Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Scott moves that House File 2456 be recalled from the Committee on Judiciary Finance and
• and COLA payments, and I've talked to each committee chair, and everyone's good in moving it from Judiciary
• and everyone's good in moving<00:40:17.240><c> it</c><00:40:17.359><c> from</c><00:40:17.560><c> Judiciary
• c><00:40:18.119><c> to</c><00:40:18.319><c> Children</c><00:40:18.760><c> and</c> moving it from Judiciary
• to Children and moving it from Judiciary to Children and Families<00:40:19.800><c> any</c><00:40:20.040

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1854, due pass to Judiciary Committee. Aye. Aye. Caballero? Cortese. Wiener. Aye.
• AB-1854-Carrell motion is due passed to Judiciary Committee. Aye. Aye. Caballero? Cortez. Wiener.
• AB 1927, motion is due pass as amended to Judiciary Committee. Aye. Aye. Caballero? Aye. Cortese.
• Motion is due pass to Judiciary Committee. Current vote is 3 to 0. Seyarto? No. Seyarto, no.
• Motion is due pass as amended to Judiciary Committee. Current vote is 3 to 0. Seyarto, aye.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone, my name is Brandy Fluker-Reid, and I am the House Vice Chair on the Joint Committee on the Judiciary
• I'm the Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. My colleagues will most likely be online.
• Good afternoon, members of the Judiciary Committee.
• Good afternoon, esteemed members of the Judiciary Committee.
• Good afternoon, Chair Fluker-Reid, Chair Edwards, and members of the Judiciary.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we've tried to get the Judiciary to kind of take a little bit of a broader view of what consumers
• Um<01:02:49.440><c> the</c><01:02:49.560><c> Hawaii</c><01:02:49.960><c> Judiciary</c><01:02:50.680><
• Judiciary aside, because we could just kind of give it to you.
• </c><01:09:10.520><c> We</c> Judiciary um in our working group.
• We Judiciary um in our working group.

Bills: SB2607 , SB2031 , SB2043 , SB2623 , SB2876 , SB2396 , SB2964 , SB2089

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madison role, where the judiciary is their role is to weigh the constitutionality of laws?
• Um, this goes to Judiciary as the next step. I have requested a roll call. Yep, already requested.
• as the next &gt;&gt; Um, this goes to Judiciary as the next step. step. step.
• </c> referred to the judish- judiciary referred to the judish- judiciary committee,<01:24:15.240><c>
• </c> referred to Judiciary Committee. referred to Judiciary Committee. &gt;&gt; What?

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Judiciary Committee members, at 1:30 in room 107, we're going to be hearing three bills: House Bill
• </c><00:34:00.000><c> Uh,</c><00:34:00.480><c> Judiciary</c> Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Uh, Judiciary Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Uh, Judiciary Committee<00:34:01.360><c> members,</c><00:34:01.919><c> at</c><00:34:02.240><c> 1:30</

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal from February 17, 2026, and then moved into third reading. Members passed several bills on final passage: HB 1013, concerning landlord use of ratio utility billing systems; HB 1064, modifying the youthful offender system; HB 1076, making transportation-related statutory changes; HB 1067, allowing use of the diseased livestock indemnity fund to address livestock health threats; HB 1042, concerning dry needling by occupational therapists; and HB 1025, exempting auctioneers from certain requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act. Vote totals were recorded for each, with HB 1042 and HB 1025 passing unanimously and the others passing by varying margins, including HB 1067 at 58-1 and HB 1076 at 40-19. Co-sponsors were then invited to add their names to the adopted bills. During announcements, members highlighted upcoming committee hearings and events. Judiciary, Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Finance, Statutory Revision, and Capital Development committees all announced meetings and bill agendas. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups, including Adams 12 Stargate, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Slavens Elementary fourth graders, as well as a Chaparral High School AP government class. There were also announcements about the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Aerospace Day at the Capitol, and a Colorado Housing Coalition reception. Several members made brief remarks honoring people and observances, including a detailed tribute to Barbara Shannon Banister for her civil rights and community leadership in Aurora, and a statement marking the first day of Ramadan and encouraging members to visit local mosques and participate in iftar events. At the end of the session, the majority leader moved to lay over the balance of the calendar until February 19, 2026, and the House agreed without objection. The House then stood in recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judiciary Division B will meet at 9:00 a.m. in room 409 on Wednesday.
• Judiciary Division B will meet at 9:00 a.m. in room 409 on Wednesday.
• Judiciary Division B will meet at 9:00 a.m. in room 409 on Wednesday.
• Judiciary Division B will meet at 9:00 a.m. in room 409 on Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• the third branch we brought compensation the third branch we brought into<00:40:49.200><c> it</c><00
• We get compensation for helping the federal government with their federal programs.
• There's no compensation for us enforcing the Selective Service, and we're not even in an active draft
• </c><04:11:24.439><c> for</c> like that we get compensation for like that we get compensation for helping
• </c> you're saying there's no compensation you're saying there's no compensation for<04:11:28.760><c>

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• be withdrawn from the Committee on Rules and Administration and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• be withdrawn from the Committee on Rules and Administration and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• </c><00:17:17.919><c> On</c><00:17:18.079><c> that</c> judiciary and public safety.
• On that judiciary and public safety.
• </c><01:47:40.320><c> committee</c> member of the judiciary committee member of the judiciary committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Judiciary Committee to notice SB 1425, Cortese, for a hearing on Tuesday, June 23, pending re-referral
• Assembly Rule 51, I request unanimous consent to refer the following bills to committee: SB 46 to the Judiciary
• SB 342 to the Business and Professions Committee, SB 490 to the Health Committee, SB 574 to the Judiciary
• Unanimous consent to refer the following bills to committee: SB 46 to the Judiciary Committee and the
• SB 342 to the Business and Professions Committee, SB 490 to the Health Committee, SB 574 to the Judiciary

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 80 by Representative Butler, regarding evictions, is referred to the Judiciary Committee.
• talking more and more about separation of powers and what the executive needs to be doing, what the judiciary
• talking more and more about separation of powers and what the executive needs to be doing, what the judiciary
• page 11 of the calendar, Senate Bill 60 by Senator Orur, regarding criminal procedure, is pending. judiciary
• needs to be doing, and what judiciary needs to be doing, and what the<00:42:27.920><c> exe</c><00:42

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 30 members. The chamber approved excusing absent senators, dispensed with reading the prior journal, and allowed introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the legislative day. It then took up a series of confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, all of which were approved unanimously, confirming multiple appointees to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies and Arts Education, including Harilyn Benjamin, Robin Dunn, Dietra Howy, Rebecca Mener, Lakesha Cohill, Kevin King, Kristen Law, and Dana Marie Liur. The Senate also received a gubernatorial message returning House Joint Resolution 4 with an executive amendment; the chamber concurred in the amendment by unanimous consent. House messages reported several bills referred to committees, including measures on state employees retirement, EMS personnel education, seafood dealer licenses, local legislation for Monroville, law enforcement officers, state marine waters, evictions, and taxation. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 183 to the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 23 honoring Junior Harold Sorrels and Senate Joint Resolution 24 honoring John Waller Giles. The Rules Committee report establishing a special order calendar for the seventh legislative day was adopted, and the Senate then passed several bills on the special order calendar, including SB 136 on the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, SB 158 on public high schools and military recruiter testing access, SB 22 on the Commission on Uniform State Laws, SB 137 creating the Alabama Resilience Council, SB 60 on criminal procedure, SB 109 on peer-to-peer car sharing, SB 77 on the 911 board, and SB 163 on the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Most of these were adopted by unanimous or near-unanimous voice or roll-call votes, with no recorded opposition. Near the end of the session, senators offered brief personal remarks, including thanks for support during illness and appreciation for floor coordination. The Senate then adjourned on a motion until Thursday, January 29 at 12:15 p.m., with the journal left open until 4:30 p.m. to receive messages.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
• member of Warren limmer I'm the ranking member of the<00:03:27.920><c> Senate</c><00:03:28.360><c> Judiciary
• </c><00:03:29.319><c> and</c><00:03:29.799><c> Public</c><00:03:30.080><c> Safety</c> the Senate Judiciary
• and Public Safety the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee<00:03:32.200><c> uh</c><00:03:32.319
• I'm the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• 29.120><c> number</c><00:28:29.440><c> 266</c> From judiciary, House Bill number 266 From judiciary,
• From judiciary, House Bill number 37 From judiciary, House Bill number 37 receives<00:28:53.440><c> a
• ><c> number</c><00:29:03.760><c> 429</c> From judiciary, House Bill number 429 From judiciary, House
• From Judiciary, House Bill number 328 From Judiciary, House Bill number 328 receives<00:29:31.440><c>
• </c> from<00:29:38.240><c> judiciary.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery. The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government. Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance. On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is David Tarnas, Chair of Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.
• Back to the Judiciary. Thanks for double-checking with Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.
• </c> questions see none back to the Judiciary questions see none back to the Judiciary thanks<02:25:32.200
• > thanks double checking with Judiciary thanks double checking with Judiciary and<02:25:33.359><c> Hawaiian
• Other comments from the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee?

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's undisputed that the intent of the Heroes Act was to grant members of the judiciary the same benefits
• From a public policy and equity standpoint, why should a member of the Massachusetts judiciary who has
• But you being a magician, having a review, They try to tweak legislation, but you being in the judiciary

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 20th hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony limited to three minutes and written testimony accepted by email or mail. The committee heard several retirement-related bills and requests for creditable service or retirement adjustments, including H5246 for Jason Mitrecy, who sought credit for prior Vermont correctional service toward his Massachusetts Probation Service retirement, and a Beverly police chief retirement bill supported by Rep. Hannah Bowman and Chief John Lachillard, who asked to remain in service a bit longer and noted the bill had been updated to include age and health-exam language. The committee also heard from Danny DeLorati, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Judges Conference, in support of H5359/S3800, which would allow judges to receive military creditable service under the same terms as other state employees. He explained that the State Retirement Board had previously denied such credit to judges under existing law, and argued the change would correct an inequity for veteran judges. Committee members generally expressed support, emphasizing the need to get the language right and noting the bill’s broad veteran coverage. Finally, Alex Seminello testified about a dispute with the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System over buying back eight years of Rhode Island service after MTRS had initially approved the transaction and accepted more than $100,000 in transferred funds. He said he retired based on that approval, later learned the credit would not be honored, and was left with a much lower pension than expected. Senator Montigny then spoke in strong support of the petition. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned the meeting at the end.

Transcript Highlights:

• So was that, do you know, was that the Judiciary Committee when you said, know, disciplined or kind of
• So was that, do you know, was that the Judiciary Committee when you said, “For example.
• So was that, do you know, was that the Judiciary Committee when you said, because we in education haven

Bills: H3895 , H5157

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: career education, technical training, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, pilot program, youth education, school safety, education, mental health, children, security measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under consideration engrossed House Bill 5684, relating to authorizing
• Your Committee on the Judiciary has had under consideration engrossed House Bill 5684, relating to authorizing
• Your Committee on the Judiciary is currently in recess and will resume 10 minutes after floor session

Transcript Highlights:

• And quick question, first of all, we're on the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute, not the Senate
• First of all, we're on the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute, not the Senate Rules Committee substitute
• It is the Senate Is the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for the Senate Rules Committee substitute

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 7, a land swap between the City of Santa Fe and the state involving a parcel in Midtown Santa Fe, the former College of Santa Fe campus area. The sponsor said the transaction would not involve any money and was intended to help advance redevelopment of the Midtown area. There was no public testimony, and the committee moved a due pass recommendation with no opposition. The committee then took up Senate Bill 261, which updates 2024 law restricting firearms at polling places by narrowing exemptions. The bill would generally make polling places firearm-free, while still allowing firearms for law enforcement requested by election officials to maintain order or respond to emergencies, for officers whose offices are in the same facility, and for people inside private vehicles. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, said firearms can intimidate voters and poll workers and should not be present at polling sites. Opponents from the Zia Rifle and Pistol Club, NRA, and New Mexico Business Coalition argued the bill removes protections for law-abiding concealed carry holders and off-duty officers, and that concealed carry is not inherently intimidating. Committee members questioned how the ban would be enforced, how concealed carry would be identified, and whether polling places would be left vulnerable in the event of an attack. The Secretary of State’s representative said stationing uniformed officers at polling places would violate federal law, that poll workers are trained in de-escalation, and that the bill is intended to create a clear, uniform rule for election workers. Before the discussion concluded, the sponsor had to leave for another committee, and the chair announced the bill would be rolled to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> before I go to judiciary for sure. before I go to judiciary for sure.
• It might be more in the judiciary space, but I'm just kind of curious what happens with the data that's
• </c><01:05:19.800><c> space</c> It might be more in the judiciary space It might be more in the judiciary
• Or judiciary data, or state and local data.
• and state local we send it to judiciary and state local bring<01:24:03.000><c> it</c><01:24:03.080><

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I think no one was here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• Um, and I think no one was here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• Um, and I think no one was here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• Is anyone here here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• </c><01:24:48.560><c> testimony,</c> mentioned in the judiciary testimony, mentioned in the judiciary

Bills: HB1924 , HB2121 , HB1928 , HB1979 , HB1650 , HB1543 , HB1981 , HB1982

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.