Transcript Highlights:

• As it relates to liability and immunity, understand under 287G that first-rate liability you can both
• request to be defended by ICE as well as standard liability and claims.
• , 300,000 aggregate limit.
• You've not heard a good answer as to why we are not using limited resources.
• There is a limit to the rhetoric. >> Additional debate?

Bills: SJR36, SR8, SR14, SR15, SR17, HCR54

Keywords: accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, advocacy, legislation, business issues, memorial, law enforcement, sacrifice, tribute, community support, service, community, Holocaust, remembrance, antisemitism, human rights, education, Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorialization, sexual assault

Transcript Highlights:

• Because those are the CMS fixed price limits for that rendered service.
• Because those are the CMS fixed price limits for that rendered service.
• And we have a third-party liability vendor to ensure Access employment income.
• And we have a third-party liability vendor to ensure Access is only the payer of last resort.
• If there's a limited number of MCOs, they win.

Bills: HB2775, HB2874, HB2940, HB4014, HB4067, HB4115, HCM2010, HCR2051

Keywords: international organizations, government resources, public institutions, Arizona Board of Regents, foreign adversaries, campaign finance, contributions, termination statements, reporting, penalties, electoral processes, healthcare, public benefits, eligibility verification, fraud prevention, Medicaid, SNAP, transparency, accountability, state land

Summary: The Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs, and Elections heard several election, health care, and sovereignty-related measures. HB 4115 and mirror resolution HCR 2051 would extend existing statewide rules for paid petition circulators and initiative/referendum disclosures to municipal and county measures, including badge/display requirements for paid circulators and disclosure of expenditures and revenue sources. Speaker Montenegro and supporters framed the bills as transparency and anti-out-of-state influence reforms; the committee recommended HB 4115 do pass by 5-2 and HCR 2051 by 4-3. The committee also considered HCM 2010, urging Congress to repeal the Seventeenth Amendment and return selection of U.S. senators to state legislatures. Sponsor Rep. Powell argued it would restore state sovereignty and accountability, while other members raised concerns about direct democracy, deadlock, and the need for broader public support. The memorial failed on a 3-3-1 vote after a present vote was recorded, despite some members expressing sympathy for the concept. HB 2940 proposed major changes to AHCCCS and DES eligibility verification and procurement, including expanded data checks, a unified eligibility rules engine, new contracting concepts, and a fixed benefit price list. The sponsor said the bill was intended to increase competition, transparency, and fiscal discipline; AHCCCS testified neutrally, noting it already uses many data matches but would need additional work and costs for some provisions, while health plan representatives opposed the bill as a major operational shift that could limit negotiated rates. The committee recommended the bill do pass 4-3. HB 2874, which would ease termination-statement requirements and penalties for committees that never raised money, passed unanimously 7-0. HB 467, requiring inactive-voter status information to appear in precinct registers, signature rosters, or e-poll books, was amended to change a mandatory “shall” to permissive “may” and then passed 5-2. Finally, HB 2775, as amended, would bar state and higher-education participation in implementing international-organization rules or agreements; after removing rulemaking authority for ABOR and adding a higher-education review process, it passed 4-3. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2338 is relatively simple in the sense that certain crimes have a statute of limitations
• amuck during the executive's tenure in office, and then we're outside of the statute of limitations.
• could allow a statute of limitations could allow a program<00:15:20.079> to<00:15:20.320>
• So it simply moves it from limitations.
• and you may have criminal liability as well, depending on the facts in the felonious manner.

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. Early discussion focused on immigration-related concerns and the costs of enforcement, with one senator pressing for data to support claims about crimes by undocumented immigrants and another citing specific cases and DPS removals of drivers with falsified CDLs. The committee also heard a bill requiring the sex marker on a driver’s license to match sex at birth; the sponsor said it was the same measure passed by the committee the prior year, and it received a title sufficient/do pass recommendation. Several bills addressed corrections and court procedures. One bill clarified that people in intervention court are subject to the sentencing judge’s sanctions and are not entitled to a separate technical-violation hearing like probationers or parolees; the sponsor said it would reduce, not increase, leniency, and the committee passed it. Another bill extended the statute of limitations for felonious assistance program fraud from five to ten years, citing the TANF fraud case and the need for more time to detect abuse in executive agency programs; it also passed. The committee then approved a bill allowing judges, after a hearing and specific findings, to order firearms removed in domestic violence cases and protective-order proceedings when the weapons pose a credible threat. The committee also advanced a bill increasing penalties for witness tampering, with the sponsor saying prosecutors wanted a stronger tool because defendants were sometimes willing to accept the current five-year penalty rather than face the underlying offense. Members discussed whether the bill covered intimidation versus tampering and whether the penalty should be tied to the underlying crime; a motion to reconsider/adjust the bill was adopted, and the bill ultimately received a do pass recommendation. Another measure increased fines for handheld mobile device violations while driving, especially in school and work zones, and members discussed whether the bill should be stronger and how any collected fines would be used; it passed. Finally, the committee approved a bill requiring reporting of certain convictions and adjudications to the Child Protective Services central registry, and ended by passing a bill increasing the fine for failing to use a screen on loads that can spill from vehicles and damage windshields, with members noting the fine had not been updated since 1974.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current ban limits consumer education and also raises First Amendment concerns.
• The current ban limits... a time when health care decisions are more complex and personal than ever.
• The current ban limits consumer education and also raises First Amendment concerns.
• And we can't limit that language to solely the act of physically selling a product.
• So many of the concerns shared about Senate Bill 180, Senator, and the temporary limitations related

Bills: S0052, S0502, S0624, S0758, S0834, S0840

Keywords: places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services, faith-based institutions, public safety, military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction

Summary: The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2. Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a reform measure within the more limited context of legal and administrative reform.
• But it's also the year that we did the 3% limitation on the valuation of property to limit what is known
• But we can't do this work with the limited resources we have.
• You know, the cap limits it can't go much higher than that. And what we do see is phasing.
• What are those limitations Chair, Representative, they agreed not to develop the property.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation imposing spending limits on entities
• Legislation to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products, including limiting potency, restricting
• the 89th Legislature, regular session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability

Transcript Highlights:

• We know what it means when institutions invest in people instead of limiting them.
• WE KNOW WHAT IT MEANS WHEN INSTITUTIONS INVEST IN PEOPLE INSTEAD OF LIMITING THEM.
• THE ROBINSON PATMAN ACT WHICH THIS BILL MIRRORS AND THEY FOUND THAT SUPPLIERS FACING LIABILITY, UNDER
• This bill also imposes liability for dominant buyers who coerce suppliers and has a strong independent
• THIS BILL ALSO IMPOSES LIABILITY FOR DOMINANT BUYERS WHO COERCE SUPPLIERS AND HAS A STRONG INDEPENDENT

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York. The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14. During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Transcript Highlights:

• It increases the minimum amount of liability insurance a title insurer must possess.
• This bill would limit the maximum compensation for a public adjuster.
• It also allows the increase in the statutory limit in the department's captive division spending authority
• It requires that they maintain crime and liability coverage in the amount of $500,000 for individuals
• It requires that they maintain crime and liability coverage in the amount of $500,000 for individuals

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, in order to allow as many people to testify as possible, there will be a two-minute time limit
• think it's all we're saying: whoever is managing the land, because they have operational costs and liabilities
• think it's all we're saying: whoever is managing the land, because they have operational costs and liabilities
• think it's all we're saying: whoever is managing the land, because they have operational costs and liabilities
• think it's all we're saying: whoever is managing the land, because they have operational costs and liabilities

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to the number of measures before the committee and the volume of testimonies, testimony will be limited
• arising from these acts except liability arising from these acts except where<00:20:00.640> the
• At the same time, we've also seen some limitations with it because it currently had is pegged to a cap
• with it because it currently limitations with it because it currently had<00:41:45.440> is<00
• I'm not going to go into detail because of the time limits.

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the homeowners multi-peril, which would include fire, wind, hail, theft, and liability. >> And
• . liability. liability.
• Well, well, I mean, we have a limit on the amount we will write, right? So, we have a cap.
• standard market declines uh limits standard market declines uh limits capacity<01:24:17.360>
• complex properties or or liabilities complex properties or or liabilities that<01:26:42.159>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that outweigh the liability that actually we're putting?
• amount that you provide but then the second piece of that recommendation is that you only provide limited
• To the extent funding is limited term in nature, it really does limit our ability to effectively recruit
• Highly experienced attorneys may be hesitant. tent to apply for and take a limited term position with
• So we just wanted to highlight that limit limited term funding does impact that our ability to recruit

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the unfunded liabilities.
• liabilities, the unfunded liabilities. liabilities, the unfunded liabilities.
• liabilities? Does it not? liabilities? Does it not? >> Yes,<00:15:35.920> sir.
• actuarial liability. actuarial liability.
• That's why we have the liability. them. That's why we have the liability.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• order that the vehicle may be immediately released from empowerment with the agency assuming full liability
• order that the vehicle may be immediately released from empowerment with the agency assuming full liability
• empowerment with the agency assuming empowerment with the agency assuming full<00:07:06.160> liability
• <00:07:07.840> I<00:07:08.000> guess<00:07:08.240> that full liability of lean
• I guess that full liability of lean.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• measures, one which envisions a rebate process, and the other which envisions a credit as against tax liability
• It's an act authorizing the city of Westfield to establish an age limit for original appointment to the
• An act increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in the
• An act increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee and floor matters. The Committee on Rules reported two municipal property tax relief bills, Senate Nos. 1933 and 1935, and both were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of advancing the bills, describing them as measures to address property tax shocks and provide relief through a rebate or credit mechanism. The Senate then enacted House No. 3916, authorizing Westfield to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer, and took a brief recess to sign the bill. On third reading, the Senate passed to be engrossed Senate No. 24, amending the charter of the town of Sandwich, after accepting a committee report recommending a new draft, Senate No. 2859. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 4173, further regulating appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, and House No. 4031, increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston, after adopting an amendment offered by Senator Barrett. The Senate also considered House No. 3912, increasing the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, which had been returned by the Governor with a recommended amendment under Article 56. The Senate suspended its rules, adopted the Governor’s amendment, and returned the bill to the House for reenactment. Finally, a House petition concerning a special commission on perimenopause and menopause care was referred to the Committee on Public Health, and the Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that authority is fairly limited. So to your points, sir, about legislative author...
• That authority is fairly limited.
• That authority is fairly limited. So to your points are about legislative audit findings.
• How much would all that potential liability be?
• How much would all that potential liability be? Well, if they... That potential liability be?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:28.839> So, what our left and right limits were.
• So, what our left and right limits were.
• So, really, it's often stuff that maybe is already taking place, but from a legal liability standpoint
• If the senator would like, and I... taking place, but from a legal liability taking place, but from a
• legal liability standpoint,<00:19:41.080> they<00:19:41.160> said<00:19:41.360> we<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, two-minute limit on testimony, both on Zoom and in person.
• So, you know, the principle that this should be limited to circumstances of death or bodily injury—we
• <00:14:10.079> to principle that this should be limited to principle that this should be limited
• It authorizes non-injection drug users to participate in the program and modifies liability for program
• <00:45:10.680> for<00:45:10.920> program modifies liability for program modifies liability

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hayes did a pretty good job of articulating some of the problems and the liabilities in the past.
• And it resulted in a $30 million liability for the legislature.
• We in the legislature have over a couple billion dollar liability because those programs dollar liability
• Offering time-limited grants to communities to refresh outdoor space, exercise space, community centers
• Congress could certainly reauthorize it, but we've planned for this to be time-limited.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and what this does is sets up a two-year statute of limitations.
• You ask about time limits. On the criminal code, the best predictor.
• And so I want to encourage you to not put that limitation on there.
• We don't put that limitation there.
• Right now that statute is limited to just very small people.

Bills: HB116

Keywords: film industry, incentives, economic development, state funding, media production