Transcript Highlights:

• :28.200> a<01:42:28.280> time<01:42:28.840> in<01:42:29.000> order<01:42:
• <01:42:32.840> that<01:42:33.120> is<01:42:33.240> before<01:42:33.680> us
• > the<01:42:36.760> next<01:42:37.200> set<01:42:37.400> of<01:42:37.480>
• >> The<02:42:11.360> secretary<02:42:11.840> will<02:42:11.960> take<02:42
• But,<03:42:56.920> I<03:42:57.000> don't<03:42:57.280> think<03:42:57.520> it

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received the House message on Senate File 4807 concerning benefits for veterans of the secret war in Laos, and voted not to concur in the House amendments, appointing a three-member conference committee. The chamber also received a batch of House files, laid several of them on the table, and adopted committee reports and other routine motions. Senate Resolution 84 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Murphy designated special orders for immediate consideration. The main floor debate centered on Senate File 4059, the supplemental finance omnibus bill. Senators described the bill as a slim, supplemental budget focused on urgent affordability needs, including $52 million for state grants in higher education, $15 million for LIHEAP, school district compensatory revenue adjustments, support for public television stations facing federal cuts, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and consumer restitution for scam victims. The Jobs article was presented first, with roughly $4.9 million in Workforce Development Fund appropriations for workforce and job-training programs, including support for rural oncologist training, homelessness-related employment programs, youth training, local news talent development, transportation-related employment assistance, and manufacturing support. Several amendments were offered and debated. Senator Farnsworth offered the A14 amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners, but withdrew it after being told it would unbalance the bill and after receiving a commitment to continue working on the issue in conference committee. Senator Draheim offered the A18 amendment to redirect Cookie Cart funding to rural hospital maternity training grants; after debate, the Senate rejected the amendment by a roll call vote of 32 ayes and 34 nays. The discussion emphasized competing priorities between youth workforce programs and rural health care needs. The Senate then moved into Article 1 on K-12 education, where Senator Kunesh outlined provisions including anti-grooming language, a district health insurance reporting requirement, extension of a gender-neutral bathroom grant, compensatory hold-harmless aid, operating capital flexibility, literacy aid hold harmless language, and several cost-neutral district fund transfers. Senator Nelson offered the A29 amendment to require school sports teams and participants be designated by biological sex at birth; debate on that amendment began near the end of the transcript, but no final vote was shown before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, section 42 adds language to the statutory section on the classification of state personnel to provide
• And then entering into section<00:20:28.559> 42<00:20:29.039> of<00:20:29.280> the
• 42 of the bill as passed by the section 42 of the bill as passed by the house,<00:20:31.360> uh
• So, section 42 adds language preference.
• So, section 42 adds language to<00:21:01.919> the<00:21:02.080> statutory<00:21:02.640>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> language<00:42:07.000> I<00:42:07.079> think<00:42:07.240> I'm<00:42:07.359>
• 10.359> I<00:42:10.480> hope<00:42:10.680> my<00:42:10.839> facial<00:42:
• ><00:42:12.440> room<00:42:12.680> weren't<00:42:12.960> weren't<00:42:13.240>
• :17.079> yes<00:42:17.280> they<00:42:17.400> were<00:42:18.160> um<00:42
• was 2016<00:42:25.359> we<00:42:25.520> did<00:42:25.680> work<00:42:26.000>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this<00:42:00.240> reconstruction<00:42:00.800> is<00:42:01.040> vital<00:42
• Um, as the<00:42:04.880> absence<00:42:05.200> of<00:42:05.359> a<00:42:05.520><
• > an<00:42:28.000> urban<00:42:28.160> section<00:42:28.680> roadway 13th
• Street to an urban section roadway 13th Street to an urban section roadway with<00:42:29.920> curbs
• ,<00:42:30.319> gutters,<00:42:30.720> and<00:42:30.880> storm<00:42:31.200>

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:42:04.480> come<00:42:04.640> back<00:42:04.800> to<00:42:04.960>
• And we had<00:42:11.520> to<00:42:11.680> make<00:42:11.920> the<00:42:12.960>
• :42:15.200> choose<00:42:15.440> whether<00:42:15.599> or<00:42:15.680> not
• :21.440> or<00:42:21.599> not<00:42:21.680> we<00:42:21.839> could<00:42:
• <00:42:22.960> Because<00:42:23.119> when<00:42:23.359> you're<00:42:23.440>

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> you<00:42:00.080> have<00:42:00.240> a<00:42:00.320> third<00:42
• And<00:42:04.480> you<00:42:04.560> need<00:42:04.760> to<00:42:04.840> make<
• 42:10.480> could<00:42:10.720> create<00:42:11.080> that<00:42:11.280> whole<
• > I<00:42:26.320> think<00:42:26.560> I'd<00:42:26.680> like<00:42:26.840
• too<00:42:28.400> that<00:42:28.640> the<00:42:28.760> fact<00:42:29.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:02.000> or<00:42:02.160> more<00:42:02.319> letters<00:42:02.720> going
• <00:42:03.520> 2023<00:42:04.960> saying<00:42:05.200> that<00:42:05.760>
• <00:42:21.040> uh<00:42:21.280> back<00:42:21.599> in<00:42:22.079> 2015<
• 00:42:40.000> section provider.
• So in accordance with section 2.1<00:42:41.200> of<00:42:41.920> the<00:42:42.240> services

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Kentucky Office of the Attorney General 00:01:18 LTS Kentucky Managed Technical Services LLC 00:13:41 Kentucky Wired Operations Company 00:34:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its May 21 and June 10 meetings, then heard testimony from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General on the effect of HB 314 on the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) board. The Attorney General’s representative said HB 314 changed KCNA’s structure and staffing, but did not alter the statutory duties of the board, which still include developing and implementing strategic plans, providing policy direction, monitoring results, and approving fiscal planning. He argued the board is not merely advisory, has operational and budget authority, and that actions taken outside board approval could be ultra vires and without effect. He also noted the board historically approved settlements and contracts, including matters involving Open Fiber, and said the removal of the executive director position reduced direct personnel control but did not eliminate the board’s broader oversight. The committee then heard from representatives of Kentucky Managed Technical Services/LTS, who described a dispute over the Kentucky Wired network refresh and service-provider transition. They said the project agreement required a market test and acceptance of a proposal for both the network refresh and service-provider role, but that their proposals were rejected and the refresh work was later treated by the parties as a change order issue. They said some equipment worth about $3 million had been delivered, transferred, and paid for, while roughly $7 million in additional equipment was canceled by LTS but reportedly shipped to a KCNA warehouse and not paid for. They also said no refresh installation work has been performed, that they continue providing network maintenance to avoid service disruption, but believe the contract has expired and that there is no current agreement for ongoing service-provider work. Committee members asked whether actions taken without board approval would be invalid, whether the board could alter or terminate contractor arrangements, whether the bond disclosures suggesting a successful contract extension were accurate, and what equipment had been purchased or remained in storage. LTS representatives said they would follow up with the committee on the financial delta between the contracted rate and the month-to-month billing they say has been in effect since the contract expired, and on an inventory of in-service equipment and end-of-life dates. They said they want a commercial resolution, but if no resolution is reached soon they may pursue the formal contractual dispute process, and identified September 1 as their stated target date for resolving the matter and completing the refresh.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:25.160> registered<00:42:25.559> office<00:42:25.760> in<00:42:25.839
• <00:42:33.960> a<00:42:34.079> lot<00:42:34.200> of<00:42:34.319> work
• home<00:42:35.240> businesses<00:42:35.680> that<00:42:35.839> don't<00:42:
• 00:42:37.520> office<00:42:37.920> that<00:42:38.119> the<00:42:38.319> it's<
• required<00:42:58.440> to<00:42:58.559> have<00:42:58.680> a<00:42:58.800> a

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up several bills and repeatedly chose to retain or table them rather than advance them. House 167, dealing with past wax, was voted ought to pass; House 312 was retained because members said NCAA-related advertising and uniform policy issues were still unresolved; House 434, requiring insurers to provide rental cars for at least seven days, was voted inexpedient to legislate; and House 454, on biodegradable packaging claims, was also voted inexpedient to legislate after members said the proposal lacked a workable enforcement mechanism and would likely be only a symbolic state-by-state measure. House 721, making gold legal tender, was retained, with members saying the bill needed more work and that the issue was less compelling in New Hampshire because the state has no sales tax. The committee then discussed House 310, which was amended to create a study commission on blockchain and related regulatory issues. The amendment expanded the commission’s charge to include legal, regulatory, financial, technological, and environmental considerations, added review of federal developments, included blockchain-based trust and stable token issues, broadened membership, and extended the repeal and report dates by a year. Members said the commission would help New Hampshire develop expertise and a report for future legislation, while also noting that federal action could affect the state’s role. The amendment was adopted 8-1, and the bill itself was then retained. Finally, the subcommittee heard a revised amendment to House 406 on business filings and registered agents. The Secretary of State’s office explained that the amendment, drafted with input from the Business and Industry Association, narrows the bill to address fraudulent or unauthorized entity filings after a written complaint and sworn statement, sets minimum requirements for registered agents, bars use of commercial mail-drop addresses as registered offices, and allows removal or cancellation of fraudulent filings with penalties for false filings. Members asked about which entities must maintain registered offices and how the rules would affect home-based businesses; the sponsor said most New Hampshire business entities must have a registered office, with some exceptions such as domestic nonprofits and trade names. The discussion emphasized concerns about synthetic entities, identity misuse, and the need for a physical in-state registered agent address.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> will<01:42:34.480> say<01:42:34.639> that<01:42:34.880> I<01:42:35.119>
• "<01:42:44.719> I<01:42:44.880> I<01:42:45.119> would<01:42:45.280> I<01:
• 01:42:51.840> are<01:42:52.080> concerns<01:42:52.560> of<01:42:52.719> a
• nature<01:42:53.920> that<01:42:54.239> we<01:42:54.480> need<01:42:54.639>
• not<02:42:29.359> adopting<02:42:29.600> the<02:42:29.760> following<02:42:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:34.960> federal<00:42:35.280> agents<00:42:35.839> and<00:42:36.000> we
• to<00:42:37.119> make<00:42:37.359> sure<00:42:37.440> that<00:42:37.680>
• <00:42:38.480> clear<00:42:38.640> that<00:42:38.880> this<00:42:39.119> only
• :42:03.280> you<01:42:03.440> inspect,<01:42:03.920> are<01:42:04.159> they
• <01:42:10.560> Uh,<01:42:11.119> Madam<01:42:11.520> Chair,<01:42:11.840>

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• > comments<01:42:05.159> on Zoom<01:42:11.119> uh<01:42:11.760> good<01:42
• > thank<01:42:29.679> you<01:42:30.119> and<01:42:30.239> then<01:42:30.440
• hello<01:42:37.639> I'm<01:42:37.800> Ted<01:42:38.000> metros<01:42:38.920>
• um I used<01:42:40.199> to<01:42:40.320> work<01:42:40.480> for<01:42:40.679>
• :43.800> on<01:42:44.440> uh<01:42:44.599> this<01:42:45.119> bill<01:42:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Removing the repeal of HRS 237-24.9 on page 60, section 17; HRS 237-24.31 on page 20, section 6; and
• Removing the repeal of HRS 237-24.9 on page 60, section 17; HRS 237-24.31 on page 20, section 6; and
• Removing the repeal of HRS 237-24.9 on page 60, section 17; HRS 237-24.31 on page 20, section 6; and
• removing<00:23:49.120> sections<00:23:49.600> three section two and removing sections
• on lands acquired through this section. on lands acquired through this section.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony and then took up House Bill 1369, which would repeal several tax credits and exemptions, including the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed: Hawaii Gas, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and the Tax Foundation all raised concerns, with opponents arguing the renewable fuels credit has supported major local investment, cleaner fuel production, and energy resilience, while Hawaii Gas warned repeal would raise costs for customers. The Department of Taxation said it did not take a position but provided revenue estimates, saying the bill would increase revenues by about $33.8 million in FY 2026 and $121.7 million in FY 2027; DBEDT said it would follow up on broader economic impacts. The chair proposed a series of amendments that removed some repeals, added five-year sunsets to certain exemptions, narrowed or conditioned others, and tied the renewable fuels exemption to a dollar-for-dollar match for renewable fuel production certified by the state energy officer. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the motion was adopted with multiple members voting with reservations. The committee then moved through a series of other measures. HB 159, HB 244, HB 280, HB 316, HB 716, HB 1298, and HB 1295 were recommended for passage, with HB 1295 amended to change a date to 2050. HB 455 was amended to remove the Hawaii Startup Business Loan Program language and instead fund DBEDT contracting for startup financing and support, excluding businesses already eligible for the community-based economic development loan program. HB 504 was amended to add non-recurring appropriations for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, conditioned on formal commitments to purchase local products under the HRS 27-8 timeline; members discussed the cruise passenger tax and where the revenue would go, and the bill was passed with amendments. HB 606 was amended to recognize DHHL authority over mercantile projects licenses, remove some reporting requirements, and replace the appropriation with $25 million for mercantile projects and $25 million for repair and maintenance. HB 1378 was amended to allow the foundation to enter public-private partnerships, adjust appropriation language, and cap a proposed limit at $15 million, with the committee noting the changes addressed concerns raised in testimony from BNF and the attorney general. HB 974 was deferred indefinitely because the House had already passed SB 1501. Finally, HB 1007 was amended to rename the transit-oriented development infrastructure district program as the transit-oriented community improvement program, consolidate the boards into one, expand board membership, add conflict-of-interest provisions, and allow legislative designation of areas; after discussion about HCDA’s role and the stadium district, the measure was adopted with one reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:42:03.680> carefully<00:42:04.079> at<00:42:04.319> the<00:42:04.680>
• Um and<00:42:07.359> uh<00:42:07.520> if<00:42:07.760> if<00:42:08.400> uh
• <00:42:10.720> the<00:42:11.119> scope<00:42:11.359> of<00:42:11.520> it<
• as it<00:42:12.079> as<00:42:12.319> it<00:42:12.480> may<00:42:12.640> come
• <00:42:20.000> Um<00:42:20.319> so<00:42:20.480> I'd<00:42:20.640> be

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• east<01:42:00.560> side<01:42:00.880> of<01:42:01.119> Big<01:42:01.360>
• receives<01:42:03.280> no<01:42:03.520> funds<01:42:04.159> from<01:42:04.400><
• We<01:42:07.040> fund<01:42:07.440> raise<01:42:07.760> and<01:42:08.080> we<
• > today<01:42:49.040> to<01:42:49.360> talk<01:42:49.600> about This section
• section 2 since it's used under section section 2 since it's used under section 3C. 3C. 3C.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1552, which would make the attorney general the interim chief election officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying it could create a conflict of interest if the attorney general were both the state’s lawyer and the chief elections officer in any related litigation. The League of Women Voters supported having some interim backup for the office, but said it was not necessarily advocating that the attorney general fill the role. Several other testifiers, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, opposed the bill, arguing the current law already provides for a prompt commission appointment and warning about partisan bias and concentration of power. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said an interim mechanism is needed to ensure election certification in a crisis. The chair also asked whether any statutory acting capacity already exists, and the attorney general said none was known. The committee then took up House Bill 2125, which would bar corporations operating under state law from engaging in election activity. The attorney general opposed the bill, citing Citizens United and arguing that corporations have First Amendment-protected political speech rights and that the bill would likely be unconstitutional. Indivisible Hawaii supported the measure, saying it would keep elections focused on the will of the people rather than corporate influence. Libertarian Party testimony was mixed: one witness supported the goal of reducing corruption but warned the bill could suppress organized dissent and sweep too broadly by treating many associations as corporations. The bill’s introducer asked whether the legislature could still enact it as a policy matter, but the attorney general maintained federal constitutional law would control. No vote was taken on either bill during the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment, which would set procedures and compensation for people whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and whose charges are dismissed. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the bill’s intent but objected to language assigning it responsibility for helping released individuals secure housing, identification, health coverage, and other reentry needs, saying it no longer has jurisdiction after release and suggesting the courts or a community-based contractor handle that role. The Office of the Public Defender strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the harm of wrongful conviction and the need for compensation, case management, and medical coverage after release. No action or vote was reported on this measure in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh So,<00:42:08.600> I<00:42:08.640> just<00:42:08.880> want<00:42:09.000> to
• <00:42:27.360> can<00:42:27.480> pretty<00:42:27.680> much<00:42:27.920> do
• > of<00:42:35.920> that<00:42:36.080> would<00:42:36.200> be<00:42:36.320
• <00:42:38.480> Isn't<00:42:38.640> that<00:42:38.760> what<00:42:38.880> this
• So,<00:42:50.440> why<00:42:50.640> do<00:42:50.760> they<00:42:50.880> need<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:42:02.880> first<00:42:03.200> up<00:42:03.440> for<00:42:03.640>
• Um Um Um Uh<00:42:16.720> good<00:42:16.920> morning,<00:42:17.400> Chair.
• Well,<00:42:20.080> I'm<00:42:20.440> sorry.
• <00:42:20.640> I'm<00:42:20.720> sorry.
• You have a colleague<00:42:22.200> in<00:42:22.400> person<00:42:22.840> here.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• > 7, Moving on to section 7, section 7 facilitates the implementation of the BCA Maryland building
• :57.480> that,<00:42:57.680> but<00:42:57.840> I<00:42:57.920> am<00:42:58.040
• > certain<00:42:58.320> that<00:42:58.480> I<00:42:58.520> could to that,
• :42:59.000> for<00:42:59.200> you.
• <00:42:59.560> Senator<00:42:59.840> Rasmussen,<00:43:00.440> I get that for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it always ends up<00:42:06.080> how<00:42:06.160> do<00:42:06.280> you<00:42
• <00:42:08.000> Is<00:42:08.120> it<00:42:08.280> is<00:42:08.400> it<
• Is it for a<00:42:13.880> fan,<00:42:14.280> which<00:42:14.480> I<00:42:14.520>
• <00:42:15.920> on<00:42:16.000> the<00:42:16.080> Ozark<00:42:16.360> dams,
• But<00:42:19.560> at<00:42:19.640> the<00:42:19.760> end<00:42:19.880> of

Bills: HF3879

Keywords: outdoor heritage, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resources, wildlife management, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3879, the Legacy Finance Outdoor Heritage bill. The committee adopted the DE1 author’s amendment, which incorporated the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council’s revised recommendations and made technical corrections, and staff explained that the bill appropriates about $191.081 million in Outdoor Heritage funding, plus carryforwards and an extension for a carp deterrent project at Lock and Dam. Staff also noted the bill makes no changes to the Clean Water Fund or Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and the bill was moved to the Committee on Ways and Means. A large portion of the meeting focused on the Roseau Lake rehabilitation/Roseau River restoration project and related concerns about landowner impacts, eminent domain, drainage, and whether Outdoor Heritage dollars are being used on private property. Landowners and their attorney testified that the project threatens private farmland, that they do not consent to easements or takings, and that funding should be paused until litigation and legal questions are resolved. They described flooding, drainage problems, financial burdens, and long-term harm to family farms, and asked the committee to suspend funding for the project. Supporters of the project, including Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian and farmer/watershed district manager Jason Bratton, said the project is part of a broader flood-mitigation effort following the 2002 Roseau flood and would help control water, reduce flood damage, and improve conditions for downstream farmers. After testimony, the committee considered the A5 amendment, offered by Representative Heintzeman, which would delete the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project Phase 3 from the bill. Members debated the amendment, with some emphasizing landowner concerns and pending litigation and others defending the project and the council’s vetting process. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion, and no final vote on the A5 is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the<00:42:16.720> last<00:42:17.040> but<00:42:17.359> probably<00:42:17.680
• :42:20.079> is<00:42:20.400> that<00:42:20.720> the<00:42:21.040> family
• :42:47.119> in<00:42:47.280> that<00:42:47.440> region<00:42:47.760> away
• um they<00:42:49.040> might<00:42:49.200> not<00:42:49.440> be<00:42:49.520>
• able<00:42:49.680> to<00:42:49.839> get<00:42:50.000> there<00:42:50.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:42:11.720> then,<00:42:12.320> third<00:42:12.680> bill<00:42:12.960>
• going<00:42:14.800> to<00:42:14.880> be<00:42:15.000> using<00:42:15.400> as
• <00:42:24.960> If<00:42:25.120> you<00:42:25.320> want<00:42:25.520> to
• ><00:42:26.720> and<00:42:26.800> then<00:42:26.960> we<00:42:27.080> can
• c> the<00:42:32.040> A7<00:42:32.760> amendment<00:42:33.240> to<00:42:33.360

Keywords: 1187, senate, all