Transcript Highlights:

• 32:04.960><c> time</c><01:32:05.239><c> and</c><01:32:05.440><c> I</c><01:32:05.600><c> don't</c><01:
• > run</c><01:32:06.840><c> out</c><01:32:06.960><c> of</c><01:32:07.159><c> questions</c><01:32:07.920
• so we may<01:32:08.800><c> either</c><01:32:09.119><c> ask</c><01:32:09.280><c> you</c><01:32:09.440
• :32:11.679><c> back</c><01:32:11.960><c> at</c><01:32:12.119><c> some</c><01:32:12.400><c> point</c><
• ] not<01:32:44.040><c> maybe</c><01:32:44.239><c> we're</c><01:32:44.400><c> not</c><01:32:44.520><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt on the New Hampshire Insurance Department budget. He said the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers based on New Hampshire premium volume, with about $8 billion in premiums written in the state and a department budget of roughly $15.5 million. He explained that the department has 88 authorized positions, eight vacancies, and that three full-time positions were unfunded after the governor’s requested 4% reduction exercise. He also said the department is trying to balance staffing needs with not overburdening carriers during a hard insurance market. A major topic was the department’s $2.6 million rebate to industry from the prior fiscal year, which Bettencourt described as a credit against the next assessment rather than a direct cash payment. Members questioned why that credit was not reflected as a reduction in the upcoming budget, and Bettencourt and staff explained that the budget assumes full staffing and full spending, with any year-end surplus returned to insurers. The commissioner said the department had added staff in recent years for succession planning and to preserve institutional expertise, and that the rebate reflects careful budgeting rather than excess spending. Members also asked about staffing changes by division, including positions unfunded in fraud, property and casualty examinations, life and health examinations, and tax. Bettencourt said fraud investigations remain strong and that the department can use outside contractors for examinations, with those costs billed to the company being examined. He also described the department’s examination process, including periodic financial exams and targeted market conduct reviews triggered by consumer complaints or trends. Additional questions covered OIT transfers, the department’s oversight of fully insured health coverage, the insurance premium tax and fines going to the general fund, and the department’s limited role in auto repair reimbursement disputes, where he said complaints have recently declined.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at overall ad valorem taxes, that is only about 32 to 35 percent of the overall revenue
• OBIS, a vendor-based information system, $32 million.
• Obis, a fender-based information system, $32 million.
• The bill revises a number of provisions from Chapter 216 relating to state planning and budgeting.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what he said, but just to explain, if you'll notice on the amendment on page 2, line 33—I'm sorry, 32
• There's also another chapter elsewhere in our law; there are provisions that relate to nonprofit associations
• Forty-eight percent of teens say social media has a mostly negative impact on people their age, up from 32
• A mostly negative impact on people their age, up from 32 percent in 2022.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and passed several bills dealing with insurance fraud funding, education scholarships, apprenticeships, workers’ compensation fraud, credit unions, manufactured home installation licensing, short-term rentals, homeowners associations, condo disclosures, and an advanced manufacturing infrastructure reimbursement program. HB 4020 would raise the annual insurer assessment cap for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions fraud unit from $1,050 to $1,350; it passed after testimony from Nationwide supporting the added resources. HB 2255 would extend Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship eligibility for community college students from two academic years to four, and HB 2591, as amended, would revise the definition and requirements for registered apprenticeships under DES standards; both passed unanimously. HB 2680, as amended, would narrow and clarify workers’ compensation fraud-related provisions and insurance disclosure requirements, and HB 2979, as amended, would modernize credit union bylaws, name changes, and operating powers; both also received due pass recommendations. HB 2868, which adds insurance and fingerprint-clearance requirements for manufactured home/mobile home installation licensees and gives the Department of Housing additional licensing authority, passed with some members present or voting no. The committee also took up HB 2429, a strike-everything amendment on short-term rentals that would let local governments set occupancy limits, extend the violation window for suspension actions from 12 to 24 months, and allow suspension after certain building code violations. The sponsor and city officials described it as a compromise giving communities more local control, while short-term rental owners and neighborhood advocates raised concerns about overbroad enforcement and the scale of the housing impacts; the bill passed 8-2 with one present. HB 4011, which would codify duties for condominium and planned community associations to act reasonably and provide access to information, was heard without the proposed Carter amendment and passed 11-0 after testimony from homeowners, attorneys, and HOA representatives about fairness and enforceability. HB 2397, another HOA-related bill, would expand disclosure requirements for condo and association purchases and escrow information; it passed unanimously after supporters said it would improve consumer transparency. Finally, the committee heard HB 4026, which would change the public infrastructure reimbursement program for advanced manufacturing projects by replacing the current statewide cap with a $75 million annual cap and requiring more transparency for related agreements. Supporters, including Queen Creek’s mayor, GPEC, and the Arizona Chamber, said the program helps fund roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure needed to attract large manufacturing investments and jobs, while some members questioned the budget impact and whether the program benefits rural areas. The discussion emphasized projects such as LG in Queen Creek and other major manufacturing investments, with supporters arguing the bill preserves Arizona’s competitiveness and generates long-term tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• a longitudinal analysis of where we are in the state of Texas, and frankly, I've been here for like 32
• Well, that's why I asked about the playbook and not a chapter from it.
• The following three products that they submitted received a 41% score, 32%, and 71%.
• You will find 28 to 32 children in a classroom without a teaching assistant.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• :47.799><c> all</c><00:32:48.039><c> these</c><00:32:48.240><c> get</c><00:32:48.360><c> out</c><00:32
• :48.519><c> of</c><00:32:48.639><c> all</c><00:32:48.799><c> these</c><00:32:48.919><c> other</c> go
• programs that actually benefit minnesotans<00:32:51.799><c> lives</c><00:32:52.799><c> now</c><00:32:
• ><c> the</c><00:32:55.519><c> cold</c><00:32:55.840><c> mine</c><00:32:56.120><c> for</c><00:32:56.679
• canary in the cold mine for is that we need<00:32:57.440><c> to</c><00:32:57.840><c> address</c><00:32

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:36.960><c> I'm</c><00:32:37.120><c> Mandy</c><00:32:37.519><c> Spears</c><00:32:37.840><c>
• Today,<00:32:39.440><c> we</c><00:32:39.600><c> have</c><00:32:39.760><c> one</c><00:32:40.000><c> new
• 00:32:43.039><c> two</c><00:32:43.279><c> years,</c><00:32:43.600><c> $200,000</c><00:32:44.640><c> for
• &gt;&gt; Good<00:32:47.679><c> luck</c><00:32:47.919><c> with</c><00:32:48.159><c> all</c><00:32:48.399
• ><c> this</c><00:32:48.720><c> is</c><00:32:48.960><c> what</c><00:32:49.120><c> I</c><00:32:49.279><

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:04.000><c> It</c><00:32:04.320><c> is.</c><00:32:05.120><c> It</c><00:32:05.360><c> is.
• &gt;&gt; And<00:32:05.919><c> the</c><00:32:06.080><c> overreach</c><00:32:07.120><c> um</c><00:32:08.240
• ><c> even</c><00:32:08.480><c> if</c><00:32:08.720><c> you</c><00:32:08.799><c> look</c><00:32:08.960
• with<00:32:11.120><c> New</c><00:32:11.360><c> Hampshire</c><00:32:11.760><c> because</c><00:32:11.919
• </c><00:32:14.000><c> Um</c><00:32:15.200><c> it</c><00:32:15.600><c> really</c> Yep, I agree.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on retained House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. The discussion centered on the bill’s conflict with federal law and whether any state action could help small farmers process and sell cuts of meat locally. Representative Comtois argued the current federal system unfairly burdens New Hampshire farmers and consumers, while committee members and witnesses repeatedly noted that federal action would likely be required. Mr. Johnson explained that the committee’s prior resolution asked USDA to allow small and very small slaughter plants to use custom-exempt criteria with a third-party inspector, and said discussions had been held with federal offices, but no change had been secured. Members and witnesses described the practical limits facing small producers, including the scarcity of USDA-inspected facilities in New Hampshire, long booking lead times, and the cost of shipping animals out of state. Representative German and others noted that slaughter schedules and seasonal grazing patterns make compliance difficult for smaller farms. Farm Bureau representatives said they were continuing to educate federal officials, but that the USDA secretary’s visit to a local operation had been rejected. They also explained that one local operation can process USDA-inspected meat, but that still involves federal inspection. Several members asked about possible exemptions, workarounds, or whether a state bill would be needed if federal relief were granted; the response was that a federal exemption or rule change would be sufficient and no state action would then be required. The committee also heard broader policy views. Senator Dan Innis said there was strong Senate support for helping small farms and that the issue is mainly federal overreach and economics, not food safety, while acknowledging the risk of federal enforcement against farmers. He compared the issue to other federal-state conflicts and said the current law reflects outdated concerns from the early meatpacking era. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to include limits on the number of animals processed, similar to poultry rules, to make it more politically viable. No vote was taken during the work session, and the bill remained under discussion for possible amendment before the retained-bill deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:02.399><c> I</c><00:32:02.640><c> don't</c><00:32:02.720><c> think</c><00:32:02.799><c> it's</c><
• red<00:32:03.200><c> herring</c><00:32:03.440><c> because</c><00:32:03.519><c> I</c><00:32:03.679><c>
• you're honest<00:32:04.159><c> in</c><00:32:04.320><c> the</c><00:32:04.480><c> question,</c><00:32:
• So it's not<00:32:07.760><c> like</c><00:32:07.919><c> if</c><00:32:08.159><c> we</c><00:32:08.240><c
• > get</c><00:32:08.399><c> rid</c><00:32:08.480><c> of</c><00:32:08.559><c> this,</c><00:32:08.799><c

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:02 HB 526 Discussion 01:12 HB 526 Vote 37:51 HB 424 Discussion 41:41 HB 424 Vote 44:40 HB 459 Discussion 45:57 HB 459 Vote 47:26 Adjournment 48:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.520><c> the</c><00:32:00.600><c> black</c><00:32:00.880><c> voters</c><00:32:01.280><c> who</c><00
• <00:32:03.120><c> for</c><00:32:03.320><c> a</c><00:32:03.400><c> fair</c><00:32:03.800><c> shake</c>
• > efforts</c><00:32:06.360><c> for</c><00:32:06.560><c> of</c><00:32:06.720><c> this</c><00:32:06.960
• :08.240><c> help</c><00:32:08.600><c> them</c><00:32:08.760><c> participate</c><00:32:09.480><c> in</
• Thank<00:32:11.920><c> Thank</c><00:32:12.080><c> you,</c><00:32:12.160><c> Mr.

Bills: SB1

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:16.399><c> I</c><00:32:16.960><c> a</c><00:32:17.120><c> few</c><00:32:17.360><c> weeks</c><00
• </c><00:32:19.120><c> some</c><00:32:19.360><c> gum</c><00:32:19.600><c> and</c><00:32:19.760><c> a</
• c><00:32:22.559><c> at</c><00:32:22.799><c> the</c><00:32:23.200><c> to</c><00:32:23.440><c> pay</c><
• these</c><00:32:25.360><c> crypto</c><00:32:25.679><c> kiosks</c><00:32:26.240><c> right</c><00:32:26.399
• </c><00:32:29.600><c> Um,</c><00:32:30.399><c> and</c><00:32:31.120><c> they're</c><00:32:31.440><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :25.440><c> those</c><00:32:25.600><c> scales</c><00:32:25.919><c> are</c><00:32:26.080><c> open.
• CB drivers see<00:32:28.159><c> that</c><00:32:28.399><c> on</c><00:32:28.559><c> a</c><00:32:28.720>
• on a regular basis. they see trucks<00:32:30.000><c> being</c><00:32:30.240><c> inspected</c><00:32:
• /c><00:32:32.080><c> in</c><00:32:32.240><c> compliance</c><00:32:32.640><c> when</c><00:32:32.880><c
• </c><00:32:34.399><c> It</c><00:32:34.640><c> creates</c><00:32:34.880><c> an</c> through Kentucky.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Transportation approved the minutes from its September 16 meeting and then heard a presentation from Jason Sawala, deputy state highway engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, on rest areas and truck parking. He described Kentucky’s system of eight welcome centers, 14 rest areas, and four truck havens, and said the Cabinet spent just over $12 million in fiscal year 2025 to operate and maintain those facilities. He also explained that the Cabinet’s truck parking study found truck parking demand has increased 24% since 2012, driven by just-in-time delivery, stricter hours-of-service and electronic logging requirements, and fewer drivers. Sawala said the study looked not only at Cabinet-owned facilities but also private truck stops and lots, and identified unmet parking demand across the state, especially at 1:00 a.m. He noted that 11 sites, mostly existing rest areas, weigh stations, or welcome centers, were identified as promising expansion locations, with estimated project costs in the $30 million to $36 million range in 2022 dollars. He said the Cabinet is working on design and project development for those sites and is seeking federal funding opportunities where available. Members raised concerns about safety, congestion, and trucks parking on ramps or in residential areas, and several asked about funding, charging for parking, and whether autonomous vehicles might reduce future demand. Sawala said the 820 public rest-area spaces are marked spaces only, that he was not aware of any state charging for public truck parking, and that federal programs can help fund some expansions. He also said he was not aware of local-government parking programs offhand but would look into it. Members generally emphasized the importance of truck parking for safety, commerce, and avoiding burdens on local communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.279><c> it</c><00:32:11.440><c> is</c><00:32:11.600><c> to</c><00:32:12.480><c> purchase</c><00:32
• :32:14.960><c> was</c><00:32:15.039><c> at</c><00:32:15.360><c> 175,</c><00:32:15.840><c> but</c><00:
• <00:32:18.720><c> um</c><00:32:19.600><c> perhaps</c><00:32:20.000><c> you're</c><00:32:20.080><c> seeing
• </c><00:32:21.039><c> So</c><00:32:21.200><c> we'll</c><00:32:21.440><c> take</c><00:32:21.679><c> So
• </c><00:32:25.200><c> in</c><00:32:25.360><c> favor</c><00:32:25.600><c> say</c><00:32:25.919><c> I.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:01.600><c> of</c><00:32:01.840><c> it</c><00:32:02.399><c> and</c><00:32:02.960><c> uh</c><00:
• 32:03.120><c> we</c><00:32:03.440><c> just</c><00:32:03.600><c> need</c><00:32:03.760><c> to</c><00:32
• :38.159><c> um</c><00:32:38.399><c> Could</c><00:32:38.640><c> you</c><00:32:38.720><c> get</c><00:32
• Thank you.<00:32:41.120><c> Of</c><00:32:42.000><c> the</c><00:32:42.440><c> 969</c><00:32:43.440><c>
• </c><00:32:50.559><c> the</c><00:32:51.120><c> percentage</c><00:32:51.600><c> of</c><00:32:51.919><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing. Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need. Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll<03:32:00.880><c> ask</c><03:32:01.040><c> the</c><03:32:01.120><c> clerk</c><03:32:01.360><c> to
• </c><03:32:01.440><c> call</c><03:32:01.640><c> the</c><03:32:01.760><c> roll</c><03:32:01.960><c> when
• </c><03:32:46.720><c> I</c><03:32:46.800><c> heard</c><03:32:46.960><c> a</c><03:32:47.040><c> motion
• Seeing<03:32:50.280><c> none,</c><03:32:50.640><c> consented</c><03:32:51.160><c> it</c><03:32:51.200
• I'll close<03:32:51.960><c> the</c><03:32:52.000><c> executive</c><03:32:52.440><c> session</c><03:32

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:13.120><c> And</c><00:32:13.600><c> you</c><00:32:13.760><c> you</c><00:32:14.159><c> as</
• ><c> locations</c><00:32:19.360><c> in</c><00:32:19.600><c> terms</c><00:32:19.760><c> of</c><00:32:20.240
• </c><00:32:27.760><c> more</c><00:32:27.919><c> than</c><00:32:28.080><c> one</c><00:32:28.240><c> location
• Uh<00:32:29.919><c> the</c><00:32:30.240><c> burden</c><00:32:30.480><c> has</c><00:32:30.640><c> to<
• goals<00:32:38.080><c> that</c><00:32:38.240><c> they're</c><00:32:38.399><c> best</c><00:32:38.880><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So generally,<01:32:07.360><c> we're</c><01:32:07.600><c> talking</c><01:32:07.760><c> about</c><01:32
• about 69 KV lines<01:32:09.120><c> that</c><01:32:09.360><c> exist</c><01:32:10.000><c> and</c><01:32
• :47.840><c> of</c><01:32:48.000><c> need,</c><01:32:48.480><c> then</c><01:32:48.639><c> we</c><01:32
• And so<01:32:56.880><c> for</c><01:32:57.280><c> it</c><01:32:57.520><c> always</c><01:32:57.760><c>
• So<01:32:59.120><c> for</c><01:32:59.280><c> members</c><01:32:59.600><c> there</c><01:32:59.840><c>

Bills: HF3296 , HF3802

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly,<01:32:01.199><c> it</c><01:32:01.360><c> goes</c><01:32:01.600><c> against</c><01:32:01.920
• <01:32:11.120><c> of</c><01:32:11.199><c> a</c><01:32:11.440><c> free</c><01:32:11.679><c> government
• c> into</c><01:32:52.320><c> a</c><01:32:52.560><c> topic</c><01:32:52.800><c> than</c><01:32:53.040>
• And so you<01:32:56.080><c> can</c><01:32:56.239><c> talk</c><01:32:56.400><c> about</c><01:32:56.639
• that happened<01:32:57.520><c> 100</c><01:32:57.679><c> or</c><01:32:57.920><c> 200</c><01:32:58.239

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• instances,<00:32:33.840><c> hang,</c><00:32:34.240><c> you</c><00:32:34.399><c> know,</c><00:32:34.559
• "<00:32:36.960><c> And</c><00:32:37.039><c> you</c><00:32:37.200><c> call</c><00:32:37.360><c> their<
• 32:40.799><c> know,</c><00:32:41.279><c> at</c><00:32:41.519><c> CVS</c><00:32:42.000><c> or</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:47.120><c> They're</c><00:32:47.519><c> not</c><00:32:47.840><c> going</c><00:32:48.080><c
• /c><00:32:51.039><c> ask</c><00:32:51.360><c> you</c><00:32:51.679><c> to</c><00:32:52.080><c> provide

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on fraud in the community, with presenters from ARP, CoinFlip, HPD, the Hawaii Bankers Association, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, and the Department of Law Enforcement. The chair described widespread scams targeting kupuna and other residents, including impersonation of grandchildren, lottery/inheritance schemes, romance scams, online shopping fraud, investment scams, and tech-support scams. Members emphasized the emotional manipulation used by scammers, the difficulty of getting victims to report losses, and the need to educate the public on warning signs and available resources. ARP said scams are an epidemic and highlighted national data showing major losses among older adults, including $4.8 billion lost by people age 60 and over in 2024. ARP focused especially on cryptocurrency kiosks as a growing scam channel in Hawaii, citing 64 complaints totaling $922,000 in 2024 and noting that complaints nearly doubled from the prior year. ARP urged stronger safeguards such as limits on transactions, refunds, live customer support, and a law-enforcement contact for operators, and said its Fraud Watch Network can help victims freeze credit, identify next steps, and track current scams. The chair said he intends to introduce legislation to lower and ultimately eliminate the amount of Bitcoin that can be purchased through ATMs. CoinFlip said it supports consumer-protection regulation and described its compliance practices, including scam warning screens, anti-money-laundering controls, blockchain analytics, wallet pinning, transaction monitoring, and cooperation with law enforcement. The company said it is registered as a money services business, files suspicious activity and currency transaction reports, and holds money transmitter licenses in many jurisdictions. It also pointed to Illinois-style refund protections for new users and said it refunds fees to scam victims, though not the underlying funds. In response to committee questions, members and the company discussed whether crypto kiosks are necessary, how scams can be traced, and whether banks and kiosks can better intervene when suspicious activity is detected.

Transcript Highlights:

• :21.919><c> the</c><00:32:22.159><c> order</c><00:32:22.399><c> in</c><00:32:22.559><c> the</c><00:32
• :32:25.200><c> any</c><00:32:26.159><c> agency</c><00:32:26.640><c> is</c><00:32:26.880><c> more</c>
• ><c> rather</c><00:32:30.880><c> to</c><00:32:31.039><c> show</c><00:32:31.279><c> that</c><00:32:31.519
• <00:32:55.440><c> mandates</c><00:32:56.000><c> of</c><00:32:56.240><c> each</c><00:32:56.559><c> agencies
• a</c><01:32:53.840><c> strategic</c><01:32:54.639><c> team</c><01:32:55.440><c> in</c><01:32:55.920><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<02:32:27.120><c> are</c><02:32:27.279><c> the</c><02:32:27.439><c> live</c><02:32:27.680><c> free<
• </c><02:32:49.359><c> It</c><02:32:49.600><c> is</c><02:32:49.680><c> a</c><02:32:49.920><c> federal<
• </c><02:32:55.680><c> It</c><02:32:55.840><c> is</c><02:32:56.000><c> about</c><02:32:56.800><c> life
• , but<03:32:22.720><c> have</c><03:32:22.960><c> difficulty</c><03:32:23.920><c> regularly</c><03:32:
• Public bodies<03:32:53.920><c> that</c><03:32:54.319><c> serve</c><03:32:54.640><c> people</c><03:32:

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all