Video & Transcript Research : 'scam'
Page 6 of 46
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the $10 million in misspending, the ESA voucher scam that has been unaccounted for.
- That is why we need to obviously reform the ESA voucher scam, which is just debilitating and demeaning
- It's the school voucher scam, the private school voucher scam, robbing funds.
- But the ESA voucher scam is not even mentioned. We have no reforms that we are directly toward.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, approval of the journal, and a recess for a performance honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Members then introduced guests and proclamations, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol and a Children’s Health Day advocacy group focused on immunizations. Additional personal privileges recognized the doctor of the day, a senator’s husband on an upcoming anniversary, and other visitors and community groups.
The main legislative item was SCR 1032, a referral to the voters concerning school district budgets and classroom spending. After a Government Committee amendment and a floor amendment were adopted, the measure would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with penalties that phase in reductions to classroom site fund allocations for noncompliance. Supporters argued the measure would push more money into classrooms and teacher pay and give voters a say in how district funds are used; opponents said it would micromanage local school boards, cut funding for important services such as nurses, counselors, transportation, and maintenance, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charters. SCR 1032 passed the Senate 16-12, with two not voting, and was transmitted to the House.
The Senate also passed SB 1071 by a vote of 17-11, with two not voting. Discussion centered on an amendment related to the Arizona Rangers; supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and require better training documentation and accountability. The chamber also announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings before adjourning until the next day.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill deals with scammers who take advantage of individuals by scamming them out of their money.
- Oftentimes, when somebody is scammed via email, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or a text message, a bank
- So once an individual has, once it's been ascertained that the individual's being scammed, the individual
- , through a guardian, could serve the scammer through that same app that the victim was initially scammed
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met and considered a series of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements. The bill would allow more than one collateral liability insurance policy to back a warranty license and make related financial requirement changes; an amendment clarifying policy options was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification, which creates an enforceable requirement and private right of action for party-affiliation qualification rules, and SB 7004, an open government sunset review bill that continues a public records exemption related to housing assistance program applicants or participants after disasters.
The committee then took up several member bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 88 would create an opt-in framework for local governments to allow utility terrain vehicles on certain roads, with safety requirements and insurance clarification added by amendment; supporters emphasized local transportation benefits and law enforcement tools, while several senators raised concerns about misuse in urban areas, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 106 would allow substitute service through the same electronic platform used by scammers in vulnerable adult exploitation cases, with a 30-day hold clarified by amendment; it received support from elder law and advocacy groups and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 262 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code, including decanting, trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community property trust treatment, and was also reported favorably.
Additional bills approved included SB 402, which updates the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute by referring to armed forces as defined elsewhere in law; SB 700, which continues the public records exemption for site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; and SB 7006, which preserves public records and meeting exemptions for building plans and related documents depicting 911, E911, and public safety radio communication infrastructure, including next-generation 911 systems. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , romance scams, and things of that nature.
- , romance scams, and things of that nature.
- , romance scams, and things of that nature.
- , romance scams, and things of that nature.
- Trying to pick up cash from vulnerable adults through tech support scams, romance scams, and things of
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- So between the 2040 bill, which is based on the Green New Deal, which I consider to be a scam, and a
- So between the 2040 bill, which is based on the Green New Deal, which I consider to be a scam, and a
- <00:48:24.640>
that's energy bill on a green new scam that's energy bill on a green new scam - He said, “Glenn, this is the biggest scam I've ever seen in my whole life.”
- He said, “Glenn, this is the biggest scam I've ever seen in my whole life.”
Summary:
The Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee heard Senate File 486, as amended by the A2 delete-everything amendment, which would create a supplemental, year-round energy assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce alongside LIHEAP. Senator Dibble said the bill is intended to help low-income households pay utility bills throughout the year, including summer months, by providing crisis grants, ongoing monthly assistance, emergency heating system repair or replacement help, outreach funding, and reporting requirements. The committee adopted the A2 amendment before hearing testimony on the bill as amended.
Supportive testimony came from Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board, Jenny Glumac of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Mackey of Minnesota Valley Action Council, Ron Elwood of Legal Aid, Jamie Fitz of CenterPoint Energy, George Shardlow of the Energy CENTS Coalition, and Kent Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association. Witnesses said energy burdens are especially high in rural Minnesota, utility arrears and shutoffs have increased, and most shutoffs occur in summer when LIHEAP is unavailable. They argued that year-round assistance would help vulnerable households, reduce shutoffs, improve health and housing stability, and create administrative efficiencies by using existing LIHEAP infrastructure.
Several witnesses cited data on the need for assistance, including high energy burdens in rural areas, more than 91,000 Minnesota households disconnected for non-payment in 2024, and the large share of LIHEAP recipients who are seniors, people with disabilities, children, or veterans. Amanda Mackey described a client story illustrating how energy assistance can stabilize a household and lead to broader benefits. Senator Mathews offered comments supporting help for households in need but said the bill is a stopgap and tied the need for expanded assistance to prior legislative actions that increased energy costs. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, and members indicated they would return to questions after testimony.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-General Government and Transportation Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Remember back in late summer and early fall, there were many scams going out related to fines and fees
- I think the turn PPI authority and the tax mission also had some of those scams.
- About the scams that hit earlier this year, we posted on social media saying this is a scam, don't click
- If there is a scam out there, we'd love to be able to send a push notification if a citizen wants it.
- Completely optional, of course, if they want to say, 'Hey, there is a scam out here, don't push this
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Without action, these scams will continue to grow. David.
- Without action, these scams will continue to grow and more Floridians will lose their savings with no
- Without action, these scams will continue to grow and more Floridians will lose their savings with no
- This cooling-off period gives victims time to realize that they have been scammed and request that full
- And we have Brian Jogersk, waving in support. ...especially vulnerable adults are being scammed to send
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers at subsidized companies using secret-ballot union elections and prohibiting neutrality agreements. The sponsor said the bill is meant to protect workers and taxpayer dollars, and he noted he would amend the Attorney General enforcement language to allow appeals. Supporters argued it protects secret ballots and transparency, while opponents said it is a form of union-busting, could conflict with federal labor law, and would burden contractors and workers. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a roll call vote, with Senators Bracey Davis, Smith, and Errington voting no and the remaining recorded votes in favor.
The committee then heard CS/SB 198, which regulates cryptocurrency kiosks to combat fraud, especially against seniors. The bill requires kiosk registration, fraud warnings, blockchain analytics, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions involving non-U.S. wallets. Supporters from consumer and senior advocacy groups said the bill would help stop widespread scams, while one industry witness praised the bill’s fraud protections but suggested narrowing the daily limits and new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor described it as a work in progress aimed at ending inhumane breeding conditions, improving consumer disclosures, and creating breeder standards and penalties; an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported many animal welfare provisions but objected to the three-day financing waiting period, shelter-space requirements, expanded reimbursement, and litigation exposure. Animal welfare supporters backed the bill, and the committee reported it favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors’ access to apps. The bill requires age verification, parental consent for minors, notice of app changes, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said it would better protect children online and help enforce existing age-based restrictions, while opponents warned it could require overcollection of personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate tools parents already have. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee took up CS/SB 422, which would bar use of ADS-B aviation data to calculate or collect certain airport fees, with an amendment adding departures to the covered activities. A pilot supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport advocates opposed it, saying it would undermine airport finances and force less efficient fee collection methods. The transcript ends during testimony on this bill, before final action is shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When we talk about scamming, it's the same fear, urgency.
- As most of you know, you've learned how these scams kind of operate.
- But scams—I wanted to lean into frauds and scams because it's a huge problem.
- Cryptocurrency is a growing mechanism for frauds and scams, both through ATMs, but also investment scams
- Ann Bador with Texas Appleseed continued: “ATMs, but investment scams and other mechanisms.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/23/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- He said he is sick and tired of the Green New Scam.
- It's a scam. And it's time electricity. It's a scam.
- all going down this Green New Deal scam. all going down this Green New Deal scam.
- Wind and solar are a tax<00:54:08.480>
sucking <00:54:09.040>scam. - It's going to drive tax sucking scam.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- brought to my attention by realtors and law enforcement that the increasing number of real estate scams
- So, this bill just simply adds the scam to theft by deception for real estate, which would include sale
- So, this bill just simply<00:01:58.560>
adds <00:01:58.960>the <00:01:59.120>scam - ><00:02:00.040>
to <00:02:00.240>theft <00:02:00.480>by simply adds the scam to- theft by simply adds the scam to theft by deception<00:02:01.160>
for <00:02:01.320>real - ><00:02:00.040>
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. First, it heard House Bill 264, which would add real estate scams to theft by deception law by covering fraudulent sale, lease, or rental of commercial or residential property. Representative Proctor said the measure responds to growing real estate fraud and was intended to help law enforcement address schemes where bad actors list property they do not own. The committee approved the bill 18-0 and reported it favorably.
The committee then considered House Bill 58, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with automated license plate readers. Representative Hodgson said the bill would limit retention of ALPR data to 90 days, with exceptions for active investigations, subpoenas, and certain insurance or financial contract uses, and would restrict sale or sharing of the data to protect privacy while preserving public safety uses. Members asked about differences in the substitute and whether the bill would affect work-zone safety cameras; Hodgson said it would not. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 19-0, with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 529, also with a committee substitute, concerning the Parole Board. The bill would set four-year terms for board members, allow a limited gubernatorial extension when needed to avoid too many expirations in one year, and permit panels of two or more members to decide parole cases. The Parole Board chair testified that smaller panels are needed to handle the board’s heavy caseload more efficiently and avoid administrative delays. Members discussed a minor wording change in the substitute and the emergency status of the bill due to vacancies. The committee passed HB 529 20-0 with one pass vote, then adopted a title amendment and adjourned.
MN
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- spotlight shows a huge jump in losses reported by people 60 and over to these types of impersonation scams
- But this measure is insufficient to prevent bad actors, leaving individuals vulnerable to scams.
- insufficient to prevent, is not sufficient enough to prevent bad actors, leaving individuals vulnerable to scam
Summary:
The Commerce Committee on Tourism met and first took up Senate Bill 1562 by Senator Trumbull, which was amended with a strike-all amendment. The substitute bill would apply only to new vehicle brands, set a 1,000-vehicle sales threshold, and limit any one dealer or dealer group to no more than one-third of statewide sales to promote competition and dealer diversity. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Smith later recording a negative vote and Senator Yarbrough requesting an affirmative vote on the tab.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 888 by Senator Martin, which limits professional services contracts for architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects so they can be held liable only for their own negligence or that of those under their supervision. The bill extends existing protections from public contracts to private contracts, voids broader indemnity clauses, requires a professional standard of care, and bars additional-insured requirements. After no questions or debate, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1516 by Senator Garcia on misleading or inaccurate caller identification. The sponsor cited the volume of robocalls and scam losses, especially affecting older adults, and said the bill would create new statutory provisions requiring telecommunications companies to address spoofed caller ID and implement STIR/SHAKEN authentication or a comparable alternative. Testimony in support came from the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and AARP, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The chair then noted the committee would not reconvene later that evening and adjourned the meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- spotlight shows a huge jump in losses reported by people 60 and over to these types of impersonation scams
- Thank you. ...is not sufficient enough to prevent bad actors, leaving individuals vulnerable to scams
- insufficient to prevent, is not sufficient enough to prevent bad actors, leaving individuals vulnerable to scam
Keywords:
professional services, design professionals, contracting parties, indemnification, public policy, caller identification, telecommunications, fraud prevention, STIR/SHAKEN, telecom regulations, call blocking, consumer protection, motor vehicle, franchise, dealership, distribution, licensee, successor, franchise agreement
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met with all members present and took up three bills. On Senate Bill 1562, as amended by a strike-all, Senator Trumbull explained that the measure would apply only to new vehicle brands and would limit any one dealer or dealer group to no more than one-third of statewide sales after a brand reaches 1,000 vehicles in Florida, with the stated goal of promoting competition and preventing manufacturers from concentrating sales through a single dealer. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. Senator Smith later asked to be recorded in the negative on this bill, and Senator Yarbrough asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1562 and SB 888.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 888 by Senator Martin, which would limit professional services contracts for architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects so they are liable only for their own negligence or that of those under their supervision, extend those protections from public to private contracts, void broader indemnity clauses, require a professional standard of care, and prohibit additional-insured requirements. There was no debate or opposition, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, Senator Garcia presented Senate Bill 1516 on caller identification information, citing the volume of robocalls and fraud losses among older adults. The bill would prohibit misleading caller ID practices, require telecommunications companies to provide accurate originating number and location information, create penalties for violations, and require STIR/SHAKEN authentication or a comparable framework. Two appearance forms were filed in support from the Elder Law Section of The Florida Bar and AARP, and Senator Smith voiced support during debate. The committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- hopefully put order and process around people willing to give to those in need and hopefully prohibit the scams
- And additionally, it will establish criminal offenses for those who engage in disaster scams related
- Unfortunately, it's woefully needed because every disaster produces scam artists, and there needs to
- forward to move for final passage for all of those victims and families who have been subjected to these scams
- To address this unnecessarily, going forward, there will be punishment for those engaged in these scams
Bills:
SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Closed hearings to examine United States Cyber Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open hearing at 3:30 p.m. in SD-G50.
Cybersecurity Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- consumer rights, and it has been remarkably effective. discovered more than $363 million in financial scams
- Without the CFPB to enforce these key laws, service members are now vulnerable to scams and predators
- The VA has warned about the rise of scams where predatory schools will promise quote immediate student
- just yes or no does it undermine our ability to recruit and retain personnel when we let bad actors scam
- No, our Marines should not be scammed. Yeah. And Lieutenant General Miller. Yes, ma'am. And Ms.
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on pressing issues related to the U.S. military's recruitment and personnel strategies, especially in light of the upcoming NDAA for fiscal year 2026. Chairperson expressed appreciation for the service of witnesses including senior military leaders from different branches, emphasizing the importance of personnel as the backbone of national defense. Discussions revealed concerns regarding the recent lowering of recruitment standards across military branches, which could potentially affect the quality of service members and long-term military readiness. Witnesses were asked to address the implications of these changes on military health and efficiency.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 4th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The 10 years before full incapacity is when we see exploitation and this problem with scams and exploitation
- We have another lady who almost fell victim to a scam for Publishers Clearing House.
- So, you know, we can find people to come into court to represent someone who's being scammed.
- When you see how it is used against children, and now, especially among seniors, I get scams on my cell
- And now, especially among seniors, I get scams on my cell phone all the time.
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and first took up SB 398, which would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senator Burgess said the campaign would focus on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. The committee heard supportive testimony from a caregiver, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others, with members discussing the need for culturally responsive outreach and continued funding. SB 398 was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 106, which would strengthen Florida’s exploitation injunction law for vulnerable adults by allowing service of an unascertainable exploiter through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. Senator Martin explained the bill as a way to close a loophole that lets scammers evade traditional service, and witnesses from the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section supported it, describing how the bill could stop ongoing thefts more quickly while preserving due process. Members asked about gift card scams, clerk workload, and the definition of an unascertainable respondent. SB 106 was reported favorably.
The Department of Children and Families then presented an update on the Adoption Benefits for Qualifying Adoptive Employees Program, describing its expansion over time and the current one-time lump-sum benefit structure for eligible adoptive parents. The presentation covered eligibility rules, open enrollment, funding history, and the program’s impact on adoption placements, with members asking why tax collectors were included but other constitutional offices were not, and whether foster relatives could qualify. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7012, a committee bill addressing child welfare workforce shortages, treatment foster care for high-acuity children, and improved data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill would direct DCF to recruit former public safety workers for CPI and case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and require more detailed, analyzable data and capacity studies. The bill drew support from child welfare advocates, with some members urging DCF to return with a more developed framework; it was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Agencies across the state, and probably you on the committee, have heard of scams perpetrated over the
- technology for a lot of folks, especially our elderly people who might fall prey to some of these scams
- technology for a lot of folks, especially our elderly people who might fall prey to some of these scams
- <00:14:10.240>
concern <00:14:10.720>a <00:14:10.959>little some of these scams - My concern a little some of these scams.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Without action, these scams will continue to grow.
- Without action, these scams will continue to grow, and more Floridians will lose their savings with no
- sure that Floridians who choose to engage with cryptocurrencies can do so safely, without fear of scams
- This cooling-off period gives victims time to realize that they have been scammed and request that full
- We have found that our customers, especially vulnerable adults, are being scammed to send large sums
Keywords:
virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, ADS-B, automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, aviation, airports, airport fees, landing fees, departure fees, touch-and-go landing, general aviation, pilot privacy, airspace radius, aircraft tracking
Summary:
The committee first postponed SB 1456, then heard SB 1236, which would condition state economic development incentives on employers using secret-ballot union elections and prohibit neutrality agreements. The sponsor argued the bill protects workers from coercion and applies only to companies receiving taxpayer-funded incentives; opponents said it was government interference, likely to hurt contractors, apprenticeships, and business growth, and raised concerns about federal preemption and Attorney General enforcement. After debate, the committee reported SB 1236 favorably on a recorded vote.
The committee then considered CS/SB 198, a measure to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring operator registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, blockchain analytics, receipts, and refund protections for certain first-time transactions tied to fraud. Supporters from the banking industry, AARP, and others said the bill would help stop scams that are targeting seniors and vulnerable adults; one industry witness supported the bill but suggested narrowing the limits for existing users and shortening the new-customer period. The committee reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1356 on dog breeding, pet sales, and breeder registration. The sponsor said the bill is intended to curb puppy mills, improve animal welfare, and add consumer protections, while an amendment removed state oversight of local animal shelters. Pet store representatives supported much of the bill but objected to the three-day waiting period for financed purchases, expanded reimbursement, and unfair trade practice penalties; others argued the bill would add red tape and litigation. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1722 on app stores and minors, which would require age verification, parental consent for minors, app-content disclosures, and enforcement by the Department of Legal Affairs. Supporters said the bill would help parents protect children online; opponents warned it could force collection of sensitive personal data, create privacy and constitutional problems, and duplicate existing parental tools. Members debated the balance between child safety and privacy, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 422 on ADS-B aviation data, which would bar use of ADS-B information to calculate certain landing or access fees; an amendment added departures to the restriction. Pilots supported the bill as a safety and privacy measure, while airport representatives opposed it as undermining airport finances and shifting costs. The amendment was adopted, and the hearing on the bill began with testimony from both sides.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any provisions to recoup the monies that people lose when these unprofessional people scam
- It's not going to the individual that was scammed. Right.
- So then what happens to the individual that was scammed in this process?
- There's no account set up to reimburse individuals that have been scammed by engineers.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard and reported favorably several bills. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; Senator Sharif asked about restitution for victims, and the sponsor said the bill does not create a reimbursement mechanism. CS/SB 576 would create a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing support, grant access, and data-sharing requirements; local government and cybersecurity groups waived in support. CS/SB 1078 would establish transition procedures between gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and access to agency records under a signed confidentiality agreement.
The committee also reported favorably CS/SB 314 on payment stablecoin issuers, CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations and security rules, CS/SB 1614 giving JAC/LAC-related audit findings more enforcement effect for local governments seeking state funds, SB 990 authorizing protective cell captive insurance companies, SB 1588 beginning implementation of the prior gold-and-silver legal tender law, CS/SB 1440 adding cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, and CS/SB 1568 creating a stablecoin pilot program for DFS fee payments. Several bills had support testimony from state agencies and industry groups, and some included technical or guardrail amendments that were adopted without objection.
The committee also received a budget overview highlighting major funding items, including more than $350 million for Florida Forever, $738 million for Everglades restoration, more than $500 million for water quality projects outside the Everglades, $60 million for Farmers Feeding Florida, and more than $250 million for citrus recovery. Members asked questions about school lunch funding, state park improvements, land acquisition, water quality funding, gaming enforcement offices, and staffing for PERC. After the bills and budget discussion, members recorded a few affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- would have the unintended consequences of exposing ticket buyers to black market ticket sales and scams
- > greater risks of fraud, non-delivery, greater risks of fraud, non-delivery, and<00:49:49.840>
scams - and scams. and scams.
- the tune of hundreds of and scammed the tune of hundreds of thousands<00:50:02.760>
of <00:50: - <01:11:32.840>
Um um someone got scammed. Um um someone got scammed.
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure.
The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- little fraud machines, but we also have QR codes at the register that they're also using to get and scam
- they're out of these stores and locations, and then also making sure that anybody who was defrauded or scammed
- 19.720>
the <00:12:19.920>opportunity <00:12:20.520>to <00:12:20.680>get scammed - uh has the opportunity to get scammed uh has the opportunity to get their<00:12:21.000>
refund - It was elderly folks are being scammed by these kiosks, and it is very, very worrisome.