Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:01:34.479><c> Okay,c><00:01:34.880><c> wec><00:01:35.119><c> havec><00:01:35.520><c> uhc
• c><00:02:07.840><c> Upc><00:02:08.160><c> next,c><00:02:08.399><c> wec><00:02:08.640><c> have
• c><00:02:20.239><c> Wec><00:02:20.400><c> doc><00:02:20.560><c> askc><00:02:20.800><c> forc
• c><00:10:51.519><c> andc><00:10:51.760><c> thec><00:10:51.920><c> typesc><00:10:52.240><c> of
• c> So, we looked at that and the types of So, we looked at that and the types of positions<00:10:52.959

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• progressive a progressively kind of a progressive type<00:01:38.640><c> statec><00:01:39.040><c> that
• c><00:01:39.360><c> canc><00:01:39.520><c> doc><00:01:39.680><c> ac><00:01:39.920><c> lotc>
• c> type state that can do a lot for people. type state that can do a lot for people.
• ><c> andc><00:01:54.960><c> Ic><00:01:55.200><c> wantc><00:01:55.280><c> toc><00:01:55.360><c
• c><00:02:02.399><c> andc><00:02:02.560><c> Ic><00:02:02.799><c> knowc><00:02:03.360><c> uhc

Bills: HF3393

Keywords: unemployment insurance, iron ore mining, additional benefits, labor force, economic support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Vicec><00:00:42.920><c> chairc><00:00:43.160><c> wheelerc><00:00:44.160><c> presc><00:00
• c><00:00:49.360><c> havec><00:00:49.520><c> ac><00:00:49.680><c> quorumc><00:00:50.680><c> first
• 36.800><c> thisc><00:07:37.000><c> typec><00:07:37.160><c> ofc><00:07:37.280><c> fraudc><00:07
• :37.639><c> isc><00:07:37.879><c> frequentlyc> America this type of fraud is frequently America this
• type of fraud is frequently carried<00:07:38.879><c> outc><00:07:39.120><c> byc> carried out by

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:24 SB 7: 00:00:51 SB 130: 00:06:00 SB 244: 00:11:17 SB 236: 00:13:31, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, would create a Right of Publicity Act to prohibit unauthorized commercial use of a person’s unclothed likeness, including for living and deceased individuals, while carving out exemptions for artistic and news-related uses. Bledsoe said the bill is intended to address privacy, dignity, and AI-generated image misuse, and noted she may offer a floor amendment to address concerns from broadband and internet providers. Sen. Thomas supported the bill but questioned the 10-year duration, and Bledsoe said that timeframe was somewhat arbitrary. The committee voted 8-0 to pass SB 7 with favorable expression to the floor. Senate Bill 130, presented by Sen. Maiden, addressed gift card scams and theft of redemption information. A committee substitute was adopted, and Maiden described the bill as a response to organized retail crime, citing major gift card scams in Louisville and Lexington and explaining how tampered cards are returned to shelves and later drained after purchase. He said the substitute would create clear criminal penalties, make gift card tampering a felony, and add gift card fraud to the credit card fraud statute. Members shared personal experiences with compromised gift cards, and the committee approved SB 130 8-0 with favorable expression. Senate Bill 244, a reorganization cleanup bill presented by Sen. Howell and Attorney General’s office counsel Will Schroer, would complete name and structural changes following the transfer of Administrative Hearings and Child Support from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Attorney General’s office and align the bill with prior data privacy legislation. The committee voted 9-0 to send SB 244 to the floor with favorable expression. Senate Bill 236, sponsored by Sen. Smith, drew extended discussion about a veteran’s case involving an old misdemeanor/DUI matter and a later warrant or failure-to-appear issue. The witness described being arrested years later despite having rebuilt her life, and senators debated whether the bill’s proposed time limit could create loopholes or affect court procedures; members emphasized that the underlying charge would remain and that the bill was aimed at unserved failure-to-appear warrants. The committee ultimately voted to advance SB 236 with favorable expression, with several members explaining their support while noting concerns about possible future language changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:55.360><c> Ac><00:02:55.599><c> lotc><00:02:55.680><c> ofc><00:02:55.760><c> thec>
• c><00:04:30.800><c> ofc><00:04:30.960><c> thec><00:04:31.280><c> listc><00:04:31.520><c> ofc>
• c><00:10:28.160><c> ofc><00:10:28.320><c> usc><00:10:28.399><c> atc><00:10:28.640><c> ourc>
• typec><00:13:15.680><c> ofc><00:13:15.760><c> farmerc><00:13:16.079><c> operationc><00:13:16.480
• c> the type of farmer operation you have. the type of farmer operation you have.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: State legislators and farm leaders held an impromptu discussion focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially ICE presence in Minnesota, on agriculture and rural communities. Speakers argued that agriculture is central to the state’s economy and said fear of raids is causing legal immigrant and guest workers, including H-2A workers, to stay home, disrupting farms, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, and other parts of the food supply chain. They also linked the issue to broader federal uncertainty, including USDA funding freezes and cuts, and said the lack of transparency from federal agencies is making it difficult for state officials and producers to plan. Senator Rob Kupec and Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said ICE activity in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota is creating fear, trauma, and labor shortages, with reports of workers avoiding work, lunch trips, medical appointments, and school. Wertish said the organization supports comprehensive immigration reform and called for an end to the ICE surge, while also emphasizing the need to respect local law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said immigrants are a critical part of Minnesota’s food and agriculture workforce, warned that labor shortages could raise production costs and food prices, and said the state would not have its current food supply without immigrant workers. In response to questions, speakers said they had anecdotal reports from rural areas such as Pelican Rapids, Willmar, and Detroit Lakes, but that the situation is changing quickly and many incidents may not yet be public. They said the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and the use of masks contribute to fear and confusion. Legislators said they have no direct jurisdiction over ICE operations but see their role as documenting what is happening, communicating with constituents, and avoiding state actions that would worsen the problem. They also said the issue is not purely partisan and may be mobilizing concern across political lines, especially among farmers worried about labor availability for planting and other seasonal work.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:01:57.520><c> Uhc><00:01:57.840><c> asc><00:01:58.079><c> ac><00:01:58.240><c> workingc>
• ><c> thec><00:02:01.600><c> bestc><00:02:01.840><c> solutionsc><00:02:02.159><c> thatc> together
• c> Inc><00:02:06.079><c> thisc><00:02:06.600><c> bill,c><00:02:07.600><c> wec><00:02:07.920><
• c><00:02:17.440><c> programsc><00:02:18.400><c> inc><00:02:18.640><c> thec><00:02:18.800><c>
• /c><00:10:19.200><c> Ic><00:10:19.360><c> wasc><00:10:19.519><c> goingc><00:10:19.600><c> toc

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:48.399><c> toc><00:01:48.560><c> thec><00:01:48.719><c> floorc><00:01:49.119><c> ifc
• ><c> uhc><00:01:58.520><c> formerc><00:01:59.079><c> wayc><00:01:59.439><c> ofc><00:02:00.240
• c><00:02:43.879><c> soc><00:02:44.480><c> uhc><00:02:44.599><c> soc><00:02:44.840><c> nowc>
• c><00:30:35.600><c> havingc><00:30:35.960><c> thatc><00:30:36.200><c> typec> fine um you know
• just having that type fine um you know just having that type of<00:30:36.559><c> Outreachc><00:30:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thankc><00:01:35.799><c> youc><00:01:35.920><c> soc><00:01:36.040><c> muchc><00:01:36.159><c
• ><00:01:42.520><c> ohc><00:01:42.640><c> wec><00:01:42.799><c> didc><00:01:43.000><c> havec>
• <c> toc><00:01:49.439><c> testifyc><00:01:49.759><c> inc><00:01:49.880><c> thisc> Senator, so
• c> umc><00:02:12.680><c> wec><00:02:12.920><c> putc><00:02:13.080><c> outc><00:02:13.200><c>
• ><c> inc><00:05:13.479><c> themc><00:05:13.880><c> soc><00:05:14.000><c> Ic><00:05:14.160><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:38.400><c> isc><00:02:38.879><c> soc><00:02:39.120><c> Charliec><00:02:39.519><c> Posey
• ><c> roughlyc><00:02:41.040><c> wasc><00:02:41.760><c> hec><00:02:42.080><c> wasc><00:02:42.239
• :02:44.080><c> inc><00:02:44.879><c> 17c><00:02:46.080><c> andc><00:02:46.319><c> roughlyc> um
• c><00:03:02.800><c> billc><00:03:03.360><c> toc><00:03:03.360><c> toc><00:03:03.599><c> usc
• c><00:04:31.520><c> Ic><00:04:31.680><c> knowc><00:04:31.759><c> ac><00:04:31.919><c> lotc>

Bills: SB341, SB340

Keywords: SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge

Transcript Highlights:

• waysc><00:01:54.079><c> thatc><00:01:54.240><c> wec><00:01:54.399><c> eachc><00:01:54.640><c
• c><00:02:01.200><c> toc><00:02:01.520><c> putc><00:02:01.680><c> thec><00:02:01.920><c> needs
• /c><00:02:21.440><c> ablec><00:02:21.680><c> toc><00:02:21.840><c> backfillc><00:02:22.400><c>
• > fundraisingc><00:21:46.159><c> andc><00:21:46.400><c> otherc><00:21:46.559><c> typesc><00:21
• :46.720><c> ofc> went to fundraising and other types of went to fundraising and other types of things

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:00:28.240><c> I'mc><00:00:28.560><c> newc><00:00:28.720><c> toc><00:00:28.880><c> this.
• larger<00:01:18.479><c> uh,c><00:01:18.640><c> typec><00:01:19.000><c> face.
• c> larger uh, type face.
• c><00:04:20.959><c> Wec><00:04:21.120><c> doc><00:04:21.280><c> needc><00:04:21.440><c> toc
• c><00:04:30.479><c> Umc><00:04:30.960><c> wec><00:04:31.280><c> doc><00:04:31.520><c> havec

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> wec><00:11:03.200><c> willc><00:11:03.360><c> lookc><00:11:03.600><c> atc><00:11:04.000>
• /c><00:11:14.959><c> wec><00:11:15.200><c> comec><00:11:15.360><c> backc><00:11:15.600><c> from
• c><00:11:50.240><c> Soc><00:11:50.399><c> wec><00:11:50.560><c> willc><00:11:50.720><c> doc
• ><c> typec><00:15:10.320><c> ofc><00:15:10.480><c> people,c><00:15:11.040><c> butc><00:15:11.279
• ><c> we'rec><00:15:11.519><c> havingc> certain type of people, but we're having certain type of people

Bills: HB179, HB354, SB57, SB137, HB431, HB179, HB354, SB57, SB137, HB431

Keywords: campus chaplain, chaplain, school chaplain, volunteer chaplain, public schools, public K-12 education, public charter schools, local control, teacher support, student support services, religious volunteer, faith-based support, church-state separation, background check, sex offender registry, school volunteer, education policy, district attorney, compensation, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> PUC,c><00:03:00.920><c> Johnnyc><00:03:01.240><c> Tamoerc> Okay,<00:03:11.000><c> andc><
• 00:03:11.120><c> thenc><00:03:11.240><c> onc><00:03:11.400><c> Zoom,c><00:03:11.880><c> wec><
• c><00:03:30.680><c> Ic><00:03:30.760><c> standc><00:03:31.240><c> onc><00:03:31.360><c> our
• ><00:03:41.240><c> Ic><00:03:41.360><c> wouldc><00:03:41.520><c> addc><00:03:41.800><c> andc>
• c><00:04:31.400><c> Ic><00:04:31.480><c> livec><00:04:31.720><c> inc><00:04:31.840><c> thec

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.479><c> thatc><00:01:13.600><c> wec><00:01:13.759><c> allc><00:01:13.960><c> knowc><00:01
• 01:19.520><c> wantc><00:01:19.600><c> toc><00:01:19.759><c> beginc><00:01:20.119><c> firstc><
• c><00:03:46.239><c> comec><00:03:46.439><c> upc><00:03:46.599><c> andc><00:03:46.760><c> sit<
• /c><00:03:47.080><c> soc><00:03:47.239><c> wec><00:03:47.360><c> canc><00:03:47.599><c> movec
• c><00:07:46.520><c> itc><00:07:46.720><c> outc><00:07:46.879><c> ofc><00:07:47.159><c> myc>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2617, and first adopted a DE1 amendment. The bill, as amended, was presented as a major child care licensing reform that would narrow licensing to core health and safety requirements, reduce what supporters described as punitive or overly technical citations, and shift quality standards toward accreditation and professional organizations. The author also described the bill as a response to long-standing problems in the current licensing structure and county oversight of family child care. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. Child care providers and directors from Duluth, Rochester, and Esko said the current system penalizes minor clerical or cosmetic issues, creates inconsistent interpretations, and contributes to provider burnout and the child care shortage. They argued the bill would separate health-and-safety licensing from quality measures, which they said are better addressed through accreditation, coaching, and national standards. One testifier also said the bill would help with background study delays by creating a liaison to improve visibility into the process. Members asked about the difference between licensing and accreditation, how other states handle similar models, and how the bill would interact with the department’s licensing modernization work. The bill’s supporters said licensing would remain focused on foundational health and safety items such as ratios, background checks, hygiene, and facilities, while quality standards would be left to national organizations like NAEYC or the National Family Child Care Association. They cited Connecticut, Indiana, and Florida as examples of states using national standards in some form. The committee closed public testimony, took member questions, and the author renewed his motion to lay over House File 2617 as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:24:30.240><c> childrenc><00:24:30.800><c> whoc><00:24:31.000><c> havec><00:24:31.120><c
• ><c> session,c><00:24:34.520><c> Alikac><00:24:34.880><c> andc><00:24:35.040><c> Ty.
• Andc><00:25:07.440><c> I'dc><00:25:07.560><c> alsoc><00:25:07.840><c> likec><00:25:08.000><c>
• /c><00:25:53.120><c> umc><00:25:53.480><c> twoc><00:25:53.679><c> onc><00:25:53.760><c> thec>
• c><00:54:27.760><c> Soc><00:54:28.240><c> wec><00:54:28.400><c> willc><00:54:28.520><c> goc

Bills: HR204, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB3320, SB2543, SB3097, SB3096, SB3140, SB2593, SB2567, SB2466, SB2140, SB2088, SB3090, SB608, SB2795, SB3294, SB3263, SB3001, SB2907, SB3251, SB2074, SB2360, SB2354, SB2908, SB2353, SB3045, SB2047, SB3254, SB3246, SB3133, SB2425, SB2671, SB3229, SB2969, SB1166, SB896, SB2391, SB2125, SB3118, SB3325, SB2613, SB2614, SB494, SB2376, SB3326, SB2001, SB2599, SB3048, SB3169, SB2002, SB3247, SB3253, SB2155, SB2192, SB3187, SB2190, SB2398, SB2424, SB3028, SB2338, SB3219, SB2981, HCR14

Keywords: H.R. 204, House Resolution, Hawaii LifeSmarts, LifeSmarts State Competition, student competition, academic recognition, congratulatory resolution, Iolani School, Kalani High School, Waipahu High School, personal finance, consumer rights, health and safety, technology education, environmental education, National Consumers League, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Credit Union League, youth achievement, high school teams

Transcript Highlights:

• c><03:27:31.160><c> typesc> the 15 Mile limit for almost all types the 15 Mile limit for almost all
• types of<03:27:31.640><c> healthcc><03:27:31.920><c> carec><03:27:32.279><c> facilitiesc><03:27
• > typesc><04:47:57.718><c> ofc><04:47:57.878><c> timec><04:47:58.080><c> offc> defines different
• ><c> thatc><05:10:16.718><c> wouldc><05:10:16.920><c> leadc> types of housing that would lead types
• c><06:05:57.440><c> thec><06:05:57.638><c> typec><06:05:57.840><c> ofc> the United Nations so

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• types<00:31:40.320><c> ofc><00:31:40.480><c> ofc><00:31:40.799><c> thesec><00:31:41.039><c> vi
• c><00:31:41.279><c> thesec><00:31:41.600><c> typesc><00:31:41.840><c> ofc> types of of these
• vi these types of types of of these vi these types of violations<00:31:42.720><c> occurringc><00:31
• ><02:21:19.600><c> typec><02:21:19.840><c> ofc><02:21:19.920><c> lawc><02:21:20.160><c> butc>
• These<03:36:28.399><c> typesc><03:36:28.720><c> ofc><03:36:28.960><c> legalc><03:36:29.359><c>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typesc><00:35:38.720><c> ofc> research to to answer these types of research to to answer these
• c><01:25:54.800><c> Soc><01:25:55.600><c> thesec><01:25:55.920><c> typesc><01:25:56.159><c> of
• thosec><02:55:52.960><c> typesc><02:55:53.200><c> ofc><02:55:53.920><c> productsc><02:55:54.399
• ><c> likec><02:55:54.560><c> ac> selling those types of products like a selling those types of products
• c><04:26:58.239><c> typesc><04:26:58.560><c> ofc> and both the two different types of and both

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><c> textc><00:01:44.320><c> mec><00:01:44.479><c> orc><00:01:44.600><c> seec><00:01:44.840><
• <c> we'rec><00:01:49.200><c> reallyc><00:01:49.439><c> hopefulc><00:01:49.920><c> thatc><00:01
• /c><00:01:53.079><c> umc><00:01:53.240><c> wec><00:01:53.719><c> understandc><00:01:54.200><c>
• > inc><00:01:55.119><c> thec><00:01:55.320><c> pastc><00:01:55.600><c> somec><00:01:55.719><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard an announcement inviting members to the Kentucky National Guard’s annual legislator briefing and rotary-wing flight over Frankfort on March 10, with a Friday deadline to RSVP. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 340, sponsored by Representative Tony Hampton, with testimony from Hampton and representatives of the Kentucky sheriffs and law enforcement community. HB 340 would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 requiring criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting federal agencies conducting suitability or fitness assessments for federal or contractor employees under 5 U.S.C. 9101. The bill also allows a $25 fee to reimburse agencies for the cost of providing the records and makes a conforming change to juvenile justice records law. Supporters said the measure is needed to bring Kentucky into compliance with federal law, noting the state had been out of compliance and could risk federal funding; they also said sheriffs’ offices need statutory authority to charge the fee. Members asked about whether the bill covers all background checks, sealed or expunged records, and juvenile records. Testimony explained that the bill applies to federal security-related background checks, that federal law requires access to sealed or expunged records, and that juvenile information would remain in-house but could be relevant when applicants disclose past conduct. One example was given involving a juvenile firearms-related offense discovered during a federal suitability review. The committee then voted on the bill, and House Bill 340 passed with favorable expression, with the chair announcing it should do the same in the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• CONTROLLING INTERESTS, BED TYPES, SERVICES PROVIDED AND ILLEGAL ACTIONS AND MORE ON THEIR.
• SO THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND MEASURE SOURCES WE USE TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF
• I SAVE THESE FOR LESSONS ARE NOT REALLY A PERFORMANCE MEASURE TYPE, BUT THERE ARE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
• AND THEN THE BLUE BOXES LIST THE PLANS NAME, TYPE OF PLAN AND GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT.
• THE AGENCY UTILIZED THIS APPROACH TO FOCUS ON REDUCING PRETERM BIRTH RATES IN PRIMARY C-SECTION RATES

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:04:05.040><c> Soc><00:04:05.360><c> thec><00:04:05.840><c> firstc><00:04:06.080><c> bill
• theyc><00:05:27.360><c> camec><00:05:27.680><c> andc><00:05:28.160><c> hadc><00:05:28.560><c
• > thatc><00:05:31.919><c> itc><00:05:32.080><c> wasc><00:05:32.160><c> anc><00:05:32.400><c>
• ><c> passedc><00:05:36.160><c> thatc><00:05:36.479><c> simplyc><00:05:36.960><c> allowedc><00

Bills: HB418, SB138, SB215, HB418, SB138, SB215

Keywords: financial services, banking, insurance, debanking, social credit score, ESG, environmental, social, and governance, diversity, equity, and inclusion, DEI, religious freedom, free speech, viewpoint discrimination, political discrimination, firearms, gun industry, ammunition, fossil fuels, oil and gas, mining, timber