe.
The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- A consistent, systematic message should be to keep your smart device at home.
- The message is clear: smart devices in school are not smart. Thank you very much.
- smart devices If I didn't have to fight for their attention I could teach A consistent systematic message
- should be to keep your smart device at home Education of families is key The message is clear Smart
- Very simple concept: when you sign a subcontract, you should have the entire subcontract.
Bills:
HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984
Keywords:
digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending.
Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/22/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-03 (12:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Does your bill limit my ability to send a text message to email, or does it have to be email address
- It does not address text messages. Further questions? Are there amendments? On the desk, Mr.
- And so that language from starting on line 546 requires supervisors to notify those who signed valid
- It simply removes the 10-day deadline to return signed petitions, moves it back to 30 days.
- And if it becomes law, we're sending a message to the next generation.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Deputy Will May of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and CS for HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then took up several special-order bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, including SB 36, SB 42, SB 40, and SB 38, all of which passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief explanations that they updated or cleaned up Florida statutes.
Members also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection orders. HB 615, on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email when both parties agree in writing, passed after adoption of a tenant-protection amendment offered by Rep. Gottlieb. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance and wellness programs passed unanimously. HB 1145 on workforce education passed 100-4, expanding CAP grant eligibility to public charter schools for CTE startup/expansion and increasing minimum program offerings tied to a money-back guarantee program. HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements passed unanimously, and HB 649 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 77-30 after structured debate.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill would require a $1 million bond after 25% of required signatures are collected, require petition handlers and circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, impose background checks and training for paid circulators, shorten petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increase penalties, add signature revocation notices, require more identifying information on petition forms, and create felony penalties for certain misconduct. Supporters argued the changes were needed to combat fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make ballot initiatives harder for ordinary Floridians to pursue. Multiple amendments sought to roll back or soften the bill’s requirements, protect personal information, restore longer deadlines, lower validation thresholds, and bar public funds from being used to advocate for or against amendments. Some amendments were adopted, but several key ones failed as debate continued.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- manager and the board members to sign manager and the board members to sign off<00:48:20.440>
- sign off. sign off.
- And that's on the employers to share that message.
- Representative Anderson, thank you so much for signing on to this bill.
- Did everybody get the message now? Did everybody get the message now?
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- We had two bills signed in 2017 by Governor Ducey, the Mitch Warnock Act, and Jake's Law in 2020.
- My question to you is: the message that was sent to the group, were they minors or were they over 18?
- I missed signs.
- Seeing none, Madam Vice Chair, is there anyone signed in to speak? Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker?
- Madam Vice Chair, is there anyone signed in to speak? Yes, we have an if necessary for the bill.
Keywords:
manslaughter, suicide encouragement, assisted suicide, online harassment, social media, text messaging, directed communication, minor suicide, youth suicide prevention, criminal liability for speech, online bullying, free speech, homicide, class 2 felony, Cade's Law, Arizona criminal law, sovereignty, border security, health crisis, drug cartels
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement heard three bills. HB 2665, named Cade’s Law, would expand Arizona’s manslaughter statute to cover intentionally directed communications—verbal, written, or electronic—that encourage a minor to die by suicide, while excluding general public commentary and non-directed discussion of suicide or mental health. The sponsor and several parents and suicide-prevention advocates testified in support, emphasizing teen suicide risks and the need to address online communication. Some members raised concerns about ambiguity, peer-to-peer counseling, and whether minors could be swept into the statute. After a verbal amendment clarifying the communication language, the bill passed 10-4 with several members voting present due to drafting concerns.
HB 2904 declared fentanyl trafficking across the Arizona-Mexico border a public health crisis and directed state health officials to act within their authority. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to combat cartels and protect Arizona from fentanyl-related deaths. The ACLU of Arizona opposed it, saying the bill used vague and unprecedented terms such as “unlawful invasion,” could sweep in asylum seekers or low-level drug offenders, and might affect bail and sentencing. After a contentious debate over border security, sovereignty, and the bill’s definitions, the committee gave HB 2904 a do pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote.
HB 2917 would create a firefighter cancer registry at the Department of Health Services to collect and analyze data on cancer among Arizona firefighters. Firefighter representatives supported the measure as a way to better understand occupational exposure and improve prevention, but members questioned whether the bill’s reporting requirements were truly voluntary, since the draft appeared to require participation and provider reporting of medical information. The sponsor and supporters said the intent was not to mandate disclosure and were open to amendments to clarify consent and privacy. The committee approved the bill 12-1, with one present vote and one absence, while noting that cleanup amendments would be needed before floor consideration.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine children's safety in the digital era, focusing on strengthening protections and addressing legal gaps. Feb 19th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- That said, there are some signs of encouragement.
- One of these bills, the Report Act, later signed into law by President Biden, strengthened the cyber
- He ended that post with. the less than three sign.
- I got way offline, but I want to focus on my main message to big tech as lawmakers.
- being amplified on a suicide message board.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding child safety online, with a particular emphasis on recent legislative efforts aimed at curbing child sexual exploitation and harmful content accessible through social media platforms. Senators engaged in a heated discussion regarding the implications of Big Tech's lobbying efforts against vital bills such as the Stop CSAM Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. Noteworthy testimonies highlighted real-life impacts of online dangers, including tragic cases of child exploitation and drug-related fatalities linked to social media interactions. The bipartisan nature of the committee's commitment to address these issues showcased a collective determination to make the digital environment safer for the younger generation.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Our message is simple: kids matter.
- What kind of message are we sending?
- And I think that what this message is is that we're making it easier for these boys than we are.
- And I don't think that's the kind of message we want to send to these girls.
- And I don't think that's the kind of message we want to send to these girls.
Summary:
House Management took up a series of House resolutions, mostly honoring Arkansas schools, teams, and individuals. Resolutions passed recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and commending CASA programs, the Mountain Home Bombers’ 2025 boys and girls 5A cross-country championships, a corrected resolution for a girls’ championship team roster, Mount St. Mary Academy’s 6A girls golf title, Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir, a local candy shop for state and national awards, Joe T. Robinson’s 5A football championship and 1–4A swim and dive title, Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns coach Dave Wilbers and the Golden Suns cross-country team, and North Rock’s girls basketball championship. One resolution honoring the Passion Play was pulled from the agenda and moved to regular session.
The main substantive discussion centered on House Resolution 1052, which urged support for Arkansas Girls’ State applicants who missed a school deadline because of counselor or administrative error. Sponsors and supporters said roughly 150 girls statewide were affected, that the deadline fell during spring break, and that the American Legion Auxiliary had previously extended deadlines but declined to do so this year. They argued the girls had met the requirements, that the issue was caused by adults, and that the program is a once-in-a-lifetime civic opportunity. They also said they had contacted the board, offered help with space, funding, and volunteers, and received no willingness to change course.
Committee members asked about the impact on students, including families with both a son and daughter where only the boy was being allowed to participate, and about whether the message to girls was fair. Supporters said the situation teaches civic engagement, grace, and advocacy, but that it also sends a harmful message if girls are denied because of adult mistakes while boys are still being accepted. After discussion, the committee voted to pass the resolution, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Mar 10, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 28
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Item No. 3, messages from the governor: there are none.
- <00:13:23.839>
from <00:13:24.000>the item number three messages from the item number - three messages from the governor<00:13:24.959>
Mr <00:13:25.240>clerk <00:13:25.680> - are<00:13:25.800>
there <00:13:25.959>any <00:13:26.199>messages governor Mr - clerk are there any messages governor Mr clerk are there any messages from<00:13:26.800>
the <
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I signed an emergency housing proclamation to cut red tape, move projects faster.
- That's what it means to honor a promise. signed an emergency housing proclamation signed an emergency
- Your message is our approach to homelessness in our state. Thank you, Julia.
- Her message to others facing her nieces.
- Your message is and we are listening.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 4/24/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 8th, 2026
Alabama Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what the message is. That's what the message says.
- That's what the message is. That's what the message is.
- that was the first sign. that was the first sign.
- What message are you sending them?
- What message are you sending them?
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called.
The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal.
Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there messages from the Governor and other executive communications? Not on the desk, Mr.
- Are there messages from the House of Representatives? Not on the desk, Mr. President.
- I'm proud to say that that expansion was already signed into law this session.
- I'm proud to say that that expansion was already signed into law this session.
- and law enforcement can view messages, so isn't that the decrypted messages?
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields.
Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-24-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- states that, um, it hasn't been signed states that, um, it hasn't been signed by<00:12:06.800>
- You had to sign all those multiple papers and tear your ticket off.
- You had to sign all those multiple papers and tear your ticket off.
- You had to sign all those multiple papers and tear your ticket off.
- You had to sign all those multiple papers and tear your ticket off.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:01
Discussion SB 157 00:23
Vote SB 157 05:22
Discussion SB 189 05:57
Vote SB 189 26:49, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 157, which would align Kentucky’s mortgage loan fee rules with federal standards by exempting certain first and second mortgages from the state’s total net income cap when they meet federal points-and-fees thresholds. The sponsor and Rocket Mortgage testified that the bill would make it easier for borrowers to buy down mortgage interest rates with discount points, helping affordability without changing borrower costs, while preserving the existing 4% cap for loans outside the federal standard. Members discussed how rate buydowns work in practice, and the bill passed with a favorable expression after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 189, as amended by a committee substitute, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, or crypto ATMs, in Kentucky. The sponsor described widespread scam losses tied to these kiosks, especially among older adults, and said the bill would add consumer protections such as licensing, financial safeguards, transaction limits, refund or hold requirements, disclosures, receipts, and enforcement authority for the Department of Financial Institutions. He also said the substitute was based on other states’ models and that further changes might be needed, including possible floor amendments.
AARP Kentucky testified in support of regulating crypto kiosks but said the committee substitute weakened consumer protections and urged stronger safeguards, including lower transaction limits, fee caps, identity verification, receipts, and scam warnings. AARP representatives cited data on scam complaints and losses in Kentucky and nationally, and said the point of transfer is the best place to prevent harm. Committee members generally agreed the issue was consumer protection, but one senator cautioned against overregulating personal financial choices and noted that scams exist in many forms. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the bill would continue to be refined, including in coordination with the House and stakeholder groups.