Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services.
• Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services.
• Senator Jim Abeler, thank you for being here. Oh, it's great to be here. All right, Senator.
• Okay, Senator.
• Okay, Senator.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• We've already received and taken testimony, so we are going to recommend action for the full Senate on
• Senator McKel and Senator Richards, Senator I, Senator McKel, Senator Richards, Senator I, aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 1, 2025, for decision-making on two measures previously heard on January 14. For SB 146, relating to condominiums, the committee recommended passage with amendments. The amendments were described as incorporating Real Estate Commission language to clarify the bill and narrowing its scope to managing agents with budget and replacement reserve responsibilities and authority to communicate with unit owners, thereby excluding smaller associations. The committee also deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050 and made technical, non-substantive changes. The measure was adopted without objections. The committee also considered SB 1050, relating to insurance and captive insurance. Members described ongoing discussions between the Insurance Division and the captive insurance industry over revised language intended to support industry growth while preserving the state’s regulatory oversight and solvency protections. The committee noted receipt of compromise amendments developed after a week of negotiations and again deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050. A member thanked the chair and referenced the role of former chair Bob Her in bringing the captive industry to Hawaii, expressing support for continued momentum in the sector. For SB 1050, the committee recommended passage with amendments, with the chair voting aye and no reservations or objections from members present. Both measures were therefore adopted by the committee for recommendation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator RH? Hi. Vice Gabber is excused. Senator Chang? I... Senator? Excused. Senator Sentura?
• <00:01:20.560> I Senator mckel yes Senator Richards I Senator mckel yes Senator Richards I
• excused Senator Chang I uh Senator excused Senator Chang I uh Senator sentura<00:01:43.079> excused
• Senator Melby votes aye. Senator Richards votes aye. Senator A was a no. Thank you.
• rule or rules adopted violates this park rule or rules adopted there<00:25:16.799> under<00:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on February 21, 2025, considered a long list of previously heard measures and generally recommended passage, often with amendments that delayed effective dates to July 1, 2050 or made technical clarifications. Among the measures acted on were bills relating to property, hotels, service disruptions, transportation, consumer protection, license plates, condominium disputes and fines, election fraud intimidation, vehicle inspection fines, restaurant reservation services, insurance claim checks, foreclosed home sales, labor relations court authority, public housing authority powers, community outreach boards, arson penalties, driving without a valid license, pet animals in vehicles, important agricultural lands, public records retention, transit-oriented development review, sex offender-related licensing actions, National Guard assault penalties, federal recognition timing, medical cannabis caregivers, cease-and-desist orders, and critical infrastructure information sharing. Several measures drew specific discussion or reservations. SB 1030 on election fraud intimidation was amended after consultation with the Attorney General to focus on unconcealed carry and add definitions. SB 5 on legislative vacancies was recommended to pass unamended, but the committee noted constitutional concerns and requested an Attorney General opinion. SB 95 on inspection fines was amended to set a $400 fine amount, though one member objected and the recommendation failed in at least one committee. SB 102 on third-party restaurant reservation services was amended to clarify who may sue and to allow contracted reservation services to distribute reservations on a restaurant’s behalf. SP 1022 on leaving pets in vehicles was amended to remove duplicative language because existing animal cruelty law already covered the conduct. SP 1451 on critical infrastructure information sharing was amended to tighten confidentiality language from “would reveal” to “could reveal” vulnerabilities. Most measures were adopted by the committees with little or no opposition, though several members noted reservations or objections on particular bills, including transportation, consumer protection, and inspection-fine measures. One bill, SB 1255 on records retention for government-function contractors, was deferred to a later meeting on February 26, 2025. Overall, the committees advanced most measures with amendments and recorded the recommendations for transmission to the next committee or chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• Senator McKelvey votes yes. Senator Richards is excused.
• Senator A no; the others are in the affirmative. The measure is adopted. Thank you very much.
• Senator Melby votes yes. Senator Richards is excused. The measure is adopted. Senator Melby yes.
• Senator Richards is excused. The measure is adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making session and took up a series of previously heard bills. SB 21 on water carriers was passed with amendments to make the inflationary cost-indexed adjustment mechanism permissive rather than required, along with technical changes and a non-defective effective date. SB 133 on energy was passed with amendments adopting PUC recommendations and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 391 on recycling, creating an end-of-life lithium-ion battery management working group, was passed unamended. SB 532 on DOE medication administration in public schools was passed with amendments incorporating Hawaii State Center for Nursing proposals and a defective effective date. SB 230 on wild game meat donations was passed with technical amendments and a July 1, 2050 defective date. SB 1279 on pharmacists and telehealth supervision under the 340B program was also passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. SB 1494 on optional hearing aid coverage was passed with technical amendments and a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee deferred action on SB 588, which would allow self-certification for certain behind-the-meter solar systems and exempt them from FEA no-rise/no-impact declarations, citing the testimony submitted. It also deferred SB 281 on telehealth conformity with federal Medicare rules and SB 49 on prior authorization data reporting, both until Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 229. SB 838 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors was passed with amendments adopting technical changes and Department of Human Services proposals, plus a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; one member noted support but urged future consideration of including Medicaid managed care. All measures acted on were adopted without objections or reservations, with Senator Richards excused from voting on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair Rhoads, Senator Chang.
• I mean, if you've already, if a judge has already ruled that it's...
• <00:07:51.879> that<00:07:52.080> it's ruled that it's ruled that it's [Music] [Music]
• Gabbert is excused Senator Chang I Senator<00:37:19.119> s<00:37:19.640> vuro Senator
• Senator Elefante is okay with the changes we suggested, and Senator San Buenaventura, have you had a

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Senator Matt Klein, and I serve as the chair of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
• A new rule from the CFPB regarding payday lending was set to go into effect nationwide in March.
• <00:10:37.279> would Nationwide in March this rule would Nationwide in March this rule would
• The new rules would cap them at $5, or whatever cost is incurred.
• I represent District 66 in the Minnesota Senate, and I also serve as an assistant majority leader.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm calling the Minnesota Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to order.
• The proposed changes are to the temporary Senate rules.
• rules there are the temporary Senate rules there are several<00:01:06.680> technical<00:01:07.119
• members uh the next change is in Senate members uh the next change is in Senate rule<00:02:47.560
• /c> Senate um on rule Senate um on rule 54.3<00:13:38.000> strikes<00:13:38.440> to<00:

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Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Present with me is my Vice Chair, Senator Aino, and Senator Hashimoto.
• Senator Haso, I. Senator K, I. Senator FLL, I. Recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Haso, I. Senator K, I. Senator F, I. Recommendation is adopted.
• K<00:59:29.359> hi chair I Senator Haso hi Senator K hi chair I Senator Haso hi Senator K
• :31.640> is<00:59:31.799> adopted Senator FLL hi recommendation is adopted Senator FLL

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, Senator S.
• Senator O'Nor?
• Senator O'Nor?
• Senator O'Nor?
• Senator O'Nor?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a decision-making-only agenda and voted on a series of bills, mostly following the chair’s recommendations. Measures passed unamended included SB 1202 on allowing campaign funds for child care and dependent care costs, SB 30 requiring all moped drivers to wear helmets, SB 55 requiring state administrative rules to be posted in a digitally accessible and searchable format, SB 106 on pedestrian conduct more than 200 feet from a crosswalk, SB 344 requiring helmets for skateboard users under 16, SB 849 increasing penalties for harming native species, SB 1337 clarifying Stadium Authority quorum rules, and SB 268 reducing the size of island burial councils and removing certain membership requirements. SB 1511, which prohibits vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honay Bay, was also adopted, though the transcript includes some inconsistent wording about whether it was amended. Several bills were approved with amendments. SB 1048 on solicitation of funds from the public was amended to remove a ministerial exception and to require certain charitable organizations and fundraising platforms to file written contracts with the Department before commencing solicitations. SB 109 was amended so that, in specified circumstances, the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi version of a law would be binding when the law was originally drafted in English, translated into Hawaiian, and later amended. SB 66 on county building permits was amended to add a bad date, April 23, 2057. SB 1312, deferred to the 10 o’clock agenda, clarified that “profits from prostitution” includes money or property received from prostitution proceeds even if characterized as reimbursement or debt repayment; it was also passed with amendments. The committee also adopted a recommendation to pass SB 55 and other measures with the noted excused absences of Senator Gabbard and, at times, other members. Throughout the meeting, no major opposition was recorded beyond one member voting no or with reservations on some bills, and the chair repeatedly announced that the recommendations had been adopted. The meeting concluded after the 10 o’clock agenda, with notice that the committee would meet upstairs for later agendas with WHAM.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator McKelvey, yes. Senators Richards and A are excused. Your measure is adopted.
• Senator McKelvey, yes. Senators Richards and A are excused. Your measure is adopted.
• Senator McKelvey, yes. Senators Richards and A are excused. Your measure is adopted.
• Senator McKelvey, yes. Senators Richards and A are excused. Your measure is adopted.
• Senator McKelvey, yes. Senators Richards and A are excused. Your measure is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 573, which would require condominium associations to repair defective common-element conditions that create health or safety violations. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, including from the Community Associations Institute and construction-defect counsel, who argued the bill could lead to piecemeal repairs and unintended damage in complex building systems. The measure was deferred. The committee then heard SB 1038 on privacy and data-breach notice requirements. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs supported the bill as a modernization of the law, while the Hawaii Financial Services Association, Consumer Data Industry Association, and other groups opposed it, mainly over the proposed redaction standard for Social Security numbers and concerns about making Hawaii an outlier compared with other states. Members discussed possible amendments, including harmonizing with other states and clarifying encryption and redaction rules. The committee later voted to pass SB 1038 with amendments, including changes from the Office of Consumer Protection, Hawaii Bankers Association, and State Privacy and Security Coalition, and deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committee also took up SB 890 and voted to pass it with amendments and recommit it to the CPN committee for a hearing before the decking deadline. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee passed SB 1291 on CPA licensure with amendments after testimony from accounting groups, educators, and others described a shortage of accountants and supported an alternate pathway using public-accounting experience. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the education and experience requirements and then approved the measure. Later, the committee also passed several additional measures on a decision agenda, including SB 129 SD1, SB 140 SD1, SB 144 SD1, SB 1197 SD1, SB 1341, SB 411 SD1, and SB 1438, generally with amendments or as introduced, and all were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhodes, aye. Senator Dart, aye. The recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhodes, aye. Senator Dart, aye.
• Senator Fukunaga, aye. Senator Rhodes, aye. Senator Dort, aye.
• Yes Senator fukunaga I Senator Rose I Yes Senator fukunaga I Senator Rose I Senator<00:56:53.640>
• Senator Faga, aye. Senator Rhodes, aye. Senator Dort, aye. The Chair's recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote: Senate Bill 40. Vice Chair votes aye. Senator Kino? Senator Elefante? Aye. Senator Hashimoto?
• Senator Inouye? Aye. Senator Kanuha? Aye. Senator Kidani? Aye. Senator Kim? Aye. Senator Lee? Aye.
• Senator Kino Senator Senator Kino Senator J<00:01:15.759> hi<00:01:16.320> Senator<00:01
• Senator J hi Senator elepante hi Senator Hashimoto<00:01:19.400> Senator<00:01:19.720> inoi
• > hi hi Senator kidani hi Senator Kim hi hi Senator kidani hi Senator Kim hi Senator<00:01:25.680

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language. Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program. The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:04.560> chair Commerce uh thank you Senator chair Commerce uh thank you Senator chair
• Senator Dahms. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• <00:14:57.639> Dames results no oh sorry uh Senator Dames results no oh sorry uh Senator Dames
• Senator Howard, thank you, Mr.
• Senator Howard, thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Lucero.
• , Senator Draheim, and Senator Champion.
• c> a well taken Senator abler yeah Senator a well taken Senator abler yeah Senator a and<00:36:02.359
• <00:36:48.760> file Senator putam moves that Senate file Senator putam moves that Senate file
• > 1512<00:44:56.559> senator file 1512 senator file 1512 senator back again<00:45:02.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill on our agenda is Senate File 13, Senator Mitchell.
• Senator uh Matthews Senate file 70 as Senator uh Matthews Senate file 70 as amended<00:18:27.320>
• putam Senator R co-authors Senator putam Senator R Senator<01:07:21.440> Weber<01:07:21.799><
• c> and<01:07:21.960> Senator Senator Weber and Senator Senator Weber and Senator Nelson<01
• Nelson um Senator house child um Senate Senate Senate file<01:20:04.560> um<01:20:05.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.720> Senate will read the Senate file numbers Senate will read the Senate file numbers Senate
• Senator Jinsky, for those voting pursuant to Rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Umu Verba, for those voting pursuant to Rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Jinsky, for those voting pursuant to Rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senator Westrom votes I. Senator Umu Baen, for those voting pursuant to Rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Senator Kunes has the first bill on the agenda. Senate File 42.
• And now, Senator Maye Quade, you have Senate File 1167. Senator McQuade, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator McQuade moves to amend<01:19:43.520> Senate<01:19:43.920> file amend Senate file
• um<01:41:48.400> Senate<01:41:48.760> file file um Senate file file um Senate file
• All right, seeing no further discussion about the bill, Senate File 971, Senator Mann moves that Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you're concerned, Senator, and I'll take that up the appropriate Senator.
• I represent Senate District 18, and I am here to present Senate Bill 148 FN.
• Senator, right ahead.
• Thank you, Senator. Any other questions? Senator Abis, thank you, Mr.
• Senator any other questions Senator Senator any other questions Senator abis<02:04:32.239> thank

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator.
• All right, thank you, Senator. you to support Senator Murphy's Bill SP you to support Senator Murphy's
• <00:58:13.480> Murphy Senate Bill 173 and thank Senator Murphy Senate Bill 173 and thank Senator
• Senate Bill 284 “Twenty minutes,” Senator Aart?
• /c><02:18:04.960> draft<02:18:05.280> the Senate and Senator Reon to draft the Senate and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all