Video & Transcript Research : 'Division of Consumer Protection'
Page 141 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (10-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- please come be part of that. please come be part of that.
- This was sort of a proof of concept that we could do this.
- the size of an atom. the size of an atom.
- <00:44:58.560>
of greatest uh you know equivalent of of greatest uh you know equivalent of - 90s% of well into the mid9s of how much 90s% of how<00:52:57.040>
much <00:52:57.200>we
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 01:58
Approval of Minutes 03:05
Member Comments 03:18
Nanotechnologies in Energy 06:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met and approved the minutes, then heard announcements and introductions from members and guests, including an invitation to an East Kentucky trail ride opening and welcomes for new EPIC and Kentucky Coal Association representatives and several constituents. After the opening business, the committee turned to a presentation on nanotechnology and energy applications by Rodney Andrews of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research.
Andrews explained how nanoscale materials behave differently because of their size and surface area, and described uses in consumer products, batteries, solar panels, catalysts, coatings, sensors, and energy storage. Members asked about the relationship between nanomaterials and coal, and Andrews said carbon nanotubes can be made from coal-derived hydrocarbons, which members noted as an opportunity for Kentucky’s coal and manufacturing sectors. He also discussed work on improved solar coatings, more stable perovskites, fuel-processing catalysts, hydrogen storage, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, electromagnetic shielding, and conductive yarns and fabrics.
The presentation also covered more advanced applications such as thermoelectric textiles, power transmission materials, thermal transport composites for aerospace, nanofluids for cooling, and fusion reactor shielding. In the final discussion, members raised questions about electromagnetic pulse protection and quantum computing; Andrews said the materials discussed could absorb and spread energy and that shielding applications may help with EMPs, while quantum computing remains limited by extremely low operating temperatures. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- or<00:18:06.480>
the advantage of of the taxpayer or the advantage of of the taxpayer or the - c> different viewpoint of some of the different viewpoint of some of the things<00:18:17.600>
that - of things that I was kind of types of things that I was kind of talking<00:20:20.160>
about <00 - of the realities of doing the of one of the realities of doing the things<00:30:52.000>
that < - Uh of of collaborative working together. of of collaborative working together.
Keywords:
00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call
01:20 Road Projects
46:30 Approval of Minutes
46:50 Railroads
57:26 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum, so it could not approve the minutes. The chair announced an Eastern Kentucky University health forum later that day and then proceeded with testimony on alternative delivery methods for road projects. Jason Sawala of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Chad Laroo of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors were sworn in and introduced themselves.
Sawala explained KYTC’s use of alternative delivery tools, including design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and public-private partnerships (P3s). He said the cabinet’s goal is to deliver the best value to taxpayers in terms of quality, cost, and time, and emphasized that alternative delivery is most useful on projects with special circumstances such as innovation needs, specialized technology, complex constructibility, schedule pressure, or early contractor input. He cited the cabinet’s wrong-way driving prevention project as an example where design-build helped evaluate technologies and coordinate with stakeholders such as EMS and first responders.
He also outlined the main tradeoffs: alternative delivery can improve collaboration and sometimes accelerate schedules, but it also brings risks related to right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, changing scope, and the need for dedicated staff and compressed decision-making. He stressed that these methods are not a cure-all and are not appropriate for every project, while noting that traditional design-bid-build remains effective for most of KYTC’s work.
Representative Branscum responded favorably, saying early contractor involvement is valuable and consistent with his experience in the vertical construction world. No votes or formal actions were taken because the committee lacked a quorum.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (6-30-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- um did a lot of kind of public speaking um did a lot of kind of public speaking and<00:05:09.840
- The cost of land, the cost of labor, the cost of materials, inflation.
- <00:23:13.600>
of <00:23:13.840>materials, of labor, the cost of materials, of labor - of thousands of people where hundreds of thousands of people are<00:46:56.560>
leaving <00:46: - ownership out of reach for a lot of ownership out of reach for a lot of households<00:50:58.800>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:15
Roll Call 00:00:45
Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:33
Adjournment 01:17:15, 958, all
Summary:
The Housing Task Force 2.0 reconvened with several new members and heard a presentation from Kentucky Housing Corporation Executive Director Winston Miller and Deputy Executive Director Wendy Smith. They framed the task force’s work as a practical effort to address Kentucky’s housing shortage, update members on the current housing landscape, summarize existing state and federal resources, and suggest areas for the task force to focus on over the coming year.
KHC said its 2024 housing supply gap analysis found Kentucky is short about 206,000 housing units, split roughly evenly between rental and homeownership, and projected the gap could grow to 287,000 units by 2029 if current trends continue. They emphasized that every county in Kentucky needs more housing, that the 2008 housing crisis and loss of construction capacity remain major causes of the shortage, and that current pressures include high interest rates, rising insurance and tax costs, construction cost inflation, and housing prices and rents growing faster than incomes. KHC also said homelessness has risen in Kentucky, with point-in-time counts showing double-digit increases in recent years.
The presenters reviewed existing resources, including federal programs, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rural housing trust fund, KHC mortgage and down payment assistance programs, and the state mortgage interest deduction. They said these resources are important but insufficient to close the gap, and noted that a proposed federal FY2026 budget would cut HUD programs by 44%, potentially removing about $286 million from Kentucky housing resources, though no action has been taken yet. They urged the task force to consider stronger, more flexible tools such as a revolving loan fund, a state affordable housing tax credit, and economic development and employer-assisted housing incentives, and pointed to Indiana’s housing infrastructure and regional development funds as examples. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairs out of house 2407. Recognizes Senate sponsor, Senator.
- Our communities are reduced the risk of repeat offenses.
- HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the
- . severity of their crimes.
- The bill also reinforces the seriousness of these registration laws, supports efforts of law enforcement
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Division, Matt Co folks, Sarah Jackson, and Kenny Bishop, of, I guess, constituent services that they've
- thanks of uh myself and and on behalf of thanks of uh myself and and on behalf of of<00:02:25.440
- a two-lane road, or even who's in a left lane of a road, or even who's in a left lane of a road of a
- Those of you who know me know I bring things for those of you who need these statistics.
- Most of the members I noticed here are part of my natural resources timeline.
Keywords:
Roll Call 00:13
Approval of Minutes 00:44
SB 99 Discussion 03:30
SB 99 Vote 12:45
Administrative Regs 17:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and heard a personal privilege statement praising Transportation Cabinet staff for helping a constituent obtain a Kentucky Uniform ID in time to board a cruise. The chair also recognized special guests and noted a page for the day. The main bill taken up was Senate Bill 99, with a committee substitute adopted before discussion.
Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Douglas, would strengthen Kentucky’s distracted-driving laws by prohibiting the use of personal communication devices to write, send, or read texts while operating a motor vehicle, with exceptions for emergency or public safety use and certain reporting or medical situations. The committee substitute clarified that GPS use remains allowed, including for younger drivers, and the bill also bars anyone under 18 from using a device in any manner while driving, sets a $100 fine with no points, and imposes a 90-day license revocation for minors. Supportive testimony and comments emphasized pedestrian and roadway safety, the dangers of distracted driving, and the bill’s alignment with existing CDL-related restrictions.
After discussion, the committee voted on Senate Bill 99 by roll call and reported it favorably with the committee substitute attached. Members explaining their votes said the measure would save lives, reflected practices already used in trucking and bus operations, and was a reasonable enforcement approach similar to prior seat belt laws. The committee then received an informational update on five Transportation Cabinet administrative regulations, which were described as updates for federal compliance, signage standards, truck weight-limit renumbering, an OHV pilot program extension, and expanded electronic review of title applications; no substantive objections were raised. The meeting concluded with discussion of adjournment.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veteran and Military Affairs Apr 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Veteran and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman and members of the committee. Senate Bill 2026 is before you.
- We're expanding this out to the grandkids, and a lot of that is because a lot of times a grandchild is
- it of who could access it after they had passed on.
- Chairman and members of the committee.
- to get buried by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance (2-11-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the director for the division of local government.
- :02.799>
of <00:04:02.959>local director for the division of local director for the division - overview, very brief, of what our division<00:13:53.839>
does <00:13:54.079>and <00:13: - But a lot of people don't understand our division very much.
- And that's what I have for the history of what our division does with the sheriff fee claims.
Keywords:
Call to Order: 00;15
Approval of Minutes: 01:22
Update on Generator replacement: 01:52
Update on Sheriff Fees: 13:28
Adjournment: 25:22, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for its fourth budget subreview session focused on personnel, public retirements, and finance. Members approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard from Finance Cabinet staff on two main items: a $7.5 million request related to generator systems and a sheriff’s fees budget request. The generator request was described as a preventive, life-cycle replacement and capacity-enhancement effort for 26 generators serving Frankfort-area state buildings, intended to protect continuity of government and expand beyond basic emergency power to support continuity of services.
Members asked detailed questions about how many generators would be replaced, the cost per unit, the scope of the study, and whether the work could be phased. Staff said the $7.5 million would cover a full evaluation and any resulting engineering/replacement work, but the exact number of replacements was not yet known. They estimated the initial study would cost about $500,000 to $750,000, would take six to nine months once funded, and would produce building-by-building recommendations. Staff also said typical generator life cycles vary widely, often around 15 to 20 years but sometimes longer depending on run hours and usage.
The committee then reviewed sheriff’s fees, with the Division of Local Government explaining that the state reimburses counties for several statutory sheriff-related costs, especially court security, which accounts for more than 90% of the claims. Staff said the current budget base is about $20 million, while actual spending has been running above $23 million, leading to a $3.5 million growth request to align the base with projected spending and reduce the need for non-general fund expenditure (NGE) adjustments. Members asked about claim volume, county participation, reimbursement controls, and whether the request reflected growth or underfunding; staff said all 120 counties submit claims, volumes have been fairly steady, and reimbursements are governed by statute and signed monthly certifications. No votes were taken on the requests, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.
WY
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- And I've asked members of the Wyoming Department of Education if they would want to come up and talk
- >
of <00:01:46.560>Education <00:01:46.960>if the Wyoming Department of Education - Um, I have a couple of questions. The first one is just kind of logistical.
- attendance of K sorry, attendance of attendance of K sorry, attendance of students<00:26:21.279>
- uh knocked out another couple of bills. uh knocked out another couple of bills.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- It provides the definition of the Department of Education as a direct support organization to authorize
- It provides the definition of the Department of Education as a direct support organization to authorize
- Following metrics of implementation will accomplish a multitude of things, from giving the state more
- Following metrics of implementation will accomplish a multitude of things, from giving the state more
- My name is Michaela Dallaroo, and I'm a part of the Southwest chapter of Florida Youth SHINE.
Keywords:
dependent children, child welfare, cash allowance, caregivers, community organizations, empowerment, foster care, out-of-home care, temporary cash assistance, eligibility, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Florida statutes
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced four bills. CS/SB 1690, on early childhood education, was amended with a delete-all amendment that required public posting of child care inspection reports and data on child deaths, injuries, and substantiated abuse; changed certain notice and insurance provisions for family and large family child care homes; created the Florida Endowment for Early Learning; and made related definitional changes. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1022, on children’s initiatives, would add two new Florida Children’s Initiatives in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County; the sponsor described the program as a community-based service network model, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition.
SB 996, on dependent children, would require DCF and community-based care lead agencies to coordinate and regularly meet with organizations focused on people with lived experience in the child welfare system, and to publish how suggestions are implemented. Several young adults with foster care experience testified in support, emphasizing the importance of youth voice, normalcy, and teaching financial responsibility through allowance. The bill was reported favorably after supportive debate.
The committee also considered CS/SB 1462, on temporary cash assistance eligibility, after adopting an amendment that narrowed a SNAP eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to remove barriers to reunification and redemption. After supportive testimony and no opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- to terms of members of the General Assembly.
- c> the<00:13:08.959>
General terms of members of the General terms of members of the General - We remain in the order of business of introduction of new bills and resolutions.
- <00:23:30.159>
United memory of the victims of the United memory of the victims of the United - :23:47.200>
of <00:23:47.360>floor order of business, introduction of floor order of business
Keywords:
Video Starts 00:00
Convene 06:52
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 11:30
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:27
Adjournment 23:47, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 86 members present, and approved the journal from January 8, 2026. Members also agreed without objection to excuse absent members and to suspend rules allowing co-sponsorships and vote modifications to be filed with the clerk.
Under announcements and introductions, a motion was granted to withdraw House Bill 177. The House then received a large slate of new bills and resolutions, including measures on foreign transactions, cultured meat products, disabled veterans’ homestead exemptions, veteran entrepreneurs, plastic waste, legislative term limits, students, county law libraries, elections, special purpose governmental entities, vehicle wheels, delinquent tax liens, tenant screening, psychotropic drugs, peace officers, KEES scholarships for students attending non-certified schools, machine gun conversion devices, contractors, teacher retirement service credit, diaper access programs, and appropriations for the Transportation Cabinet and state government generally. Resolutions were also introduced recognizing Kentucky Mentorship Month, Hindu holidays and the resilience of the Hindu people, and honoring victims of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 and first responders.
No bills were debated or voted on beyond the procedural actions noted. The session concluded with no committee business or floor amendments needed, and the House adjourned without objection until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.
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
- 122 of the Constitution of 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky<00:20:28.320>
relating - House Bill 274, an act relating to the protection of veterans' benefits. Representative Thomas.
- c> introduction<00:23:48.720>
of Next order of business, introduction of Next order of business
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.
TX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Proponents of this bill would like to believe that this bill protects women. ...that it protects them
- What it actually does is protect... ...that sense of uncertainty accompanied by a complete lack of curiosity
- I've had the privilege of being a law enforcement officer and protecting the citizens of Texas for well
- Under the provisions of the bill, it is protected.
- The role of the state is to pursue all legal and legislative means necessary to protect this gift of
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (6-4-25) Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- of us uh because there's a lot of of us uh because there's a lot of questions<00:01:48.399>
that - /c><00:32:41.760>
are operating cost um of of what you all are operating cost um of of what you - <00:37:03.359>
the incur the cost of of uh location and the incur the cost of of uh location - <00:46:20.640>
of now is the final negotiation of of now is the final negotiation of of specific - 00:57:30.079>
of any um discussion of of a plan B of any um discussion of of a plan B of maybe
Keywords:
The original version of this live stream dropped before the meeting was technically finished. This is the complete copy pulled from back up sources., 958, all
Summary:
The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal.
DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors.
DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements.
Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 18, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Keywords:
elections, Wyoming House of Representatives, state representatives, multi-member districts, county-based districts, party list voting, list voting, proportional representation, Jefferson method, greatest divisors method, ranked choice voting, RCV, primary elections, party conventions, minor parties, major parties, ballot design, apportionment, redistricting, nomination procedures
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 18, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:35.760>
of incorporation and implementation of of incorporation and implementation - I'm Mary Langford, and I have the honor of representing the county clerks of the state of Wyoming.
- a lot of definitions here. a lot of definitions here.
- statute of limit statute of limitations. statute of limit statute of limitations.
- <00:14:33.120>
the regardless of whether a record of the regardless of whether a record of
Keywords:
elections, Wyoming House of Representatives, state representatives, multi-member districts, county-based districts, party list voting, list voting, proportional representation, Jefferson method, greatest divisors method, ranked choice voting, RCV, primary elections, party conventions, minor parties, major parties, ballot design, apportionment, redistricting, nomination procedures
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of Commerce of<00:14:52.959>
Hawaii. - c><00:16:21.600>
Hawaii department of of um that the Hawaii department of of um that the Hawaii - people<01:59:18.080>
inside bunch of of comments from people inside bunch of of comments - Um, the ACLU defends and protects the rights of incarcerated persons, victims, and their families.
- So, this program was protected by the women's caucus at the time in a bill in recognition of that fact
Bills:
HB676
Keywords:
HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees
Summary:
The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language.
HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments.
HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Donnie Jenino, reinforcement attorney for the state of Ohio, the consumer protection OCP.
- c> protection state of Ohio, the consumer protection state of Ohio, the consumer protection OCP<00
- Thank you for the Office of Consumer Protection.
- Uh, so Office of Consumer Protection is pretty small, um, and we're already doing this.
- Consumer Protection provides.
Keywords:
liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers.
Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels.
Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I know the criteria of it. What's the make of the tag that's different? >> I honestly don't know.
- of honor?
- <00:17:03.839>
I <00:17:04.079>would >> just sort of a badge of honor. - I would >> just sort of a badge of honor.
- get some type of notification. get some type of notification.
Keywords:
Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers, diversity, government oversight, Sunset Law, congressional districts, HB77, absentee voting, absentee ballot, disabled voter, disability accommodation, voter assistance, ballot delivery, ballot application, designee, caregiver, election manager, vote by mail, mail ballot, ballot harvesting, voter access