Video & Transcript Research : 'consumer technology'
Page 265 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, if you are at all interested in nuclear technology or you're a member of the Nuclear Caucus,
- Texas-grown innovation that has been a global impact, the commercial development of in-situ recovery technology
- Since then, this technology has revolutionized the uranium industry by offering a safer, more cost-effective
- This new rider directs funding to an existing contract with care portal, a program using technology to
- Did you think it would be consumed in their existing budget?
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I move that Senate File 2323 be withdrawn from the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and
- Senator Wickland moves that Senate File 2323 be withdrawn from the Committee on Commerce and Consumer
- <00:10:16.880>
on <00:10:17.200>Commerce <00:10:17.760>and <00:10:18.000>consumer - the committee on Commerce and consumer the committee on Commerce and consumer protection<00:10:19.360
- protection and re-referred to consumer protection and re-referred to the<00:10:41.360>
committee<
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SENATE BILL 980, HUNGER FREE CAMPUS PROGRAM IS CREATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER
- NEXT WILL TAKE UP TAB NUMBER TWO, SB 700 ON DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES BY CHAIR
- ALEX HALEY, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES. WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- I BELIEVE IT IS NOT DIRECTLY TELLING CONSUMERS THAT THIS IS A POULTRY PRODUCT.
- I THINK IT DOES ADDRESS A LOT OF CONCERNS FOR FLORIDA AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, well, I've been involved in five technology startups, maybe more, that were rooted in UNH, one way
- c><04:05:54.800>
generally <04:05:55.199>are <04:05:55.359>not patients and consumers - generally are not patients and consumers generally are not discriminated<04:05:56.160>
against - 04.720>
caregivers <04:06:05.600>or <04:06:05.920>cannabis <04:06:06.319>consumers - or caregivers or cannabis consumers or caregivers or cannabis consumers generally<04:06:07.760><
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It if it serves their residents better, while maintaining existing consumer protections.
- another option to repay entrance fees with the potential to expedite the process while keeping all consumer
- This bill simply expands choice and, where appropriate, improves outcomes for both providers and consumers
- This bill definitely caught our attention because it helps our consumers live independently by working
- Thousands of our consumers in the Independent Living Centers network live in high fire risk zones.
Summary:
The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 21 and heard three bills. AB 1819 by Assemblymember Sanchez would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Sanchez said the bill is intended to protect older adults and other community members by improving access to life-saving emergency equipment; supporters included recreation and park districts and respiratory care professionals. The committee members present voted in favor, and the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members.
AB 1983 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio would create an optional sequential repayment method for continuing care retirement communities, allowing entrance fee repayments to be made in the order residents leave rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. Rubio and Erickson Senior Living argued the change would make repayments more predictable and equitable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association. The committee approved the bill and sent it to Human Services, again holding the roll open for later votes.
AB 2037 by Assemblymember Patterson would establish a pilot grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden their homes against wildfire risk, with Patterson describing it as a way to support property maintenance and reduce wildfire spread. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, and local officials testified in support, and committee members accepted amendments to add another county to the pilot. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. After the initial votes, add-on votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Mon Jan 27, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're convening the Joint Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Commerce and Consumer Protection
- chair of the Commerce and consumer chair of the Commerce and consumer protection<00:12:06.279>
Or dramatic cost savings to the consumer?- 1 and 2, and then the non-lava program is for the consumers elsewhere in the state.
- 1 and 2, and then the non-lava program is for the consumers elsewhere in the state.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- one, the cost of small businesses operating in the Commonwealth to conduct sales transactions with consumers
- similar means; two, the impact of the increasing use of credit cards or other means of payment by consumers
- similar means; two, the impact of the increasing use of credit cards or other means of payment by consumers
- So potentially doing a hearing on business and consumer perspectives to understand the real-world impact
- through credit card... ...on business and consumer perspectives to understand the real-world impact
Summary:
The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special initiative commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that no testimony would be taken at this meeting; instead, the commission would begin its work, introduce members, and prepare for future hearings and a final report with recommendations on credit cards and other payment methods.
The chairs outlined the commission’s charge: to examine payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the effects of section 28A of chapter 140D on small businesses. They said the commission would likely organize hearings around business and consumer impacts, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Members discussed the importance of hearing from retailers, restaurants, banks, small businesses, and possibly experts, and suggested considering cryptocurrency and whether hearings should be held outside the State House or include regional access.
Several commissioners and stakeholders introduced themselves, including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the House, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Commissioner of Banks, retail and restaurant associations, a banking representative, and two small business owners. The chairs said interested parties could sign up to testify or receive notices, written testimony would be accepted, and the first hearing was tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium. The meeting ended with a motion to close, which passed unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Aging and Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- It if it serves their residents better, while maintaining existing consumer protections.
- another option to repay entrance fees with the potential to expedite the process while keeping all consumer
- this bill simply expands choice and, where appropriate, improves outcomes for both providers and consumers
- This bill definitely caught our attention because it helps our consumers live independently by working
- Thousands of our consumers in the Independent Living Centers network live in high fire risk zones.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- association does that there's a lack of transparency and that it will be somehow misleading to the consumer
- association does that there's a lack of transparency and that it will be somehow misleading to the consumer
- it will be somehow misleading<00:14:48.320>
to <00:14:48.560>the <00:14:48.720>consumer - Nor would I equate somebody not being in the room to their not being able to use simple technology like
- like Zoom if they're simple technology like Zoom if they're joining<04:55:15.680>
that <04:55:
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 254, which Senator David Roford described as a technical correction to controlled substance inventory law for pharmacies. He said the bill would remove outdated language requiring inventories to be done in an odd-numbered year, while keeping the existing requirement that pharmacies conduct a full controlled substance inventory every two years in line with federal law. Members asked several clarifying questions about whether the requirement is pharmacy-by-pharmacy, whether new pharmacies would be affected, and whether the change would alter scope or compliance; the sponsor and a representative of the New Hampshire Pharmacist Association said it would not, and that it mainly provides clarity for pharmacies and inspectors. The public hearing on SB 254 was then closed, and the committee also heard support from a representative of the pharmacist community, who said the association supports the bill.
The committee then discussed a non-germane amendment to SB 254 dealing with FBI background checks for educational surrogate parents under the Department of Education. Representative Leyon explained that the amendment was requested by the Department of Education after the FBI rejected prior statutory language, and that the goal was to allow people serving as educational surrogate parents to complete FBI fingerprint-based background checks so they can perform their duties. Department of Education and Department of Safety staff testified that the amendment mirrors language that has worked in other education-related background check statutes, including provisions with specific disqualifying offenses tied to child safety, and that the FBI requires precise statutory language and direct transmission of records through the Department of Safety. Members questioned why the FBI’s approval was needed, whether individuals could simply provide their own records, and whether changing federal leadership could require future changes; witnesses said the state needs both state and national records, that records must come directly from the FBI through the Department of Safety, and that the language is intended to satisfy current federal requirements.
During the discussion, some members expressed skepticism about the need for the amendment and about placing it on a bill about controlled substance inventories, but no vote was taken during the portion of the transcript provided. The committee also briefly discussed a separate bill on physician assistants/physician associates, with members noting that the proposed name change would not alter scope of practice and that some outside groups had raised concerns about transparency, but that discussion was interrupted and not concluded in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 4, 2025, 9:00 AM HST - Day 25
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:56:13.280>
who would not want to see the consumers who would not want to see the consumers - protecting consumers protecting consumers positions<03:12:59.640>
I <03:12:59.760>am - also affect retail and other consumer also affect retail and other consumer spending<03:19:13.399
- <03:25:00.560>
protection Market and provide consumers protection Market and provide consumers - Representative Martin said that this bill provides a standard of care that is consumer basic, consumer
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They've allowed us to consume more quantities of food.
- I'm senior director of state affairs with the Consumer Brands Association.
- Our members are the makers of food and beverage products and consumer packaged goods that, you know,
- They're just not in the taste of food consumers and beverage consumers in the EU.
- So these ingredients do have a result or an effect on people consuming them.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably.
SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no.
SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/JHA Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:00:04.640>
$2 already asked investors to consume $2 already asked investors to consume - on sp135 SC2 relating to Consumer on sp135 SC2 relating to Consumer Protection<01:24:19.000>
- I'm the executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection.
- <01:25:43.040>
has by a hotel after the consumer has by a hotel after the consumer has already - First up, we've got DCCA and Consumer Advocacy with comments.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events.
The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants.
Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Jul 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Myra Baena with the Mesa Verde Group, on behalf of the Consumer Federation of California, in support.
- I also like to mention joining me today is Tony Signorelli, deputy commissioner for consumer services
- The goal of SB 495 is to simplify the process for consumers already facing traumatic experiences.
- Maida Baena with the Mesa Verde group on behalf of the Consumer Federation of California.
- Tony Signorelli, Deputy Commissioner, Consumer Services, Department of Insurance. That's correct.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models.
The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure.
SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- to pass this bill just knowing the increase of fraud that is happening on our public programs and consumers
- to pass this bill just knowing the increase of fraud that is happening on our public programs and consumers
- to pass this bill just knowing the increase of fraud that is happening on our public programs and consumers
- to pass this bill just knowing the increase of fraud that is happening on our public programs and consumers
- Uh, Sarah" "Being, um, that is happening on our public programs and consumers.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN, CPN-JDC DEFER, CPN Public Hearings 04-07-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- This is the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
- We have Michelangelo, executive director of the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, with comments.
- on to the next set of resolutions: SCR 109 and SR 102, requesting the Department of Commerce and Consumer
- of the bill, which required rules by the Department of Health, was a stronger means of protecting consumer
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard House Bill 1481, which would require cemeteries, crematories, funeral establishments, HSI facilities, and mortuaries to dispose of human remains within 60 days after a burial transit permit or related affidavit is issued. The Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association and several funeral-related entities supported the bill, and the association said it had already implemented consistent cremation authorization language regarding notice and consent for recycling metal implants, effective January 1. The committee later recommended HB 1481 be passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; the vice chair voted with reservations, saying the prior version with Department of Health rulemaking was stronger consumer protection.
The committee also considered several resolutions. SCR 96 and SR 91, on a status update for implementation of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, were recommended for passage with amendments adopting the PUC’s requested changes. SCR 172 and SR 163, seeking a comprehensive analysis of ways to reduce costs and financial risks while meeting state goals, drew support from the PUC and Energy Office with comments, and the committee recommended passage with amendments removing a disputed whereas clause. SCR 109 and SR 102, on studying expanded mail-order pharmacy use, drew mixed testimony: the Insurance Division and HMSA supported a study, while the Hawaii Pharmacist Association and others raised concerns about patient outcomes, rural access, and community pharmacy sustainability; the committee amended the resolutions to require broader agency cooperation and evaluation of community pharmacy impacts, then recommended passage.
In additional decision-making, the committee deferred SCR 193 and SR 1802 on trust transparency due to no testimony. It recommended passage with amendments on several bills, including HB 1782 after clarifying terminology with the Attorney General’s Office, HB 1514 on workers’ compensation, HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure, HB 1643 on pharmacy, HB 1721 on housing, HB 1864 on insurance, HB 1946 on timeshare registration, and HB 2475 on labeling requirements. HB 350 on energy was deferred for more work. The committee also reconsidered HB 2101 on commercial aquarium collection and recommended passage as amended after hearing from supporters and noting concerns about enforcement and statewide consistency.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 31, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Consumer
- House Bill 38, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Consumer
- House Bill 39, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Consumer
- House Bill 50, having been amended twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Consumer
- House Bill 60, having been read twice by title, is referred to the House Consumer and Public Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Consensus Forecasting Group (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- >
to <00:09:25.920>0.6% Consumer spending growth slows to 0.6% Consumer spending growth - activity because again also consumer activity because again also consumers<00:15:26.560>
tried - tremendous difference in the consumer tremendous difference in the consumer price<00:29:45.600><
- <00:31:20.080>
So, consumer price index to fall. So, consumer price index to fall. - consumer purchases. consumer purchases.
Summary:
The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain.
Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile.
Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 14, 2025, 11:30 AM HST - Day 50
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a balancing act between birthing freedom and consumer protection.
- between birthing freedom and consumer between birthing freedom and consumer protection.<00:58:50.480
- Protection for consumers and protection.
- committees on health uh consumer committees on health uh consumer protection<01:22:26.960>
and - <01:25:30.880>
Thank protect the consumers of Hawaii.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN-HHS, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- consumer division of consumer<00:01:58.560>
advocacy <00:01:59.119>with <00:01:59.320>< - c> comments consumer advocacy with comments consumer advocacy with comments morning<00:02:00.960>
- Department of Commerce and consumer Department of Commerce and consumer affairs<00:21:11.200>
- consumer Advocate um you rais a number consumer Advocate um you rais a number of<00:43:33.200>
uh< - is sp 463 relating to Consumer is sp 463 relating to Consumer Protection<01:20:33.920>
uh
Summary:
The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding.
Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted.
The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These types of services serve to support insurance consumers, providing valuable benefits that connect
- It allows more choice for consumers. It allows insurance companies.
- When we as consumers buy things, we normally do it on quantity, quality, and price.
- The program, there's not enough consumers of the product, um, and then because we've, they don't have
- House Bill 2067 simply seeks to strengthen consumer transparency by requiring insurers to proactively
Bills:
HB139