Video & Transcript Research : 'chapter 62Q'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses was established by Section 303 of Chapter
- specific charges of the Commission, and, you know, it cites looking at the impact of Section 28A of Chapter
- specific charges of the Commission, and, you know, it cites looking at the impact of Section 28A of Chapter
- 140D, which is the prohibition on. looking at the impact of Section 28A of Chapter 140D, which is the
Summary:
The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth.
A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail.
Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions.
The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 28 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a warrant that is similar to warrants of apprehension issued by the court on a daily basis under Chapter
- words “the release date of a person, including but not limited to a person convicted pursuant to chapter
- I leave you with a quote from the Old Testament, from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 6, verse 8.
- Chapter 6, verse 8. It says, I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send?
Summary:
The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority.
Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the report of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, pursuant to Section 5 of Chapter
- 1599-2040... ...and by the Office of the Comptroller pursuant to item 1599-2040 of Section 2B of Chapter
- So I rise today because, frankly, my colleagues, I'm afraid we are entering a dark chapter of our nation
- I'm afraid we are entering a dark chapter of our nation's history.
Summary:
The Senate convened with routine opening business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the filing of several reports, such as the Parole Board’s 2023 annual report and a fiscal year 2025 prior-year deficiency report from the Comptroller. Those reports were ordered placed on file. The remainder of the session was devoted almost entirely to a series of brief statements by the Senate President and many senators responding to what they described as federal actions under the Trump administration, especially immigration enforcement without due process, court defiance, and broader threats to democratic norms.
Senators repeatedly condemned the detention and deportation of immigrants, students, researchers, and even some U.S. citizens, citing specific Massachusetts cases including Ramesa Ozturk of Tufts, Juan Francisco Mendez, Sunua Petrova, and others. Members also raised concerns about cuts to federal funding affecting Massachusetts, including NIH and university research, asthma prevention, education, climate resilience, and veterans’ services. Several senators tied these issues to the state’s economy, higher education, health care, and immigrant communities, and many invoked Massachusetts and American history to argue for due process, the rule of law, and resistance to authoritarianism.
A few policy responses were mentioned, including support for increasing funding for the Attorney General to handle lawsuits, and references to bills or proposals such as the Immigrant Legal Defense Act, the Dignity Not Deportation Act, the Safe Communities Act, and the Location Shield Act. The Senate President also referenced the chamber’s broader “Response 2025” initiative. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on during the statements themselves, aside from the adoption of an order to adjourn and the setting of the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Madden on behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians, California Chapter, and John Polin
- Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Tim Madden on behalf of the American College of American Physicians, California Chapter, and John Polin
- Tim Madden representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians were co-sponsor
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors, in opposition
- Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors, in opposition
- Good afternoon, Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors
- Good afternoon, Matt Easley, on behalf of the California chapters of the Associated General Contractors
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 079 Apr 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are active chapters throughout Colorado, including Fort Collins, Larimer, and Boulder County.
- There<00:34:20.520>
are <00:34:20.679>active <00:34:21.120>chapters <00:34:21.720 - >
throughout There are active chapters throughout There are active chapters throughout Colorado
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- walls of the schoolhouse, it would be a violation of the existing criminal code in the obscenity chapter
- or the underlying law, I should say, comes from a 1962 criminal code definition in the obscenity chapter
- walls of the schoolhouse, it would be a violation of the existing criminal code in the obscenity chapter
- definition. in the upset. the definition comes from a 1962 criminal code definition in the obscenity chapter
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to bring up SF856 on House Floor 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If there's anything about Chapter 13 in the bill, it needs to come to the Judiciary Committee, and I
- If there's anything about Chapter<00:09:37.720>
13 <00:09:38.240>in <00:09:38.360>the - 09:39.160>
it <00:09:39.440>needs <00:09:39.800>to <00:09:39.880>come Chapter - 13 in the bill, it needs to come Chapter 13 in the bill, it needs to come to<00:09:40.320>
the
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:02 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Pamela McBride, a concerned citizen and member of the Rio Grande chapter of the Sierra Club.
- In Sierra County in particular, we have partnered with the Ramah Navajo Chapter since 2019 to assist
- The Ramah Navajo Chapter Department of Natural Resources has informed us that free-roaming horses are
- The Ramah Navajo Chapter Department of Natural Resources is an example of a tribal agency that is ready
Keywords:
Taos County, Questa, produced water, treated produced water, water reuse, water quality control commission, freshwater conservation, rural communities, acequias, Indian nations, tribes, pueblos, water rights, industrial water use, data centers, artificial intelligence, AI, quantum computing, economic development, renewable energy
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- but no state-level institution dedicated to Black history, despite Black Floridians shaping every chapter
- These volunteers operate in a serious legal gray area under Chapter 493.
- These volunteers operate in a serious legal gray area under Chapter 493.
- Under Chapter 493, individuals who guard persons or property for consideration could be classified as
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met and first approved several open-government sunset repeal bills and related measures. SB 7024 and SB 7026, both sponsored by Senator Mayfield, were explained as consolidating and extending public records/public meetings exemptions for cybersecurity information and trade secrets held by agencies; both were reported favorably. SB 7020, sponsored by Senator Trumbull, reenacted an aquaculture records exemption for records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was also reported favorably. Later, the committee approved SB 14 and SB 24, claims bills for relief involving Miami-Dade County, and SB 16, a claims bill for Heriberto Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg; all were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved CS for SB 806, a consumer right-to-repair bill creating portable wireless device and agricultural equipment repair acts, despite opposition from several industry groups, and reported it favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 28, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- When we're talking about different organizations... ...organizations like an NAACP chapter or a Young
- Republican chapter, would the language in this bill or could the language in this bill impact how those
- students are able to receive funding if those are the two organizations that they are the chapter of
- Caitlin Kirk, representing Florida Chapter of the National Organization for Women, waves in opposition
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments.
Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures.
In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 26th, 2026 at 11:01 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for education technology infrastructure, conforming Section 7-27-12.6 NMSA 1978, being Laws 2025, Chapter
- children of youth, making conforming amendments, repealing Section 33-9A-5 NMSA 1978, being Laws 1988, Chapter
- requiring that sealed bids be opened in accordance with Section 13-1-107 of NMSA 1978, being Laws 1984, Chapter
- requiring that sealed bids be opened in accordance with Section 13-1-107 of NMSA-1978, being laws 1984, Chapter
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Physicians Address ICE Presence in Hospitals and Clinics - 01/20/26
Transcript Highlights:
- representatives from pediatrics and emergency medicine, from the American Medical Association, from the chapter
- I am here on behalf of the Minnesota chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
- Janet Gowarts O'Brien with the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. >> Thank you.
- I'm the president-elect of the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Summary:
At this meeting, Senator Matt Klein and a group of Minnesota physicians and medical organizations described what they said was escalating ICE activity in and around hospitals and clinics, and argued it is deterring patients from seeking care and interfering with medical work. Speakers from emergency medicine, pediatrics, the Minnesota Medical Association, obstetrics/gynecology, and family medicine said patients are avoiding appointments, missing follow-up care, and in some cases suffering serious harm because of fear of detention or family separation. They emphasized that emergency departments and other health care settings should remain safe spaces where care is based on medical need, not immigration status.
Several speakers gave examples they said showed actual patient harm, including missed prenatal and pediatric visits, delayed treatment leading to sepsis, perforated colon, burst appendix, and a patient with cancer who was detained and moved without medications. Pediatric and OB/GYN speakers focused on trauma to children and families, including fear of bringing children to appointments, requests for home births, and patients refusing transfer for higher-level care. Family medicine and emergency physicians also said staff morale is low, some workers are afraid to come in, and the situation is affecting diverse health care teams across the state.
The discussion also touched on legal and policy questions. Speakers said they have tried calling police, hospital administration, and security to remove ICE agents from private patient areas, but reported that agents refused to leave. They said ICE may be allowed in public spaces but should not be in patient rooms or during private exams, and suggested there may be a role for legislation to codify best practices for law enforcement interactions in health care settings. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony, questions from reporters, and calls for collaboration and for ICE to stop enforcement activity in health care settings.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration with Subcommittee on Committees Following - 01/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- The insurance chapter under Minnesota Statutes, section 43A.18, subdivision 6, the LCC is responsible
- The<00:02:25.120>
insurance <00:02:25.520>chapter <00:02:26.319>under <00:02:26.640 - >
Minnesota The insurance chapter under Minnesota The insurance chapter under Minnesota statute
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration met virtually on January 6, 2026, and took up four administrative policy items. Darren Hoff, Senate Human Resources Director, presented updates to the Legislative Coordinating Commission benefit book, including insurance changes tied to SEGIP, mental health and substance use office visit cost sharing, dental plan updates, dependent eligibility clarifications, a new voluntary legal services benefit, a 17% increase in Medicare premiums, and multiple leave-policy revisions to conform with the new paid leave law and other employment rules. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the benefit book with the LCC’s November 10, 2025 changes and staff technical corrections, and the motion passed.
Secretary Tom Bern described a proposed Senate Policy 1.56 allowing written rules of conduct for visitors in Senate spaces, aimed at setting clear expectations for behavior such as not blocking hallways or using shouting and profanity, while being developed with consultation to address First Amendment concerns. Senator Marty moved adoption, and the committee approved the policy. Council Lexi Stangle then presented a change to Senate Policy 2.47 on severe weather emergencies that would allow employees who work remotely on severe weather days to accrue compensatory time with supervisor approval; Senator Johnson moved adoption, and the motion passed.
The committee also considered a modernization of the Senate information systems policy. Secretary Bern and staff explained that the policy had not been substantially updated in about 20 years and was being condensed and updated to reflect current technology and practices. The revisions reduced the policy from 29 pages to 10, removed obsolete references, added a purpose statement, clarified email inspection and hardware/software procedures, updated website rules and accessibility guidance, and removed the secondary member page option. Senator Coleman moved adoption of the Senate information systems update, and it was approved.
After the Rules Committee adjourned, the Subcommittee on Committees met and approved two appointments: one public member to the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through December 31, 2030, and Senator Gustafson to the Financial Crimes Advisory Board Task Force. Members asked about the task force’s scope and the public appointee’s background; staff explained the task force advises on identity theft and financial crimes, and identified the public appointee as Sha Lang of Preston, Minnesota. Senator Pappas moved adoption of the appointment list, and the subcommittee approved it before adjourning.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (05/07/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- It's mostly a cleanup bill, but the electricians had some concern with a part of the chapter as it dealt
- a<00:08:55.920>
part <00:08:56.080>of <00:08:56.160>the <00:08:56.320>chapter - <00:08:56.880>
as <00:08:57.120>it with um a part of the chapter as it with um a part - of the chapter as it dealt<00:08:57.680>
with <00:08:58.000>having <00:08:58.640>u<
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, also, at that, the Department of Transportation may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to establish
- Um, also, at that, the Department of Transportation may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to establish
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any person violating the section shall be fined
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, any person violating the section shall be fined
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- driver's license or your state ID for individuals who are subject to the sex offender registration under Chapter
- same brush, but the designation applies only... only to those already required to register under Chapter
- know all the details, but the age of consent is 17, so technically that could not have resulted in a Chapter
- If using force under Texas Penal Code Chapter 9, the officer's use of the less lethal force weapon was
Bills:
HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40
Keywords:
mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Both of the chapters that these offenses are in are included in the engaging in organized criminal activity
- The purpose of this legislation is to create a provision in Chapter 18B of the Code of Criminal Procedure
- There are already some provisions in Chapter 18B, and I think the committee substitute just clarifies
- support SB 456 in order to criminalize this type of crime that is not just a misdemeanor according to Chapter
Summary:
The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar.
SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims.
The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Ethics and Elections Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The only chapter that I've read is the education chapter.
- And as I said in the previous committee, I probably agree with what's in that chapter.
- In the previous committee, I probably agree with what's in that chapter, but I didn't write any of it
Summary:
The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction.
For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote.
Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, like 23andMe, even though people thought that their data is private, now they're in Chapter 11
- I mean, like 23andMe, even though people thought that their data is private, now they're in Chapter 11
- I mean, like 23andMe, even though people thought that their data is private, now they're in Chapter 11
- I mean, like 23andMe, even though people thought that their data is private, now they're in Chapter 11
Summary:
The Government Operations Committee heard Governor’s Message 663, reappointing Corey Schaefer to the 911 Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Schaefer described his telecommunications background and five years of service on the board, including recent election as chair. There was no opposition, and the committee recommended advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted with one member excused.
The committee then took up a resolution asking the Comptroller and DAGS to work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access for participation in the legislative process. Testimony from library and disability advocates supported the goal, but members raised concerns that the measure was too broad and unclear about the actual problem, whether libraries already had sufficient broadband and equipment, and whether the focus should be on public access and education rather than DAGS. The committee deferred the measure to Thursday for a revised draft.
Members also heard a resolution urging all state departments to partner with the Office of Wellness and Resilience on data-sharing agreements. The office and several advocacy groups supported the measure as part of trauma-informed state efforts, but members expressed strong privacy and HIPAA concerns and questioned what data would be shared, for what purpose, and how it would be protected. The committee deferred that measure as well so the office could work with the chair on narrower language.
Finally, the committee considered a resolution urging boards and commissions to conduct annual performance reviews of executive directors or equivalent exempt positions. With only one individual testifying in support, the committee recommended a Senate draft to clarify that the measure applies to civil service exempt positions, and the recommendation was adopted.