Transcript Highlights:

• The Federal Bureau of growing problem.
• Indiana and the legislation is currently Indiana and the legislation is currently awaiting<00:27:51.520
• committee would be pursuing legislation committee would be pursuing legislation that<00:44:46.000
• Did you earlier say, uh, reference CNN? >> Yes. >> Is that the Crypto News Network?
• Did you earlier say uh reference<01:03:11.839> CNN? reference CNN? reference CNN?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3642, as amended by the DE1, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The author, Chair Kaggel, said the bill is intended to stop scammers from using crypto kiosks to defraud vulnerable people, especially older adults, because the transactions are often irreversible and hard to trace. Representative Perryman spoke in support, describing local fraud cases and saying the issue had come to her attention through St. Cloud residents and police. The bill was laid over for further work with the Department of Commerce and other interested members. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant said the problem is statewide and described a case in which a 78-year-old woman lost $80,000 after being directed to a kiosk. A Woodbury detective said current safeguards, including warnings, limits, and refund provisions, have not stopped weekly victimization and that scammers coach victims to bypass protections. An AARP Minnesota volunteer said kiosks are a preferred vehicle for scammers because they move stolen funds quickly and are especially harmful to older adults, and he noted that the 2024 consumer protections have not been enough. The Department of Commerce also supported the bill, saying crypto kiosks are a growing fraud vector and citing 120 complaints over three years, nearly $1 million in reported losses, and 70 cases with $540,000 in losses already in 2025. The department said many victims do not report losses, so the true amount is likely higher. In contrast, Coinflip’s general counsel opposed a ban and argued that fraud should be addressed through stronger regulation, refunds, blockchain analytics, and customer-service requirements rather than prohibiting a legal product. He said scams would continue through other channels if kiosks were banned. In discussion, members asked about the number of kiosks, how long they have been operating in Minnesota, and the scale of losses; the department said there are about 350 licensed kiosks operated by 8 to 10 operators, though the total number may be higher.

Transcript Highlights:

• That intentional long-term planning process is typically referred to as strategic resource management
• We look forward to working with the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) in the interim next
• That means we did this as a legislative body. We laid this burden on the schools.
• Thank you, Chair and members of the Legislative Education Study Committee.
• I would ask you to please fully fund the Hold Harmless legislation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau. >> Thank<00:01:56.560> you,<00:01:56.799> chair.
• of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• Thank you, Ryan Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
• I got a question for Farm Bureau. Bureau. Bureau.
• Thank you, Senator, for the Bureau.

Bills: SB2309, SB2317, SB2318, SB2319, SB2321, SB2323, SB2332, SB2405, SB2485

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• ERIC COMPOS WITH THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU WAVING IN SUPPORT.
• AND ERIC DE COMPOS WITH THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU WAVING AND SUPPORT.
• PART OF THE HOME OF THE STRUCTURE IS NOT COUNTED TOWARDS LIVING AREA, THAT SQUARE FOOTAGE WE ARE REFERRING
• I THINK THERE ARE A GOOD AMOUNT OF THEM, WE ARE STILL IN THE FIRST COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Trying to wrap my mind around all of this and, you know, the coming, obviously, legislation policy.
• To me, that is, we're always constantly looking for answers as legislators and as department heads.
• And then we're also going to talk about the presentation of the Legislative Council bill draft, which
• And then section two is a statement of legislative intent, and it goes through the legislative intent
• The Bureau of Indian Affairs turned around and received a copy.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• members, there would be no reimbursement for today; that we would either get our legislative per diem
• The PPI increase that's set out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is around 11%, and we're just asking
• The state, such as the Bureau, has...
• The state, such as the Bureau, has, I believe, a contract for a certain number of volumes, and so the
• Referenced, but maybe the enabling legislation or the actual substantive legislation has been expired

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Up next, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, J.
• Up next, White Farm Bureau, testifying in support.
• Legislator has focused on invasive species. Aloha.
• Legislator has focused on invasive species. Aloha.
• Legislator has focused on invasive species. Aloha. Thank you, Brian.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Legislative management during the 2029 through 2030 interim and to the 71st Legislative Assembly regarding
• And then section two is a statement of legislative intent, and it goes through the legislative intent
• The Bureau of Venn and Affairs turned around agency received a copy.
• The Bureau of Venn and Affairs turned around agency received a copy.
• Legislative Council would second by Senator Mathern.

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems. A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements. The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all. No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that’s probably not, from my standpoint and my input from a legislative standpoint, going to
• This funding would allow them to get through three years, but also included with that was legislative
• Legislative intent to do kind of a broadening look at the Harbors and Watercraft Fund administered by
• Brian Metzger with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• So, and this legislative, that was by SB 840, right?

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• And does that have to be put in legislation or not? So I asked.
• This legislation may not really have an impact one way or the other on it.
• I'm the supervisor of the Municipal Bureau at the Department of Revenue.
• Charter schools were the legislation enabling them was written in the 1990s.
• My name is Brian Mello, Department of Education, Bureau of School Finance.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and expended to the Legislative Council staff and requiring the Legislative Council staff to publicly
• legislation. Thank you. legislation. Thank you.
• about this particular legislation. about this particular legislation. um<02:08:43.440> simply
• this piece of legislation this piece of legislation which<02:08:54.880> I'm<02:08:55.119>
• adds five-year United States uh Bureau adds five-year United States uh Bureau of<02:24:54.560>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the if should be a fixed percentage based in the inflation index published by the United States Bureau
• Chair, recognizing that this takes a 60% vote of the legislative body, it's what the town wants.
• All those in favor of re-refer, say aye. Aye. All those opposed? The ayes have it.
• So I had a note that, at the request of the sponsor, he asked us to re-refer it.
• Right, so I'd be inclined to re-refer it and give him his courtesy re-referral.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , that in this proposed legislation, that in this proposed legislation, um,<00:20:59.600> it
• I'm the registration bureau I'm the registration bureau administrator.<00:46:22.160> We<00
• legislation.
• not through legislation. not through legislation. um<01:52:47.599> is<01:52:47.840> how
• I move inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 1551FN." "Inexpedient to legislate has been adopted.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My personal legislative aide is Julia Valdez.
• In particular, this bill, like other legislative structures.
• Cattle Growers urges you to pause on this legislation. Thank you.
• We do have several concerns regarding the legislation.
• I am so impressed with this legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe that you guys have lived up to the legislative.
• Megan, please give your legislative update. Good morning.
• Megan and her team are out tracking legislation, answering questions for legislators, and just making
• You know, the federal legislation is in place.
• So that's what I think Katty is referring to.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is LR 111, Bureau of Conveyances.
• <00:29:03.519> of $340 next is l&r 111 Bureau of $340 next is l&r 111 Bureau of conveyances
• So you're referring to the 56,000 acres.
• committee and the rest of the legislator committee and the rest of the legislator saw<02:43:57.880
• <03:36:45.359> um already funded legislative um already funded legislative um project<03:36

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• paperclip, uh that is the legislation paperclip, uh that is the legislation that<01:23:46.159>
• And what you're referring to is a little bit different.
• them to also use some of this work-release legislation that's out there.
• And it, legislation that's out there.
• So, that 6 million that you're referring<02:31:41.840> to, referring to, referring to, well,<02

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks present its FY27 budget request and discuss accomplishments from prior appropriations. The commissioner highlighted improved conservation officer retention after salary increases, continued training and wellness efforts, upgrades to state parks and cabins, expansion of tiny homes, fisheries stocking and youth fishing programs, ongoing chronic wasting disease testing, and the Museum of Natural Science’s recent accreditation. The agency said it wants to maintain parks and facilities so they do not deteriorate again, and it emphasized tourism and public access benefits. Budget staff then outlined the request: $21.7 million in general funds, including increases for state parks, the museum, law enforcement, and chronic wasting disease; $23.2 million in state support capital and education funds; and $86.99 million in special funds authority. Major capital requests included $18.8 million for state parks projects at several parks, $1.25 million for law enforcement facilities, $2 million for Lake Lamar Bruce improvements, and $1.125 million for mobile teaching vans. Members asked for more detail on general fund increases, proof that law enforcement salary enhancements reached field agents, more information on the tiny home program and its return on investment, the source of motor vehicle funds, and a breakdown of requested pins and vacancies. The committee also questioned the agency about chronic wasting disease, with the department saying the $400,000 request supports testing and research and that live testing is not yet reliable. Members raised concerns about prioritization of lake and park maintenance, especially Lake Claude Bennett, and whether the agency is too reactive rather than proactive in addressing deteriorating facilities. The department said funding limitations and federal restrictions on certain lake dollars drive its priorities, and that it focuses on the most-used parks and lakes. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there was another part of this legislation when it referred to PSAOs, and I think there's some confusion
• /c><01:38:12.000> PSAOs legislation when it referred to PSAOs legislation when it referred to
• this legislation is trying to achieve. this legislation is trying to achieve.
• <01:43:17.920> Got back into the legislation. Right. Got back into the legislation.
• Nottinger was referring to there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Raised on his dair family's Bureau.
• This legislation conveys 2025.
• this important legislation. this important legislation.
• This legislation would extend the Bureau of Reclamation's authority to carry out work on the project
• This legislation would extend<04:21:26.000> the<04:21:26.159> Bureau<04:21:26.399> of

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Protection Bureau Protection Bureau that<00:45:28.559> is<00:45:28.880> the<00:45:
• We also maintain a speaker bureau and event request form.
• As Sandra referred to, my vendors can charge me a credit card fee.
• As Sandra referred to, my vendors can charge me a credit card fee.
• As Sandra referred to, my vendors can charge me a credit card fee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all