Video & Transcript Research : 'Digital Assets'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements
- Third reading of a bill: An act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
- An act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements
- An act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and recognized guests John and Michael McGuire, including Michael McGuire’s service as a Marine. The chamber then took up several measures, including emergency preambles for two sick leave bank bills: one for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and one for Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction. In each case, the emergency preamble was adopted by standing vote.
The Senate also considered late-file petitions, voting to suspend Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 so the matters could be referred to the appropriate committees. In addition, the Senate took up and passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, and a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Gregory Baker of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Later, the Senate enacted several bills, including an act dissolving the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation and the sick leave bank bills for James Caruso and Carlos Borges. The enacted bills were ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to adjourn until Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar, and adjourned accordingly.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Nov 5th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our fund is up; we're up to 18.5 million in assets. Our rate of return was 9.68%.
- As I said, the assets we have on hand are currently $18.5 billion.
- Asset allocation is built to be resilient. You know, we don't care about short-term returns.
- Venture capital, if managed well, can produce higher returns than any of our other asset classes.
- We also similarly have tiny. asset classes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Our forests are an outstanding public asset in so many ways.
- long-term public assets. long-term public assets.
- that belongs to enhancing a public asset that belongs to all<00:25:30.480>
Minnesotans. - asset in so many ways. asset in so many ways.
- Our forests are an outstanding public asset in so many ways.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 18, March 3, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I was wondering if the committee discussed digital asset transactions.
- I was wondering if the committee I was wondering if the committee discussed<03:59:51.359>
digital - <03:59:51.760>
asset <03:59:52.160>transactions. - discussed digital asset transactions. discussed digital asset transactions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/05/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- and not assets for private equity firms. and not assets for private equity firms.
- And at for their home, their only asset.
- Back in the mid-2000s, I worked with a lot of banks to sell their distressed assets.
- that asset.
- And and I've been a broken record asset.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Audit Commission 11/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and it seems like it was an old list, and it talks about items and assets.
- Um, and the assets.
- It should be an automatic response to a receipt for caring for an asset, whether it's a capital asset
- whether it's a capital for an an asset whether it's a capital asset<01:03:40.400>
or <01:03:40.720 - have been a great asset to our office. have been a great asset to our office.
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from the legislative auditor on a performance audit of the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office covering July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The audit reviewed receipts, inventory, payroll, and non-payroll expenditures and found 12 findings, concluding the office generally did not comply with the criteria tested because of internal control deficiencies. The auditor said four of five prior findings that remained relevant were not fully resolved, and that the problems were widespread across financial operations, creating opportunities for waste and fraud, though no evidence of wrongdoing or misuse of funds was found.
The main findings involved weak segregation of duties, late vendor payments, inaccurate reimbursements and vendor payments, missing documentation, and poor receipt management. Auditors said one employee handled purchasing, receiving, payment processing, and inventory functions without adequate oversight; vendors were often paid late, resulting in more than $1,000 in late/reactivation fees; reimbursements and some state airplane payments contained errors; and many vendor payments, reimbursements, and purchasing card transactions lacked required support. The office also failed to collect about $12,000 for events at the governor’s residence, did not fully process several deposits, and lacked documentation for some billed or deposited amounts.
Members reacted strongly to the repeated control failures and the lack of documentation, with several saying the issues were pervasive and concerning even if the dollar amounts were not large. Questions focused on whether the problems reflected different treatment of vendors versus employee expenses, whether restitution was being sought, and whether legislation was needed. The auditor responded that the state already has the necessary policies and procedures, and that the issue is implementation and oversight by the governor’s office, not new legislation. The auditor also said the governor’s office had been receptive and had begun taking steps to address the findings.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- And the third finding: while performing an observation of assets from a current capital asset listing
- for observation had no identifying tag number and/or serial number documented on the agency's fixed asset
- discovered having been transferred to marketing redistribution; however, the item remained on the fixed asset
- During our review of asset acquisitions, deletions, and observation, we also noted the following: two
Summary:
The committee opened with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of audit reports with findings. The Department of Human Services report described theft and fraud involving false benefit claims, including about $8,000 in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, about $5,800 in Medicaid benefits, and an altered state warrant for nearly $610,000 that was cashed by an auto body shop in California; it also noted asset-control problems and an error in sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members asked whether the fraudulent business had been flagged or notified to other agencies, and DHS said the matter had been referred to law enforcement but no broader notification to California officials was known. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism report cited missing museum receipts of nearly $3,500 and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium, including a missing $100 drawer fund and an $80 overage; officials said they were considering cashless operations at War Memorial Stadium and provided an update that the museum theft investigation was still ongoing, with misdemeanor time limits expired but felony investigation still possible. The Department of Corrections report found unauthorized fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster-recovery test for offender management software; Corrections said staffing had been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster-recovery test was now scheduled after DIS upgrades were completed. The Department of Veterans Affairs report found four Fayetteville Veterans Home employees were paid for hours not worked, with additional unapproved overtime totaling more than $6,600, a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $1,000 that was refunded, and many overtime instances lacking proper approval; the department said it had tightened overtime approval policies statewide.
The committee also received a special report on law enforcement agencies’ compliance with Arkansas’s racial profiling policy requirement. Legislative Audit said it had received responses from 203 of 383 agencies and forwarded updated policies to the Attorney General, while identifying 180 agencies that had not responded and were deemed out of compliance. Members asked what happens if agencies still fail to respond and requested a list of nonresponding agencies; staff said their role is limited to collecting and forwarding policies, and the committee agreed to receive the list. All reports were filed or reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting date and a possible room change due to building work.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Maple Grove Community Center really is a regional asset.
- This kind of training facility is an important recruitment and retention asset.
- This kind of training facility is an important recruitment and retention asset.
- This kind of training facility is an important recruitment and retention asset.
- This kind of training facility is an important recruitment and retention asset.
Keywords:
sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1260, HB 1574, HB 1816, HB 1499, HB 1709 (05/26/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- There's a public interest in knowing what exactly are this congressional candidate's assets and that
- assets and um that kind of thing. assets and um that kind of thing.
- ,<00:17:51.200>
that saying the financial, the assets, that saying the financial, the assets - Strike D, which is exhibits or documentation describing the assets, liabilities.
- or documentation describing the assets or documentation describing the assets liabilities.<00:30
Summary:
The meeting covered two committee of conference items. On HB 1260, the House and Senate debated a Senate amendment dealing with sealing certain divorce-related financial records. House members argued the amendment conflicted with the Keane Sentinel decision and would improperly flip the burden of proof on public access to court records, raising constitutional concerns under the state constitution’s open government and privacy provisions. Senate members responded that the privacy amendment and modern conditions support more protection for sensitive financial information, especially in limited uncontested divorces, but several members agreed the issue should be studied in a separate bill with a full hearing next year rather than resolved in conference. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to have the Senate recede and pass HB 1260 in the form originally passed by the House, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment.
The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration. Senator Gray and DHHS officials said federal changes will shift more administrative costs to the state and that underfunding administration could raise the SNAP error rate, which could trigger future federal penalties and larger state costs; DHHS reported a current error rate of 7.57%, below the national average, and said a higher error rate could cost the state roughly $12 million in a partial fiscal year and nearly $16 million in a full year. Representative Papovich said he understood the department’s needs but was reluctant to support the bill as amended, noting the Senate language resembled a prior bill that had already failed in the House. The discussion ended with the committee still considering the Senate amendment, with members weighing the immediate appropriation against possible future costs.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- With your support, we can ensure it remains a clean, healthy, and resilient asset for generations to
- This is not just a working harbor; it's a national maritime asset.
- This is not just a working harbor, it's a national maritime asset.
- The Westport River is an essential economic, cultural, and recreational asset to the town.
- The Westport River is an essential economic, cultural, and recreational asset to the town.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states.
The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on State Government (2-12-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We go through a process on reporting assets to the treasury for unclaimed property anywhere from one
- The unclaimed property serves as kind of a central holding for those assets that folks are aware of.
- <00:24:41.200>
to <00:24:41.760>contact <00:24:42.799>the holding the asset - to contact the holding the asset to contact the individual.<00:24:44.720>
these <00:24:45.200>< - uh for those assets that folks are<00:25:02.240>
aware <00:25:02.400>of.
Keywords:
Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22
Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47
Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all
Summary:
The House State Government Committee met and first considered House Bill 10, sponsored by Rep. Hodgson, as amended by a committee substitute. The bill was described as a transition-period ethics and accountability measure for statewide executive offices. It would require preservation of certain records such as emails and texts related to appointments, permits, pardons, contracts, and settlements; create whistleblower immunity for people providing credible evidence of wrongdoing; add extra review for large settlements and certain no-bid contracts; and extend probation periods for some employees who move back into merit positions near an administration change. Members raised concerns about constitutional issues, the Attorney General’s role, the whistleblower immunity provision, and the impact on merit-system employees and subject-matter experts. The committee substitute was adopted, the bill passed the committee 16-0 with four members passing, and a title amendment was also adopted.
The committee then took up House Bill 456, sponsored by Rep. Freeland and presented with Deputy State Treasurer Russell Weber. The bill would designate the fourth week of September as Unclaimed Property Week, remove the requirement that the state treasurer live in Franklin County, allow mineral proceeds such as unpaid royalties to be reported as unclaimed property, and require more complete reporting information from holders. Supporters said the changes would help publicize unclaimed property and improve the return of funds to Kentuckians, noting that the office has returned about $88 million so far. Questions focused on why the residency requirement existed, whether the new week would limit claims, and whether the bill treated all constitutional officers consistently. The sponsor said the week was only promotional and claims could still be filed year-round.
During discussion of House Bill 456, the chair asked the sponsor to look into a past $250,000 embezzlement reference mentioned in debate. The bill was then put to a roll call vote and passed the committee with 16 yes votes and four pass votes, and the committee moved a title amendment as well.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- It would centralize digital reporting of preliminary election results.
- technological upgrades, which have not happened in a very, very long time, including the ability to use digital
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on several election-related bills, with most testimony focused on voting access, ballot administration, and election procedures. Senator Driscoll testified for S. 509, a Randolph home rule petition to require bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole, and Randolph officials and community members strongly supported it, saying it would improve access, confidence, and participation for Haitian Creole speakers. Other speakers, including advocates and residents, described language barriers as a form of voter suppression and urged favorable action.
Leader Donato testified on H. 822, which would remove the word “physical” from the absentee voting disability standard, and on a bill to raise the signature threshold for creating political designations and allow dormant designations to be dissolved. Senator Rausch testified on several bills, including one expanding the State Ballot Law Commission’s jurisdiction over presidential primary candidate placement and a broader elections infrastructure bill that would change registration deadlines, primary dates, reporting systems, ballot design, mail voting procedures, and voter outreach. Representative Cattelda also testified on a bill to rename the ballot title for governor’s councilor to “governor’s counselor.”
The Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, through Tom Joyce and Ben Kaufman, said it supported a number of the bills and offered local election administration expertise. Former Representative Lenny Mera and Sandra Cato testified for S. 536, a bill on accountability for defective and spoiled ballots, citing a disputed 2022 Revere recount and arguing that spoiled ballots should be documented and publicly inspectable so improperly rejected ballots are not lost. Emma Chinman of Partners in Democracy supported multiple reforms, including the elections infrastructure bill and a bill allowing unenrolled voters to serve on boards of registrars. After testimony concluded, the committee accepted written testimony by email and then adjourned without taking any votes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Capping Property Taxes to Increase Affordability – Senator Michael Kreun Mar 13th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been hearing from constituents in my area that they've had double-digit increases back to back.
- I've been hearing from constituents in my area that they've had double-digit increases back to back.
Summary:
The discussion focused on Minnesota affordability pressures, especially rising property taxes, gas, and grocery costs. Senator Michael Kreun said property taxes rose by nearly $1 billion statewide in the last year, about 7%, and argued that many constituents are worried about being able to stay in their homes. He attributed much of the increase to unfunded state mandates on cities and counties and said mandate relief should be part of the solution.
Kreun described a bill that would cap city and county property tax growth at the rate of inflation, with an additional allowance tied to population growth. Under his example, if inflation were 3% and a city grew, property taxes could rise 3.5%; anything above that would require voter approval through a referendum. He said the proposal would not apply to school districts, which already have a separate cap. He also mentioned other relief ideas, including increasing the disabled veterans property tax exemption and allowing seniors to defer property tax increases until they sell their homes.
Kreun said the proposal has been mostly well received by constituents and homeowners, while local governments are concerned about losing revenue if state mandates continue. He said relief could begin as soon as the next property tax statement if the bill passes this year. He also noted broader affordability ideas in his caucus, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and reducing tab fees, but said he was not aware of current bipartisan efforts on property taxes specifically and remained open to working across the aisle on affordability measures.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They have online, digital-formatted metabolomics data.
- But that kind of... like online digital formatted metabolomics data.
Summary:
The Committee on Science and Technology met to hear a presentation from Ananya Lakaraju, a Hamilton High School junior, on her research project using metabolomics and machine learning to identify potential salivary biomarkers for major depressive disorder. She described using a UCSD saliva metabolomics dataset, statistical methods such as Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U, and PLS-DA, and an ensemble AI model with SHAP and permutation importance to identify metabolites and pathways associated with depression. She said the work suggested several novel biomarkers, with some metabolites and pathways showing stronger associations with depression than others, and noted that her model achieved about 90% accuracy and a 97% AUC in distinguishing depressed from non-depressed samples.
Lakaraju also discussed a drug-discovery component of the project, using pathway analysis and molecular docking in UCSF Chimera to identify a target protein and potential compounds that might block a depression-related pathway. She said flupinazine showed the lowest binding energy in her simulations. Members asked questions about what the metabolites were, whether the findings were novel, how the saliva samples were obtained, and how the app she developed would be used. She explained that the data came from an online dataset rather than direct sample collection, that some top-ranked compounds were exogenous and not likely biomarkers, and that the app was intended to supplement AI results with mood and behavioral information because the model is not a doctor and could still be wrong.
The committee praised the presentation and discussed the broader implications for AI policy and mental health diagnostics. Lakaraju said she became interested in coding through robotics and later combined that interest with biology, and she emphasized her goal of making mental health assessment more objective and holistic. The meeting ended with members thanking her for the presentation and adjourning without any formal votes or legislative action.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 232, an act relating to the protection of minors on digital platforms.
- House Bill 267, Representative Griffy, House Bill 232, an act relating to the protection of minors on digital
Keywords:
Video Starts 00:00
Convene 06:39
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 13:20
Introductions of New Bills and Resolutions 17:05
Adjournment 23:56, 958, all
Summary:
The Kentucky House convened, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 7, 2026. No committee reports, second readings, or floor amendments were needed during the session.
The House adopted House Citation No. 3, adjourning in loving memory and honor of Gary Bennett Shell, the father of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and a former member’s colleague. Members offered remarks about his illness, his impact on his community and family, and requested a moment of silence. The chamber also heard a brief announcement about the KPA Big Boy Breakfast scheduled for the next morning.
A long list of new bills and resolutions was introduced, covering topics including medical debt reporting, protection of minors on digital platforms, property tax exemptions and constitutional amendments, veterans benefits, emergency management services, student loan repayment and apprenticeship tax credits, abandoned property, residency definitions for postsecondary education, animal services tax exemptions, high school graduation requirements, Ten Commandments displays in public schools, animal control officers, disabled veterans benefits, hospital police departments, involuntary commitment, school lunches, hazardous duty and line-of-duty disability benefits, reading and language arts instruction, criminal procedure, education accountability, milk transportation, citizenship requirements for elected officials, student support personnel, school psychologist licensure compact, aircraft sales tax exemptions, glucagon, theft by deception, insurance regulatory authorizations, healthcare workforce credentials, welcome centers and rest areas, flags of remembrance, wages, affordable housing, legislative ethics, barbering, veterans’ benefits protections, KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, chickens on residential property, school nutrition, hospital price transparency, mental health and substance use coverage, food donation, vehicle lights, and several memorial bridge designations and an aviation economic development task force. The House then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Business and Professions
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- individual frequents or is located at a previously documented area of a CSG. or FTO, including physical, digital
- Cartels and their threat networks operate in multi-domain environments: land, digital, financial...
Keywords:
overweight vehicle, vehicle weight limits, hazardous materials, hazmat, cargo tank, fuel transport, trucking, commercial vehicle, Transportation Code, criminal penalty, second-degree felony, loading violation, truck weight, axle weight, gross weight, public safety, commercial carrier, Texas, commercial truck, truck route
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- However, many of these programs now rely on specialized technology, things like simulation tools, digital
- However, many of these programs now rely on specialized technology, things like simulation tools, digital
Keywords:
JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're talking about destination management for not just DLNR's assets but other assets like, for example
- <00:37:57.200>
but <00:37:57.839>other for not just DLNR's assets but other for not - just DLNR's assets but other assets<00:37:58.640>
like <00:37:58.800>for <00:37:58.880> example <00:37:59.280>Hana <00:37:59.680>highway <00:38:00.240>is assets- like for example Hana highway is assets like for example Hana highway is also<00:38:00.720>
a
Bills:
SB2187
Keywords:
housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony.
HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change.
During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It also provides funds to the Office of Elections to print and mail the digital voter information guide
- It also provides funds to the Office of Elections to print and mail the digital voter information guide
- Section two of the bill is to provide funds to Office of Elections to print and mail the digital voter
- You got it digital. You can go to the library and look at it, but yes, they do provide it to all.
- You got it digital. >> Nope. Nope. You got it digital.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.