Video & Transcript Research : 'virtual instruction'
Page 80 of 347
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The opportunity to offer virtual education.
- As far as virtual education, there are a lot of Carnegie. Carnegie means rear end in seat.
- education provider, they cannot provide virtual education to their schools.
- Um, as far as virtual education Um, as far as virtual education and<00:49:25.520>
there <00:49: - education provider, they cannot provide virtual education to their schools.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Just as important, it explicitly protects instruction.
- Instruction should remain the priority.
- Instruction should remain the priority. Instruction should remain the priority.
- and local voter classroom instruction and local voter control,<01:37:01.840>
the <01:37:02.159 - I would also just remind people that the member from Malpole listed a virtual who's who of people who
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- Act has been championed at the national level by Professor Victoria Burke, who has also joined us virtually
- She's here virtually, Senator. Yes. Hello. Thank you. Hello. Thank you so much.
- She's here virtually, Senator. Ms. Burke can speak. Thank you, Chair Brown. Thank you, Chair Brown.
- Okay, she's virtual, Senator. Okay, Ms. Monteiro, you can speak now.
Keywords:
HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans.
The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Just so that Linda and Pam and Chris, you know, if we don't recognize your virtual hand-up, you know,
- Does that take any of our re-approval, or can we just do that virtually by approving all of this?
- Any virtual comments on the opinions or any opinions here?
- Are there any comments from the virtual crowd? You're right, I don't see any. Jamie?
Summary:
The meeting opened with attendance and technical setup, including bringing a remote member into the session. The chair also made brief remarks about public service in light of recent violence against public officials, and a member shared condolences related to a colleague’s death. The committee then approved the minutes and noted no employment disclosure forms were filed.
The main business was an update on digitizing committee files. Staff reported that the archival scanning estimate had been reduced and that a DocuSign contract would be sent for the chair’s signature. Members also discussed whether the work could be completed before the end of the biennium and whether existing funds could be used or prepaid.
The committee then reviewed a long list of remaining advisory opinions and, on motion, approved staff recommendations to retain some opinions and retire or partially retire others based on changes in law or usefulness of the opinions. Topics included special privileges, frequent flyer miles, state contracts involving legislators, tours sponsored by lobbying entities, conflicts of interest, confidentiality of drafting requests, election-year brochures, and recusal/firewall issues. After a separate discussion about an older election-related outreach opinion, members agreed they likely still intended to apply the same factors outside the election-year context and asked staff to revisit whether that opinion should be unretired or revised. The public portion of the meeting was then adjourned, with the committee preparing to move into executive session.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Virginia Commission for the Arts Board Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Shawna will be hosting a virtual Q&A on June 25, and our goal is to hire someone by September 1.
- We had six convenings, four in person and two virtual. We did.
- The virtual had less engagement.
- convening as well as a convening that was virtual in between the insights for Region 8.
- convening as well as a convening that was virtual in between the insights for Region 8.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to everyone, and welcome all of you who are joining us in person, virtually on the website, to
- Before we start, I want to thank LIS for facilitating this virtual public meeting.
- Before we start, I want to thank LIS for facilitating this virtual public meeting and all of our public
- I hope I get an opportunity to cross paths with all of you again, maybe in the real, not just the virtual
- world, but also in the virtual world.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself.
Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats.
The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of them will be with us virtually, and others might come in and be at this meeting.
- Today's hearing is going to be both in person and virtual.
- Today's hearing is going to be both in person and virtual.
- We now will go on to Senator Julian Cyr, who's joining us virtually.
- We now will go on to Senator Julian Seer, who's joining us virtually.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted.
A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk.
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I will now be, well, before I pass the virtual gavel over to Senator Passidomo, Senator, just to let
- The virtual gavel goes back to you. You want to keep on a roll? Would you like to?
- Well, I will pass the virtual gavel that I've received from Senator Passidomo and send it to our Vice
- Virtual Gavitt goes back to you. You want to keep on a roll, would you like to?
- Well, I will pass the virtual gavel that I've received from Senator Pasadamo and send it to our vice
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis.
The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- They're designed to change virtual currency into actual currency, money, and vice versa, exchanging fiat
- currency for virtual currency.
- them through a number of different schemes to ask for money to be transferred to them through the virtual
- Section 2 requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to obtain a money transmitter license.
- We just had a suggestion for line 63 that deals with what actually a digital virtual currency kiosk is
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You're also carving out those who are enrolled in homeschool or virtual education.
- That means all students that are 14 and 15 that are enrolled in Florida Virtual School, for example,
- eligible to work or be required to work by the employer overnight on a school night, even if it is virtual
- media consumption, so why are we okay treating them like adults just because they might be home or virtual
- Why is it—does it make it okay if they're homeschool or virtual school? I don't think it does.
Summary:
The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably.
The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-01 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, sections nine, 13, and 14 all consolidate definitions related to virtual currency from other parts
- Um, just so you know, virtual currency kiosks are one type of money transfer kiosk, or are one of the
- currency from other related to virtual currency from other parts<01:20:19.600>
of <01:20:19.680 - <01:20:43.000>
currency Um, just so you know, virtual currency Um, just so you know, virtual - Um, virtual currency kiosks are a subset of money transmission kiosks.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 48 - Afternoon Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094
Keywords:
memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 48 - Morning Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094
Keywords:
memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Before our representative starts, I just want to acknowledge also that Senator has been with us virtually
- Just want to say there's no senator, no member of the committee virtually, that wants to speak right
- do, like I said, have a free training program, so we're hoping that they could use that, and it's virtual
- through our national organization, our home office, they are developing additional curriculum in a virtual
- Okay, the next person we have testifying virtually is Leslie Doyle. You're there, Leslie? I'm here.
Summary:
The Aging and Independence/Elder Affairs Committee heard testimony on several bills, with the main focus on H.769/S.468, an act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Legislators and advocates described the bill’s provisions, including expanded dementia training for first responders, a dementia services coordinator/director in state government, improved hospital discharge and caregiver access protections, dementia care coordination benefits for certain MassHealth members, public awareness and data collection requirements, and expanded support for geriatric workforce recruitment. Representative Danielle Gregoire and Senator Gomez framed the measure as a zero-cost, bipartisan continuation of the 2018 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Act, while the Alzheimer’s Association, Boston Public Health Commission, police representatives, clinicians, and family caregivers all testified in support, emphasizing public health needs, early diagnosis, caregiver involvement, and safer emergency and hospital care.
The committee also heard testimony on H.796/S.476, which would establish an Office of Older Adult Advocate and a special commission on a statewide long-term services and supports benefit program. Representative Steve Ultrino supported an independent older adult advocate to help navigate fragmented state services and improve constituent services, while committee members asked about funding and the office’s relationship to existing secretariats. On the long-term care commission bill, NAFA Massachusetts and LeadingAge Massachusetts supported creating a stakeholder commission to review actuarial findings and explore public-private financing options for long-term care, stressing that neither public nor private coverage alone is sufficient and that middle-income families need more planning tools and options.
The committee also took testimony on H.786/S.466, a bill to protect vulnerable elders by expanding the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ authority to investigate abuse or neglect in non-traditional custodial settings such as prisons, jails, shelters, group homes, and certain treatment facilities. Prisoners Legal Services said the bill would close a jurisdictional gap that leaves some older adults without an investigative agency once they age out of DPPC coverage. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee (7-6-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- If I'm virtual, I may not be. So, I think that's part of what we realize.
- I think really the virtual meeting.
- If I'm virtual, I I'm paying attention.
- If I'm virtual, I may<00:26:49.520>
not <00:26:49.679>be. - . virtually. virtually.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01
Approve Minutes from June 11, 2026- 00:00:40
Staff Report on 2026 Child Fatality Panel Update- 00:01:17
Panel Staff Response to Report-00:21:12
University of Kentucky Name, Image, and Likeness-00:44:34
Kentucky State Police Update on SERVS-01:17:55
Adjornment-01:33:05, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Members then received a staff report on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including an annual LOIC evaluation of the panel’s operations, statutory compliance, case management system development, member experience, and written procedures. The report noted recent House Bill 778 expanded the panel’s access to records and to TWIST/I-TWIST, and recommended that staff request access and training promptly to avoid implementation problems.
Analysts reported the panel has met statutory membership and meeting requirements, and that agency responses to the panel’s 2025 recommendations improved, with all responses meeting statutory content requirements though some were late. They also said the panel still lacks formal written procedures, so a prior recommendation was reissued. The report discussed the panel’s new case management system, now in testing with the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and a survey of panel members showing generally positive views of meetings and case discussions but recurring concerns about SharePoint access, time demands, virtual meetings, and the panel’s lack of enforcement authority. The report included a matter for legislative consideration suggesting the General Assembly may wish to seek additional testimony from agencies when responses are unclear or more information is needed.
Panel staff responded that the work is difficult but important, said they are optimistic about gaining TWIST access, and acknowledged that written procedures have not yet been completed because they wanted to align them with the new system. They said both the system and procedures are hoped to be finished by the end of the year, with the new case management system expected to be implemented by September 1 after further testing and migration. Members also discussed trends in child fatality and near-fatality cases, including increases in reported cases since 2013, substance abuse, safe storage of firearms, and concerns about THC/CBD gummies reaching children. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/26/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So, virtually every single prior authorization would be forbidden from using AI. Uh Senator French.
- So, virtually every single prior authorization would be forbidden from using AI. Uh Senator French.
- So, virtually every single prior authorization would be forbidden from using AI. Uh Senator French.
- So, virtually every single prior authorization would be forbidden from using AI. Uh Senator French.
- Forty-two of those years I have instructed other agents for their continuing ed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair instructed the two testifiers to come to the table, wait before beginning testimony, introduce
- Thank you for your testimony, and we also have Annette Peters who's with us virtually.
- <00:48:24.120>
us have Annette Peters who's with us have Annette Peters who's with us virtually - . virtually. virtually.
Keywords:
disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Wono, who is testifying virtually. Please identify yourself and proceed. Good morning.
- 00:02:26.040>
who <00:02:26.160>is <00:02:26.280>testifying <00:02:27.040>virtually - <00:02:27.440>
please wongo who is testifying virtually please wongo who is testifying virtually - ><00:05:22.800>
know <00:05:22.919>kicked Where the resolution, you know, kicked instructions
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to urge you to support the act relative to issuing virtual credit cards.
- Right now, insurance companies are increasingly paying providers through virtual credit cards without
- Are these virtual credit... Thank you. I'm just curious. You mentioned the fees.
- Deirdre Aould, virtual. Out. Now let's see, Jody Adams online, and Jen Ziskin. Hi, Jen.
- Was she, okay, yeah, we ever done this virtual? Was she here today? She was.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on financial security, banking regulation, and payment-card fees. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg supported the Massachusetts baby bonds proposal (H. 48) and also endorsed bills on matched savings (H. 1158/S. 737) and retirement planning/Secure Choice (H. 1143/S. 722), arguing these measures would help address wealth inequality, build assets, and improve retirement readiness. Supporters of baby bonds included policy experts and health advocates from Children’s Health Watch and Boston Medical Center, who said early-life asset building could improve long-term economic and health outcomes for children in low-income families. AARP also urged passage of the retirement planning bill, citing the large share of private-sector workers without access to an employer retirement plan. Representative Donato testified for H. 1143, describing it as a voluntary retirement-savings opportunity for workers at small employers.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3933, concerning the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation, from former Bank Commissioner Mike Hanson, who defended the state’s full deposit insurance system for credit unions and savings institutions as a longstanding consumer-protection model. The Massachusetts Bankers Association raised concerns about the bill’s technical provisions and broader credit union/bank competitive issues, while the Cooperative Credit Union Association supported related legislation allowing modest compensation for credit union directors (S. 821/H. 1338) and flexibility for state financial institutions to grow through partnerships (S. 723). Bankers opposed those credit union bills, arguing they would upset a level playing field and blur long-standing distinctions between banks and credit unions.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1259/S. 688, which would prohibit card interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of restaurant transactions. Restaurant owners and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association testified in favor, saying the fees are a significant and growing expense, especially as most customers now pay by card; they argued the bills would save restaurants money without affecting state revenue. Credit union, banking, and payments-industry representatives opposed the bills, saying interchange helps fund fraud protection and payment infrastructure, that the proposal would create compliance burdens and likely litigation, and that it would mainly affect Massachusetts-chartered institutions while national banks could be preempted. Committee members noted that a commission on payment-card fees is being established and said the issue would be studied further. The hearing also included support for a separate bill on virtual credit cards for dental providers, with dentists saying automatic virtual-card payments impose hidden processing fees and fraud risks.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/13/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So no power plant comes on without instructions from the ISO because they're only operating if we say
- So you can attend virtually, you can come in person. Uh, there's no charge.
- So you can attend virtually,<04:03:52.319>
you <04:03:52.479>come <04:03:52.640>in <04:03:53.520>Uh virtually, you come in person. Uh virtually, you come in person. - can get away with building virtually can get away with building virtually anything<04:09:52.399>