Transcript Highlights:

• :07.720><c> Baka</c><00:32:08.120><c> museum</c><00:32:08.639><c> with</c><00:32:09.240><c> uh</c><00
• </c><00:32:15.279><c> time</c><00:32:15.480><c> it</c><00:32:15.639><c> was</c><00:32:16.200><c> um</
• </c><00:32:23.600><c> and</c><00:32:23.840><c> and</c><00:32:24.000><c> things</c><00:32:24.279><c> like
• and</c><00:32:25.320><c> so</c><00:32:25.679><c> as</c><00:32:25.799><c> you're</c><00:32:26.320><c>
• :36.760><c> of</c><00:32:36.919><c> its</c><00:32:37.120><c> own</c><00:32:37.399><c> little</c><00:32

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to save time for that chapter that everybody's most interested in.
• 1308 was moved to this Chapter 130104.
• Moved to this chapter 13-104.
• I present you with a chapter repeal, so all the content from this chapter, 13-01-1-17-201, has been moved
• Fate as a definition was moved from 13-01-17, the chapter that you just repealed.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee first heard Department of Fish and Game Rule Docket 13-0104-2401, a broad rewrite of licensing and tag rules that incorporated the new nonresident draw framework, moved several licensing provisions into one chapter, added or clarified definitions, and made other cleanup changes. The department also described changes to landowner appreciation and permission hunts, including adding turkey eligibility and a 79-acre minimum for certain landowner properties, clarifying disability certification, combining some deer tag quotas, changing controlled-hunt thresholds, and revising refund and exchange provisions. Members asked about nonresident disabled veteran tag allotments, the acreage standard, and the policy against selling landowner appreciation tags; the department said the tags are separate allotments, the acreage was chosen as a practical midpoint, and the commission does not allow monetization of wildlife tags. The committee ultimately adopted the docket, but struck Sections 700.02 and 800.02 concerning bighorn sheep auction and lottery hunt areas after a tied vote on an attempt to approve the rule without those exceptions. The committee then approved Docket 13-117-2401, a repeal of the bait-for-big-game chapter because its content had been moved into another chapter. After that, it took up Docket 13-0108-2401, the big game hunting rules, which included moving license and tag provisions out, adding a definition for a bow “verifier,” allowing electronic tagging in the future, updating muzzleloader sabots to match statute, creating a center-fire open-site season, removing some bow restrictions, revising motorized hunting rules, authorizing certain private-land predator hunting near feeding sites, adding herd-health kill authorizations, and moving the bait rules into this chapter. A major portion of the docket addressed advanced hunting technology restrictions for big game and wolves, including limits on thermal optics, night vision, drones, and transmitting trail cameras during certain dates, with exceptions for wolves and livestock protection. The department said the proposal came from a lengthy public process and was intended to protect fair chase while preserving wolf management tools and livestock protections. Public testimony on the technology docket was extensive and sharply divided. Supporters argued the restrictions were needed to preserve fair chase, prevent unfair advantages, and protect wildlife populations, while opponents said the rules would hinder wolf management, reduce the ability to find wounded or dead game, and conflict with Idaho law on wolf take methods. Several speakers emphasized the process used by Fish and Game and the need to keep hunting ethical and challenging; others said the proposal would make Idaho an outlier compared with neighboring states. Because of time limits and the volume of testimony, the committee did not vote on the technology docket and instead voted to hold Docket 13-0108-2401 in committee for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000><c> in</c><00:32:00.159><c> my</c><00:32:00.320><c> county</c><00:32:00.960><c> we</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:08.640><c> But</c><00:32:08.960><c> my</c><00:32:09.279><c> question</c><00:32:09.519><c>
• as a youth and<00:32:17.600><c> the</c><00:32:17.919><c> second</c><00:32:18.159><c> time</c><00:32:
• that<00:32:27.600><c> if</c><00:32:27.840><c> it's</c><00:32:28.080><c> if</c><00:32:28.320><c> it's<
• /c><00:32:28.640><c> charged</c><00:32:28.960><c> as</c><00:32:29.200><c> as</c><00:32:29.440><c> a</

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.600><c> leing</c><00:32:02.600><c> um</c><00:32:03.240><c> so</c><00:32:03.639><c> for</c><00:32:
• the</c><00:32:13.279><c> proposed</c><00:32:13.880><c> increased</c><00:32:14.440><c> would</c><00:32
• ><00:32:26.399><c> some</c><00:32:26.559><c> are</c><00:32:26.720><c> 125</c><00:32:27.360><c> some</
• to</c><00:32:28.880><c> make</c><00:32:29.080><c> those</c><00:32:29.240><c> all</c><00:32:29.440><c
• ><c> at</c><00:32:30.600><c> 200</c><00:32:31.600><c> um</c><00:32:31.880><c> for</c><00:32:32.159><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:03.080><c> boxes</c><00:32:03.480><c> the</c><00:32:03.679><c> norm</c><00:32:04.039><c> are</
• ><c> um</c><00:32:10.279><c> so</c><00:32:10.519><c> I</c><00:32:10.639><c> did</c><00:32:10.880><c>
• :32:15.639><c> on</c><00:32:15.880><c> to</c><00:32:16.039><c> find</c><00:32:16.240><c> out</c><00:32
• :16.960><c> use</c><00:32:17.600><c> because</c><00:32:17.919><c> I</c><00:32:18.200><c> am</c><00:32
• :21.679><c> it</c><00:32:21.880><c> too</c><00:32:22.279><c> heavy</c><00:32:23.279><c> um</c><00:32:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Six having voted in the affirmative, 32 in the negative, the amendment has not passed.
• Having voted in the affirmative, 32 in the negative, the amendment has not passed.
• It's General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 14, Subsection 7. And I know the...
• Chapter 30A, Section 14, Subsection 7.
• Five in the affirmative, 32 in the negative. The amendment fails.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students. A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted. The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• out more<00:32:01.519><c> often</c><00:32:02.399><c> or</c><00:32:02.639><c> even</c><00:32:03.159><
• yes</c><00:32:14.679><c> so</c><00:32:15.000><c> I</c><00:32:15.080><c> mean</c><00:32:15.799><c> we<
• c><00:32:25.519><c> because</c><00:32:25.720><c> we</c><00:32:25.799><c> have</c><00:32:25.919><c> a<
• ><c> and</c><00:32:30.440><c> so</c><00:32:30.880><c> even</c><00:32:31.200><c> that</c><00:32:31.440
• ><00:32:35.799><c> we</c><00:32:35.919><c> will</c><00:32:36.080><c> go</c><00:32:36.320><c> down</c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> chapter of her life. chapter of her life.
• :00.120><c> so</c><02:32:00.280><c> many</c><02:32:00.480><c> others,</c><02:32:00.720><c> but</c><02
• :32:00.920><c> the</c><02:32:01.040><c> two</c><02:32:01.200><c> of</c> you and so many others, but the
• <02:32:01.760><c> to</c><02:32:01.840><c> stand</c><02:32:02.120><c> in</c><02:32:02.200><c> that</c>
• <02:32:04.400><c> it's</c><02:32:04.560><c> hard</c><02:32:04.880><c> to</c><02:32:04.960><c> walk</c

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On<00:32:02.880><c> line</c><00:32:03.240><c> 462</c><00:32:04.600><c> is</c><00:32:05.000><c> Senate
• And<00:32:15.640><c> on</c><00:32:15.880><c> line</c><00:32:16.160><c> 468</c><00:32:17.200><c> is</c
• :27.160><c> one</c><00:32:27.400><c> time</c><00:32:27.920><c> in</c><00:32:28.480><c> the</c><00:32:
• That<00:32:32.160><c> is</c><00:32:32.280><c> the</c><00:32:32.400><c> end</c><00:32:32.640><c> of</c
• Next<00:32:34.880><c> is</c><00:32:35.040><c> the</c><00:32:35.200><c> Department</c><00:32:35.800><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, 32 states, the District of Columbia, and nine tribes have Title IV-E extended foster care.
• In the 32 states, the District of Columbia, and nine tribes that have Title IV-E extended foster care
• There are a few references in the securities chapter and in the banks and financial institutions chapter
• for penalizing or prosecuting a health care provider could address such a situation, referencing Chapter
• 41A, Professional Negligence, and Chapter 630, which is the chapter for physicians' licensure.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:03.399><c> then</c><00:32:03.480><c> it</c><00:32:03.559><c> goes</c><00:32:03.720><c> up</c><
• ><c> then</c><00:32:10.399><c> can</c><00:32:10.559><c> do</c><00:32:10.639><c> you</c><00:32:10.760>
• :32:17.039><c> next</c><00:32:17.279><c> question</c><00:32:17.519><c> will</c><00:32:17.679><c> be</
• I'll</c><00:32:18.039><c> throw</c><00:32:18.200><c> it</c><00:32:18.320><c> in</c><00:32:18.440><c>
• as</c><00:32:22.279><c> well</c><00:32:23.279><c> and</c><00:32:23.440><c> are</c><00:32:23.559><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400><c> um</c><01:32:00.760><c> if</c><01:32:00.960><c> you</c><01:32:01.440><c> wished</c><01:32
• you<01:32:07.760><c> are</c><01:32:08.000><c> presenting</c><01:32:08.760><c> to</c><01:32:08.960><c
• <c> we</c><01:32:26.360><c> had</c><01:32:26.480><c> a</c><01:32:26.960><c> more</c><01:32:27.239><c>
• have been<01:32:31.880><c> passed</c><01:32:32.280><c> by</c><01:32:32.520><c> this</c><01:32:33.080
• :32:37.119><c> um</c><01:32:38.080><c> also</c><01:32:38.480><c> make</c><01:32:38.679><c> the</c><01

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That number doubles to 32 days for students with disabilities and 34 days for Black students.
• That number doubles to 32 days for students with disabilities and 34 days for black students.
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seeks to amend Chapter 151C. 51C.
• It doubles that students risk of dropping out of school from 16% to 32%.
• This would amend Chapter 151C of our laws. Sure.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• hmsa</c><00:32:09.399><c> stands</c><00:32:09.679><c> on</c><00:32:09.840><c> our</c><00:32:10.000><
• :10.840><c> in</c><00:32:11.039><c> support</c><00:32:11.519><c> of</c><00:32:12.120><c> um</c><00:32
• <00:32:14.279><c> to</c><00:32:14.480><c> highlight</c><00:32:14.840><c> a</c><00:32:15.000><c> c</c>
• <00:32:25.240><c> um</c><00:32:25.360><c> and</c><00:32:25.480><c> removes</c><00:32:25.880><c> the</
• /c><00:32:32.600><c> gaps</c><00:32:32.840><c> in</c><00:32:33.120><c> care</c><00:32:33.840><c> um</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.519><c> in</c><00:32:00.799><c> in</c><00:32:00.960><c> getting</c><00:32:01.200><c> to</c><00:32
• the next<00:32:15.600><c> decade</c><00:32:16.559><c> and</c><00:32:16.720><c> I'll</c><00:32:16.960
• :32:27.240><c> I</c><00:32:27.279><c> mean</c><00:32:27.399><c> there</c><00:32:27.480><c> are</c> 10
• </c><00:32:32.639><c> um</c><00:32:33.279><c> that</c><00:32:34.279><c> um</c><00:32:35.279><c> if</c
• I see chapter 12 new chapter, so this is a new chapter.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:01.519><c> example,</c><00:32:02.000><c> if</c><00:32:02.320><c> the</c><00:32:02.799><c> if</c><
• ><c> you</c><00:32:12.960><c> can</c><00:32:13.039><c> do</c><00:32:13.120><c> the</c><00:32:13.360><
• > tax</c><00:32:14.880><c> effects</c><00:32:15.679><c> as</c><00:32:15.919><c> well</c><00:32:16.000
• Matt<00:32:49.360><c> Proberg</c><00:32:49.840><c> on</c><00:32:50.000><c> behalf</c><00:32:50.159><c
• <00:32:51.519><c> local</c><00:32:51.840><c> nonprofit</c><00:32:52.480><c> founded</c><00:32:52.799>

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:22.480><c> going</c><00:32:22.600><c> to</c><00:32:22.680><c> have</c><00:32:22.800><c> a</c
• We<00:32:34.600><c> seem</c><00:32:34.840><c> to</c><00:32:34.920><c> be</c><00:32:35.040><c> stuck</
• This bill<00:32:37.720><c> creates</c><00:32:38.200><c> a</c><00:32:38.280><c> new</c><00:32:38.560><
• ><c> who</c><00:32:42.480><c> are</c><00:32:42.760><c> already</c><00:32:43.280><c> taking</c><00:32:
• :45.080><c> be</c><00:32:45.360><c> able</c><00:32:45.840><c> to</c><00:32:46.040><c> take</c><00:32:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :49.600><c> that</c><00:32:49.840><c> is</c><00:32:50.000><c> requireed</c><00:32:50.320><c> sted</c>
• is requireed sted in this resolution.<00:32:52.000><c> Uh</c><00:32:52.399><c> we</c><00:32:52.640><
• c> do</c><00:32:52.799><c> want</c><00:32:52.880><c> to</c><00:32:52.960><c> go</c><00:32:53.120><c>
• :32:56.159><c> always</c><00:32:56.480><c> available</c><00:32:56.799><c> to</c><00:32:57.039><c> help
• <c> any</c><00:32:57.840><c> any</c><00:32:58.080><c> type</c><00:32:58.240><c> of</c><00:32:58.399><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held a resolutions hearing on April 1, 2025, and considered a series of measures largely focused on housing, domestic violence, corrections, Native Hawaiian issues, and public safety. Early items included HCR 158 HD1 and HR 153 HD1, which request a Judiciary-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions to increase housing supply; Hawaii Realtors testified in strong support, and there was no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 55 and HR 51 on studying the effectiveness of domestic violence, restraining order, and stalking laws. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said some requested data may exceed judicial authority but that useful Judiciary data exists, while the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the intent but urged broader, better-funded, survivor-inclusive analysis across all counties and islands. Members asked for clarification on the proposed draft, and the witness emphasized narrowing the scope, including stalking, and extending the timeline. The committee then took up HCR 23 HD1 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center. The Public Defender supported adding a courtroom but objected to language about transporting released detainees away from residential communities or public spaces as unconstitutional; the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the measure and said one multipurpose courtroom would be sufficient, and that most released inmates are picked up by family or programs, with others transported to a bus depot. HCR 174 HD1/HR 170 HD1, on in-school based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew strong support from Debt Free Justice Hawaii, which said the resolution was youth-led and could help replace fees and fines with community service and rehabilitation opportunities. HCR 185, on an audit of proposed mandatory health insurance coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practices, received comments from Pāpa Lokahi supporting the concept but warning that reimbursement issues are complex, that the community should restart broader conversations, and that the measure should not be rushed or unfunded; members questioned whether the resolution was the right vehicle and whether it could affect ACA implementation. Several Native Hawaiian and community measures were also heard. HCR 147/HR 147, creating a legislative working group on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands funding, had support from DHHL and the Democratic Party of Hawaii. HCR 193 HD1/HR 186 HD1, on transferring Native Hawaiian burial site management to OHA, was strongly supported by OHA, which also proposed adding recognized lineal and cultural descendants to the working group membership; the committee noted multiple supporting testimonies and no opposition on the House draft. HCR 8/HR 8, urging DOJ inclusion of Hawaii in the missing and murdered indigenous persons outreach program, was supported by OHA, which cited a task force report showing Native Hawaiian women and girls make up over 40% of missing persons cases despite being about 10% of the population. HCR 124 HD1/HR 120 HD1 on Hawaiian language resources had no testimony. HCR 180 HD1 on collaborative homelessness response drew comments from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions and three support testimonies. HCR 72/HR 65 on county ethics standards also drew support only. HCR 100/HR 96 on competency in LGBTQ+ and culturally specific gender identity training received support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, which stressed the need for training that reflects Native Hawaiian and other Polynesian understandings such as mahu and fa’afafine. The committee continued with additional measures that were mostly noncontroversial. HCR 30/AHR 29 on enforcement against out-of-state vehicles had support from the Department of Transportation. HCR 43 HD1, studying highway patrol and speed cameras, had one opposition testimony. HCR 119 HD1/HR 115 HD1, endorsing Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, was supported by DBEDT. HCR 62 HD1 and HR 57, on flying the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia flag year-round at the Capitol, had no testimony, though DBEDT supported the related measure. Throughout the hearing, members generally asked few questions, and the transcript reflects testimony, comments, and stated positions rather than any final committee votes or deferred actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.880><c> which</c><00:32:11.120><c> if</c><00:32:11.279><c> you</c><00:32:11.440><c> do</c><00:32:
• /c><00:32:13.279><c> have</c><00:32:13.840><c> they</c><00:32:14.080><c> claimed</c><00:32:14.399><c>
• job years.<00:32:20.159><c> They</c><00:32:20.399><c> seem</c><00:32:20.559><c> to</c><00:32:20.640><
• It's<00:32:24.480><c> still</c><00:32:24.799><c> $7</c><00:32:25.039><c> billion</c><00:32:25.679><c>
• 32:03.920><c> on</c><02:32:04.160><c> pages</c><02:32:04.880><c> 278</c><02:32:05.600><c> to</c><02:32

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:04.639><c> out</c><00:32:04.960><c> something</c><00:32:05.240><c> else</c><00:32:05.519><c
• very concerned<00:32:08.039><c> about</c><00:32:08.320><c> freedom</c><00:32:08.679><c> of</c><00:32
• Nazis</c><00:32:15.519><c> want</c><00:32:15.720><c> to</c><00:32:15.880><c> march</c><00:32:16.240><
• to march in skoki I<00:32:17.480><c> I</c><00:32:17.720><c> also</c><00:32:18.000><c> think</c><00:32
• 32:25.360><c> they</c><00:32:25.519><c> have</c><00:32:25.679><c> the</c><00:32:25.840><c> right</c><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.