Video & Transcript : 'electric generating facility' :

Page 282 of 500
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (10/14/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • railway a lot of people that I've spoken to that said, "Hey, you hear your car rail is going to go electric
  • you hear your car rail is going to "Hey, you hear your car rail is going to go<00:04:25.040><c> electric
  • </c><00:04:26.320><c> I'll</c> go electric." And they go, "What? I'll go electric."
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The House Public Works and Highways Committee met in work session on HB 100 and HB 561, with brief housekeeping remarks at the start noting a new committee member, Representative Charlie Foot, and the departure of committee assistant Karen Davis. The chair also referenced upcoming discussion of the 10-year transportation plan and warned that the gas hearings and related funding changes would affect communities. HB 100 would prohibit the Department of Transportation from using state funds for planning, construction, operation, or management of new passenger rail projects. Members raised concerns that the bill needed more work and might have unintended effects on private and tourist rail operations, including the Cog Railway and other tourism railways. Several speakers said the issue should be studied further rather than acted on immediately. HB 561 concerns the transfer of state-owned real property, specifically requiring approval from municipal legislative bodies before transferring state-owned class one or two highways. Multiple members supported an interim study, saying the bill is tied to broader questions about the 10-year plan, road funding, municipal partnership, and the possibility that the state may eventually need to turn highways over to towns. Concerns were also raised about specific road situations such as Continental Boulevard and the need to understand current practices before making changes. In executive session, the committee voted 16-0, with two members absent, to send both HB 100 and HB 561 to interim study and place them on the consent calendar. The chair then explained that the bills would be revisited next fall and could later be debated on the House floor. The committee then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House workforce panel considers HF335 2/20/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We've been able to update our electric and natural gas utility infrastructure.
  • able to fills uh additionally we've been able to update<00:07:45.800><c> our</c><00:07:46.039><c> electric
  • </c><00:07:46.440><c> and</c><00:07:46.639><c> natural</c><00:07:47.039><c> gas</c> update our electric
  • and natural gas update our electric and natural gas utility<00:07:48.759><c> infrastructure</c><00:07
Keywords: 1183, house
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Feb 19th, 2026

Business and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was brought to the attention of the Attorney General that there is a loophole in the current law that
  • It was brought to the attention of the Attorney General that there is a loophole in the current law that
  • It was brought to the attention of the Attorney General that there is a loophole in the current law that
  • So did the Abstractors Board bring it up to the Attorney General who then brought it up to you?
  • I have no idea who brought it to the Attorney General himself, but apparently the question was brought
Summary: The Senate Business and Insurance Committee met and first laid over Senate Bills 1969 and 1624 without hearing them. It then considered SB 1953, a health insurance transparency bill requiring third-party administrators to provide employers information on what was spent on employee health benefits; an amendment deleting the word “welfare” was adopted, and the bill passed 7-1. SB 1277, which codifies a three-week work-search requirement for unemployment benefits, passed 8-0. SB 1287, amended to change “may” to “shall,” would bar the Oklahoma Abstractors Board from licensing applicants not legally authorized to work in the U.S.; after questions about the need for the bill and the alleged loophole, it passed 7-2. The committee also passed SB 1061, a cleanup measure on mortgage broker licensing and renewal fees, and SB 1916, which would move the Oklahoma Receivership Office under the Insurance Department and streamline receivership operations. SB 1589, as amended to reference Indian Gaming Regulatory Act authorization, would increase penalties for illegal sweepstakes/gambling operations and expand enforcement against entities profiting from illegal gambling; it passed unanimously. SB 2178, a compromise special-event license bill requiring liability insurance coverage, also passed unanimously. Two major insurance reform bills were debated at length and failed. SB 1444 would shift homeowners insurance rate regulation from a use-and-file system to prior filing with authority for the Insurance Commissioner to declare rates excessive; after testimony from a homeowner about a large premium increase and extensive debate over regulation and market effects, it failed 4-5. SB 1438 would require reporting of underwriting gains and profits, cap average profits at 5% over three years, and require rebates or premium credits if profits exceeded that level; supporters argued it would protect consumers, while opponents warned of market disruption and reduced competition. It failed 2-7. The committee then passed SB 1501, clarifying medical marijuana grow reclamation bond requirements, SB 1873, correcting a drafting error in a prior bill and delaying its effective date, and SB 1364, requiring an affidavit of encumbrances before transferring a medical marijuana business license.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jan 8th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Attorney General Rob Bonta. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
  • It will be a general fund budget of $248.3 billion. But this is interesting.
  • Working together through our CalRx program, we launched our own generic drug label.
  • Manufactures 70% of the world's electric vehicles. They're flooding.
  • It manufactures 70% of the world's electric vehicles.
Summary: The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address. In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action. After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><02:16:44.880><c> in</c> know that there is a new generation in know that there is a new generation
  • </c> facilities are unregulated. facilities are unregulated.
  • </c> families for generations families for generations along<05:27:06.000><c> with</c><05:27:06.320><
  • It will also correct a course in which industry seeking to generate jobs and revenue for generations
  • jobs and revenue for generate jobs and revenue for generations<06:02:53.120><c> to</c><06:02:53.360>
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-AM

Wyoming House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • First reading of the bill: general government appropriations.
  • </c> &gt;&gt; general government appropriations. &gt;&gt; general government appropriations.
  • And uh when it in general fund dollars.
  • And um that's generally how that works.
  • </c><02:12:31.280><c> government</c> that is the general government that is the general government appropriations
Keywords: 916, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Apr 29th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Almighty God, you have been our dwelling place throughout every generation.
  • It clarifies that charter schools are public facilities.
  • As long as the increase does not exceed the facility capacity, including new or expanded facilities,
  • Only two facilities in Florida actively play Hialeah, and these facilities are the Magic City and Dania
  • , and both are within 35 miles of other facilities.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions and recognitions. The Rules Chair moved CS/CS/SB 622 to the end of the special order calendar, which was adopted without objection. SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed, as were later bills SB 716 and CS/CS/CS/SB 1348. The chamber then took up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and adopting amendments before final passage. Measures approved included a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan (HB 295, 38-0), mitigation banking and land development changes with a phosphate mining lands amendment (CS/CS/SB 492, 35-3), aggravated animal cruelty with a searchable FDLE database and sentencing multiplier (HB 255, 37-0), the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism and related training/funding (HB 711, 37-0), newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (CS/CS/HB 1089, 36-0), and revisions to the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to expand eligible mitigation projects and adjust approval thresholds (CS/CS/HB 393, 37-0). The Senate also passed workforce education legislation allowing charter schools access to grant funding and expanding money-back guarantees (HB 1145, 37-0), a statewide study on automation and workforce impact (HB 827, 35-0), parole guideline revisions (HB 181, 37-0), court-appointed psychologist procedures in family law cases (HB 901, 37-0), sexual cyber harassment protections covering digitally forged intimate images (HB 1451, 37-0), a home health aide program for medically fragile children with training and reimbursement provisions (CS/CS/SB 1156, 37-0), substance abuse and mental health care changes including 988 oversight and involuntary examination procedures (HB 1091, 37-0), a feasibility study for a statewide pond data database (HB 1359, 37-0), and Department of Law Enforcement housekeeping changes and retired police dog reimbursements (HB 1053, 37-0). The most extensive debate centered on the charter schools bill (HB 443), which expanded charter autonomy, reporting parity, enrollment flexibility, and governance rules; after a delete-all amendment and a friendly amendment, it was placed on the third-reading calendar rather than immediately voted on. Several bills were briefly discussed with concerns about transparency, accountability, funding, and constitutional issues, but all bills brought to a vote during this segment passed.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 12, 2026

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> slaughter facility. slaughter facility.
  • . facility. facility.
  • It's generally much cheaper to get a state-inspected meat facility compared to a federal one.
  • </c><01:09:29.120><c> there's</c><01:09:29.400><c> facility</c> so, there's facility there's facility
  • facility.
Keywords: 916, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • , you know, in their general fund budget, then we would be able to hear, say, okay... ...be general,
  • , you know, in their general fund budget, then we would be able to hear, say, okay, be general, you know
  • So through CalFile or just in general? In general.
  • So through Cal File or just in general? In general. I, based on the information I have, hold on.
  • I'm the CFO for the Department of General Services.
Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision proposals from the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Government Operations Agency, the Department of Technology, and the Franchise Tax Board, with public comment to come later and all items held open. CDFA presented funding for the animal care program implementing Proposition 12, including a one-time $5.2 million General Fund transfer to the Ag Fund and $2.8 million ongoing, and the LAO recommended approval while noting the Legislature should revisit the funding once litigation and federal preemption questions are resolved. CDFA also proposed ending state oversight of industrial hemp and moving to the federal USDA program by January 1, 2028, with an $8.3 million General Fund transfer to cover startup and transition costs; the LAO supported the transition. Additional CDFA items included $204,000 ongoing and one position to preserve agricultural statistics reporting after USDA reorganization, and trailer bill changes to clarify the department’s 5% indirect cost cap; both drew no objections from Finance or LAO. The Government Operations Agency and Cradle to Career items focused on implementing the new federal Workforce Pell program. Finance described trailer bill language establishing state eligibility processes, with the California Student Aid Commission as the authorizing entity in consultation with the Workforce Development Board, and proposed $1.3 million one-time General Fund for Cradle to Career to build data linkages. The LAO urged caution because federal rules were just finalized and said more information was needed on workload, costs, and whether existing data systems could support the work. Senators raised policy concerns about limiting the program to public institutions and about aligning the proposal with broader workforce and labor goals. The committee also briefly discussed SB 53/Cal Compute, with GovOps saying no appropriation had been provided for its consortium work, and Finance saying the administration was not proposing funding at this time. The Department of Technology presented a $30 million operational backstop for the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, intended to cover any shortfall if expected revenues from the Golden State Net third-party administrator do not materialize in time. The LAO initially recommended rejection over broad spending authority, then suggested amendments with stronger reporting and legislative review; committee members questioned the revenue assumptions, oversight, and whether the request could recur. CDT also sought $1 million for Poppy, the state’s GenAI digital assistant, to expand secure statewide use; the LAO had no concerns, and members asked about data security, model bias, training restrictions, and possible local-government use. Finally, FTB proposed realigning CalFile resources after the federal Direct File program was discontinued, retaining three ongoing positions and returning the rest of the funding and positions to the General Fund; the LAO said the reduced scope was reasonable, and members discussed keeping the free filing system user-friendly and ready for future federal changes. The committee also heard the administration’s digital pre-written software tax proposal, which would extend sales tax to electronically delivered software and SaaS beginning January 1, 2027, generating an estimated $450 million General Fund in 2026-27 and $900 million ongoing, plus local revenue. The LAO supported modernizing the tax base but recommended broadening the proposal to include more digital products while considering a business-use exemption or reduced rate, and flagged a newly added video game exemption as a revenue downside. Senators generally supported the goal of raising revenue and aligning California with other states, but questioned the local revenue distribution and equity effects, and one senator said they would not support expanding the tax to books, music streaming, and similar consumer products. All items were left open without votes.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 2, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • have a recurring impact of $22.8 million on the state transportation trust fund and $2 million on general
  • Our concern based on this is really for the general aviation airports who benefit from this.
  • This is not general revenue. It's not money that is going to be coming out.
  • This is not general revenue. It's not money that is going to be coming out.
  • Taxes on non-residential electricity will be reduced from 4.35% to 3.6%.
Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up four bills. The committee first heard HB 4041, which would create the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District in Collier County to finance and maintain infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and stormwater systems without changing county regulatory authority. The bill drew no opposition, was reported favorably, and passed 14-0. The committee then considered HB 1485, which repeals Florida’s aviation fuel tax provisions. The sponsor argued the change would simplify the tax code, attract airline investment, and support lower fares and more routes. Members raised concerns about the estimated recurring $22.8 million impact on the State Transportation Trust Fund and $2 million on general revenue, and airport representatives warned of reduced grant and development funding, especially for general aviation and municipal airports. Supporters said the change would increase competition and fuel sales in Florida. The bill was reported favorably on a 12-5 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 999, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender, allow electronic debit access to bullion accounts, and remove tax burdens on transactions involving precious metals. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to protect purchasing power and provide an alternative parallel to the dollar, while opponents and some members raised concerns about consumer protections, predatory practices, privacy, and the role of the Office of Financial Regulation in rulemaking. After extensive testimony, the bill was reported favorably 19-0. Finally, the committee considered PCB WMC 25-01, which would reduce the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lower several related taxes, including the business rent tax, nonresidential electricity tax, mobile home sales tax, and coin-operated amusement machine tax. The proposal was estimated to reduce revenue by about $5.5 billion annually. Members discussed impacts on the budget, education funding, and whether savings would reach consumers, while supporters emphasized relief for Floridians and business competitiveness. The bill passed unanimously 19-0 and was reported favorably. The chair then noted a prior procedural apology on the record, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • I would move House File 748 to the General Register.
  • We have to get this to the General Register, but real quick.
  • This is going to the General Register. That's the vote. >> We're really only one minute.
  • I'll number 7.48 to the General Register. Thank you. See with their has amended, Mister Chair.
  • The bill is moved on to the General Register as amended.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee took up House File 748, a bill revising Minnesota’s transportation greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact assessment requirements for trunk highway projects. The chair first moved and adopted the A2 author’s amendment and then the A3 amendment, which was described as adding implementation time and project exemptions when federal dollars are available. The bill author explained that the measure responds to concerns from stakeholders that the current law can force costly mitigation, delay or stop safety and capacity projects, and create uncertainty because key implementation details are still being developed by a technical advisory committee. Testimony was split. County and city engineers, county commissioners, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities generally supported the bill, arguing that the current requirements can add 20% to 40% or more to project costs, are difficult to administer, and could jeopardize critical safety improvements, congestion relief, and federal funding. They cited examples such as Scott County and Trunk Highway 65, and said VMT mitigation is especially hard to quantify and fund. Opponents, including Move Minnesota and Sierra Club, argued that safety and climate goals are not in conflict, that reducing driving can save lives and reduce pollution, and that the bill would weaken an important tool for cutting transportation emissions. Members also asked about how GHG and VMT are measured, whether the required assessment was ready, and who would be responsible for mitigation assets and costs. After discussion, the committee held a roll call vote. The bill, as amended, passed 8-7 and was moved to the General Register.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 04/21/2026

Energy And Telecommunications

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next, Bill Number 2416, sponsored by Senator Parker: An act on the Public Service Law and General Business
  • sponsored by Senator Doddlow: An act to amend the Public Service Law in relation to requiring gas and electric
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met with Senator Kevin Parker presiding and several colleagues present. The committee considered four bills: S.1551, which would prohibit the release of consumption data; S.2258, which would require emergency notices to customers in certain languages; S.2416, which would release victims of domestic violence from certain contracts; and S.9835, which would require gas and electric corporations to give 30 days’ notice before service rate or charge increases. The sponsor and committee briefly introduced each measure, and no substantive debate or testimony was recorded in the transcript. Each bill was moved and seconded. S.1551 and S.2258 each had one recorded no vote, but both still had enough support to advance. S.2416 and S.9835 were also approved without recorded opposition. All four bills were reported to third reading, and the committee then adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Transcript Highlights:
  • I eliminated three full-time staff members at my facility.
  • We are currently without a permanent facility.
  • Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy described us as a lonely nation. General Dr.
  • I'm the General Manager of Boston Neighborhood Network.
  • I'm the General Manager of Boston Neighborhood Network.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 14, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hospitals, schools, sports facilities, airports, and government facilities were forced into emergency
  • </c><01:33:00.400><c> of</c><01:33:00.560><c> Wyoming</c> next generation of Wyoming next generation
  • </c> to continue shaping the next generation to continue shaping the next generation of<01:33:44.320>
  • General Venita Gupta Associate Attorney General Venita Gupta in<03:54:40.880><c> a</c><03:54:41.040>
  • Attorney General Garland did.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Assembly - 2026-01-20 - 1:00PM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chief Justice, members of the General Assembly, and my fellow Vermonters.
  • The T fund has struggled while the general fund has become healthier.
  • The T fund has struggled while the general fund has become healthier.
  • </c><00:15:21.360><c> So</c> also comes out of the general fund.
  • So also comes out of the general fund.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Capital Investment - 01/21/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> Energy System in one of their facilities Energy System in one of their facilities and<00:32:29.760
  • It includes all general obligation debt, both general fund-backed as well as trunk highway fund-backed
  • obligation bonds U both state general obligation bonds U both general<00:45:18.880><c> fund</c><00:45
  • </c> pay the debt service or if the general pay the debt service or if the general fund<00:59:40.680>
  • </c> or is it just in terms of General or is it just in terms of General guidelines<01:04:51.599><c>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 04/30/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Now on general orders. To that 3289. Now on general orders.
  • U this is an the general fund.
  • </c> many generations technologically behind. many generations technologically behind.
  • </c> completely shut down a facility. completely shut down a facility.
  • </c> facility leaves a rural community. facility leaves a rural community.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But ultimately, for me, it's not just generic supply. It's about smart growth.
  • But ultimately, for me, it's not just generic supply. It's about smart growth.
  • This bill has an overbroad general... And that's a T at the end of period.
  • This bill has an overbroad generalization and has discriminatory practices.
  • But again, all of this would still be under the general supervision of a dentist.
Keywords: 998, house, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 091 Apr 15th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> carry meaning and merit for generations carry meaning and merit for generations of<00:30:51.200>
  • </c> of Representatives of the 75th General of Representatives of the 75th General Assembly<00:31:06.720
  • </c><01:06:37.760><c> the</c><01:06:38.079><c> general</c><01:06:38.480><c> s</c> the uh the general
  • the general s the uh the general the general s direction<01:06:39.359><c> of</c><01:06:39.599><c> the
  • The attorney general enforcement.
Keywords: 981, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm generally in favor of this bill.
  • . facilities. facilities.
  • I I process to get into your facilities.
  • </c> Attorney General. Attorney General.
  • Sorry, the Attorney General.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.