Video & Transcript : 'ransomware protection' :
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We've entrusted judges to protect families. But when they become the abusers, who protects us?
- You know, I love Texas and I believe that we have led the way in protecting our children, protecting
- As we want to protect every unborn child, we absolutely want to protect every mother as well.
- Not only does Senate Bill 2880 protect Texas babies from abortions, but this bill also protects Texas
- You're not protecting women and children; you're punishing the very people who protect them when the
Bills:
SB31 , SB33 , SB510 , SB871 , SB1868 , SB2024 , SB2166 , SB2309 , SB2880 , SJR27 , SJR39 , SJR40 , SB 31 , SB 33
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- , but also ensure those due process rights are protected.
- , but also ensure those due process rights are protected.
- And balancing the protection of our workers, the protection of our students, the protection also of our
- SB 954 also goes further with labor protections compared to, SB 954 also goes further with labor protections
- These are necessary protections.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services and Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What can we rely on is protecting our community through a legal lens.
- And I invite anyone from the other aisle to come and protect.
- Obviously, we're here to protect the patients.
- I, too, care about people and want to protect them.
- I'm here today as Jane Doe to protect my privacy and my safety.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But this protects those businesses and it protects the patrons who really don't have a choice about where
- Please leave it up to the restaurant to protect me.
- by a protective order.
- children and protecting...
- We all know children have to be protected.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs Mar 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen you all go to work and get the job done to protect California.
- And the goal is to obviously protect California as a whole, right?
- then, as you mentioned, there are some that have no direct fire protection.
- And then, as you mentioned, there are some that have no direct fire protection.
- And these are the protections that we need to put in place.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Please protect the current provisions and strengthen the bill by providing more tools to protect the
- That means increased risk to migrating treaty-protected salmon.
- With that comes a responsibility to protect them.
- We urge you to strengthen this bill to protect the grid, protect salmon, and uphold treaty rights.
- This approach protects consumers.
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Keywords:
firearms, background check, gun control, public safety, legislation, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity, information technology, IT contracting, data center, systems integration, network engineering
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray for their protection, Father, that they be guarded and protected by your hand.
- </c> Military Affairs and Public Protection Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee<00:07:49.680
- It has consumer<00:23:59.440><c> protection</c><00:24:00.000><c> pro</c><00:24:00.400><c> protection<
- /c> consumer protection pro protection consumer protection pro protection consumer<00:24:01.600><c> protections
- </c> protect uh what we value and cherish. protect uh what we value and cherish.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee May 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, okay, we should protect that, Mr. Chair. That is protected under this bill.
- , this 120-day protection?
- To avail themselves of this protection, this 120-day protection? Well, one reason is cost.
- , this 120-day protection.
- same time protecting the ADA and protecting those in our community that actually have genuine needs to
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote.
AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion.
AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- under the Tenant Protection Act.
- Whether that's rent control or units that are protected under the Tenant Protection Act that are over
- our tenant protection laws.
- But I am concerned that the tenant right protections are moving to unit protections.
- Um, but I am concerned that the tenant right protections are moving to unit protections.
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills, with the longest discussion on SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops and on transit agency land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, support transit ridership, and reduce vehicle miles traveled, while opponents from cities, housing advocates, and legal aid groups raised concerns about affordability requirements, demolition and displacement protections, and local control. After extensive debate and amendments, the committee approved SB 79 on a roll call vote of 8-1, with one member not voting, and sent it to the Assembly Local Government Committee.
The committee also heard SB 21, which would allow limited reductions in unit count when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with kitchens, bathrooms, and supportive services. Supporters said the bill would preserve aging nonprofit-owned SRO housing and prevent building failures like the Skid Row Housing Trust portfolio, while no opposition witnesses testified. The bill was moved on a unanimous 8-0 vote to Local Government.
SB 92 was heard next and would close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much commercial floor area can be increased through the law. The author said the bill responds to a proposed Pacific Beach project that would have used a small number of affordable units to justify a very large hotel tower; the City of San Diego and labor groups supported the fix, and some housing groups withdrew opposition after amendments. The committee passed SB 92 on a 7-0 vote, with the roll left open.
Later, the committee took up SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to rebuilt units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act after a disaster. The author and Los Angeles City Attorney Heidi Feldstein Soto said the bill would preserve tenant protections in rebuilt communities like Pacific Palisades, while apartment, realtor, and property owner groups opposed it, arguing it would add burdens and discourage rebuilding. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Housing Crisis Act right-of-return protections, and the discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/15/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- :31.280><c> already</c> of those protections are already of those protections are already outlined<01
- <01:17:53.760><c> are</c> they're intended, these protections are they're intended, these protections
- </c> with this statute while also protecting with this statute while also protecting the<01:18:42.560
- </c> under existing law that protect under existing law that protect adolescence<01:20:35.920><c> um<
- </c> way of ensuring that the protected way of ensuring that the protected information<01:23:50.960><
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Nine - Wednesday, May 13
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to protect our children. We protect our malls. We protect our banks.
- We protect our cannabis facilities. We need to protect our children.
- this: to protect life, to protect vulnerable persons.
- We need to protect children. We need to protect mothers.
- We are called to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 123-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize National Police Week, honor fallen officers, and offer extended tributes to departing colleagues and a departing representative, followed by numerous introductions of special guests, interns, students, and visiting groups from schools and universities.
The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports before taking up House Bill 1839, 2921, and 3015 together. The sponsor described the measure as a technical correction to online age-verification language related to pornography, and members noted the bill had already passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly. The House concurred in Senate Amendment 1 by a vote of 104-30, then adopted the conference/TAFP motion and finally passed the package 112-25.
Members next considered House Bill 2596 in conference committee. The sponsor explained the bill as a small-business health plan measure that also included a negotiated amendment expanding private insurance coverage for contraception from a six-month to a 12-month supply, while removing Senate-added blood pressure cuff language and adding a severability clause. After debate about the process and policy, the House adopted the conference report 120-26 and then third-read and passed the bill 119-27.
The final major item was Senate Bill 905, creating the Missouri Ranger training program to allow school districts, if they choose, to place specially trained personnel with narrow law-enforcement powers in schools. Debate focused heavily on school safety, local control, funding, training, and whether armed personnel in schools would help or harm students. Supporters argued it would provide an optional, low-cost safety tool, especially for districts without school resource officers; opponents argued it would escalate fear, resemble a prison environment, and fail to address mental health and other root causes. The House moved the previous question, adopted the amendment, and continued debate on the bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> believe the newly passed protections believe the newly passed protections should<00:45:20.240><c
- </c> with protecting aquifers, DNR is. with protecting aquifers, DNR is.
- </c> safety, and welfare, etc. are protected. safety, and welfare, etc. are protected.
- </c> water protection. water protection.
- </c> Please support these measures, protect Please support these measures, protect our<01:30:35.440><
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- Don't pursue the protection the law offers you. That is a threat to justice itself.
- Delaware has both the authority and the responsibility to protect that.
- And that is potentially going to come under First Amendment protections.
- Protecting those from individuals who intentionally impede their work.
- Protecting those who protect our communities is essential to public safety and the effective delivery
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, courts, and family law. House Bill 141, with House Amendment 1, would require the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a firearm responsibilities notice for firearm purchasers through licensed dealers, covering Delaware gun laws, safe storage, lost/stolen reporting, straw purchases, suicide prevention, and other safety responsibilities. Testimony from the NRA, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, Moms Demand Action, the Coalition for Safer Delaware, and Delaware State Police was uniformly supportive, emphasizing education, standardized dealer practices, and potential evidence for straw-purchase prosecutions. No committee questions were raised, and the bill was moved forward after public comment.
House Bill 326 would create a new offense for theft by impersonating a family member, aimed at scams involving spoofed calls, texts, or online messages that pressure victims to send money. The sponsor described the bill as a response to increasingly sophisticated fraud enabled by artificial intelligence, and noted that a House amendment removed an original mandatory minimum jail term, leaving sentencing to the courts. No public testimony was offered on the bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 would prohibit civil arrests inside courthouses and certain Department of Labor proceedings, with the sponsor arguing that such arrests deter people from coming to court or seeking protection; the bill would allow criminal arrests and civil arrests only with advance written notice. No testimony was taken on that measure.
Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Responders Act, would create a narrowly tailored offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of first responders at emergency scenes after crossing a barrier or ignoring warnings, if done to interfere, threaten, or harass. Supporters, including police, fire service, and sportsmen’s groups, said it would protect responders and preserve emergency operations, while the Office of Defense Services opposed it on First Amendment and overbreadth grounds, arguing existing laws already cover much of the conduct. Senate Bill 304 would amend Delaware’s safe school zone law to allow private schools to use trained, vetted sentries or similar security arrangements; supporters said it would give smaller private schools an affordable safety option, while the sponsor said the bill needed more work and should not move forward yet. The committee also heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 314, which would clarify how courts handle evidence that a sexual assault complainant previously made a false allegation; DOJ and ODS said the substitute reflects a consensus approach, and YWCA Delaware supported it as a survivor-protective reform.
Finally, Senate Bill 343 would expand methods for serving child support respondents in Family Court by authorizing service through certified mail and carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, addressing cases where people avoid in-person service using doorbell cameras and other technology. The Division of Child Support Services supported the bill as a practical update that would improve timeliness while preserving proof-of-delivery safeguards. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made and seconded, and the chair adjourned the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection will come to order.
- California can lead in innovation by protecting the artists responsible for so much of global culture
- However, they only protect visual artists against very specific types of misuse.
- However, they only protect visual artists against very specific types of misuse.
- Even if it did, copyright rules are already in place to protect artists’ work.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard three bills. AB 412, the AI Copyright Transparency Act, would require generative AI developers to let copyright holders know whether their works were used in training. The author said the bill was narrowed by amendments to remove prescriptive technical language and focus on transparency rather than compensation or training restrictions. Supporters included voice actors, artists, labor groups, and technical experts who argued creators need a way to know if their work was used. Opponents, including business and tech groups, argued the bill was premature given unsettled copyright law and raised concerns about technical feasibility, scale, and ownership identification. After discussion, the committee passed AB 412 on a 6-2 vote and sent it to Judiciary.
AB 2448 would require electronic health record vendors to enable technical safeguards so providers can better segregate sensitive reproductive and gender-affirming care information. The author and supporters, including Planned Parenthood, the Attorney General’s office, medical groups, and privacy advocates, said the bill builds on existing California privacy law and helps protect patients from misuse of sensitive health data. There was no opposition testimony. The committee passed AB 2448 on a 7-1 vote and sent it to Health.
AB 2561 would prohibit changes to consumers’ preferred privacy settings without their consent, aiming to prevent apps and software from resetting privacy choices after updates. The author said the bill would reduce the burden on users and strengthen privacy protections. CalChamber and TechNet said they had moved from opposition to support after amendments were taken. The committee passed AB 2561 unanimously, 8-0, and adjourned after the final vote.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-31-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- meeting of the 2026 session of the House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection
- That change impacts our consumer protection branch within the office, and it deals with how they look
- at consumer protection violations, how those are measured.
- ><c> within</c><00:05:10.480><c> the</c> consumer protection branch within the consumer protection branch
- </c><00:05:16.040><c> violations,</c> look at consumer protection violations, look at consumer protection
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 5609 concerns cultural resource protection under SEPA.
- and a model archaeological and cultural resource protection local ordinance.
- and a model archaeological and cultural resource protection local ordinance.
- Finally, it's ...resource protection in consultation with the tribes.
- They're protecting their ratepayers.
Summary:
The Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee took executive action on 11 bills. It advanced SB 624 on an Appliance Affordability Index study with an amendment excluding consumer electronics, and SB 6284 on artificial intelligence systems with a proposed substitute adding definitions, developer requirements, exemptions for some entities, and clarifying enforcement. The committee also moved forward SB 5609 on cultural resource protection under SEPA after rejecting an amendment to the proposed substitute, and SB 6172 on coal plant treatment under cap-and-invest after adopting an amendment related to emergency federal orders.
Several energy and climate bills were also approved, including SB 6246 on emissions-intensive trade-exposed facilities, SB 5932 on alternative jet fuel production, SB 6269 on the definition of motor fuel, and SB 6223 on community-scaled weatherization projects. On SB 5975 concerning lead in cookware, the committee rejected one proposed substitute and adopted another that bans intentionally added lead in cookware beginning in 2027 and directs future regulation through the Safer Products program.
The committee then considered SB 5466 on electric transmission reliability and capacity, taking up multiple amendments to a proposed second substitute. Amendments addressing wildfire risk, corridor identification, landowner consultation, eminent domain, and wildfire liability were all rejected, and the bill was advanced on a due pass recommendation. In each case, the committee’s final action was to pass the bills or substitutes subject to signatures, with several measures referred onward to Ways and Means or Rules as noted.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Please preserve the choice to protect veterans.
- Unless amended, please preserve choice and protect our veterans.
- Please preserve choice and protect our veterans.
- Please preserve choice to protect veterans.
- It’s always good to do stuff to protect our veterans.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations.
AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary.
AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Will this amendment provide the protections required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- Will this amendment provide the protections required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
- So is this going to protect them from fraud, or will it protect their... ...protect them from fraud,
- or will it protect their health care?
- Is it going to protect them from potential insolvency? Is it going to protect them?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth.
HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0.
The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Transparency protects workers, protects the public, and deals with stress.
- AB 635 protects our guardrail and improves a path forward.
- AB 635 protects our guardrail and improves a path forward.
- First, SB 623 offers safety protections.
- First, SB 623 offers safety protections.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee and announced a large agenda, including a consent calendar and several bills pulled for separate hearing. Early in the hearing, the committee heard AB 1876, which would codify federal nondiscrimination protections in state health care law. The author and supporters said it would protect access to coverage and services for all protected classes, including transgender people, while opponents argued it would force coverage of disputed gender-affirming treatments and impose penalties on providers and insurers. No vote was taken during the informational-style presentation, and the author requested an aye vote when a quorum was present.
The committee then heard AB 1650 on requiring rental vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly marked, with supporters describing it as a transparency and public-trust measure in response to immigration enforcement activity and opponents later withdrawing opposition after discussions with the author. AB 635, dealing with the Mobile Home Residency Law Protection Program, would extend and revise a resident-funded legal assistance program for mobile home owners; supporters said it improves access to justice and enforcement, and there was no opposition. AB 1697 would extend the date for enforceability of certain employment contract provisions under AB 692 and add an urgency clause; the NFL supported it, SIFMA was support-if-amended, and the chair noted sympathy for some workers while expressing concern about high-paid executives.
The committee also heard AB 2784, the annual State Bar fee bill, which held fees flat while making governance and reporting changes; it drew support from the State Bar and no opposition. AB 2782, the Assembly Judiciary Committee civil omnibus bill, made minor clarifying code changes and also drew no opposition. Other measures heard included AB 2662 on monitoring and reporting federal immigration enforcement impacts, AB 2235 on allowing judges to use alternate mailing addresses for safety, AB 1544 on courthouse access and transparency, AB 2624 expanding Safe at Home protections to immigrant service providers, AB 1857 to block grocery restrictive covenants that prevent new grocery stores in underserved areas, AB 1892 clarifying HOA duties and election notice rules, AB 634 banning products containing tianeptine, AB 1684 limiting HOA restrictions on home cooling systems, AB 1752 increasing appraisal reimbursement in eminent domain cases, AB 1660 improving compliance by financial institutions with public guardian requests, AB 782 narrowing a prior housing redevelopment law for certain charter cities, and AB 2195 limiting occupational license suspensions for low-income parents owing child support. Across these bills, testimony was largely supportive, with several measures drawing “support if amended” or no opposition after negotiations; the transcript does not reflect final votes on the bills discussed here.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Consumer Protection Division has 44 full-time attorneys.
- The Consumer Protection Division has 44 full-time attorneys.
- And that’s the end of the trail for us in consumer protection.
- take civil enforcement action to protect elders against fraud.
- As Sean mentioned, I lead the Charitable Asset Protection Team, which is a part of the Consumer Protection
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on emerging consumer protection issues, focusing on elder fraud, charity fraud, and the impact of artificial intelligence on scams. Assistant Attorneys General from the Consumer Protection Division described the division’s broader enforcement work, including actions on rent stabilization, government imposter scams, service member refunds, senior living facilities, data breaches, and cases involving TikTok and Meta. They said elder fraud is often the same fraud seen in other age groups, but older adults tend to lose more money when victimized, especially in imposter scams and investment scams.
The attorneys reviewed FTC data showing rising fraud losses nationwide and in Washington, with social media, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards highlighted as especially important channels for losses. Members asked about underreporting, recovery of funds, and what consumers should do when they suspect a scam. The presenters said complaints can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Resource Center and DFI, and that the most effective policy responses would likely target payment methods, especially crypto kiosks and other fast, irreversible transfer systems. They also said the AGO uses enforcement, consumer education, and scam alerts, but that many scams are difficult to pursue because perpetrators are overseas or untraceable.
On charity fraud, the Charitable Asset Protection Team described several deceptive practices, including false charities, imposter charities, fundraising-first charities, causewashing, and point-of-sale solicitations. They said charity scams are underreported because donors often do not realize they were misled, and they pointed to concerns about crowdfunding platforms and commercial fundraising processors, including the collapse of Flip Cause and unpaid donations to Washington charities. The presenters recommended modernizing the Charitable Solicitation Act, increasing transparency and disclosure for point-of-sale fundraising, and strengthening public education through the AGO and Secretary of State programs such as Assured Giving and Assured Impact.
The presentation closed with a discussion of AI, which the attorneys said is making scams harder to detect through deepfakes, voice cloning, AI-generated messages, and automated scam operations. They said AI can also be used to create fake charities and online ecosystems that appear legitimate, and noted that business and charity registration systems can often be completed without human interaction. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.