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:

• 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 addresses issues where the judiciary has considered current law to be silent while continuing to use
• It addresses issues where<00:32:05.520><c> the</c><00:32:05.640><c> judiciary</c><00:32:06.240><c> has
• </c><00:32:06.360><c> considered</c> where the judiciary has considered where the judiciary has considered
• Jennette White, former senator; Windham County assistant judges; State Court Administrator, Vermont Judiciary
• Judiciary, Orleans County Sheriff and Judiciary, Orleans County Sheriff and member<00:34:35.480><c> of

Transcript Highlights:

• As your judiciary and Hawaiian affairs committee chair, I'm keenly aware of the pressures that are being
• I do agree with the judiciary chair that the AG is fully equipped to do a criminal investigation.
• </c><00:59:52.559><c> AG</c><00:59:53.040><c> is</c><00:59:53.280><c> fully</c> judiciary chair that
• the AG is fully judiciary chair that the AG is fully equipped<00:59:54.000><c> to</c><00:59:54.240><c
• May I have the words of the Chair of Judiciary and the Chair of Higher Education enter the journal as

Transcript Highlights:

• It's approximately 700 people living in it. uh was heard in the judiciary comm uh was heard in the judiciary
• Um uh I the within the judiciary folks.
• And I I I come people on the judiciary.
• I know the Don't miss me in judiciary.
• Judiciary today is listening. See you.

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

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:

• </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.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Judiciary Committee amended House Bill 633 to create a study committee.
• , and this bill came to House Judiciary and, of course, I see a lot of merits of this.
• So the judiciary committee recommended a true study committee.
• So, um the judiciary to pass it as is.
• </c> Housing that you're also on Judiciary. Housing that you're also on Judiciary.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
• Welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
• That being said, I do want to thank the Senator and my staff, Nick, and my staff on the Judiciary Committee

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee format to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “lemon law” procedures. Senator Umberg explained that the measure was intended to implement a negotiated compromise by allowing automakers to opt into the new AB 1755 framework, which speeds discovery and changes certain lemon law procedures, while preserving an option for some manufacturers to remain under the prior law. He and the chair described the bill as a cleanup and compromise measure aimed at reducing court backlog and getting consumer claims resolved more quickly. Supporters included the Consumer Attorneys of California and multiple automakers and industry representatives, including Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and Rivian. Toyota said the bill gives manufacturers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the continued work of stakeholders and the Governor’s office. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it wanted manufacturers to be able to opt out but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader premise that lemon litigation is excessive. After quorum was established, the committee moved to a vote. Members discussed the bill as a compromise that could reduce litigation while still preserving consumer remedies, and noted that future technology issues in vehicles may require further review. The committee then adopted a do-pass motion, with members voting aye, and the bill was reported out. The chair noted that immediate referral would follow if the bill passes on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
• Good morning, Chair and members of the Judiciary Committee.
• Hello, Chairperson and members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. My name is Madeline Prescott.
• Good morning, Chairperson and members of the Judiciary Committee. My name is Sophia.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee without a quorum and heard two bills. AB 1267, by Assembly Member Pellerin, would set 18 as the minimum age for marriage in California. Supporters, including a child marriage survivor, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and several Girl Scouts, argued that child marriage is a form of abuse, can shield statutory rape and exploitation, and harms education, safety, and long-term opportunity. No opposition was presented. Committee members from both parties spoke in strong support, several asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill was moved on a motion to concur in Senate amendments; it passed with unanimous aye votes from members present and was declared out. The committee also heard SB 957 by Senator Perez, the Protecting Vulnerable Immigrant Detainees Model Act. The bill would direct the Attorney General to develop a comprehensive oversight plan for privately operated civil detention facilities, including immigration detention centers, to improve health, safety, and welfare standards. Supporters from CHIRLA described alleged poor conditions at facilities such as Adelanto, including uncooked food, inadequate medical care, and mismanagement of chronic illnesses, and cited prior Attorney General reports documenting serious deficiencies and deaths. No opposition testified. The committee voted to do pass the bill to the Health Committee, with several ayes and a few no votes, and later completed add-on votes before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Judiciary will now come to order. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• some data in terms of case types and so forth, it may be best as the legislative liaison for the judiciary
• Seeing none, this will conclude the public hearing, and your House Judiciary Committee is now adjourned
• The public hearing and your House Judiciary Committee is now adjourned.

Committees: House Judiciary , House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• I wish to announce that Senate Bill 1140 is withdrawn from the Committee on Judiciary and additionally
• SB 1170, narcotics; judiciary. SB 1234, juvenile safety and appropriations.
• SB 1544, probation; judiciary and appropriations. SB 1709, dangerous... judiciary.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Kai Sun. Members also welcomed newly sworn Representative Cody Rhyme and congratulated Sergeant-at-Arms Chuck Fitzgerald on his recent wedding. Several members introduced guests and visiting groups, including pharmacists at Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, the Arizona Education Association, the Well-Being Collaborative of Arizona, and local officials and constituents from around the state. The chamber then took up House Resolution 2001, which designated March 18, 2026 as Health Workforce Well-Being Day in Arizona. The resolution cited burnout and workforce shortages among physicians, nurses, medical students, residents, pharmacists, and other health professionals, and urged state officials and health organizations to prioritize workforce well-being. It was adopted without objection to waive first and second reading, and Representative Bliss introduced guests connected to the Well-Being Collaborative. The House also considered several bills on third reading. House Bill 2375, relating to housing and historic neighborhoods, drew extensive debate over local control, historic preservation, housing shortages, and concerns about exclusion and segregation; it passed 31-24, but without the required two-thirds vote for its emergency clause. House Bill 2931, concerning the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board, passed 36-19, and House Bill 2992, creating a child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention pilot program, passed 35-20 after debate over whether funds should instead support broader sex education. Senate Bill 1010, substituted for House Bill 4027 and relating to historic names, passed 33-22. The House also handled committee assignments, referrals, and first readings of additional Senate bills before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Speaker's desk, I wish to announce that Senate Bill 1140 is withdrawn from the Committee on Judiciary
• SB 1170, Narcotic Judiciary; SB 1234, Juvenile Services, appropriations, infrastructure, and appropriations
• elections; SB 1429, Board of Directors, federalism, multi-person elections; SB 1544, probation, judiciary
• , and appropriations; SB 1709, dangerous judiciary announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is being referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.
• The bill is being referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.
• recalled from the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy and be re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• committee</c><00:10:09.120><c> on</c> re-referred to the committee on re-referred to the committee on Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• corporations to spend money on election activities, and that the bill be committed to the Committee on Judiciary
• The ayes have it, and you have moved S. 322 to the Committee on Judiciary.
• 00:06:25.759><c> the</c><00:06:25.919><c> Committee</c><00:06:26.160><c> on</c><00:06:26.400><c> Judiciary
• </c> committed to the Committee on Judiciary. committed to the Committee on Judiciary.
• you have moved S322 to the committee and you have moved S322 to the committee on<00:06:45.039><c> judiciary

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