Transcript Highlights:

• Present are Senator Scarcella-Spanton [member_7144]. Senator, where are you?
• The first bill is Senate Bill S-4666. The first bill is Senate Bill S-4667A.
• The second bill is Senate Bill S-4706A by myself, Senator Jackson [member_7056].
• The fifth bill is Senate Bill S-9356 by Senator Kavanaugh.
• The sixth bill is Senate Bill S-9378 by myself, Senator Jackson [member_7056].

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on March 24, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures affecting retirement and leave benefits for several groups, including NYC sanitation members (S-4667A), NYC correction members (S-4706A), county and municipal airport firefighters (S-9262), NYC water supply police (S-9356), EMT members in the NYC Employees’ Retirement System (S-9378), Suffolk County correction officers (S-9394), and Civil Air Patrol members on Air Force-assigned missions (S-9406). The committee also took up S.A.424A, which would provide a legacy credit to children and siblings of military service members or those killed in the line of duty; members spoke in support of the bill as a way to recognize and support military families. Most bills were moved without opposition and received unanimous approval, with the chair repeatedly confirming vote counts from the voting sheets. S-4667A, S-4706A, S.A.424A, S-9262, S-9356, S-9378, and S-9394 each received seven ayes, zero nays, and zero abstentions/AWRs. S-9406 also advanced, but with one AWR and six ayes. Members offered brief supportive comments on several bills, especially those benefiting veterans, correction officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers. All eight bills were reported out of committee, most to the Finance Committee and S.A.424A to the floor. The meeting then adjourned after no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us Senators Kavanagh, Senator Bailey, Senator Roxanne Foss, Senator Brisport, and we also
• So we are going to start with Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport.
• Thank you, Senator Palumbo. Senator Murray? No, I'm second.
• Moved by Senator Murray, seconded by Senator Palumbo. Any discussion? Moved by Senator Murray.
• Motion to move by Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Bailey.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation. Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative. The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Hauschild. uh Senator Bolden moves that Senate file uh Senator Bolden moves that Senate
• Senator<00:26:22.840> Port. Senator Port. Senator Port.
• , then Senator Pappas, then Senator Draheim.
• Senator<01:08:25.520> Lucero? Senator Lucero? Senator Lucero?
• <01:10:30.000> File Senator Abeler moves that Senate File Senator Abeler moves that Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to introduce my co-chair, Senator Fukunaga, and for HHS we have Senator I believe and Senator
• Senator Hashimoto votes aye. Senator Inouye: excused. Senator DeCoite: no.
• Senator DeCoite votes no. Senator Richards: reservations. Senator Favela: no.
• <01:18:15.920> Senator Senator Richards. Reservations. Senator Senator Richards.
• <01:21:06.440> Senator Senator Richards? Reservations. Senator Senator Richards?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously. For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously. The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki, I. Senator Fevella is also excused.
• Senator Ihara Vice Chair also votes I. Senator Ihara is<00:18:08.440> excused.
• Uh Senator Moriwaki. I. is excused. Uh Senator Moriwaki. I.
• Senator Fukunaga is also excused. Senator Lamasao is I. Senator McKelvey, I. Senator Auwae, I.
• vice chair, Senator Maile Rhoads-Terso. vice chair, Senator Maile Rhoads-Terso.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:16:45.480> Chang. Senator Chang. Senator Chang.
• Senator Chang? Aye. Senator Lamasao is excused, and Senator DeCoite is excused.
• Senator<00:31:36.440> Fukunaga? Senator Fukunaga? Senator Fukunaga? >> Aye.
• Senator Kim, Senator Fukunaga? Aye. Senator Kim, Favela<00:32:01.560> excused.
• Senator<00:33:04.760> Fukunaga? Senator Fukunaga? Senator Fukunaga?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ; Senator Brian Kavanaugh; Senator Rachel May; Senator Chris Ryan; Senator Mark Walczyk; and my good
• friend, Senator Tom O'Mara.
• Bill number 904B, sponsor Senator Gonzalez. Bill 904B, sponsor Senator Gonzalez.
• Senator Walczyk.
• Senator May. Senator May.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Cameron Parker, considered a large agenda focused on utility consumer protections, rate transparency, NYSERDA oversight, and energy transition policy. Several bills were discussed in detail, including measures to prohibit residential utility shutoffs during extreme temperature forecasts (Bill 120A), delay shutoffs and late fees while a utility is under certain PSC investigations (Bill 904B), require disclosure of planned rate increases (Bill 4989A), limit certain utility charges after 12 months (Bill 8710), and require utilities to disclose more information with major rate change applications (Bill 9433A). The committee also considered bills on net energy metering credits (Bill 1553), reconnection for low-income customers (Bill 965), sanctions and civil penalties (Bill 8908), and annual NYSERDA reporting obligations (Bill 1819). Members raised recurring concerns about affordability, arrears, and who ultimately bears costs when utilities are prevented from collecting immediately. Senator Walczyk repeatedly questioned whether protections would shift costs to other ratepayers, while sponsors and the chair emphasized that the bills did not erase arrears but created temporary consumer protections. Senator May noted that some proposals could produce significant savings for ratepayers. On Bill 1819, Senator Walczyk supported greater accountability for NYSERDA’s use of ratepayer-funded money. Bill 1668, which would authorize NYSERDA to administer grants for switching residents to electric heat pumps, drew questions about funding; staff said it would be funded off-budget from existing sources and would have no direct state cost, though it could require shifting existing program resources. The committee advanced most bills to third reading after motions and votes, with several measures receiving no votes but still moving forward. Bill 2477 was held for possible amendments. Bill 4989A was referred to the Consumer Protection Committee. Bill 5111, the Just Energy Transition Act, prompted extended discussion about its study timeline and a PSC order to facilitate replacement and redevelopment of at least 4 gigawatts of fossil fuel generation; the bill was advanced to third reading after debate. The meeting concluded with adjournment after the committee completed its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm your committee chair, Senator Julia Salazar, and I would like to acknowledge the other senators who
• We are also joined by Senator Gustavo Rivera, Senator Jamaal Bailey, Senator Pete Harckham, and Senator
• Senator Dean Murray votes no. Thank you, Senator Murray. The bill is reported.
• Motion on the bill by Senator Jamaal Bailey, seconded by Senator Gustavo Rivera.
• Motion on the bill by Senator Jamaal Bailey, seconded by Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met under Chair Senator Julia Salazar and considered nine bills, with the first bill laid aside at the sponsor’s request for further stakeholder discussion. The committee then took up measures on correctional policy, including prohibiting county correction officers from dispensing medications to incarcerated individuals, expanding conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs, requiring at least one formerly incarcerated person on the State Board of Parole, and authorizing vocational training in solar hot water system installation for incarcerated individuals. Members generally expressed support for the rehabilitative and workforce-training goals of several bills. The committee also discussed a bill directing a study of gender disparities in programming and resources between men’s and women’s facilities, with Senator Pete Harckham noting concerns from women in his district about unequal access to programming. Another bill would authorize transfer of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals to residential treatment facilities, and a separate measure would establish emergency management release plans for correctional facilities during declared state disasters. The final bill would provide mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities. Most bills were moved by motion and reported from committee, often with Senator Dean Murray voting no or noting opposition/abstention on several measures. The conditional release bill was reported to Finance, while the others were reported from committee. No additional amendments or substantive votes were described beyond the committee actions on each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sponsor, Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
• Sponsor, Senator Skoufis. Next is S. 407.
• Sponsor, Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Executive Law. I'll make a motion. Second.
• Sponsor, Senator Skoufis, an act to amend Chapter 396 of the Laws of 2010.
• Senator Cleare, do you want to take this, or Gabe? No, Dave got it. Go ahead.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Investigations and Government Operations met on March 24, 2026 and took up a ten-bill agenda. Most of the measures were advanced by motion and second with little debate, and several were referred onward to other committees, including Finance, Local Government, Ethics, and Labor. Bills discussed included S.334 on publishing records of public interest, S.348 and S.3836 on Alcoholic Beverage Control Law changes, S.407 on the Executive Law, S.1572, S.3145, and S.7880A on the Tax Law, and S.7990 on the Executive Law and County Law. S.646 was reported, while S.334, S.348, S.407, S.1572, S.3145, S.4693, S.7880A, and S.7990 were referred to other committees as noted. A notable discussion occurred on S.4693, the Taxpayer Access to Publicly Funded Research Act. Members asked how public access would work and whether posting research online could affect scholarly journals that rely on subscriptions. Staff explained that the bill would require publicly funded research to be posted on agency websites and that the intent was to make taxpayer-supported findings available to the public without additional advertising or special access mechanisms. The sponsor’s rationale was that taxpayers should be able to access research they helped fund, though concerns about the impact on journals were acknowledged. Votes were generally favorable, with a few recorded objections or abstentions. S.348, S.1572, and S.7880A each had at least one nay, and several bills had one without-recommendation vote. The committee ultimately reported S.646 and S.3836, while the other measures were referred to the appropriate committees for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• > 4625,<00:03:32.000> Senator All right, Senate File 4625, Senator All right, Senate File
• Uh Senator Senator Lang. Uh Senator Senator Lang.
• Senator Lang. Senator Bahr. No. Senator Cwodzinski. Yeah. Senator Dziedzic. No. Senator Fateh. Aye.
• Senator Hamilton Yager. Senator Johnson-Stewart. Yes. Senator Hawj. Senator Mathews. No. Mr.
• Senator<01:10:12.120> Lang. Senator Lang. Senator Lang. Senator<01:10:14.400> Bar.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:48:13.000> Koran. Senator Koran. Senator Koran.
• Senator<01:41:56.560> Kupec. Senator Kupec. Senator Kupec.
• Senator Abeler, yes. Senator Boldon, aye. Senator Fateh, Senator Koran, no. Senator Kupec, yes.
• Senator<02:24:49.320> Boldon. Senator Boldon. Senator Boldon.
• Senator<02:37:32.280> Utke. Senator Utke. Senator Utke.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um,<00:09:42.280> Senator >> Um, Senator >> Um, Senator Senator<00:09:43.720
• >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. bill. Thank you, Senator.
• 3186 Senator Maycumber's Senate file 3186 Senator Maycumber's Senate file 3186 and<01:19:33.000
• and Senator Webber's Senate file 4344. and Senator Webber's Senate file 4344.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> Senator uh Senator McEwen and Senator Senator uh Senator McEwen and Senator Senator Jim<00:02:
• Senator<00:16:27.600> Green. Senator Green.
• Next is Senator Hauschild's bill, but Senator Kunesh will be presenting on Senator Hauschild's behalf
• Thank you for your consideration, and special thanks to Senator Hauschild, Senator Marty, and Senator
• put the Senate file 4446. put the Senate file 4446.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with Senator Johnson Stewart, Senate File 1714.
• Senator McEwen? I. Senator Hauschild? Ranking Member Dornink? No. Senator Kupec? I. Senator Latz?
• Senator Umberger? Yes. Senator Pappas? Yes. Senator Rarick? Senator Weisenberg? Senator Latz? No.
• Senator Latz? No. Senator<00:14:58.320> Umberger? Senator Umberger? Senator Umberger? Yes.
• Senator McEwen was speaking of before. Senator McEwen was speaking of before.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> All right, Senator Wang and Senator >> All right, Senator Wang and Senator Waters<00:17
• Senator Lang, Senator Innis, Mr.
• >> Thank you, Senator. >> Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Lang, Senator Innis, Mr. Chair. >> Yep.
• Senator Lang, seconded by Senator Innis. >> Senator Lang. >> Thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then Senator Altschuler. Perfect. And then Senator Altschuler.
• Senator Abbott?
• Senate Bill 575? Senate Bill 575?
• Senator Sullivan. Any other questions? Senator Sullivan.
• Um Senator Senator Senator Utchitel<01:10:07.560> brought<01:10:07.760> up<01:10:07.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Rearen, go ahead. >> Senator Rearen, go ahead.
• Go ahead, Senator. >> You're all set. Yes. Go ahead, Senator.
• > that it was Senator Senator Ulers's bill that it was Senator Senator Ulers's bill that it<01
• I see any questions, >> Senator<01:53:50.560> Al. >> Senator Al.
• Senator Abison's question. >> Thank you. Senator Abison's question.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:04:34.920> Kupec Senator Kupec Senator Kupec I<00:04:36.400> have<00:04:36.600
• Senator<00:30:06.880> Kunesh. Senator Kunesh. Senator Kunesh.
• And with that, Senator so much, Senator.
• Chair, Senator. My Good afternoon, Mr. Chair, Senator.
• much, Senator Putnam. much, Senator Putnam.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator. Okay, now I have a question. Senator. Okay, now I have a question.
• Senator Waters seconded by Senator Pearl. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
• Senator McConkey. Senator McConkey: Thank you, Representative. Nice to see you.
• Senator Rosenwald: Thank you. Senator Pearl: Good morning.
• Senator<01:25:20.120> Waters. Senator Waters. Senator Waters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Lang.
• Questions from the senators. Questions from the senators.
• Yes, Senator. merely a clerical error. Yes, Senator.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<01:28:26.639> you<01:28:27.040
• Senator Long. Yep. >> Eyes have it. Senator Long. Yep.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all