Video & Transcript Research : 'interchange fees'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House OKs omnibus commerce bill that includes cryptocurrency kiosk ban 4/23/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, these machines are widely used to scam people and they charge high fees and lack transparency.
  • , if you will, an expiration fee.
  • There'd be no reason to have a $500 fee to let your scrap license expire.
  • He is a scrap metal. expiration fee. That's no difference if expiration fee.
  • He asked about a provision from a couple of years ago that has a $500 expiration fee, license fee, and
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: House File 4188, the commerce omnibus policy bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure covering several areas: a statewide ban on crypto ATMs/kiosks beginning August 1, 2026; new recordkeeping and complaint-handling requirements; student loan borrower protections; restrictions on deceptive insurance advertising and insurance lead generators; bullion dealer jurisdiction clarifications; appraisal and appraisal management reporting requirements; scrap metal transaction tracking; collection agency clarifications; and unclaimed property improvements. The bill author said the overall goal was to address real consumer harm, especially scams and transparency issues. Representative O'Driscoll urged adoption of the A3 amendment, explaining that it removed tax provisions that had come late in the process and could be handled in the tax bill instead. The amendment was adopted without objection. During floor debate on the bill, Representative Roach opposed the crypto kiosk ban, saying the state could regulate fraud without eliminating the machines entirely. Representative O'Driscoll defended the ban as necessary to protect older and vulnerable Minnesotans from scam tactics, and Representative McDonald raised concerns about a separate scrap metal licensing provision and a $500 late fee, which Representative Holland said had been recommended by the Department of Commerce. After discussion, the bill author reiterated support for the measure and thanked committee and staff members. The House then took a roll call vote and passed House File 4188 as amended by a vote of 122-12, with its title agreed to.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:46:32.880> 481415 E consent decree fines and fees 481415 E consent decree fines and fees
  • Provider fee.
  • This amount shall be from training fees. This amount shall be from training fees.
  • <04:44:38.240> and<04:44:38.400> credit fulfillment fees and credit fulfillment fees
  • An and mechanic certification fees.
Keywords: 981, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

JLCAR Administrative Rules (06/19/2026)

Transcript Highlights:
  • the fee. the fee.
  • The utility sets the fee and they have a responsibility to make sure that every utility has a fee set
  • no authority to set the fees. no authority to set the fees.
  • not the fees. not the fees.
  • That's the utility has a fee set.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The meeting began with quorum and seating issues, including the temporary appointment of Representative Shaw to fill in for a House member, followed by approval of the previous minutes and the consent calendar. Two items were then postponed to next month: Mechanical Licensing Board item 25-241 and Board of Veterinarian item 25-223. The committee then took up Department of Energy rulemaking on distributed energy resources interconnection procedures, including items 25-220 and related sections on fees, additional controls, and equipment. The Department explained revised language to address concerns that the original draft improperly suggested agency or PUC approval of utility fees; under the amended language, utilities would set fees designed to recover costs, with complaints handled through existing complaint procedures. Committee members and the Department discussed the statutory basis for that approach, including cost responsibility versus fee-setting authority. Public testimony was mixed. A small solar developer argued the rules still exceed statutory authority, impose unfair costs on customer generators, and allow utilities to shift transmission-related study costs onto interconnecting customers. Clean energy advocates supported the Department’s revised language but asked for clearer limits on charging customers for later-added controls, arguing costs should be tied directly to the customer’s interconnection and not to later utility-driven changes. Eversource supported the revised fee language, said most prior concerns were resolved, and recommended conditional approval, while also suggesting a minor wording change in the “Additional Equipment” section to clarify that only operational performance is covered.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It—the fee prescribed here...
  • , they cannot charge a towing fee until they pay another fee for an outside vendor to come in. >> It's
  • fee to send certified mail.
  • fees.
  • There is a fee for that, but it's a discounted fee that they get because they request so many of these
WV

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

WV Senate Government Organization Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:03 am

Government Organization

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill establishes the biennial fee at $50 while the annual fee remains $25.
  • The bill sets biennial fees at $1,000 while the annual fee remains $500 for limited liability partnerships
  • The bill establishes the biennial fee at $50 while the annual fee remains $25.
  • Sets biennial fees at $1,000 while the annual fee remains $500 for limited liability partnerships.
  • The bill deletes the prohibition precluding fee increases for license and stamp fees based on increases
Keywords: 994, senate, all
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Local and County Government Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Local and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I never needed to implement a fee. It didn't cost me anything.
  • But I am really having heartburn with the fee. Treasurers also have fees.
  • So I definitely question the fee, especially if this fee is.
  • And then we're going to take a fee off.
  • That's the reason for the fee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • While counties are required to submit fee schedules biannually, the law does not clearly specify how
  • The current law regarding fee schedules for attorneys who accept these court appointments is. unclear
  • asked them to submit their family protection representation fee schedules. fee schedules do not match
  • This bill simply creates narrowly tailored rules for fee schedules and child protection cases.
  • Some language that we did have in there that got removed we were asking for expert witness fees.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Finance (04/15/2025)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then also we'll go over fees.
  • spending can be reduced by 9% and fees spending can be reduced by 9% and fees can<00:07:55.840><
  • fees.
  • mathematical formulas to calculate fees. mathematical formulas to calculate fees.
  • charging for fees? charging for fees?
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-24-26)

Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:02:07.119> The<00:02:07.360> Kentucky<00:02:07.759> fee and fees threshold
  • The Kentucky fee and fees threshold.
  • So, um, that points and fee standards.
  • , a maximum fee of 3% on transactions.
  • like to have a set fee a maximum fee of like to have a set fee a maximum fee of 3%<00:13:32.079>
Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 157, which would align Kentucky’s mortgage loan fee rules with federal standards by exempting certain first and second mortgages from the state’s total net income cap when they meet federal points-and-fees thresholds. The sponsor and Rocket Mortgage testified that the bill would make it easier for borrowers to buy down mortgage interest rates with discount points, helping affordability without changing borrower costs, while preserving the existing 4% cap for loans outside the federal standard. Members discussed how rate buydowns work in practice, and the bill passed with a favorable expression after a roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 189, as amended by a committee substitute, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for virtual currency kiosks, or crypto ATMs, in Kentucky. The sponsor described widespread scam losses tied to these kiosks, especially among older adults, and said the bill would add consumer protections such as licensing, financial safeguards, transaction limits, refund or hold requirements, disclosures, receipts, and enforcement authority for the Department of Financial Institutions. He also said the substitute was based on other states’ models and that further changes might be needed, including possible floor amendments. AARP Kentucky testified in support of regulating crypto kiosks but said the committee substitute weakened consumer protections and urged stronger safeguards, including lower transaction limits, fee caps, identity verification, receipts, and scam warnings. AARP representatives cited data on scam complaints and losses in Kentucky and nationally, and said the point of transfer is the best place to prevent harm. Committee members generally agreed the issue was consumer protection, but one senator cautioned against overregulating personal financial choices and noted that scams exist in many forms. The discussion ended with acknowledgment that the bill would continue to be refined, including in coordination with the House and stakeholder groups.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • For example, there's a fee for a standard residential property, and then there's also a standard fee
  • For example, there's a fee for a standard residential property, and then there's also a standard fee
  • For example, there's a fee for a standard residential property, and then there's also a standard fee
  • For example, there's a fee for a standard residential property, and then there's also a standard fee
  • And yes, there are fees.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 387, which would amend MSD governance and spending rules in Louisville. The sponsor said the bill was intended to add oversight and accountability in response to large MSD rate increases, though the original rate-approval provision had been removed because of concerns about contracts and bond ratings in Oldham and Bullitt counties. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott testified that MSD is a public utility serving more than 800,000 people through wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services, and argued that most rate pressure comes from federal and state mandates tied to a consent decree and other orders. He said MSD already provides annual notice and bond approvals through Metro Council, offers customer assistance programs, and needs flexibility for advertising, public notices, recruitment, and compliance. Members discussed stormwater funding, aging infrastructure, flood control, and the bill’s limits on advertising and other expenditures. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 22, as substituted, which expressed support for exploring nuclear energy and included language noting Kentucky’s ability to use nuclear waste, uranium tailings, and spent fuel in ways described by the sponsor as cleaner. Supporters said Kentucky faces an energy shortage and that nuclear, including small modular reactors, should be part of the state’s future energy mix. Some members said they would support the resolution but wanted a feasibility study or noted that it does not carry the force of law. The resolution passed. Finally, the committee began House Bill 519, sponsored by Representative Fugate, which would prevent utility companies from passing demolition costs for retired coal-fired or fossil-fuel plants on to ratepayers. The sponsor cited sharply rising electricity bills in eastern Kentucky, the decline in coal employment, and the burden of demolition costs from the Big Sandy plant being placed on customers. He argued that utilities should absorb those costs rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The bill was introduced with a motion and second, and the committee was preparing to hear further questions and testimony when the transcript ended.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES Jun 15th, 2026

ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislation required that applicants for registration pay a fee, and the fee wasn't designated in
  • Yes, it's the initial registration fee of $35, which is the same fee that medication assistance certified
  • It's the initial registration fee of $35, which is the same fee that medication assistance certified
  • The fee structure remained largely the same. It's the same similar fees.
  • The promoters still pay the same fees for their promoter's license and for the event fee.
Keywords: 1204, all
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 04/15/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , transportation fees, expert witness fees, all of which are to charge our constituents more, we're actually
  • OF CHARGES AND FEES IN THEIR UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE TO BE APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
  • >> AND THROUGH YOU, MADAM PRESIDENT, WHAT ABOUT THE ATTORNEYS FEES?
  • And then the bank imposes all of these fees.
  • But I don't have the money for the fees as well, so you're just tacking them on top.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We recognize that there are challenges around the state, the SRA fee, both administratively and from
  • Ten percent of the fees have essentially gone to administering the fees.
  • So people are going to get double-charged, and that was a main issue with this fee in the first place
  • Reinstating this fee will cost California.
  • We do not believe the state has or can satisfy its constitutional burden of proving that the fee does
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 22nd, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We recognize that there are challenges around the state, the SRA fee, both administratively and from
  • essentially gone to administering the fees.
  • So people are going to get double-charged, and that was a main issue with this fee.
  • Reinstating this fee will cost California.
  • Our opposition remains the same as it was when the fire fee originally came about, and I'll just keep
Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-04-02

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next, we have our grain license fees.
  • Thus, we are requesting increased fees.
  • This is not a small bump to license fees; it's a huge increase.
  • So the answer is that the $500 fee would be per location.
  • They're paying the $350 fee, and even if we don't go and inspect.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 13, 2025 @ 10:15 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • the power purchase charges and reserve fees net of any applicable taxes and fees.
  • and a separate definition of Reserve fee and a separate definition of Revenue<01:30:04.119> which
  • charges and Reserve fees net of any<01:30:08.239> applicable<01:30:08.719> taxes<01:30
  • :09.040> and<01:30:09.440> fees<01:30:10.440> we're any applicable taxes and fees
  • we're any applicable taxes and fees we're going<01:30:10.679> to<01:30:10.840> clarify
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're encouraged about brokers' fees being banned, but want to continue to see other junk fees being
  • late fees, renewal fees, to pay online when there is no other option.
  • There's a number of different kind of startup fees that are allowed in addition to the broker fee, so
  • broker's fee doesn't quite cover that.
  • We also support the real estate transfer fee. We strongly support that fee.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners. Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction. Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes. Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • So if we don't deliver them to them, there is no fee. If they come get their carts, there's no fee.
  • There's no fee. There's no fee. If they come get their carts, there's no fee.
  • And the fee, if there is a fee for delivering these to the businesses, it's simply trying to recover
  • , but there are landing fees.
  • Paid all my fees, went home.
Keywords: 1182, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

PBS Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • in there from Louisiana about the fee in there from Louisiana about the fee fee<00:27:22.400>
  • The fee cap has been adjudicated that the fee cap under state law is preempted by federal law.
  • c> the fee cap concept?
  • Fee caps, as a the fee cap concept?
  • <00:30:58.480> Under fees are not allowed. Period. Under fees are not allowed. Period.
Bills: SB3240
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • increase to all fees.
  • We try not to increase our fees.
  • We increased them in 2024, very targetedly, a very handful of fees, but really our fees hadn't increased
  • Hopefully these fees pass. We're kind of in that bind.
  • There were fee increases for application and licensing and renewal fees, and that fee increase was directly
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.