Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 433?
• >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.
• > 2382<02:15:47.599> and<02:15:47.920> Senate moving to Senate Bill 2382 and Senate
• Senator Hashimoto voted aye. Senator Inouye was excused. Senator DeCorte voted aye.
• Senator<02:18:07.280> Chair, Senator Chair, Senator Chair, >> I<02:18:08.479> will

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2663?
• Senator Milwaukee, just one.
• anyone else on Senate Bill 2555? anyone else on Senate Bill 2555?
• Uh so first up is Senate Bill 2567. Uh so first up is Senate Bill 2567.
• Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Moriwaki votes aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office. SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill. SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Senator Sanders [member_6974], Senator Adabbo [member_6830], Senator Weik [member_7108]—questionable
• transcription as “Senator White”—and, of course, I want to thank our ranking member, Senator Ashby [
• Thank you, Senator Addabbo [member_6830]. Thank you, Senator Sanders [member_6974]. Okay.
• Senator Sanders [member_6974] second. Senator Weik [member_7108]. All those in favor? Okay.
• Senator Sanders [member_6974] second. Senator Weik [member_7108]. All those in favor? Okay.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee met on February 3 for its first meeting in the new committee room. The chair welcomed members and staff, including the ranking member, and the committee then took up a series of bills related to emergency management, veterans’ services, tax relief, and support programs for veterans and service members. The committee reported several measures favorably, including S-869A on local comprehensive emergency management plans, S-1188 requiring a 120-day warning period for certain violations at veterans’ organization facilities, and S-1788 concerning real property tax exemptions for veterans. Members also discussed and supported S-2070 establishing a veterans’ career assistance program within SUNY and CUNY, as well as a separate S-2070 proposal directing the Department of Veterans Services to create a searchable statewide resource database for veterans, service members, and their families; the career assistance bill was reported to the calendar, while the database bill was reported to finance. The committee also advanced S-7765, which would establish a New York State veterans and service member law, and S-8968, which would create a veteran suicide mortality review board. Most items were approved unanimously or without opposition, with brief supportive comments from members. After completing the agenda, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Parker.
• Thank you, Senator Parker.
• Senator Mattera? Yes.
• Yes, Senator Hinchey, who has a farm. Thank you. Yes, Senator Hinchey, who has a farm.
• Senator Moteau?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met under Chair Senator Kevin Parker and considered several bills related to clean energy, transmission, storage, schools, and microgrids. Bill 1456, which would require certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero-emissions and direct NYSERDA studies and incentives, was discussed as technology-neutral and advanced with one no vote to the Finance Committee. Bill 286, increasing statewide energy storage capacity, drew concerns about battery safety, fire risk, and volunteer fire department training, but was advanced to the floor with two no votes. Bill 2482, the Go Green Schools Act, would let schools convert to renewable energy and keep savings for school operations; it advanced to the floor despite concerns about siting solar on school grounds. Bill 2485 on expanding electric transmission lines and Bill 5510 directing NYSERDA to develop microgrid recommendations were both advanced to the Finance Committee, each with one no vote. The committee then heard testimony from Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. She argued that wind, solar, storage, and transmission have made New York a leader in clean energy and said renewable energy is increasingly cost-competitive, with much of recent bill increases driven by grid upgrades and gas prices rather than renewables. She also said clean energy helps hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices, pointed to community solar and offshore wind as savings and reliability tools, and said the state’s permitting and interconnection processes have improved. Members questioned Wells about farmland use, decommissioning, recycling of solar and wind equipment, battery storage safety, local control, and misinformation. Wells said utility-scale projects require decommissioning plans and financial assurances, farmland must be restored under agricultural guidelines, and recycling capacity is developing. On battery storage, she said New York has rigorous codes and monitoring requirements, that not all storage is lithium-ion, and that state-level permitting is appropriate for large facilities. Several senators raised concerns about fires, contamination, winter performance, and siting projects in densely populated areas or on farmland, while others emphasized farmland protections and the value of renewable projects to host communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motions and resolutions. Senator Gianaris. Gentleman, good afternoon, Madam President.
• Secretary will read. >> Senate Resolution No. 1515, by Senator Cooney: memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul
• Senate Resolution No. 1475, by Senator Hinchey: memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February
• Senator Helming on the resolution. >> Thank you, Madam President.
• The resolution is adopted. Senator Gianaris. >> Thank you, Madam President.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Senator Jamaal Bailey.
• The first of the agenda: Senate Print 1763A by Senator Fernandez.
• Third bill on the agenda: Senate Print 3820B by Senator Rivera.
• Senator Harper moves the bill. We have seconded by Senator Ashby.
• Senator Harckham moves the bill, seconded by Senator Helming.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance held its first meeting of the year on February 3, 2026, chaired by Senator Jamaal Bailey. The chair opened with introductions of committee members, staff, and guests from the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s Youth and Community Advisory Council, emphasizing the importance of bringing young people into the legislative process. Senator Pamela Helming, the ranking member, also offered opening remarks focused on affordability in insurance, especially health care premiums and property/casualty costs, and said she would be advancing a bill requiring fiscal notes for health care premium legislation. The committee then acted on five bills. Senate Print 1763A (Fernandez), concerning certain cost-sharing fees for outpatient and substance abuse treatment, was moved and referred to the Finance Committee. Senate Print 2644 (Addabbo), prohibiting retrospective denial of payment for substance use disorder treatment services, was reported to the floor without recommendation. Senate Print 3820B (Rivera), requiring health insurance coverage for anesthesia for the full duration of a medical procedure, was reported to the floor. Senate Print 4964 (Bailey), relating to excess line coverage for certain medical malpractice insurance, was reported. Senate Print 5052 (Payne), allowing insurers in certain circumstances to rescind or retroactively cancel a policy, was also reported. Throughout the meeting, members stressed that insurance affordability is a major concern for New Yorkers and that the committee would be addressing related issues during the session. The meeting concluded after the bill actions and brief closing remarks, with no recorded opposition on the measures beyond the noted without-recommendation report on Senate Print 2644.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters.
• >> Senator<01:01:31.119> Waters. >> Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters.
• For the record, my name is David Roer, Senate Senator from Senate District 1.
• >> Senator<02:00:34.560> Waters. >> Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters.
• Senator Rosen. need to start doing it. Senator Rosen.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additional questions from any senators? >> Senator Long. >> Thank you, Mr.
• senators? Senator Long. senators? Senator Long.
• <00:55:07.520> and<00:55:07.680> Senator consent by Senator Lang and Senator consent
• by Senator Lang and Senator Roford.<00:55:08.640> Second.
• pass on Senate Bill 435. pass on Senate Bill 435.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> um I'll take Senator Senator F can take >> um I'll take Senator Senator F can take
• >> Senator, who do you want? >> Senator, who do you want?
• support of Senate Bill 416. support of Senate Bill 416.
• Senator McHugh? >> Thank you. Questions? Senator McHugh?
• from Senator Murphy. from Senator Murphy.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Pearl. >> Senator Pearl.
• You probably know, Senator,<00:23:07.280> that Senator, that Senator, that >> more<00:23
• >> Yes,<00:44:16.800> Senator. >> Yes, Senator. >> Yes, Senator.
• Questions from the other senators? senators? senators? >> Senator<01:13:03.920> Lang.
• >> Senator Lang. >> Senator Lang.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Judiciary is now in session. Senator Oler, good to see you.
• "Thank you, Senator. I am Senator Bill Ganon from the Great Wine District of Senate District 23.
• >> Senator<01:49:35.280> Aler, >> Senator Aler, >> Senator Aler, >>
• > Senator up about Senator Ganon about the Senator up about Senator Ganon about the Senator Gan
• introducing for Senator for the Senate introducing for Senator Carson.<03:12:32.240> Um,<03:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Senator Tim Lang.
• >> Any senator Sullivan? >> Any senator Sullivan?
• Senate Bill 430. Senate Bill 430.
• Senator Abbus.
• by Senator Benton and Senator Lang. by Senator Benton and Senator Lang.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Benson, yes. >> Senator Brimman, yes. >> Senator Brock, yes. >> Senator Chittenden, no. >> Senator
• Clarkson, no. >> Senator Collamore, yes. >> Senator Cummings, no. >> Senator Gulick, no. >> Senator
• Hart, no. >> Senator Harrison, no. >> Senator Hashim, no. >> Senator Hein, yes. >> Senator Engel, yes
• . >> Senator Lyons, no. >> Senator Major, no. >> Senator Mattos, yes. >> Senator Morley, yes. >> Senator
• Bohosti, no. >> Senator Watson, no. >> Senator Week, yes. >> Senator Westman, yes. >> Senator White,

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have a Senate resolution, SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• Listen to the first reading of the resolution. SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• We now have a Senate resolution, SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• SR21 Senate RE resolution to US SR21 Senate RE resolution to US Immigration<00:11:28.480> and<
• to<00:11:44.079> US Senate resolution relating to US Senate resolution relating to US Immigration

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha, Senator San Buenaventura and Senator McKelvey and other members of the Health Committee. >> Okay
• We have Senator Canora. Oh, thank you. We have Senator Canora.
• >> Okay. 2050 recommendation is a Senate >> Okay. 2050 recommendation is a Senate draft
• per hopefully co-introduced resolution per hopefully co-introduced resolution and<00:42:56.400><
• Recommendation is to Senate. Oh, sorry.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The HHS committee met in Room 224 and announced the hearing was being streamed live, with a one-minute limit on testimony. The chair explained that written testimony had already been reviewed and that speakers should either add new comments or stand on their written testimony. The committee first heard SB 2211, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including DHS, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the importance of maintaining SNAP-related food assistance and emergency food delivery, while Catholic Charities raised a question about whether the bill’s language would also reach food banks serving food-insecure households that are not on SNAP. No opposition was heard and the bill was moved on without questions from members. The committee then heard SB 2025, which would exempt actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses from jury duty. Testimony was broadly supportive from nursing and health organizations, including the Hawaii American Nurses Association, the Hawaii affiliate of the College of Nurse Midwives, the Hawaii State Board of Nursing, and others. One witness from Kaiser Permanente requested an amendment to include physician assistants, and a committee member asked the Board of Nursing to review that request. The bill otherwise drew no opposition and no further member questions. SB 2038, relating to medication labeling, drew the most extended discussion. The measure would change labeling requirements for certain abortion medications, and testimony was split between supporters who framed it as a privacy and access issue and opponents who raised patient safety, ethics, and transparency concerns. The Department of Health supported the intent but requested an amendment to allow quicker access to private information during investigations without a subpoena. The Board of Pharmacy said it supported the written comments but noted operational challenges and possible cost impacts, while Kaiser said compliance would likely require manual workarounds and could slow pharmacy processes. The chair and members questioned whether patients could simply remove labels themselves, but witnesses said there could still be safety and access issues if the patient is not the one receiving the prescription. The committee then moved on to SB 2050, relating to chiropractic, which received support from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, with no substantive opposition noted. The hearing later turned to SB 201, relating to insurance, which appeared to be a new mandated-benefit measure tied to infertility/IVF coverage. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission provided comments, while Hawaii Family Forum opposed the bill, arguing it went beyond medical infertility and raised ethical and public policy concerns. Kaiser and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans both asked for a study or audit, saying the measure could create new insurance mandates and increase costs for residents and employers. Private Work Hawaii strongly supported the bill as an equity issue. The committee noted there was no quorum for decision-making and deferred action on the measure to a later hearing, then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Moriwaki votes aye. Senator Fevella is excused.
• <00:26:17.200> Senator chair and vice chair vote I. Senator chair and vice chair vote I.
• Senator Morywalki. >> Sen. Senator Morywalki. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi.
• <00:28:42.240> Chair's Senate Bill 1036. Chair's Senate Bill 1036.
• next item, which is Senate Bill 1163. next item, which is Senate Bill 1163.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 2245 would tighten revolving-door restrictions for state employees by barring new employees from acting on matters they worked on before state service and imposing a 12-month post-employment restriction for certain former Governor and Lieutenant Governor staff; the Ethics Commission and League of Women Voters supported it, and the committee later passed it as is. SB 99 would allow certain retirees to return to work as school resource officers or investigators without losing retirement benefits; the Attorney General supported the investigator portion, ERS and other agencies offered comments and suggested amendments, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including changes from the Attorney General, ERS, and the Department of Law Enforcement, plus a far-future effective date. SB 2304, which would expand identity theft law to cover AI/deepfake or materially deceptive media impersonation, drew opposition from the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor over prosecution burdens and First Amendment concerns, while some prosecutors and others supported it; the committee deferred the bill. SB 2115, dealing with collective bargaining impasse procedures for repricing public employee classes, drew opposition from human resources officials who said arbitrators lack the technical expertise needed, while unions and HGA supported the measure; the committee deferred decision-making to a later hearing. The committee also heard SB 1036, a net neutrality bill that would bar broadband providers from blocking, prioritizing, or zero-rating traffic. Supporters argued Hawaii needs stronger consumer protections, while the Hawaii Broadband Office said it saw no current problem in Hawaii and warned the bill could affect federal BEAD funding unless exempted; the committee deferred the measure. SB 1163 would prohibit the sale of geolocation and browser data and data collected through microphone-based background apps; Consumer Protection supported the intent but urged a broader privacy framework, and the Honolulu Prosecutor sought an exemption for lawful law-enforcement investigations, which the committee later accepted along with Hawaiian Telecom’s proposed amendments before passing the bill with amendments. SB 2076 would update publicity-rights law to address AI/deepfake uses of a person’s likeness; testimony supported the goal and amendments from the Recording Industry Association of America, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including replacing references to AI/deepfake with “digital replica.” After hearing testimony, the committee recessed briefly to obtain quorum and then reconvened for decision-making. It adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2245 as is, passed SB 99 with amendments, deferred SB 2304, deferred SB 2115 to a later hearing, deferred SB 1036, passed SB 1163 with amendments, and passed SB 2076 with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is the committee resolution, reflecting and adopting or endorsing, if you will, Senator President
• Senator Rest moves the committee resolution. >> So it is before us for discussion, and just to be really
• Senator Rest has moved committee resolution reflecting Senate President Senator Champion's letter on
• > committee Senator Rest has moved committee Senator Rest has moved committee resolution resolution
• resolution reflecting<01:02:40.160> Senate<01:02:40.720> President<01:02:41.200> Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ruth Hardy: yes. Senator Scott Beck: yes. Senator John Benson: yes.
• Senator Ann Cummings: yes. Senator Rebecca White: yes. Senator Ruth Hardy: yes.
• on the part of the Senate: Senator Colmore, Senator Vhovski, Senator Mley.
• Senator Colmore, part of the Senate.
• I have Senator Vhovski, Senator Mley.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Nelson. Senator Rasmusson.
• :04:49.360> Senator >> Thank you, Senator Nelson, Senator >> Thank you, Senator Nelson
• Senator Dibble. questions. Senator Dibble.
• Senator Rasmmanson. followup. Senator Rasmmanson.
• Thank you, Madame Chair and and Senator. Senator. Senator.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Senate Bill 2116? on Senate Bill 2116?
• Senate Bill 218. This is relating item. Senate Bill 218.
• Senator<00:31:56.240> Morwaukee. Senator Morwaukee. Senator Morwaukee.
• Any questions for Senator Senator Senator >> Morwaukee?
• Senator Ihara, I. Senator Moriwaki, I. Senator Fevella, I. Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.