Transcript Highlights:

• from the incumbent carrier or creating their own network and eventually beginning to see internet-based
• Outside of that, the CPUC has adopted rules over facility-based communication providers and wireless
• Outside of that, the CPUC has adopted rules over facility-based communication providers and wireless
• Then telephone companies were truly the only game in town, as Dr.
• We envision that that process is not only going to sustain skilled broadband jobs, but increase skilled

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition. CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist. In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.

Bills: HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR175 , HCR197 , HB48 , HB54 , HB86 , HB127 , HB139 , HB177 , HB202 , HB212 , HB214 , HB244 , HB256 , HB286 , HB306 , HB309 , HB344 , HB348 , HB369 , HB370 , HB371 , HB395 , HB423 , HB428 , HB429 , HB432 , HB433 , HB437 , HB448 , HB454 , HB455 , HB472 , HB480 , HB510 , HB549 , HB563 , HB596 , HB606 , HB620 , HB664 , HB697 , HB698 , HB701 , HB706 , HB714 , HB740 , HB773 , HB782 , HB784 , HB833 , HB850 , HB904 , HB918 , HB939 , HB988 , HB1020 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1039 , HB1050 , HB1059 , HB1079 , HB1145 , HB1155 , HB1161 , HB1164 , HB1167 , HB1260 , HB1294 , HB1295 , HB1297 , HB1308 , HB1320 , HB1325 , HB1345 , HB1391 , HB1427 , SB21 , SB26 , SB71 , SB109 , SB146 , SB177 , SB183 , SB228 , SB253 , SB298 , SB299 , SB325 , SB382 , SB401 , SB414 , SB440 , SB657 , SB717 , HB2001

Keywords: emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations

Bills: HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR175 , HCR197 , HB48 , HB54 , HB86 , HB127 , HB139 , HB177 , HB202 , HB212 , HB214 , HB244 , HB256 , HB286 , HB306 , HB309 , HB344 , HB348 , HB369 , HB370 , HB371 , HB395 , HB423 , HB428 , HB429 , HB432 , HB433 , HB437 , HB448 , HB454 , HB455 , HB472 , HB480 , HB510 , HB549 , HB563 , HB596 , HB606 , HB620 , HB664 , HB697 , HB698 , HB701 , HB706 , HB714 , HB740 , HB773 , HB782 , HB784 , HB833 , HB850 , HB904 , HB918 , HB939 , HB988 , HB1020 , HB1036 , HB1037 , HB1039 , HB1050 , HB1059 , HB1079 , HB1145 , HB1155 , HB1161 , HB1164 , HB1167 , HB1260 , HB1294 , HB1295 , HB1297 , HB1308 , HB1320 , HB1325 , HB1345 , HB1391 , HB1427 , SB21 , SB26 , SB71 , SB109 , SB146 , SB177 , SB183 , SB228 , SB253 , SB298 , SB299 , SB325 , SB382 , SB401 , SB414 , SB440 , SB657 , SB717 , HB2001

Keywords: emergency medical treatment, abortion services, pregnancy care, reproductive health, hospitals, EMTALA, healthcare access, sister-state relationship, cultural exchange, international relations, Okayama, Hawaii, trade, tourism, Pacific governance, legislative cooperation, inter-parliamentary assembly, climate resilience, sustainable development, Hawaii-Japan relations

Bills: HR206 , SB3083 , SB2377 , SB2816 , SB3248 , SB2436 , SB2259 , SB2928 , SB2577 , SB2697 , SB2399 , SB2665 , SB2851 , SB3102 , SB2521 , SB3157 , SB3255 , SB3016 , SB2765 , SB1432 , SB17 , SB2401 , SB2972 , SB3014 , SB3032 , SB3137 , SB847 , SB2261 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2804 , SB3007 , SB3019 , SB3250 , SB2603 , SB3022 , SB2256 , SB2147 , SB2014 , SB2114 , SB2115 , SB2117 , SB2246 , SB2519 , SB3055 , SB3095 , SB3144 , SB3264 , SB2325 , SB2211 , SB3245 , SB2090 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB2250 , SB2497 , SB2032 , SB2487 , SB3136 , SB2756 , SB2615 , SB3262 , SB2024 , SB2177 , SB2552 , SB2319 , SB2407 , SB2153 , SB2321 , SB2805 , SB3010 , SB2892 , SB2781 , SB2489 , SB2174 , SB2169 , SB3123

Keywords: Robert Bob Toyofuku, Hawaii legal community, House Resolution, commendation, honorary resolution, legal education, continuing legal education, CLE, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii law school, Pacific Law Institute, attorney training, legal ethics, professional responsibility, legal mentorship, legal profession, court-annexed arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, appellate decisions, Hawaii Supreme Court

Bills: SB2347 , SB2911 , SB2033 , SB2158 , SB2993 , SB2778 , SB2672 , SB2014 , SB3144 , SB3096 , SB3097 , SB2968 , SB2363 , SB3154 , SB2400 , SB3313 , SB2896 , SB3279 , SB2614 , SB2687 , SB2754 , SB2549 , SB3325 , SB2658 , SB2659 , SB2602 , SB2611 , SB2877 , SB3063 , SB2615 , SB3232 , SB2875 , SB3272 , SB2854 , SB3203 , SB2803 , SB2804 , SB3302 , SB3229 , SB2969 , SB2412 , SB2657 , SB2880 , SB2540 , SB2414 , SB3142 , SB3202 , SB2281 , SB2852 , SB2272 , SB2479 , SB2589 , SB2936 , SB2720 , SB2730 , SB2749 , SB2688 , SB2798 , SB3040 , SB3107 , SB3010 , SB3109 , SB3140 , SB3187 , SB2057 , SB2377 , SB3048 , SB3083 , SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• California's ban on addictive algorithms, which is what this bill is based on, has so far held up in
• At this point, some have been struck down because they're content-based.
• First, I was told to silence other concerned employees as a demonstration of my skill.
• They apply fire science, and some use physics-based modeling and some use statistical-based modeling.
• And some use physics-based modeling and some use statistical-based modeling to create a score at the

Bills: SB5928

Committee: Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development

Keywords: wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BTS, Parasite, Squid Game, some people call it the Ojingo Game, Korean barbecue, kimchi, and taekwondo
• A quiet man, he was passionate about football and basketball and regularly enjoyed watching games with
• Patricia McKenna, 77, was described as a classy, generous, and creative woman who worked as a skilled

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 by Senator Choi, which designates January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in California. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, highlighting the history of Korean immigration, the contributions of Korean Americans in business, public service, culture, education, health care, and civic life, and the significance of Korean American communities across the state. Several members also shared personal and district-specific examples, including Koreatown, the Korean Friendship Bell, Pachappa Camp in Riverside, and Korean American organizations and businesses affected by the recent wildfires. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 roll call vote. After the vote, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests visiting the chamber, including the Consul General of Korea in San Francisco and other community leaders. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including notices that the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Human Services Committee would meet after adjournment. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas also requested that SB 626 be removed from the inactive file and returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memorials. Senator Umberg honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, a longtime legislative staffer and artist. Senators Pérez and Allen jointly memorialized the 19 people who died in the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires, describing the devastation, the community’s recovery, and the names and lives of many victims. Senator Menjivar also asked for adjournment in memory of Marine Corps Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, who died in a December traffic collision. The Senate announced its next floor session for Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m. and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Banking Committee and our base Banking Committee and our base legislation<01:42:50.320><c> and</
• </c> protecting consumers and deposit base protecting consumers and deposit base and<02:25:34.080><c>
• principles-based principles-based legislation.<02:46:51.680><c> I</c><02:46:52.000><c> urge</c><02:46
• ,</c> game-changing technological evolution, game-changing technological evolution, and<03:28:11.520>
• </c> emissions on military bases. emissions on military bases.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State support was about 75% to 80%, and 20% was based on going out and finding other money.
• The agency has received this grant for several years based on prior awards and anticipates using the
• Yeah, and based on the carrier's description, permanent positions, which, as we know here, and a lot
• The new suite of applications will utilize a cloud-based architecture platform.
• The new suite of applications will utilize a cloud-based architecture platform.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gain the skills they need to reenter our communities in a productive fashion.
• At the time we had the conversation, over 11,000 of them had active Texas-based warrants.
• We oppose treating people differently based solely... ...on their immigration status in the criminal
• I think it's inappropriate to raise state criminal penalties based on immigration status because, as
• The girls were coming back from a Christmas basketball game.

Bills: SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:26.240><c> on</c> students, including targeting based on students, including targeting based
• So, the cap is based off of what was forecasted for 26-27.
• </c> between where your patient base is. between where your patient base is.
• There's tons of community-based organizations that get funding from this.
• <c> that</c> of community-based organizations that of community-based organizations that get<06:30:38.320

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> some things that were misconstrued based some things that were misconstrued based on<03:01:36.800
• issue and walk away from fishing game issue and walk away from it
• So this is based on cases that we've had, like our broken babies and stuff.
• So this is based on cases that we've had, like our broken babies and stuff.
• So this is based on cases that we've had, like our broken babies and stuff.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first opened with brief remarks about a member’s recovery and then heard House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs related to DCYF. The sponsor, Representative Erica Layon, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how much time and money are spent on DCYF work versus other departmental work, and help future discussions about staffing, resources, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely produce the report without additional cost, though she was open to adjusting the reporting date and possibly adding more detail about federal mandates. Former Representative Betty Gay and several members supported the bill as a way to better document costs and procedures, while DCYF Director Marie Nunan said the department was not taking a position on the bill, already has many policies and operating procedures, and believed it could comply without a fiscal note. Members raised questions about whether the reporting requirement duplicated existing oversight, whether it should apply to other agencies, and whether the report should include federal funding mandates. Some suggested that a broader review or subcommittee on DCYF might be more useful than a single reporting bill. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, so it will not go on the calendar. Members said they wanted more time to discuss the bill, watch the budget process, and consider whether the reporting requirement could be implemented informally or through a broader oversight effort. The committee then moved on to House Bill 775, which was introduced by Representative Jodi Nelson as a measure to support supervised visitation centers. Dr. Scott Hampton testified in favor, describing the loss of visitation centers since 2019, the role of supervised visitation in protecting children and vulnerable parents in domestic violence cases, and the potential benefits for child safety, crime prevention, and family preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• A statute-based guideline matrix is currently in draft form.
• It was developed based upon three pillars.
• And right now, we have. able to gather a year of skilled nursing facility data.
• Maybe they discharged from a skilled nursing facility in the last 90 days.
• I have to step my game up. Um, but I won't steal yours. So with that, we have public comment.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Quite a few of the um uh office-based Quite a few of the um uh office-based practices<00:09:00.560
• </c> evidence-based policy decisions. evidence-based policy decisions.
• </c><01:50:32.400><c> So</c> a good clinical competency base. So a good clinical competency base.
• Um, as we go to another uh skill.
• Um and then another and skill.

Keywords: 00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes 00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities 00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE) 00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data 01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms 01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010) 01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds 02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification 02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action. Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions. Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Um, you know, it's each SAU, each district has very different needs based on what their community
• :19:50.960><c> very</c><00:19:51.360><c> different</c><00:19:51.679><c> needs</c><00:19:52.160><c> based
• </c> district has very different needs based district has very different needs based on<00:19:52.640>
• </c><00:36:26.240><c> I</c> or officiating a basketball game. I or officiating a basketball game.
• and knowledgeable in the laws skilled and knowledgeable in the laws that<00:51:40.559><c> affect</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary. Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise. Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps farmers, and it helps home-based entrepreneurs. ...bill.
• And it helps families, it helps farmers, and it helps home-based entrepreneurs to be able to sell their
• I think that's just a skill show. I'll eat like this. I'll eat like this.
• I think that's just a skill of you. I'll eat like this.
• If such a product is... ...cell-based food product grown outside the animal's body.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then moved quickly through committee reports, gubernatorial appointments, and House messages. Several bills were introduced and referred to committees, and the chamber later recessed and returned with a quorum established. Throughout the day, the Senate also received notices of committee action on additional bills and appointments, including confirmation recommendations for executive appointees and referral of House-passed measures to the appropriate committees. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 608, which revises the public school facilities cooperative funding program, after supporters said it clarifies eligibility and repayment rules for districts with failed bonds and under-budget projects. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1272, a transportation code cleanup bill; Senate Bill 1273 and Senate Bill 1275, both described as DOGE-style cleanup measures removing obsolete veterans and PERSI provisions; Senate Bill 1283, which reduces regulation for small-scale direct-to-consumer agricultural and homemade food sales; and Senate Bill 1325, creating a new white-and-black specialty license plate to raise money for Idaho State Police pay. Most of these passed on voice or roll-call votes with broad support, though SB 1283 drew some concern about the lack of a business-size cap. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1319, the “Emergency Affordability Act,” which targets out-of-network billing by freestanding emergency rooms and requires disclosure of nonparticipation in TRICARE, Medicare, and Medicaid; debate centered on whether it was a consumer protection measure or an anti-competitive attack on one Idaho facility. Senate Bill 1313 passed to allow pharmacists to seek voluntary dual licensure as naturopathic doctors, and Senate Bill 1296 passed to strengthen criminal trespass penalties for disrupting worship services in churches. Additional cleanup and transparency measures passed, including SB 1320 on the Business Information Infrastructure Fund, SB 1321 on controller reporting compliance, and SB 1322 tightening the voter affidavit process by requiring additional identifying information and county clerk verification when voters lack ID. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 1269 on cloud seeding, which supporters said would add Idaho-specific definitions, reporting, and accountability to an existing program, while opponents argued it mostly duplicated federal reporting and exempted much of the activity from the new rules. Debate on that bill was underway at the end of the transcript, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps farmers, and it helps home-based entrepreneurs. ...bill.
• And it helps families, it helps farmers, and it helps home-based entrepreneurs to be able to sell their
• I think that's just a skill issue. I'll eat like this. I'll eat like this.
• I think that's just a skill issue. I'll eat like this.
• If such a product is Cell-based food product grown outside the animal's body.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• third party who would be involved as well, a contractual agreement agreeing to how much they would get based
• This really just is a voluntary, market-based solution for small business, and we don't have to guess
• So how do we create solutions, market-based solutions, to this problem?
• a society kind of have this idea that when you buy a movie online or buy a TV show or buy a video game
• People should be spending their time applying for jobs, interviewing, and building up their skills, not

Bills: HB2010 , HB2192 , HB2199 , HB2279 , HB2310 , HB2459 , HB2501 , HB2555 , HB2690 , HB2693

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a trial attorney based out of Kansas City, where I am a partner at Shook, Hardy, and Bacon.
• on scientific... ...identifying the issues that made it unsafe, if they are revising a product based
• This isn't some global change that's, you know, changing the whole expert game.
• So the minimum time prior to parole is based on what the judge imposes.
• I'm Kanika Harper with Justice for All, based out of St. Louis, Missouri.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we are, uh, prosecuting for gambling offenses involve fish games currently.
• </c><00:47:44.560><c> Uh,</c><00:47:44.800><c> so</c> involve fish games currently.
• Uh, so involve fish games currently.
• </c> of which currently involve fish games. of which currently involve fish games.
• extremely broad, and the inclusion of the term anything of value along with the express rejection of skill-based

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.