Transcript Highlights:

• Deed fraud and title theft cost Texans thousands upon thousands of dollars to clear their title, and
• An important feature of this bill will be that deed fraud will have its own category for trespassing
• It's not only the deed fraud that occurs to initially steal the property, but later—and this happens
• If I steal Representative DeRazio's property via deed fraud, that is one felony.
• I've heard from witnesses that have said, 'Yeah, I was really angry that they stole my house via deed

Bills: HB8 , HB12 , SB 3 , HJR1 , SB 11 , SB 16 , SB 14 , HB8 , HB 12 , SB3 , HJR1 , SB11 , SB16 , SB14

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, Senate Bill 1254 prohibits a deed or conveyance of real property from being accepted
• One of the questions I had for you is: what will happen to the cities when somebody deeded them, did
• And at that point, it becomes a recorded deed, and then it goes right back to the property owner.
• of those quarter of a million recorded deeds have just the grantor, which is unfortunate.
• It just tightens up our ship for deed fraud.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard a series of bills, many dealing with cryptocurrency and tax administration. SB 1042 would allow certain state retirement and treasury funds to invest up to 10% in virtual currency; SB 1043 would let state agencies accept cryptocurrency payments; SB 1044 and SCR 1003 would exempt virtual currency from property tax, with SB 1044 contingent on voter approval of the referral. All four measures advanced on 4-3 votes, with Democratic members largely opposing them as risky, speculative, and favoring wealthy crypto interests. The committee also considered SB 1221, which would require the Department of Revenue to notify legislative tax chairs before adopting a new tax interpretation or application that would adversely affect taxpayers and to testify if a hearing is held. Supporters framed it as transparency and good governance, while opponents worried about added red tape and administrative burden. The bill passed 4-3. Another major item, SB 1142, would opt Arizona into a new federal scholarship tax credit program administered through certified scholarship-granting organizations; supporters said it would expand scholarship opportunities for public, charter, private, and homeschool students, while opponents argued it would deepen inequities, lack accountability, and divert resources from public schools. That bill also passed 4-3. A lengthy discussion followed on the Department of Revenue’s press release about tax conformity and the governor’s executive order. DOR explained that the forms were issued assuming conformity with federal changes, including the standard deduction and certain below-the-line adjustments, and said taxpayers generally should file on time but may need amended returns if the Legislature later changes the law. Members pressed DOR on the cost and clarity of the guidance, with estimates that widespread amendments could cost the department about $20 million. Finally, the committee heard SB 1254, which would require both grantor and grantee signatures on real property conveyances before recording; county assessors said it would reduce deed-fraud risk and fix recording gaps. County officials from Maricopa and Mohave supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Deeds. Here. Representative Fleming. Here. Representative Freeland. Here.
• Representative Deeds. Yes. Representative Fleming. Yes. Representative Freeland. Yes.
• Representative<00:09:01.560><c> Deeds.</c><00:09:02.240><c> Yes.</c> Representative Deeds. Yes.
• Representative Deeds. Yes. Representative<00:09:04.200><c> Fleming.</c> Representative Fleming.

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• back to was deed back to was deed back to me."
• Because when they deeded the property Because when they deeded the property Because when they deeded
• it process in mind before they deed it process in mind before they deed it back.
• So I whatever entity deed the back. So I whatever entity deed the back.
• But once the city deed house to house. But once the city deed house to house.

Bills: HB 200 , HB 541 , HB 1803 , HB 30 , HB 175 , HB 249 , HB 721 , HB 851 , HB 897 , HB 1128 , HB 1904 , HB 1916 , HB 5560 , HB 3071 , HB 5627 , HB 5435 , HB 3913 , HB 2921 , HB 2695 , HB 2688 , HB 3045 , HB 3483 , HB 3673 , HB 4213 , HB 4226 , HB 783 , HB 4373 , HB 4735 , HB 5155 , HB 5057 , HB 4984 , HB 4944 , HB 4813 , HB 5339 , HB 5196 , HB 5033 , HB 4853 , HB 3486 , HB 4211 , HB 74 , HB 4670 , HB 4730 , HB 4743 , HB 4603 , HB 4463 , HB 3892 , HB 4139 , HB 4752 , HB 4520 , HB 4517 , HB 4486 , HB 4437 , HB 4426 , HB 4396 , HB 4263 , HB 3487 , HB 3418 , HB 2284 , HB 2266 , HB 2229 , HB 4912 , HB 2189 , HB 4506 , HB 5269 , HB 5224 , HB 5195 , HB 3317 , HB 4166 , HB 3947 , HB 3358 , HB 3370 , HB 4438 , HB 3745 , HB 3602 , HB 3697 , HB 2001 , HB 1968 , HB 3371 , HB 3909 , HCR 7 , SB 1744 , SB 1364 , SB 1316 , HB 2026 , HB 3302 , HB 3368 , HB 1639 , HB 5652 , HB 4655 , HB 5654 , HB 5658 , HB 5656 , HB 4894 , HB 4996 , HB 5088 , HB 5650 , HB 4464 , HB 3751 , HB 5665 , HB 5661 , HB 1237 , HB 2802 , HB 5437 , HB 2703 , HB 5666 , HB 5667 , HCR 113 , HCR 86 , SB 2196 , SB 463 , SB 856 , SB 1245 , SB 1169 , SB 509 , SB 985 , SB 305 , SB 552 , HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 1804 , HB 426 , HB 1773 , HB 1871 , HB 2035 , HB 2492 , HB 1411 , HB 4753 , HB 4666 , HB 4529 , HB 1499 , HB 1610 , HB 2028 , HB 1506 , HB 886 , HB 3546 , HB 796 , HB 223 , HB 3556 , HB 2448 , HB 4638 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2071 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 1813 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3531 , HB 1768 , HB 333 , HB 2914 , HB 2613 , HB 3717 , HB 3704 , HB 2697 , HB 3801 , HB 3099 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HB 200 , HB 541 , HB 1803 , HB 30 , HB 175 , HB 249 , HB 721 , HB 851 , HB 897 , HB 1128 , HB 1904 , HB 1916 , HB 5560 , HB 3071 , HB 5627 , HB 5435 , HB 3913 , HB 2921 , HB 2695 , HB 2688 , HB 3045 , HB 3483 , HB 3673 , HB 4213 , HB 4226 , HB 783 , HB 4373 , HB 4735 , HB 5155 , HB 5057 , HB 4984 , HB 4944 , HB 4813 , HB 5339 , HB 5196 , HB 5033 , HB 4853 , HB 3486 , HB 4211 , HB 74 , HB 4670 , HB 4730 , HB 4743 , HB 4603 , HB 4463 , HB 3892 , HB 4139 , HB 4752 , HB 4520 , HB 4517 , HB 4486 , HB 4437 , HB 4426 , HB 4396 , HB 4263 , HB 3487 , HB 3418 , HB 2284 , HB 2266 , HB 2229 , HB 4912 , HB 2189 , HB 4506 , HB 5269 , HB 5224 , HB 5195 , HB 3317 , HB 4166 , HB 3947 , HB 3358 , HB 3370 , HB 4438 , HB 3745 , HB 3602 , HB 3697 , HB 2001 , HB 1968 , HB 3371 , HB 3909 , HCR 98 , HCR 92 , HCR 126 , HCR 7

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know there were some years, but here's the deed right here... ...when my father's brother died
• I don't know if my dad gave it to his brother or what, but this is the deed that they paid for their
• It has a ledger in it; there's every payment that they made marked off, and this is the deed.
• It's the deed to their property, and yeah, so that's what happened.
• I wasn't notified until January of 2025 that my grandparents had a deed for this land.

Committees: All JBC-CLAIMS , All JBC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 1792, number five on the calendar for the day, an act relating to contracts for deed, the
• the day, an act relating to contacts for the day, an act relating to contacts for<00:44:00.000><c> deed
• </c><00:44:02.240><c> I</c> for deed, the first engrossment. I for deed, the first engrossment.
• to address predatory practices by some investors and speculators against deed purchasers.
• sales. one being sales made by for deed sales. one being sales made by a<00:45:06.400><c> state</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• Was the UTSMAN because of the deed?
• That would be an expenditure of the deed budget, that's correct, Representative Hansen. real time of
• </c><00:09:28.800><c> um</c> because of the deed um because of the deed um that<00:09:30.040><c> would
• </c> that would be a expenditure of the deed that would be a expenditure of the deed budget<00:09:32.800
• and have a conversation about at deed and have a conversation about whatever<00:17:31.000><c> their<

Summary: The committee heard extended discussion on House File 8, a bill aimed at changing Minnesota’s permitting and environmental review process. Supporters said the bill is intended to help small and medium-sized businesses and projects that face long delays, and argued that the proposal does not lower environmental standards. They described the bill as modeled in part on provisions used in other states, including a staggered permitting process and an expedited option, and said the goal is to improve transparency, reporting, and real-time public access to permit information. Members raised concerns about whether the bill could also benefit large corporations and major industrial projects, including mining and other large facilities, rather than just smaller businesses. Several lawmakers questioned the use of county-based public input, the lack of tribal consultation, and how the bill would interact with treaty rights and communities outside the affected county. Others argued that the bill could create risks by speeding permits for bad actors or by allowing larger entities to pay for expedited treatment. Testimony also referenced examples from the Minnesota Chamber’s report, with a witness disputing the claim that permitting alone drove companies out of Minnesota and saying those cases involved more complex facts. The committee first considered a motion to lay the bill on the table, but that motion failed on a 5-7 roll call. The committee then voted on a motion to re-refer House File 8, as amended, to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. That motion passed 7-5, and the bill was sent on to that committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, Article 4 in here deals with transfer on death deeds.
• Finally, Article 4 in here deals with transfer on death deeds.
• 4 in here deals with transfer<00:24:24.000><c> on</c><00:24:24.320><c> death</c><00:24:24.520><c> Deeds
• </c><00:24:25.000><c> this</c><00:24:25.080><c> was</c> transfer on death Deeds this was transfer on
• um I have to apologize uh death Deeds um I have to apologize uh Senator<00:27:18.120><c> Limer</c><00

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Later, David said he wanted her off the deed. He knew something was wrong.
• or a deed that is executed under a forged power of attorney.
• or a deed executed under a forged power of attorney.
• or a deed executed under a forged power of attorney.
• Forged deed. Yes. Known as a diverse possession? Forged deed. Yes. Senator Kavanaugh, aye.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then heard a long series of bills, mostly from Senators Hoffman, Fernandez, and Bolick. Early action included SB 1436 on school bond/override ballot language, which passed 4-3 after brief debate over ballot length and transparency. SB 1568, requiring election systems to keep clocks within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor, was amended and passed 4-3 despite concerns about machine failures and the breadth of the penalty. SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting voter registrations while assisting confined voters, also passed 4-3 after testimony from county officials and a deputy registrar describing alleged misuse of SEBs. SB 1746, requiring schools to serve as polling places and closing schools on regular primary/general election days for staff training, passed 4-3 over objections about school autonomy and safety. SB 1295, allowing certain incarcerated people needing long-term care or treatment to be transferred to contracted medical institutions, passed unanimously after an amendment narrowing the medical eligibility language. The committee then took up SB 1067, a county blight/abatement bill allowing property tax bills to include assessments for removing rubbish, debris, and dilapidated structures; county officials from Gila and Pima Counties strongly supported it, and it passed 7-0. SB 1285, which would have repealed kratom protections and added kratom and its alkaloids to the narcotic-drug list, drew strong opposition from industry and a pharmacist and failed 3-4 after debate over safety, regulation, and criminal penalties. SB 1413, removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death caused by a moving violation, passed after a short explanation that it was intended to conform statutes to a prior Arizona Supreme Court ruling. SB 1476, making prenatal exposure to dangerous or narcotic drugs and fetal alcohol syndrome a class six felony child neglect offense with an affirmative defense for mothers who completed treatment, drew emotional testimony from a foster/adoptive parent and opposition from reproductive justice and criminal defense advocates; it passed 4-2. Later, SB 1585, creating standards and funding mechanisms for sex offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraphs, passed 4-2 after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents questioned the added surcharge and appropriation. SB 1662, requiring probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to risk and needs, passed 5-0 with support from justice reform advocates and defense attorneys. SB 1664, adjusting constable nomination signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima Counties, passed unanimously after county association support. The committee then began SB 1666 on in-state custodial interference, with the sponsor and a supporter describing repeated violations of custody orders and arguing for a tiered civil-penalty-to-felony structure; the transcript ends during questioning on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:39.200><c> Is</c> And I believe that came from deed.
• Is And I believe that came from deed. Is that<00:12:39.519><c> correct?
• My name is Devin Bowry, government relations director at DEED.
• DEED could speak about that. Any other follow-ups?
• Devon Bowry, government relations director at DEED.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the concern that I think was expressed last week was confusion over the word deed, or as deeded to
• And so we change the word deeded to owned. Rep. Wilson, please proceed.
• And so we change the word deeded to owned. Any other questions?

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The Commerce Committee met in executive session with a quorum present and considered three measures. House Bill 3308 was amended with a committee substitute and a further amendment changing language from “deeded” to “owned” in a provision related to approved development plans; the committee then adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass unanimously. House Bill 3080, dealing with historic tax credits, was also amended via committee substitute to restore credits for projects already underway after a Supreme Court decision affected the prior law; the committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass by an 8-0 vote with one member present. The committee then took up House Bill 2366, which was described as the “illegal immigrant employee” bill, along with House Bill 2511, which was rolled into the same substitute. The committee substitute made several changes, including replacing “should have known” language with a constructive knowledge standard, requiring cooperation with the attorney general, adding sworn affidavit/perjury provisions, allowing E-Verify as an affirmative defense, limiting suspensions to state licenses and permits after injunction, increasing monetary penalties, authorizing the AG to suspend and punish upon a guilty finding, and granting immunity to contractors who report illegal operators in good faith. After adopting the substitute, the committee voted the combined substitute for House Bills 2366 and 2511 do pass unanimously, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the concern that I think was expressed last week was confusion over the word deeded, or as deeded
• And so we change the word deeded to owned. Rep. Wilson, please proceed.
• And so we change the word deeded to owned. Any other questions?

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of deeds have have not accepted them. of deeds have have not accepted them.
• Oh, I'm Registry of Deeds or the office.
• </c> saying um the registry of deeds saying um the registry of deeds association<01:31:11.920><c> does
• </c> to the deeds to the deeds association<01:32:38.400><c> any</c><01:32:38.800><c> questions</c><01
• </c><01:53:55.679><c> who</c> represents uh New Hampshire deeds who represents uh New Hampshire deeds

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• Too often, it seems that while we're not looking, evil snatches one of us to do its deeds.
• Too often, it seems that while we're not looking, evil snatches one of us to do its deeds.
• Too often, it seems that while we're not looking, evil snatches one of us to do its deeds.
• Too often, it seems that while we're not looking, evil snatches one of us to do its deeds.
• TO DO ITS DEEDS.

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior journal, and processed several messages from the Assembly, including motions to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills for Assembly bills on the calendars. The chamber also reconsidered and restored Senate Print 1788, an act amending the Real Property Tax Law, to the third reading calendar. The Rules Committee reported Senate Print 10324, the state budget appropriations bill, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the message of necessity and laid the bill aside before taking it up on the controversial calendar as a budget extender. A lengthy debate followed on the budget extender, with Senator O’Mara and others criticizing the continued delay in finalizing the state budget, the lack of public details, and the absence of a schedule for joint budget committee meetings. Senator Serrano responded that the extender was necessary to keep state government operating while final budget negotiations continued, but could not provide specifics on policy items such as Tier 6 pension changes, New York City aid, local government support, or school aid. The extender was ultimately passed 56-2, with Senators Rhoads and Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted several previously adopted resolutions, including a memorial resolution for former Congressman Eliot Engel and a resolution marking the fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting in Buffalo. The Buffalo resolution prompted extensive remarks from multiple senators about racism, gun violence, community trauma, and the need for policy responses; it was adopted with broad support. The chamber also passed a series of bills on the third reading calendar covering highway, municipal, environmental, banking, veterans, education, public health, and public service matters, with most passing overwhelmingly and a few drawing minority opposition. Notable floor debate occurred on a study bill regarding battery energy storage systems, where senators raised concerns about fire safety and siting; the bill passed 45-13. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bant. >> Yes. >> Representative Callaway. >> I. >> Representative Klein. >> Yes. >> Representative Deeds
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:09:25.040><c> Deeds,</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Deeds, &gt;&gt; Representative
• Deeds, &gt;&gt; yes.
• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:19:31.840><c> Deeds.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative Deeds.
• &gt;&gt; Representative Deeds. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.

Committee: House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Property Transfer on Death Deed Property Transfer on Death Deed Establishment<01:39:34.639><c> favorable
• documents for the TOD deed; five, exemption of the TOD deed from recordation taxes and transfer fees
• The bill applies to a Todd deed bill.
• </c><01:40:26.960><c> that</c> provides that a Todd deed that provides that a Todd deed that designates
• And if the indicated on the Todd deed.

Transcript Highlights:

• whenever the deed was given to me by one of my cousins at his father's funeral.
• I did not know that this deed even existed until January of 2025.
• I did not know until my uncle died in January of 2025 and my cousin gave me the deed to the land.
• For some reason, my uncle had the deed to the land in his possession.
• I have the deed right here. And what county is it located in? Do you know? Crittenden? Okay.

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictions on such property. deed restriction program to allocate deed restriction program to allocate
• So we respectfully suggest that the deed restriction be amortized over 10 years, but are also open to
• So we respectfully suggest that the deed restriction be amortized over 10 years, but are also open to
• So we respectfully suggest that the deed restriction be amortized over 10 years, but are also open to
• program, so the counties actually own those deed restrictions.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Deeds? No. Senator Deeds? No. Senator Fuller? No. Senator Fuller? Senator Garcia?
• Senator Deeds. Yea. Senator Deeds. Senator Fuller.
• Senator Deeds. Yeah. Senator Deeds. Senator Fuller. Senator Deeds? Yeah. Senator Deeds. Yay.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh there was a request from DEED to make some changes to the CAN train program to make grants only
• </c><00:03:57.160><c> to</c><00:03:57.440><c> make</c> there was a request from deed to make there was
• a request from deed to make some<00:03:58.360><c> changes</c><00:03:58.840><c> to</c><00:03:58.960><
• The A27 members consists of five requests from DEED for extensions of 2023 appropriations.
• The A27 consists of five requests from DEED for extensions of 2023 appropriations.