Transcript Highlights:

• is just a faster more this the idea is just a faster more expedited<00:09:46.800> process<00:
• We don’t have that, and so being pragmatic, our position is it’s a good idea when court is a good idea
• a good idea when court is a good idea a good idea when court is a good idea but<01:04:35.400>
• I have no idea why we're not doing the same.
• And I apologize, and I have no idea why we're not doing the same.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether or not these young women detransition, they will suffer, and their doctors will have no idea
• that so how are you generating the idea that so how are you generating the idea that<01:26:19.760
• Well, my husband and I were always open to the idea of our kids being gay.
• and social society, the idea of changing genders is right on the table with other options.
• It is unfortunate that in the current landscape of ideas and social society, the idea of changing genders

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the idea is that the same basic information is being tracked and will be included in the annual
• What's the idea behind it, please? Director Talbott. Mr.
• <00:14:46.400> What's<00:14:46.560> the<00:14:46.640> idea<00:14:46.839>
• What's the idea behind it, fixing there? What's the idea behind it, please?
• if you're thinking that's a good idea if you're thinking that's a good idea and<00:54:47.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stress of this idea that there are<01:15:51.280> a<01:15:51.520> good<01:15:51.760>
• simple I have some solutions and ideas simple I have some solutions and ideas for<01:20:51.679><
• If we have secondary teachers that have no idea how reading works, what’s going on with this kid that
• If we have secondary teachers that have no idea how reading works, what’s going on with this kid that
• that have no idea how reading works. that have no idea how reading works.

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Go with smart devices, and I just see what others think about that idea.
• I like that idea.
• Senator Scott, Madame Chairman, I'm playing with the idea of an amendment.
• One part that I haven't heard yet is the idea of an unencumbered license.
• I haven't heard yet is the idea of an unencumbered license.

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• We had no idea on that or even the veteran part of the state driver's license.
• We had<00:31:30.640> no<00:31:30.799> idea.
• If you want to look up on had no idea.
• Um, so I definitely think this is a great idea. Very well written, very well tailored.
• definitely think this is a great idea. definitely think this is a great idea.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals. SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed. SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• here saying that this is a terrible idea here saying that this is a terrible idea because<00:50:
• I know that without doing studies, you can't know for sure, but I think that you have some idea, and
• and some maps have been generate a idea and some maps have been generate a lot<01:17:09.920> of
• ground it may it may lead into the idea ground it may it may lead into the idea or<01:24:03.840>
• <01:41:11.840> was Zero before the state and the idea was Zero before the state and the idea

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Energy Committee numerous times that there have been counties and cities that have brought this idea
• forward to prohibit the this I this idea forward to prohibit the um<00:08:46.680> running<00:
• unfortunately because of some uh ideas unfortunately because of some uh ideas that<00:15:38.639>
• <00:23:41.600> I put it but why is this a good idea I put it but why is this a good idea I
• <00:25:51.640> to<00:25:52.080> to and I'm not sure it's a good idea to to and I'm

Bills: HF484, HF483, HF1447, HF1496, HF554

Keywords: natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice

Transcript Highlights:

• then I went back to check had no idea then I went back to check every<00:28:22.559> state<00:
• floating around about of different ideas floating around about reinsurance<01:36:31.360> one<
• of what's going on I don't like the idea of what's going on I don't like the idea<01:36:59.520> of
• It’s an idea that I might want to bring back to this committee.
• It’s an idea that I might want to bring back to this committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and moving them forward uh their ideas and moving them forward uh we<01:02:33.960> have<01:02
• <01:03:18.599> and opportunities to drisk those ideas and opportunities to drisk those ideas
• So the idea, what is break-even for a particular commodity, be it corn, beans, wheat, beef, whatever,
• Is that a good idea? And so sometimes it is, and sometimes it's not.
• And it's, is that a good idea? And so sometimes it is, and sometimes it's not.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I appreciate the idea that, okay, liability is established, and how do we make it that we're paying
• I was just addressed directly by the witness, which we normally don't do here, but, you know, the idea
• And the idea that anyone is pushing or forcing anyone to change our gender is just absurd.
• You know, the idea here is that we should be protected.
• And so the idea that people would come in here and say it doesn't exist, it's not real, even though we

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on domestic violence protections, pay equity enforcement, Jewish demographic data collection, court transparency, auto glass insurance practices, pet policy disclosure for renters, and civil rights accountability for federal officers. SB 99 would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases; supporters from the Department of Defense and military organizations said it would close jurisdictional gaps for military families, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1237 would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California pay data reporting laws; supporters said stronger enforcement is needed to address persistent wage gaps, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1387 would allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data; supporters said better data would improve policy and anti-discrimination efforts, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary or divisive, and it passed to Privacy. SB 932 would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption; supporters framed it as a transparency measure, and it passed to Judiciary/Appropriations on call. The committee also took up SB 98, which would regulate auto glass insurance claims by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring clearer estimates and invoices, and limiting inducements to consumers. The sponsor and NICB said the bill would curb fraud and unsafe repairs, while independent glass shops and industry groups argued it could reduce consumer choice and favor insurer-aligned networks; the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees and provide refunds if nondisclosure materially affected an applicant’s decision; supporters said it would save renters time and money, while rental housing representatives objected to a provision limiting eviction based solely on failure to sign a pet addendum. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 747, the No Kings Act, would create a California cause of action allowing people to sue federal officers for constitutional violations using standards similar to Section 1983. Senator Wiener and a witness who said he was unlawfully detained by Border Patrol argued the bill is needed because federal officers currently lack comparable accountability after the Supreme Court narrowed Bivens remedies. Law enforcement groups opposed the bill, warning that the qualified immunity language is unclear, could create a separate California standard, and might expose officers and governments to retroactive litigation; members discussed possible amendments on qualified immunity and retroactivity, and the bill was moved forward with an urgency amendment while negotiations continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• So probably not a sustainable long-term budget at 3, but it's basically this gives you an idea of what
• Can you give us an idea of the 623 million. The cost, where is this coming from and what is it?
• Well, I mean, you put it in your material, so I'm guessing you have an idea. of why.
• I do think that most of these ideas are and have to be executive-driven.
• And we're always open to new ideas for other waiver requests. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, the idea is a deceased voter should be removed from the voter rolls.
• Um Um Um basically basically basically um um um the<00:08:51.800> idea<00:08:52.280> is
• c> deceased<00:08:53.440> voter<00:08:54.120> should<00:08:54.320> be the idea
• is a deceased voter should be the idea is a deceased voter should be removed<00:08:54.880> from
• And it just strikes me as a really bad<00:38:24.800> idea. bad idea. bad idea.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you have some amendment ideas that you want to run by members, we've heard their questions as
• And I'm looking forward to Representative O'Driscoll and everybody to your ideas.
• So, if you have some amendment ideas So, if you have some amendment ideas that<00:35:17.040>
• <00:35:48.240> I<00:35:48.400> think<00:35:48.480> what everybody to your ideas
• I think what everybody to your ideas.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3794, as amended by the A4 amendment, was heard in committee. Representative Greenman described the bill as a ban on surveillance-based pricing and wage discrimination, with a disclosure requirement for companies using automated data to set individualized prices or wages. The A4 amendment was adopted; Greenman said it updated language based on attorney general and stakeholder feedback and added a burden-shifting provision that would let consumers or workers establish a presumption, which companies could then rebut with data. Greenman and supporters argued the bill would stop companies from using personal data and AI tools to charge different prices to different people, while still allowing ordinary market-based discounts and clearly offered group discounts such as those for veterans, students, or teachers. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Farmers Union, a neighborhood bookstore owner, Consumer Reports, and a small business owner. They said surveillance pricing undermines fairness, transparency, and competition, and cited examples such as different online prices based on location, browser history, or loyalty-program data. Testifiers also warned that AI-driven pricing and discounting can be opaque and discriminatory, and that small businesses cannot compete with large firms that control more data. Consumer Reports said consumers should not have to use workarounds like VPNs to compare prices and noted that some discounts based on personal data may also need sunlight and guardrails. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Progress. They argued the bill’s definitions are too broad and could sweep in ordinary business analytics, loyalty programs, targeted promotions, inventory tools, and even spreadsheets, creating compliance risk and discouraging innovation and investment. They also warned the bill could burden small businesses and interfere with workplace management and compensation decisions. During member discussion, several legislators voiced support for the bill as a transparency and fairness measure, while one member noted that the most egregious examples appear to be in e-commerce and said the committee was laying the bill over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the idea that a masked man in a truck is going to approach my house and I will give him some sort
• me and abuse me and beat me up.<00:04:52.320> And<00:04:52.479> the<00:04:52.720> idea
• And the idea that a mass man in a up.
• And the idea that a mass man in a truck<00:04:55.120> is<00:04:55.440> going<00:04:55.520
• your life and otherwise about the idea your life and otherwise about the idea of<00:30:05.440>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up a motion to suspend the rules and recall House File 3412 from the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy so it could receive second and third readings and be placed on final passage. The bill, authored by Representative Finnegan, would prohibit law enforcement officers in Minnesota, including local, state, and federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty, with limited exceptions. Supporters argued the measure would increase transparency, accountability, and public trust, and said masked officers create fear and resemble “secret police,” especially in the context of recent immigration enforcement actions. They also said the state has authority to regulate this area and that the bill would not interfere with essential law enforcement duties. Opponents said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and politically motivated, and argued that current and pending laws already address officer identification and badge numbers. Representative Nathe said the bill would allow protesters or rioters to wear masks while restricting law enforcement, and urged a no vote. Representative Roach said the term “secret police” was a made-up political phrase and defended masked ICE agents as necessary for officer safety because they deal with dangerous criminals and could be doxed or targeted. Several members spoke in favor of the motion, including Representatives Curran, Sencer-Mura, and Pinto, who emphasized the importance of public trust and shared personal stories about children, family experiences, and encounters with masked federal agents. They described immigration enforcement incidents involving children and families as frightening and said officers should be identifiable when interacting with the public. The debate included a brief exchange between Representatives Pinto and Roach about whether masked law enforcement should be considered “secret police.” The transcript ends during that discussion and does not include the final vote or disposition of the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this idea that we don't do this—I think somebody stated we do not do this at all—is not true.
• This is a quick solution, and the idea about cost, I get it.
• You're going to have some ideas from the bill, but of course, but it's going to be a study committee
• You're going to have some ideas from the bill, but of course, but it's going to be a study committee
• Goodman, any idea percentage Madam Chair, please. Thank you. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, the idea is a good idea to have a civics curriculum.
• And I think it's a good idea to get those stakeholders together and to get on the same board with what's
• I think it's a good idea to get those stakeholders together and to get on the same board with what's
• Representative Sully said he loves the idea of giving kids more recess and more time for exploratory
• I have no idea what's going to happen.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that that is a great idea.
• So, had you spoken to her about that idea? And if not, what do you think of that idea?
• So, I really like the idea of providing services in long-term care facilities.
• Are there any ideas about how to do that?
• I have no idea what the food is, but go get some. Where is it? You have to find.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to still do work if there's going to be legislation, but the idea of Director Clee: Agencies
• So that's kind of the idea here. Thank you. Senator Lanier: And Mr. Chair, I agree.
• But in my idea, the number one policy option is the best there, Mr. Chair. Thank you.
• Give me an idea to comprehend that. Can you go back a slide? There we go. Mr.
• What are some other ideas that we can put in place to help with those problems?

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, the idea is that when people are all in the same space, it just creates too much opportunity
• And then the idea is to, within a year, transition to a different model and no longer at that location
• I like the idea you're looking to invest to get the biggest bang for the buck.
• I love the idea you're trying to put it in the right place.
• I know as we look at some potential federal cuts, is there any idea that LFC has at this point in time