Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:07.080> States<00:18:07.400> and levels all across the United States and levels
• all across the United States and in<00:18:07.679> our<00:18:07.919> territories<00:18:
• c><00:18:36.799> the that's going to do for all all the that's going to do for all all the United
• > and<00:18:37.520> our<00:18:37.640> state<00:18:38.120> territories United
• States and our state territories United States and our state territories and<00:18:39.240> our

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• What unites them and makes them special is their unwavering commitment and their tireless dedication

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum of 98 members present, and granted leave for Representative Jack Ladyman. The chamber approved dispensing with the previous day’s journal and received committee reports from Joint Budget on several appropriations bills, along with an executive communication from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders noting approval of House Bill 1001 as Act 2. The Speaker also recognized several guests, including law enforcement personnel, physicians, a nurse, STEM students, line workers, and Council of State Governments visitors. The main business was the budget calendar. The House adopted amendments to House Bills 1018, 1023, 1036, 1041, 1055, 1068, and 1077, covering items such as title changes for East Arkansas College, DHS resource reallocations, Nursing Board positions, Capitol Police positions for the Winthrop Rockefeller building, transfer of the early childhood nutrition program to the Department of Agriculture, DFA position changes and the Rural Health Transformation Program, and DHS county office staffing reductions. The chamber then sent the amendments to engrossing. Members passed House Bill 1060, the State Library appropriation, by 77 yeas, 15 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 5, the Tobacco Settlement Commission appropriation, by 90 yeas, 5 nays, and 3 present; Senate Bill 13, the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission appropriation, by 98 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; Senate Bill 39, the Arkansas State University appropriation, by 97 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 present; and Senate Bill 56, the Auditor of State continuing education appropriation for local offices, by 81 yeas, 14 nays, and 3 present. The Speaker announced the House was ahead of schedule and moved next week’s floor schedule from Tuesday-Thursday to Monday-Wednesday, with a likely Monday start time around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. The House then adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can turn the page down and discuss later why they have to leave our United States to find talent
• Why is it that we can't produce that kind of talent right here in the United States?
• a slightly higher bar to ensure that all of the espionage that continues to promulgate our entire United
• States, or continues to proliferate our entire United States, all the things that are happening out
• Please help us protect the United States.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• And whereas the United States ranks among the worst countries globally for human trafficking, and whereas
• leaders, educators, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement, and businesses to unite
• leaders, educators, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, law enforcement, and businesses to unite
• raise your hand, the honor to have Lieutenant Colonel retired John David DeVall, currently with the United

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from January 21, 2026. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize guests and groups in the gallery, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an anti-human-trafficking proclamation for Not in Our State, an active-duty Air Force apprentice from Davis-Monthan, Space Force and aerospace guests, and Special Olympics Arizona. Senator Bolick’s proclamation emphasized Arizona’s commitment to combating human trafficking and invited members to an upcoming event. Senator Tothley delivered a somber statement about the death of eight-year-old Malika, Molly Boone, in his community and criticized delays in the Turquoise Alert system. He urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and more broadly, and the Senate observed a moment of silence in her memory. The President Pro Tem expressed condolences and said he would continue working on solutions. The chamber then moved through the day’s legislative calendar, reading a long list of bills and resolutions for second reading and introducing several new bills for first reading and committee referral, including measures on election procedures, voting security, prison sentencing, water supply, unemployment benefits, health care, and appropriations. A nomination to the Arizona Board of Regents was also read by name only. Committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings, and the Senate adjourned on motion until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States.
• I pledge the allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it
• The national anthem will be performed by retired United States Navy Petty Officer, First Class, Genarald
• gallery, you'll see we have representatives from the Fort Littlewood chapter of the Association of the United
• , you'll see we have representatives from the Fort Leonard Wood chapter of the Association of the United

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Gracious God, at this new dawn, as this new dawn breaks, unite us in purpose, inspire us with courage
• GRACIOUS GOD, AT THIS NEW DAWN, AS THIS NEW DAWN BREAKS, UNITE US IN PURPOSE, INSPIRE US WITH COURAGE
• Clear-eyed about the work ahead, and united in our responsibility to deliver, because New York and New

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and briefly closed out the 2025 legislative session by adopting a concurrent resolution on adjournment. The chamber then reopened for the 2026 session with a quorum present, a prayer by Bishop Mark O’Connell, and opening remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, Minority Leader Rob Ortt, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. The remarks focused on the responsibilities of the new session, the need to listen to constituents, and broad priorities such as affordability, public safety, rights protections, and working across party lines. Governor Kathy Hochul’s message requesting the Senate’s presence for the 2026 State of the State address was read and filed. In their remarks, Ortt emphasized affordability, keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets, energy choices, and public safety, while Stewart-Cousins highlighted rising costs for housing, groceries, utilities, health care, and child care, along with defending voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. Both leaders said their conferences were prepared to work with each other and with the Governor. The Senate then adopted two organizational resolutions: one appointing Senators Bynoe and Chan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to proceed, and another appointing Senators Ryan and Wildcat to inform the Assembly that the Senate was assembled and ready to proceed. No substantive legislation was debated, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, January 12, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead us in the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• number four by Hunter relates to the composition of the districts for the election of members of the United
• The approval tax rate for certain taxing units refers to the Committee on Ways and Means.
• requirements regarding notice for certain property tax-related information to be provided by the taxing units

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• America declared, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that they would be known as the United
• And the United States of America was not.
• The United States became a beacon of hope for people in subjugation throughout the world.
• Although after almost 250 years, the ideas of liberty and justice for all are far from. perfected, the United
• I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexican cartels and other foreign terrorist organizations heavily rely on smuggled firearms from the United
• , Tobacco, and Firearms, approximately 68% of weapons recovered in Mexico were traced back to the United
• However, the relationship between the United States and Mexico is still evolving.
• I'm the elected district attorney in the 452nd judicial district and chair of the border prosecution unit
• One of the biggest exporters of weapons to Mexico was the United States, and you hear that from the Mexican

Bills: SB36, SB2202

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard Senator Birdwell present SB 2202, which would create a state offense for knowingly transferring a firearm for profit or other remuneration to a member of a foreign terrorist organization. Birdwell argued the bill responds to cartel violence and southbound gun trafficking, and he explained a committee substitute that removed an exemption for federally licensed gun dealers and removed a requirement that DPS coordinate with Mexican law enforcement. He said the goal was to give Texas a state-level tool if federal enforcement is lacking. Invited testimony came from DPS Colonel Freeman Martin and border prosecution unit chair Tanya Ash. Both said the bill could be useful in some organized-crime and cartel cases, but they emphasized that proving a defendant knowingly transferred a gun to a foreign terrorist organization would be difficult and would usually require strong direct or circumstantial evidence, such as recorded statements, informants, or coordinated investigations. They said the measure would be more workable in complex cartel cases than in routine patrol stops, and they noted existing state and federal tools already address straw purchases, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Members also discussed tracing seized firearms, cooperation with ATF, and the limits of state jurisdiction over international issues. No public testimony was offered, and SB 2202 was left pending. The committee then took up SB 36 as pending business. A committee substitute was adopted without objection, and the substitute bill was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 4-0 vote, with Senators Birdwell, Flores, Hinojosa of Hidalgo, Eckhardt, and Hinojosa of Nueces participating. The committee also accepted a motion in writing and ordered the bill recommended for local and uncontested calendar placement. The chair then announced the committee would recess subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags.
• To the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under
• Salute, I honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to the United States of America, and to the Texas
• to announce that the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is one of only 174 members of commerce in the United
• United States of America.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• America IED Alle to the flag of the America IED Alle to the flag of the United<00:04:50.520> States
• 00:04:52.160> and<00:04:52.320> to<00:04:52.560> the<00:04:52.759> rep United
• States of America and to the rep United States of America and to the rep for<00:04:53.759> it

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House was called to order by the Secretary of State at noon for the opening of the session, with remarks welcoming both returning and newly elected members and emphasizing the significance of their service to Minnesota. Representative-elect Peggy Scott was appointed Clerk Pro Tem. Pastor Ben Mayatt of Watermark Church in Stillwater, identified as the son-in-law of Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, delivered the opening prayer. His prayer asked for blessings on members, their families, and staff, and stressed unity, wisdom, discernment, mercy, and truth as the House begins its work. After the prayer, members and guests stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and then were seated. No bills were debated and no votes were taken in this portion of the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have to provide units at a range of AMI levels.
• They have to provide units at a range of AMI levels.
• They have to provide units at a range of AMI levels.
• United States, we've actually United States, we've actually um<01:55:47.199> created<01:55
• may be used to pay the fee for each unit may be used to pay the fee for each unit owner<02:51:04.960

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• members and guests are asked to remain standing and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the United
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• officer, Brigadier General Cornell's work has been cited in legal opinions for the President of the United
• I, Lisa Field, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States.
• multiple tours of service and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and dedication to the United

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading. Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted. The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to including the illegal conversions of dwelling units
• Every unit I have, you take $12 or $15 for every unit, besides all the other charges.
• With regard to the units that you have and that you manage and your experience, you, as I understand
• With regard to the units that you have and that you manage and your experience, you, as I understand
• There are expenses outside of the unit itself and the electricity that the landlord will have to absorb

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee met on February 25 and took up a series of housing-related bills, many of which had previously passed the Senate or been reported by the committee in prior sessions. Measures advanced included bills on NYCHA utility accountability, a small rental housing development initiative, uniform waiting list priorities for domestic violence survivors, protections for dependent children named in eviction papers, expansion of veterans’ housing preferences, inclusion of illegal conversions in the definition of harassment, repeal of obsolete rent formula language, inspection of major capital improvement rent increases and rent stabilization extensions, a community land trust acquisition fund, and an affordable independent senior housing assistance program. Most were reported to finance, Codes, or the floor, typically with some minority negative or “without recommendation” votes noted. The committee then returned to Senate Bill 6718B, sponsored by Senator Jackson, which would eliminate certain surcharges landlords may charge when tenants install appliances in rent-regulated housing. A guest speaker, Mr. Umberto Lopez, argued the bill would further squeeze landlords, especially small property owners, and warned that rising costs and regulation could lead to more units being taken off the market or “warehoused.” Committee members asked about the bill’s practical effect, including whether tenants could install appliances only with landlord approval and how current surcharge amounts are calculated for air conditioners, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. The chair explained that the bill would remove the ability to charge those existing fees, which are intended to cover wear and tear and utility-related costs. After the discussion, the committee voted to report S6718B, with minority negative votes recorded. The chair also noted an upcoming housing budget hearing later that day and repeatedly emphasized time limits during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• is certified to a new US standard that has recently come out for these systems called UL3700 from United
• I'm the Minnesota state director for Solar United Neighbors, and we work nationally and here in Minnesota
• They've got something like 4 million units installed.
• They've got something like 4 million units installed.
• They've got something like 4 million units installed.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an announcement and support event for a Minnesota plug-in solar bill led by Rep. Larry Craft and Sen. Rob Coop. Craft described plug-in solar as a way to expand access to affordable solar for renters, people with shaded or unsuitable roofs, and others who cannot install traditional rooftop systems. He said the bill would define plug-in solar devices as up to 1,200 watts, allow storage, require certification to UL 3700 safety standards, and exempt these devices from utility interconnection agreements and submetering requirements. Sen. Coop said he was excited to sign on after hearing from a constituent interested in deck solar and after learning Craft already had a bill. He framed the proposal as both an affordability measure and a way to democratize solar access, especially for lower-income households and apartment residents. Supporters including Bobby King of Solar United Neighbors and Patty O'Keefe of Vote Solar said interest in plug-in solar is statewide, the policy would lower barriers and energy bills, and the systems are simple, safe, and well-suited to small spaces like balconies, decks, patios, and yards. John Gouki, an electrician from Duluth, submitted a statement supporting the bill on safety and resilience grounds, saying 1,200 watts is a safe limit for UL-listed plug-in solar and that the systems can provide backup power while reducing grid consumption. Craft and Coop also pointed to examples from other places, including Utah and Germany, as evidence that the technology is already spreading. The event ended with expressions of support and enthusiasm for moving the bill forward; no vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not of this committee, but a procedural commentary about the United States Senate and prescription drug
• committee, except for the one I spoke about that's an FDC study, but out of three other committees in the United
• to take legislation up that will get prescription drug prices down, doesn't seem to come up in the United
• When I came to the United States Senate we used to start at 10 on Monday and go to 4 on Friday.
• Martin, who wants to be the chief prosecutor for the United States Department of Justice in Washington

Bills: SB1040, SB1041, SB1095, SB1096, SB1097, SB527

Keywords: drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay

Summary: The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• that... ...item on their budget because it would come out of the penalty being paid to the taxing unit
• And there's some confusion in some taxing units because they merged the penalty into the amount of tax
• you incur sending it by certified mail should be put as a... ...item on your budget so the taxing units
• A line item in the appraisal district budget so the taxing units are seeing that this is what it's costing
• It is what the certified mail is costing the taxing unit that comes out of the penalty they collect,

Bills: SB 1079, SB 1243, SB 1504, SB 1579, SB 1708, SB 1844, SB 1851, SB 1879, SB 1921, SB 1951, SB 2237, SB 2238, SB 2406, SB 2407

Keywords: SB 1079, Texas, county government, commissioners court, Local Government Code, Chapter 263, surplus property, salvage property, data storage device, hard drive, electronic media, digital records, confidential information, protected information, privacy, records retention, information security, data destruction, device disposal, sensitive data

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government was marked by significant discussions on multiple bills aimed at enhancing governance and protecting taxpayer interests. Among the notable legislations was SB1951, where Senator Paxton emphasized reforms to reduce erroneous penalty notices imposed by appraisal districts, eliminating the financial incentive for such penalties. The session concluded with public testimonies that highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in taxpayer dealings. Additionally, Senator Middleton presented SB1504 and SB2237, focusing on the operational frameworks of local authorities and executive severance payments, respectively, both of which sparked considerable debate among committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• to exercise The Authority Rights unit to exercise The Authority that<04:11:16.479> had<04:11:
• and shortly after doing so we unit and shortly after doing so we issued<04:11:25.359> protocols
• We have an investigator that's split between our unit and the election law unit, so we have some support
• <04:27:21.000> States rights organization in the United States rights organization in the
• during my tenure as civil rights unit during my tenure as chair<04:34:15.719> of<04:34:15.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, which Rep. Jim Kofalt said is the same language as last year’s HB 396, vetoed by the governor. He described the bill as allowing, but not requiring, separation by biological sex in three areas: bathrooms and locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions. Kofalt argued the bill would give local school boards and other policymakers discretion to set practical rules, citing concerns about safety, privacy, and a Milford incident involving a biological male in girls’ locker rooms. Committee members pressed him on the lack of a definition of “biological sex,” and he said he did not think one was necessary because males and females are commonly understood. He also said the bill was meant to address situations where outside groups threaten lawsuits and leave local boards with no latitude. Testimony then split sharply. Supporters, including Executive Counselor Karen Hill and several others, said HB 148 would roll back anti-discrimination protections, contradict New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” values, and harm transgender and non-binary people. Opponents described the bill as discriminatory and unnecessary, arguing that existing bathroom and sports policies already work and that the bill would invite harassment, invasive enforcement, and legal conflict. Several speakers, including trans residents and parents of trans children, said they had used public restrooms without incident and warned that enforcement would be impractical or abusive. One supporter argued the bill was needed to protect girls’ privacy and safety and cited school sports disputes and a concern about a sex offender at a game as examples of why sex-segregated rules should be restored. Committee members asked questions about how biological sex would be defined, whether the bill was responding to real incidents in New Hampshire, and how any restrictions would be enforced. Kofalt said he was aware of issues in several school districts and at the State House, but did not have detailed documentation for every case. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided; the chair instead moved through public testimony under a strict two-minute limit and noted that follow-up questions would be limited so the committee could hear multiple bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Higden continued that the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Law Unit reviews enacted legislation to
• <00:56:34.799> States any interview with the United States any interview with the United States
• <01:22:31.639> Nations action that's why the United Nations action that's why the United Nations
• under the First Amendment of the United under the First Amendment of the United States<02:02:55.239
• community i i as a citizen of the United community i i as a citizen of the United States<02:38:09.120

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cases have been lost over technical issues like a rent roll showing 11 units instead of 12 units or omission
• <00:27:27.120> or showing 11 units instead of 12 units or showing 11 units instead of 12 units
• Thor said, just because you got it wrong and it was an 11-unit building, not a 12-unit building, there
• got it wrong and it was an 11 unit got it wrong and it was an 11 unit building,<00:59:37.520>
• ,<00:59:39.040> there building, not a 12 unit building, there building, not a 12 unit building

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID