Transcript Highlights:

• These three positions will be utilized at Blanchard Springs State Park.
• These three positions will be utilized at the Blanchard Springs State Park.
• Okay, so then who was over this director that has runaway spending?
• Okay, so then who was over this director that has runaway spending? Well...
• They recommend their director to the governor.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THEY WON'T BE OUT PURCHASING A GUN. THAT'S WHAT THE MILITARY DOES. ULTIMATELY.
• THE IDEA OF GRANTING THEM AN EXEMPTION, IT ALREADY EXISTS UNDER STATE LAW FOR EVERYONE.
• THE VOTE AND CARRY LEGISLATION AND REPEAL OF UNDER 21 PURCHASE.
• HIGHWAY PATROL PURCHASES OUR WEAPONS.
• TO PURCHASE A FIREARM BECAUSE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL ULTIMATELY CUTTING TO THE CHASE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and there will be variations from state to state.
• That being said, And there will be variations from state to state.
• There's a state, excuse me, State Board of Equalization is the board's name.
• There's a state, excuse me, State Board of Equalization is the board's name.
• the director?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you want this favoritism over what state you want this favoritism over what state agencies<00:15
• has been in state law for many years. has been in state law for many years.
• Secretary of State. Uh that was not done Secretary of State.
• appropriate by the Secretary of State. appropriate by the Secretary of State.
• . state. state.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 22:44.320> Association >> Um, Hawaii State Bar Association >> Um, Hawaii State Bar
• <00:26:07.760> Lopez,<00:26:08.240> state<00:26:08.559> director<00:26:08.799
• Lopez, state director for I'm Kayla E. Lopez, state director for ARP<00:26:09.760> Hawaii.
• Green's State of the State speech on Green's State of the State speech on whoever<01:05:11.280> made
• financial and state or federal and<01:27:44.960> state<01:27:45.199> requirements.

Bills: HB2227, HB1775, HB1560, HB1642, HB1647, HB2003, HB1640, HB2198

Keywords: eviction, housing stability, tenant screening, court records, writ of possession, foreclosures, public sale, eligible bidders, housing, downpayment, judicial foreclosure, digital financial assets, consumer protection, financial kiosks, refunds, transaction security, HB1642, Hawaii, cryptocurrency ATM, crypto ATM

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 227 relating to eviction records. Supporters, including the Public First Law Center and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would help people who prevail in eviction cases avoid long-term housing harm from online court records, while the Public First Law Center said keeping records off eCourt Kokua would not violate the First Amendment because the records would still be available in person. Members discussed access-to-justice concerns, and a witness said legal aid attorneys could still access the records through the attorney-only Jeff’s system and the court’s access-to-justice room. The chair also asked about precedent, and a witness cited a Hawaii Supreme Court case as supporting removal from the online database rather than sealing records entirely. The committee then took up HP 1775 relating to foreclosures, but the transcript only shows in-person opposition comments from the Hawaii State Bar Association Collection Law Section, the Hawaii Credit Union League, and the Hawaii Bankers Association. The credit union and banking groups said they had concerns about broader negative impacts on mortgage lending and other requirements, but no detailed discussion or action was captured before the committee moved on. The next measure, HB 1560 relating to consumer protection, drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and cryptocurrency companies including Coinflip and America Digital, which said they already use wallet-pinning and other safeguards to prevent fraud. AARP Hawaii did not take a formal position but said the bill addressed a real problem, noting that Hawaii residents, especially in Kona, had lost more than $920,000 in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams and arguing that stronger oversight was needed. The committee also heard HB 1642, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the ban as the best way to protect consumers from fraud, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed it, arguing kiosks provide cash-based access to crypto, especially for unbanked or underbanked consumers, and that targeted regulation would be better than an outright ban. AARP Hawaii took no formal position but strongly emphasized the harm caused by scams, saying victims are often frightened into acting quickly and that kiosk transactions currently lack enough friction or intervention. Finally, HB 1647, also on consumer protection, would impose liability on host businesses that provide space for crypto kiosks. The Office of Consumer Protection warned small businesses might not understand the liability, while Coinflip, Bitcoin Depot, and America Digital opposed the bill, saying it would unfairly shift enforcement duties to host stores and could discourage businesses from hosting kiosks, effectively creating a de facto ban. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• system that works so well for the state system that works so well for the state of<00:54:14.559>
• exclusively on the Secretary of State. exclusively on the Secretary of State.
• all, they're a multi-state provider. all, they're a multi-state provider.
• State. So I ask for a yes vote on 001. State. So I ask for a yes vote on 001.
• . state. state.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports advancing or disposing of bills. Committee actions included favorable referrals for measures such as House Bills 1336, 1069, 1227, 1314, 1132, 1342, 1196, 1224, and Senate Bill 178, while Senate Bill 100 and House Bill 1308 were postponed indefinitely. The chamber also adopted a motion allowing current Joint Budget Committee members to leave while the Senate remained in session. On third reading, the Senate passed Senate Bill 134, a bill concerning fees imposed by payment card networks, after a close 18-17 vote. Supporters argued it would help restaurants and other small businesses by limiting swipe fees on sales tax, while opponents warned it would not lower consumer costs and could trigger litigation and broader conflicts among financial institutions, payment processors, and businesses. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 138 on reducing administrative burdens in the health care system, Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range passenger rail district, House Bill 105 on reducing barriers in the Labor Peace Act and eliminating Colorado’s second union-election requirement, House Bill 106 on designating higher education institutions as thriving institutions, and House Bill 1312 on peace officer participation and POST-related changes. The Senate then moved into committee of the whole for second-reading consent calendar bills and adopted House Bills 1235 and 1299. Later, House Bill 1113 on election law modifications was taken up in committee of the whole; amendments were adopted to update terminology, extend Secretary of State review time for petitions, and exempt special districts from a recording fee. The bill’s sponsor and supporters described it as a technical and security-focused update to election administration, emphasizing voter access, anti-intimidation protections, and data safeguards. The transcript ends while debate on House Bill 1113 continues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, using that force directors.
• of<00:47:38.960> Lincoln again, executive director of Lincoln again, executive director
• I'm the director of Gracie Kelly.
• I'm Jim Henderson, the executive director at KO. Shelley Hampton, Director of Government Affairs.
• Director of Government Affairs.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be hearing from the Honorable Chris Spencer, the Executive Director of the State Board of Administration
• Executive Director, you are recognized to begin your presentation.
• My name is Chris Spencer, as you just heard, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration
• Do you, off the top of your head, know what the average of other states is and what the really bad states
• I thank you, Executive Director Spencer, for that.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. in the in the in the state the fourth in the in the in the state the fourth largest<00:20:
• <00:29:22.240> is ordinances uniform across the state is ordinances uniform across the state
• <00:35:03.280> because many friends move out of state because many friends move out of state
• buildings will be in line to purchase buildings will be in line to purchase the<04:13:56.000>
• direction at the state direction at the state level<04:41:20.798> thank<04:41:21.000>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• into an aircraft that departs the state into an aircraft that departs the state the<00:05:18.520
• MS airport to the borders of the state MS airport to the borders of the state I'll<00:36:30.160>
• As stated, my name is Joe Schm, and I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Just this week, Washington state announced new state funding for a proposed SAF facility.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of America to the the United States of America to the the United States of America to the Republic for
• it's on the science bomb that's stated it's on the science bomb that's stated it's on the science Wing
• within the type ofice okay it is stated within the type ofice okay it is stated within the bill the
• State Department of Education bill the State Department of Education bill the State Department of Education
• Pro publicly stated of SSA uh said how Pro publicly stated of SSA uh said how Pro publicly stated how

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Director Woods, to do his job.
• And so forth, why are we taking them out of state? I mean, we have jails all over the state.
• But why not in-state?
• State of Texas and Edmondson v. State of Texas.
• Areas of the state.

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403, HB240

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:17.920> 36<00:14:18.480> states necessary to braid safely. 36 states necessary
• Um first up is Hawaii State Okay.
• then it says that proxies have to state then it says that proxies have to state the<00:42:06.960
• State Farm. I did ask my agent why. And State Farm. I did ask my agent why.
• Without clear state guidelines, consumers may unknowingly purchase uncertified or gray market products

Bills: HB1697, HB1678, HB1679, HB2282, HB1940, HB1671, HB1481, HB2015, HB2207, HB2486

Keywords: natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eddie Trevino, executive director of the State Energy Conservation Office. Good morning, Mr.
• I'm the director of the State Energy Conservation Office.
• And our office is a designated state energy office for. The state of Texas.
• and contracting all over the state.
• Just last year, as the handout demonstrates, $27.3 billion were paid in state and local taxes and state

Transcript Highlights:

• Executive director of the State Energy Conservation Office. 110 ご視聴ありがとうございました 請不吝點贊訂閱轉發打賞支持明鏡與點點欄目 主席
• I'm the director of the State Energy Conservation Office.
• and contracting all over the state.
• Less than 20 years ago, the United States imported— less than 20 years ago, the United States was— importing
• And of course, state severance taxes.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when I started, my original intent was to have the state purchase it in bulk supply.
• my original intent was to have the state my original intent was to have the state purchase<01:13
• state uh the net state fiscal the net state uh the net state fiscal impact<02:36:13.840> of<02
• the state, not a savings. the state, not a savings.
• the state constitution. the state constitution.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And many of them are in our rural communities and in our urban areas throughout the state.
• We're facing significant challenges in access to health care in the rural areas of our state.
• The highest premium increase in the state is a staggering 35.7% for the upcoming year.
• Specific program for state employees that are under 250% of the poverty level.
• purchase coverage through our marketplace.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States of America. To the republic.
• Undefeated state champions with a 40-0 finish.
• Welcome, welcome, welcome to your state capital.
• Equipment purchased from certain companies refer to the Committee on state affairs, HB 3569 by Barry,
• State affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first page of Item E is a letter from the Office of State Procurement Director, Ms.
• Number four, State Police. State Police. Can you come down?
• police state police.
• This is for laundry services for the state hospital.
• Number 16, DHS with Conduit, State, and Local Solutions.

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:01.120> or owned by the state or owned by the state or ADC<00:29:02.840> or<
• Okay, so the funds would be state funds used on state systems, and Lower Hamakua Ditch is state?
• Development Corporation for the purchase Development Corporation for the purchase of<00:30:28.480
• We support the state purchasing large tracts of ag land, as you heard Director Gaty, to offer it up in
• We support the state purchasing large tracts of ag land, as you heard Director Gaty, to offer it

Keywords: 910, house, all