Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to present today.
• an 11-member Broadband and Digital Equity Commission.
• Tools like digital platforms allow for mobile access in critical times.
• So when we close the digital divide, we don't just expand access, we expand opportunity, dignity, and
• Thank you for the opportunity to close.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to develop recommendations to advance digital connectivity and advise the broadband office on digital
• Lastly, regarding the Digital Equity Opportunity Program, it is renamed the Digital Opportunity Program
• I'm a member of the statewide Digital Equity Partners Coalition and previously served on the State Digital
• Thank you for your work furthering digital opportunity for all through 2365. Thank you, David.
• Thanks for the opportunity. Thank you.

Bills: HB1316, HB2401, HB2557, HB2720, HB1073, HB2685, HB2640, HB2403

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Summary: The committee heard staff briefings, public testimony, and no final votes on a series of bills. On Substitute House Bill 1128, staff described a proposed second substitute creating a Child Care Workforce Standards Board at L&I with an advisory role only, along with estimated staffing and board costs; supporters said child care workers need a forum to address understaffing and wages, while opponents called the bill duplicative and costly. The committee also heard support for Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would have OSPI and ESDs develop a technical assistance and training framework for school behavioral health supports, and Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies for JLARC review; staff outlined fiscal impacts for both, and no one testified on 2636. Members then heard House Bill 1316 on expanding the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so multiple campuses within an institution could apply, with testimony that the current language unintentionally limits access to already appropriated funds. Substitute House Bill 2474 would expand use of the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to cover consumer protection violations tied to private college closures and teach-out obligations, with staff noting no expected fiscal impact from the fund itself. Substitute House Bill 2365 would broaden the State Broadband Office’s digital equity duties and rename the grant program, with supporters emphasizing rural access and the loss of federal digital equity funding; staff said Commerce would bear most ongoing costs. The committee also heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission contingent on non-state funding, with supporters saying boys and men face worsening mental health, education, and social outcomes. Substitute House Bill 2475 would require the Office of Equity to develop statewide language-access guidelines and a plan to address interpreter shortages, with staff saying the office could absorb the work but other agencies’ costs were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517 would give regional transit authorities more flexibility to seek permits before acquiring property for high-capacity transit projects, and Substitute House Bill 2145 would restrict manufacturers from blocking 340B drug access through contract pharmacies and add reporting requirements; testimony was sharply divided over whether the bill protects safety-net providers or increases health care costs. Finally, Second Substitute House Bill 1420 would require a textile and apparel coordinating organization and a needs assessment for a future producer responsibility program, with supporters urging a careful first step and opponents warning it presumes the outcome and adds complexity and cost.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is now required across Europe under the Digital Services Act.
• There's also no definition of digital—I forget the language that's used in here—digital verification
• or digital something.
• Digital identification. So the example you used of... ...digital identification.
• And if I can ask it in two parts, I'd appreciate the opportunity.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2112, which would require commercial entities, including some social media companies, to use age verification before allowing access to websites where more than one-third of the material is sexual content harmful to minors. Staff explained that the bill would require reasonable age verification methods, prohibit retention of identifying information, exempt bona fide news and public-interest sites, and authorize the Attorney General to enforce the law through civil penalties. The bill would also require warning notices on landing pages and advertisements, with content to be developed by the Department of Health. Prime sponsor Representative Mari Leavitt said the bill is intended to protect children from harmful online sexual content and argued that parental controls are not sufficient. She cited pediatric and public-health concerns, said the bill is modeled on laws upheld elsewhere, and emphasized that the measure is aimed at commercial entities rather than school-based sharing or general adult access. Supportive testimony from parents, clinicians, and advocates described early exposure to pornography, mental health harms, and the need to place responsibility on platforms rather than families alone. Opposition testimony focused on privacy, free speech, enforcement, and scope. Several witnesses argued that age verification systems create data-security risks even if data is not retained, that the bill’s definitions and one-third threshold are vague and could sweep in LGBTQ, health, educational, or artistic content, and that enforcement would be difficult against out-of-state websites. Some opponents said the law would push users to less-compliant sites and would not effectively protect children. A technology industry witness said the bill is narrow and comparable to carding for alcohol or tobacco, while a Free Speech Coalition representative said the law is ineffective in practice and offered to discuss amendments. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alex Marthews, Digital Fourth. Digital Fourth— is there an Alex?
• Alex Marthews, Digital Fourth. Digital Fourth— is there an Alex?
• Alex Marthews, Digital Fourth. Digital Fourth— is there an Alex?
• Alex Marthews, Digital Fourth. Digital Fourth— is there an Alex?
• So we're going to go to the digital then, right? Yep. We've got one digital?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 31 bills covering driver privacy and data, distinctive license plates, public awareness signage, railroad safety, superload permitting, TNC/delivery data reporting, and MBTA safety measures. Chairs Jim Arciero and Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing process, and the committee heard testimony from state officials, advocates, family members of fallen officers and firefighters, transportation industry representatives, civil liberties groups, and others. No votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn. Several speakers supported bills creating a Blue Star Family license plate to honor families of fallen law enforcement officers, and a separate motorcycle plate for fallen firefighters. Colonel Jeffrey Noble and others from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and law enforcement groups said the plates would complement existing memorial practices and provide a lasting public tribute. Family members of officers killed in the line of duty gave emotional testimony in support, and Representative Steve Ultrino and Paul Jakes backed the firefighter memorial motorcycle plate as revenue-neutral, with proceeds supporting the fallen firefighter memorial. The committee also heard testimony on transportation policy and safety bills. Industry witnesses urged modernization of Massachusetts superload permitting rules, saying current requirements are slower and more expensive than neighboring states and delay public projects. Advocates supported a human trafficking awareness bill requiring hotline signage in transit facilities, a driver privacy bill limiting automatic license plate reader data retention and sharing, and a bill requiring two-person crews on freight trains and other railroad safety measures such as hotbox detectors and transportation for railroad employees. Senator John Keenan also testified for expanded naloxone availability in MBTA stations and said the MBTA had not fully complied with prior legislative directives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to present AB 1709, which would Thank you for the opportunity to present
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of AB 1709.
• Vulnerable youth deserve safe digital spaces.
• So, um— Before I give you the opportunity to close, Mr. Lowenthal.
• I want to thank the opportunity.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Give me the opportunity.
• In addition to that, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Jefferson Parish School Board.
• Both of my grandchildren attend... ...this opportunity to thank the Jefferson Parish School Board.
• private education, a private Christian education, and this gives the schools the opportunity.
• Maybe there is a better fit for this digital ID versus is. and letting this just go out.

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 12, 2026, and first approved SB 518, which gives LSU limited authority to buy and sell certain real estate within one mile of campus as a two-year pilot program. Supporters said the bill would let LSU respond more quickly to deteriorating properties near campus and improve the student experience, while keeping protections such as appraisals and fair-market-value requirements. Members asked about whether the authority would affect residential property or be expanded to other universities, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then advanced SCR 33, creating a one-year Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to study and better align apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and related programs across state agencies and employers. Testimony emphasized the need to reduce duplication and improve coordination so students and employers can more easily connect. HR 168 also passed, directing the Board of Regents to study collegiate athletic program funding after concerns raised by athletic directors about deficits and accounting practices. Members next approved SB 488, establishing a school safety drone response pilot program to supplement school crisis plans. The bill drew detailed testimony from a vendor describing drone deployment, response times, and coordination with law enforcement; an amendment was adopted to require coordination with the Department of Education, State Police, and the Sheriffs’ Association. The committee also favorably reported HCR 97, asking BESE and Wildlife and Fisheries to study adding age-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education in grades 5-12, with members clarifying that no live firearms would be used on campus. Finally, the committee approved SB 112, allowing local school boards to adopt parental-consent release-time policies for religious instruction, with amendments adding instructor qualifications, reporting requirements, electronic delivery flexibility, and constitutional safeguards. It also reported SB 504, expanding individual graduation plans to include vocational options and apply to charter schools, with an amendment for standalone elementary charters. The committee then passed SB 346 and SB 347, both dealing with deepfakes—one prohibiting their use against K-12 students and the other adding unlawful deepfakes to campus power-based violence rules—and SB 353, authorizing postsecondary systems to digitize student IDs for use in LA Wallet. Several members raised concerns about naming LA Wallet specifically, but the bill was still reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• An account is part of our infrastructure of digital belonging.
• Digital access becomes more important, certainly not less.
• I'm glad for the opportunity to speak with you today on this topic.
• Thank you all for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Amy Green.
• We rely on— Digital connection is massive and we rely on it.

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• An account is part of our infrastructure of digital belonging.
• I'm glad for the opportunity to speak with you today on this topic.
• And third would fall along the line of digital literacy and safety education.
• Thank you all for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Amy Green.
• We rely on... ...digital connection is massive, and we rely on it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the public in the hearing room will have an opportunity to state their position.
• With that in mind, I'm grateful for this opportunity and delighted to dig into this year's work.
• To safely navigate an increasingly digital world.
• For students, in particular, digital technology... ...communicate, and build relationships.
• of the digital world, but for the challenges as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move on to the next item, item number 10, the Poppy Digital Assistant.
• The next item: Item number 10, the Poppy Digital Assistant.
• We want to present Poppy, California Digital Assistant.
• California's Digital Assistant has a shared statewide platform, Poppy, California's Digital Assistant
• Opportunities and some of the challenges of this.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• divide, promoting digital inclusion and achieve individual equity.
• Assembly Bill 2279's goal is very clear: to close the digital divide, promote digital inclusion, and
• achieve true digital equity across California.
• It expands the role to add some adoption activities as essential to closing the digital divide.
• Consortia are continuously requested by our partners to identify needs and opportunities within their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> digital, advertising services. digital, advertising services.
• Digital Opportunity, an organization for Digital Opportunity, an organization powered<01:08:01.320><c
• </c><01:08:10.320><c> and</c> would impose a tax on digital and would impose a tax on digital and non-digital
• digital advertising on online digital digital advertising on online platforms<01:13:57.040><c> such<
• on advertising services, both digital and non-digital.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Committee on Energy and Digital Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure,<00:52:48.160><c>
• </c> adult training opportunities. adult training opportunities.
• </c> training opportunities. training opportunities.
• </c> Committee on Energy and Digital Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure<01:15:52.440><c>
• </c> advantage of training opportunities. advantage of training opportunities.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• good relating to the unrestricted ownership interest in that digital good.
• under which a seller must make a digital good available for download.
• Right now, that's not happening with many digital purchases.
• It's a very coveted, almost bucket-list opportunity. It's pretty rare.
• Chairman Wenninger and members, I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on multiple bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, create a process for minors or adults to request takedown of content, and add restrictions on sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google supported it as model legislation; members raised questions about compliance, age 13 access to earnings, and removal rights at 18. It passed 9-0 with 2 present. HB 2501, an agency bill conforming Arizona’s appraisal management company definition to federal law, also passed unanimously 11-0. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements through statewide chambers or business leagues, passed 8-1 after an amendment; one member cited possible federal preemption in opposing it. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill requiring clearer “buy/purchase” language and prorated refunds when access changes, passed unanimously after amendment, with supporters calling it a consumer protection measure and retailers warning about compliance burdens and possible preemption. The committee then considered HB 2279, which would exempt commercial river outfitters in Grand Canyon National Park from liability for injuries or deaths arising from inherent risks of river trips, while preserving liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Supporters said it aligns Arizona with other western states and reflects existing federal oversight; opponents argued it could violate Arizona’s anti-abrogation clause and improperly define inherent risk. The bill passed 7-4. HB 2690, which would tighten unemployment insurance eligibility by requiring more work-search actions, weekly reporting, and pre-claim data cross-checks, drew strong opposition from advocates who said it would add red tape and harm eligible claimants; supporters said it would reduce fraud and encourage work. It passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. The committee also approved HB 2555, requiring retail businesses with physical locations to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and prohibiting cash fees, after an amendment exempting rentals and mobile home vendors; supporters emphasized access for unbanked consumers and small purchases, while one member objected that businesses should self-govern. It passed 10-0. HB 2199, which requires RV park managers to complete education on landlord-tenant laws similar to mobile home park managers, passed 7-0 with 3 present after testimony from homeowner advocates and park groups in support. Finally, HB 2459 was introduced at the end of the meeting; it would allow landlords to pass through utility charges actually imposed by providers and add an administrative fee for submetering, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or a vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if opportunities and co low cost.
• digital assets is is is is a relatively digital assets is is is is a relatively new<00:13:30.800><c>
• </c><00:13:42.639><c> assets</c> have any investments in digital assets have any investments in digital
• digital uh of that digital that digital uh information.<00:43:01.119><c> What</c><00:43:01.280><c> blockchain
• and digital and digital assets.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy. Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets. Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can continue to do so under a more reasonable model for digital lending.
• This... ...rooted in equity, empathy, and opportunity for all.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of H. 3594 and S. 2328.
• Hi, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I'm speaking... Hi.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several bills related to access to library materials, including measures addressing book bans and censorship in public and school libraries, as well as legislation on digital library collections and e-book licensing. Committee leaders said testimony would be limited to three minutes and encouraged written submissions. Early testimony from Chair Brian Murray highlighted H. 3595, which would address challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by limiting restrictive publisher-library contract terms, protecting patron confidentiality, and creating a special legislative commission to study the issue. A large number of legislators, librarians, authors, students, publishers, and advocacy groups testified in support of the free expression bills, including H. 3594 and S. 2328, arguing that book challenges in Massachusetts disproportionately target LGBTQ+ and BIPOC titles and that librarians and educators need protection from retaliation and harassment. Witnesses described local incidents of book removals, threats, and pressure campaigns, and several said the bills would create transparent challenge procedures, keep materials available during reviews, and ensure decisions are made by trained professionals rather than political actors. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s office also submitted support, and multiple speakers cited national trends and Massachusetts-specific censorship attempts. Testimony on the digital access bills emphasized that e-books and audiobooks are essential for readers with disabilities, homebound patrons, students, and others who rely on accessible formats, but that current licensing terms are far more expensive and restrictive than print purchasing. Library representatives said libraries spend millions on digital content, face long wait times for popular titles, and often must repeatedly re-rent the same materials. Legal and library experts supported the proposed commission as a practical step toward fairer licensing and stronger bargaining power for libraries. The hearing ended after extensive testimony; no votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those documents that are digitized those documents that are digitized available<00:26:34.080><c>
• Um, so what we are asking for in this bill is an opportunity to create an opportunity to assist those
• Um, so what we are asking for in this bill is an opportunity to create an opportunity to assist those
• Um, so what we are asking for in this bill is an opportunity to create an opportunity to assist those
• Um, so what we are asking for in this bill is an opportunity to create an opportunity to assist those

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard by changing several class definitions, eliminating Class 2, lowering the utility obligation for Class 1 thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjusting alternative compliance payments. Representative Vose said the bill would save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, arguing that Class 2 is already saturated and that the changes would not materially affect renewable energy development. Members questioned the fiscal impact, with an amended fiscal note cited as showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue, and some members raised concerns that the bill could weaken one of the remaining incentives for renewable investment. The committee also reviewed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and then removed in conference committee. No vote was taken in the work session. The committee then heard House Bill 164, concerning local records retention and the creation of a local records manager position. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the position has existed in statute for years but has never been funded, and said the need has grown as records management has become more digital and ADA accessibility has become more important. He described the bill as a way to help towns preserve and digitize records, especially for smaller communities with limited resources, while keeping records locally when possible. Members asked about the fiscal note, the potential cost of a public website and storage system, and whether the state could start by funding the position alone; the secretary said the staffing cost estimate remained accurate but that storage costs could rise over time. Several members expressed support and suggested further discussion with the Department of Information or other agencies. The work session was then closed without action. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 365, which would provide proof of U.S. citizenship assistance for indigent voters. Secretary Scanlan said the bill is intended to help voters comply with the new voter registration documentation requirements by allowing the state to verify eligibility through federal, private, and other state databases, and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to the earlier voter ID law, which he said was successfully implemented with accommodations for voters lacking acceptable ID. Members asked how “indigent” would be defined and how the process would work for out-of-state-born applicants; the secretary said indigency would likely be based on a voter’s statement of inability to pay and that the state would help identify where to obtain records and, if necessary, verify them through outside databases. The discussion continued as the transcript ended, with no vote recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> country and the vast seas of opportunity country and the vast seas of opportunity it<00:33:22.000
• to pursue other opportunities.
• </c> Discipline, opportunity, fair fight. Discipline, opportunity, fair fight.
• </c> allow for increased job opportunities. allow for increased job opportunities.
• The Airman digitize processes.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Digital firearm codes are speech protected by the First Amendment.
• It is the first native digital manufacturing process.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, for this opportunity.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, for this opportunity.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cards, apps, and digital payments are here to stay, and that's fine, but choice matters.
• Yes, they can still take digital.
• Chair, thank you for this opportunity. Thank you, Representative.
• the kids don't have the opportunity, and I'm definitely not giving my kids my debit card.
• These are digital only, but here's one that will take cash.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3256, which would require retail establishments in Missouri to accept U.S. cash and prohibit cashless-only businesses, with exceptions for things like unattended fuel pumps and certain prepaid-card arrangements. The sponsor, Rep. Lisa Dernel, said the bill is intended to protect seniors, veterans, children, the unbanked and underbanked, and others who rely on cash, and she noted she would amend the bill to remove an outdated subsection. Members raised questions about how broadly “retail establishment” should be defined, whether the bill would apply to venues like school events, doctors’ offices, pop-up stores, and app-based sales, and who would be liable for violations. Several members said the concept was worth considering but needed work, especially on definitions and enforcement. Testimony was split. The Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association supported the bill, saying cash helps avoid credit-card fees and that the sponsor had addressed concerns about unattended pumps and similar operations, though they noted the economics of stand-alone fuel stations are difficult. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposed the bill, arguing businesses should decide their own payment policies for operational, safety, and cost reasons, and objecting to the bill’s criminal penalty; they said other states that require cash acceptance generally use civil penalties instead. Other supporters said consumers should retain the choice to use cash. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would need further work.