Video & Transcript Research : 'firearm'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention 3/2/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • firearm death and injury prevention. firearm death and injury prevention.
  • HF 3883 takes a public... attempts involving firearms. I cannot attempts involving firearms.
  • c> homicide<00:19:45.520> and But although US firearm homicide and But although US firearm
  • , recognize that death by firearm, recognize that death by firearm, homicide<00:25:07.200> or<
  • legal strategies targeting firearm legal strategies targeting firearm manufacturers<00:27:19.360
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The committee heard House File 3668, authored by Chair Beerman, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Beerman and several supporters framed gun violence as a public health crisis, arguing the office would improve research, coordination, data collection, and evidence-based prevention. Supporters cited firearm deaths among children and adults, the trauma experienced by survivors and families, and Minnesota’s need for a centralized structure to guide policy and prevention efforts. Testifying in support were representatives of the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, a parent affected by the Annunciation school shooting, family physicians, an OB-GYN, and a pediatric emergency physician. They described gun violence as a daily clinical and community reality, pointed to rising firearm deaths and injuries, and said Minnesota should apply the same public health approach used for motor vehicle safety, tobacco, and other crises. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children, suicide prevention, maternal health, and the need for Minnesota-specific research and coordinated responses. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to advance gun control policy and treat lawful firearm ownership as a public health problem. The group said the state should focus instead on enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. Vice Chair Nidau offered an A2 amendment to move the office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing and accountability, but withdrew it after discussion with Chair Beerman. The hearing ended with additional member discussion, including concerns about existing violence-prevention spending and whether school safety investments would be a better use of funds; no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 12, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the ATF classifies it as a firearm. the ATF classifies it as a firearm.
  • firearm excise tax. firearm excise tax.
  • . firearm. firearm.
  • firearms. It is not. firearms. It is not.
  • Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary (03/24/2026)

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • This, the act of displaying a firearm This, the act of displaying a firearm shall<00:30:54.320><
  • a gun or you know showed their firearm. a gun or you know showed their firearm.
  • <00:52:22.079> up would ever would take your firearm up would ever would take your firearm
  • , when you display a firearm, when you display a firearm, I<00:52:42.960> don't<00:52:43.200
  • > 280 lb, and they display the firearm and 280 lb, and they display the firearm and I'm<00:56:32.799>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Mar 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • RESTRICTIONS ON FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION DURING EMERGENCY. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU.
  • OR MARKETING OF THE FIREARMS DURING THAT, WHICH THAT CREATES A LOT OF CONFUSION.
  • WHAT WAS THE JUSTIFICATION THAT THE CITY OFFICIALS GAVE WHEN THEY PROHIBITED THE PURCHASE OF FIREARMS
  • I'M ALWAYS BRING MY FIREARMS WITH ME BECAUSE MY FIRST RESPONSIBILITY AS A FATHER AND A HUSBAND IS TO
  • THEY ARE DOING IT AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT YOU CANNOT PURCHASE A FIREARM OR GUN.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/04/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • out when they purchase a firearm. out when they purchase a firearm.
  • return of the firearm property. return of the firearm property.
  • of firearms. of firearms.
  • . firearms. firearms.
  • return firearms. return firearms.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • firearm to perpetrate their school shooting?
  • There is a growing interest. in these firearms.
  • Even in the event that that firearm is not registered.
  • Enabling the prohibition of short-barrel firearms.
  • It says that it requires that when a short barrel firearm is sold, it must be through a licensed firearm
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • It says that an agency having custody of a firearm shall not retain the firearm for official use or transfer
  • <00:03:24.200> be who has requested that the firearm be who has requested that the firearm
  • /c><00:03:44.560> retain custody of a firearm shall not retain custody of a firearm shall not
  • would have the option of getting their firearm back.
  • option of getting their firearm back the option of getting their firearm back the<00:06:37.960> the
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, would require destruction of firearms used in homicides and allow destruction of certain defaced, hazardous, unsafe, or owner-requested firearms, while prohibiting agencies from intentionally damaging firearms before transfer and requiring written agency policies. Senator Tichenor asked about lost auction revenue; KSP said it could not track homicide weapons separately, that auctions bring in about $1.2 million annually, and that most proceeds support Kentucky Homeland Security. Senators Boswell and others said they generally oppose destroying firearms but supported moving the bill forward; the bill passed favorably with no nays. House Bill 191, sponsored by Representative Aaron Thompson and presented with state and veterans’ officials, would align Kentucky law with federal changes to allow additional burials in state veteran cemeteries for certain National Guard and Reserve veterans, their spouses, and dependents who were not previously eligible. Testimony explained the bill would cover veterans who served in reserve components without Title 10 activation, including those who assisted during floods, fires, and tornadoes, and clarified eligibility rules for spouses and children. Senators asked about minimum service and dependent eligibility, and the committee passed the bill favorably and unanimously. Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senator David Yates, addressed protection of veterans’ benefits by regulating third-party claims consultants. The committee adopted a substitute adding definitions and accreditation-related provisions, and Yates said the bill was intended to curb abusive fee practices and direct penalties to the special license plate fund for veterans. He explained the bill’s fee limits, including a cap tied to three times the monthly increase in benefits and an overall ceiling, while senators questioned whether the cap might discourage good actors and how the dollar limits would work. A veteran witness, Bob Casher, supported the bill and urged more public information on free claims assistance; the committee held further action while allowing guest comments, and the discussion focused on balancing consumer protection with access to legitimate consultants.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • compliance with the federal law under the National Firearms Act.
  • Compliance with the National Firearms Act requires registration with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
  • Short-barreled firearms are not prohibited.
  • Senate Bill 1596 addresses this by removing a short-barreled firearm. firearm from the list of prohibited
  • Short-barreled firearms are strictly regulated by federal law.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Consumer and Public Affairs Feb 4th, 2025

House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and there should be when there are criminals who have firearms.
  • stolen from a truck, a legal firearm.
  • My firearm never jumped up and did anything to anyone.
  • TV, anything on that keeps you from getting a firearm.
  • So, criminal misuse of firearms remains illegal.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/07/2025)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • the firearms anyway.
  • or possess a firearm.
  • or possess a firearm.
  • and they get those person has firearms and they get those Firearms<05:56:16.080> safely<05:56
  • will help them and get those Firearms will help them and get those Firearms out<05:57:10.718>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/26/2025)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • I open the executive session on House Bill 9, relating to mental health firearms, and I recognize myself
  • The judge will just advise someone who has been so restricted that they have to dispose of their firearms
  • I open the executive session on House Bill 9, relating to mental health firearms, and I recognize myself
  • The judge will just advise someone who has been so restricted that they have to dispose of their firearms
  • so that the difference wanning Firearms so that the difference between<00:12:13.560> a<00:12:
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 017 Feb 2nd, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • temporarily had their firearms removed. temporarily had their firearms removed.
  • She told us that that individual had 22 She told us that that individual had 22 firearms. firearms. firearms
  • to store people's firearms. to store people's firearms.
  • are due to firearms. are due to firearms.
  • Firearms.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The Senate opened with the pledge, approved the January 30, 2026 journal, and then proceeded out of order for several personal privileges and resolutions. Members welcomed delegates from Poland and noted the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 001, which approves the water project revolving fund eligibility list administered by the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority. Sponsors explained that the resolution only establishes project eligibility and does not itself set funding amounts. The resolution passed 32-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate next considered Senate Joint Resolution 006, a lengthy measure affirming civil rights and dignity for immigrant Coloradans and calling for transparent, accountable federal immigration enforcement. The resolution urged an end to anonymous enforcement tactics, protection of access to schools, health care, courthouses, and other public spaces, and broader federal immigration reform. Senator Weissman moved a technical amendment correcting a reference from ICE to CBP in one example; the amendment was adopted 32-0. Debate featured personal stories from supporters about immigrant family histories and service, while the Minority Leader said he appreciated the sponsors’ engagement but could not support the resolution as drafted, though he agreed with much of its intent and called for more constructive dialogue. The resolution passed 20-12, and several senators were added as co-sponsors. After the resolutions, the Senate moved into the Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 10, concerning clarification of definitions used in the taxation of agricultural property, was adopted on second reading and reported out favorably. The chamber then began consideration of Senate Bill 4, concerning who may petition a court for an extreme risk protection order, with the sponsor noting two technical amendments had been added to improve the language. The committee report on that bill was adopted, and the bill was moved forward on second reading.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • If we acknowledge that they have the right to own a firearm, then why are we denying them the ability
  • already legally allowed to own a firearm already legally allowed to own a firearm are<00:03:24.720
  • “The act of carrying a firearm is covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment.
  • <00:07:41.520> is adults the act of carrying of firearm is adults the act of carrying of firearm
  • <00:07:54.840> for to carry a concealed firearm for to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • It doesn't only include firearms.
  • I was taught firearm safety.
  • And children getting access to firearms.
  • With the right of being a firearms owner comes responsibilities.
  • . firearms. firearms.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 1st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and firearm accessories for various state law enforcement agencies and departments.
  • Taxpayer funds are used to purchase more firearms than any other purchaser in America.
  • dealers who have violated firearm laws and regulations meant to protect the public.
  • We have pride ourselves on safety for 150 years with firearms here in California.
  • We have pride ourselves on safety for 150 years with firearms here in California.
Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/07/2025)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • case and the need to remove firearms case and the need to remove firearms from<02:21:08.000>
  • the firearms anyway?
  • or possess a firearm.
  • and they get those person has firearms and they get those Firearms<05:56:16.080> safely<05:56
  • 09.200> every<06:25:09.440> 3 firearm one suicide by firearm every 3 firearm one suicide
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/16/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • identify a particular type of firearm identify a particular type of firearm that<00:34:43.360>
  • <00:42:35.680> with<00:42:35.800> this any firearm with this any firearm with this
  • . firearms.
  • You're creating more people who will be charged... firearms. firearms.
  • manufacturer's firearm. manufacturer's firearm.
Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 01/21/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is a question about some firearms that, when they're purchased, already contain a firearm safety
  • There are some firearms that, when they're purchased, already contain a firearm safety device within
  • There are some firearms that, when they're purchased, already contain a firearm safety device within
  • , and it’s not about firearms.
  • say that in information about firearm say that in information about firearm sales<00:43:47.559><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/27/25

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • help them find out whether the firearm had been stolen or whether the firearm had been involved in other
  • <03:16:02.920> if an abandoned or discarded firearm if an abandoned or discarded firearm if
  • solve gun crimes and prevent firearm solve gun crimes and prevent firearm trafficking<03:19:10.560
  • in them and uh so there's a lot firearms in them and uh so there's a lot of<03:24:43.960> firearms
  • casings or they would submit the firearm casings or they would submit the firearm and<03:29:48.439
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • This measure prohibits a person from lending a firearm to a person who does not have a firearm permit
  • is House Bill 150 relating to Firearms is House Bill 150 relating to Firearms this<00:17:24.360>
  • As an instructor, firearms instructors borrow firearms all the time.
  • um firearm Firearms instructor um firearm instructors<00:28:06.519> uh<00:28:07.519> borrow
  • 57.080> firearms<00:28:57.640> because have uh firearms because have uh firearms because
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.