Transcript Highlights:

• On Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended. Is there a second?
• We have to move the amendment first. We'll get this right now. So I would move the amendment.
• Amendment passes. We now have before us. Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended.
• and further amended.
• Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended passes 11 aye, zero nay, two absent not voting.

Bills: SB2069

Keywords: legal notices, publication requirements, transparency, state agency, public access, 908, all

Summary: The Political Subdivisions Committee met to reconsider Senate Bill 269, which concerns legal notices and newspaper publication requirements. Representative Motschenbacher explained that a prior version had a mistake in Section 2 and that the revised amendment, worked out with the Public Service Commission and the North Dakota Newspaper Association, would limit the change to state agencies rather than all governmental units because the broader version would have required thousands of affidavits and been too burdensome. The committee also discussed the meaning of “immediate publication,” with the newspaper association stating the intent was to post notices on the website as soon as a print notice is received, even before newspaper publication, so notices would still appear online if the print version was missed. Members raised questions about whether posting notices online before print publication could affect statutory notice periods, such as 30-day notice requirements. The response given was that the clock would begin when the notice is published on the agency website. After discussion, the committee adopted the amendment 11-0, with two members absent and not voting. The committee then approved Senate Bill 269 as amended and further amended on a 11-0 vote, again with two absent and not voting. Representative Motschenbacher agreed to carry the bill, though members noted it would likely go to a conference committee because of differences between the House and Senate versions. The chair thanked those who worked on the bill and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another amendment was ...notice from 30 days to 60 days.
• Until the bill is amended to accomplish this, along with our other suggested amendments, we respectfully
• Until the bill is amended to accomplish this along with our other suggested amendments, we respectfully
• So what the amendments will do is that 60 days...
• So that is in this bill in the amendment.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1312 by Senator Richardson on abandoned endowed-care cemeteries. Richardson described vandalism, theft, and neglect at abandoned cemeteries and said the bill would define abandonment, create a process for local governments to declare a cemetery abandoned, and allow the Bureau to act as conservator of endowment funds. Support came from Marin County, while county and special district groups opposed or had concerns, arguing the bill could shift burdens to local governments or public cemetery districts without enough safeguards. Members expressed general support but noted the need for further work; the bill was discussed but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 758 by Senator Umberg, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide to curb misuse. Supporters, including the League of California Cities, narcotic officers, counties, pediatricians, and other local governments and health groups, said easy access at smoke shops and convenience stores has fueled recreational abuse and health harms. There was no opposition testimony, and members voiced strong support for a statewide approach over city-by-city bans. The bill was well received, with the author closing in support. Dr. Weber-Pierson presented SB 1094, a health care affordability bill on biosimilars and biologic substitution. The bill would allow pharmacists to substitute biosimilars under certain conditions, require advance notice to providers and patients, and add reporting on savings; the author said amendments would strengthen provider notice and preserve the ability to mark prescriptions “do not substitute.” Supporters from health plans, insurers, pharmacies, labor, business, and some provider groups argued the bill would lower costs and expand access. Opponents, including dermatology and rheumatology groups and biotech interests, warned about non-medical switching, prior authorization delays, and patient harm. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 13-0 to pass SB 1094 to the Committee on Health. The committee also passed SB 849 by Dr. Weber-Pierson, which would bar reinstatement of physicians who surrendered their licenses while a sexual misconduct accusation was pending. The Medical Board and California Medical Association were generally supportive or neutral, and members praised the bill’s patient-protection focus. SB 993 by Senator Ochoa Bogh, which limits routine disclosure of identifying information for mental health professionals in correctional and psychiatric settings while preserving complaint processes, also passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 1002 by Senator Niello, extending the David Hall Act to allow certain patients in remission to continue telehealth care with out-of-state specialists, drew strong patient support but opposition from the Medical Board and CMA over licensure and oversight concerns; the committee voted it out on a split roll with some members not voting. Finally, SB 1263 by Senator McGuire, aimed at protecting wildfire survivors and workers by requiring licensed, trained contractors for post-disaster residential debris removal, received support from labor and the Contractors State License Board, with contractors raising a narrower amendment concern about scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection to the amendment? Seeing no objection, show the amendment adopted.
• This amendment just removes lines 1093 through 1099. Questions on the amendment?
• Questions on the amendment? Is there public testimony on the amendment?
• Seeing none, show the amendment adopted. Members, we're back on the bill as amended.
• This was on an amendment, waived in support of an amendment.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• actual amendments. actual amendments.
• Just uh to adopt the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• Madame Clerk, the amendment to House Senate Bill 33 to adopt the amendment.
• Yes, I would like to offer an amendment to 748. Uh, it is Amendment 0378H.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions. Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies. Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was discussion on the OTPA motion. amendment amendment amendment 781 781 781 okay<00:47:51.359>
• with Amendment 20250-059.
• with Amendment 20250-059.
• <04:29:19.880> no amendment I am for the amendment no amendment I am for the amendment no
• It does so not by amending 571-B, but by amending 654.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Opportunity also to offer amendments.
• Your amendment for the state government piece is an amendment.
• And as you know, as a chair, we don't offer amendments to amendments in committee, so to have it come
• to amendments.
• Hearing none, the motion prevails, and the A3 is adopted to your bill as amended. As amended.

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment at the desk.
• The amendment is coded A1.
• Representative amendment.
• amendment say I. amendment say I.
• Senate File 571 as amended. Further discussion to the bill as amended.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner D... 2438D1 amendment. Thank you. We will now 2438D1 amendment. Thank you.
• . amendment. amendment.
• If I could amending We're amending that. If I could amending We're amending the<01:45:35.199> DE.
• . amendment. amendment.
• So, we need to vote on the DE amendment. DE1 amendment.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Did the sponsor seem open to the amendment, or has he not responded?
• It is a violation of the First Amendment. It violates parental choice.
• And so we think that this needs to be amended.
• And so we think that this needs to be amended.
• I know that the sponsor had mentioned she is working on an amendment for this. ...needs to be amended

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider several bills for constitutional and proper-form review. House Bill 2171, which would bar certain hostile governments and associated persons from owning or possessing Arizona real property and create enforcement penalties, was found to raise possible conflict with federal foreign-relations law, but was still recommended as constitutional and in proper form by a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2446, dealing with English proficiency requirements for commercial truckers and out-of-service orders, was also recommended 5-2, with staff noting a needed floor amendment to carve out the federal border commercial zone to avoid Supremacy Clause concerns. House Bill 2331, which would require electric utilities to obtain 85% of electricity from “reliable” sources by 2030 and assign enforcement to the Corporation Commission, drew concerns about the Commission’s exclusive constitutional authority over utility regulation and rate-making, but was likewise recommended 5-2. The committee then considered House Bill 2589, which would make it a felony to allow minors to attend or view drag shows. Staff said the bill raised First Amendment and parental-rights concerns and could face strict scrutiny, and recommended an amendment to narrow it; the sponsor’s office was reportedly working on changes. Despite objections from members who called it overly broad and unconstitutional, the bill was recommended 5-2. House Bill 2592, concerning state agency use of artificial intelligence and legislative ratification of temporary rules, was flagged for legislative entrenchment issues because it attempted to bind future legislatures and set a simple-majority ratification requirement, but it too was recommended in proper form with a suggested amendment to remove the problematic mechanism. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up a large mass motion covering many additional bills, memorials, resolutions, and one concurrent memorial, all of which staff said were constitutional and in proper form. During that discussion, staff specifically noted House Bill 2976, relating to justice court administration, as needing amendment to avoid tension with the Arizona Supreme Court’s constitutional authority over court administration. The mass motion passed 7-0 with one member absent, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . amendment. amendment.
• Not a question, but I'd like to offer the A2 amendment to the A1 amendment.
• Not a question, but I'd like to offer the A2 amendment to the A1 amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• accept an amendment such as this. accept an amendment such as this.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask that you keep your DE amendments, members, and the above amendments so we don't have to reprint
• We ask that you keep your DE amendments, members, and the above amendments so we don't have to reprint
• <00:05:28.960> Any adopt the DE1 amendment. Any adopt the DE1 amendment. Any questions?
• <00:45:03.680> Um, up the A1 amendment. All right. Um, up the A1 amendment. All right.
• So, the amendment<00:46:58.319> lowers amendment lowers amendment lowers the<00:47:00.720>

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• That amendment, the A3 amendment to the A1's author amendment is adopted.
• The A1 amendment as amended is adopted.
• than those in the First Amendment. than those in the First Amendment.
• This is the A3 amendment to the amendment.
• As amended? As amended.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Herewith returned as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully
• There is an amendment at the desk; the clerk will report the amendment.
• Scott moves to amend Senate File number 571, the first engrossment. The amendment is coded A-1.
• I recognize the author of the amendment, Representative Scott. who will explain the amendment.
• Third reading: Senate File number 571 as amended. Further discussion on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• amended be recommended passed. amended be recommended passed.
• be in the constitutional amendment be in the constitutional amendment because<00:16:12.200> I
• So, Senator, the changes to the amendment, the constitutional amendment, will they still be based per
• discussion on the A6 amendment? discussion on the A6 amendment?
• I think this is a good amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the Senate to amend the bill.
• with the proposal of amendment with the proposal of amendment recommended<00:42:39.800> by
• You can find this bill on page 2075 of today's journal. strike-all amendment. strike-all amendment.
• Now, the Senate to amend the bill.
• There are two amendments Barre.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by former member Jason Lorber, who spoke humorously about the difference between asking questions and making statements, urging members to be direct and add value in deliberation. The chamber then took up several resolutions: JRH 11, urging Congress to enact the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025, was read and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development; JRS 51, setting weekend adjournment for May 1, 2026, was adopted in concurrence; and H.C.R. 261 was read, recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans Month and designating May 6, 2026 as Age Strong Vermont Day. Members also used announcements to welcome guests and highlight events, including the Age Strong Vermont initiative, a former member’s return, visitors connected to psychedelic medicine advocacy, an art social, fisheries and trout-in-the-classroom guests, a legislative intern, and a reminder about the May 16 NAMI walk. The House then took up Senate Bill 230, an omnibus labor measure relating to fair employment practices. The committee explanation described technical clarifications to parental and family leave for full-time teachers, expansion of protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, removal of outdated statutory language on mandatory retirement for tenured faculty, and clarification that elected and appointed municipal officers are not employees for minimum wage and overtime purposes. The main new policy in section 3B would prohibit non-compete agreements for non-exempt employees, with an exception for collective bargaining agreements, and would restrict certain non-compete and related clauses in health care provider contracts while preserving continuity of care and excluding non-clinical business support services. The committee reported extensive testimony and voted 11-0-0 to recommend the bill favorably with amendment; the House agreed to propose the amendment to the Senate and ordered third reading. The House also began consideration of Senate Bill 179, updating Vermont’s Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. The committee presentation explained that the bill would eliminate the current 9-month deadline for disclaimers, reflecting changes in federal tax law and the much larger modern estate and gift tax exclusion, and would modernize the statute in several ways. Proposed changes include clearer rules for jointly held property, allowing pre-death disclaimers, authorizing trustees and parents in limited circumstances to disclaim on behalf of trusts or minor children, permitting disclaimers by proxy for infirm persons, clarifying partial disclaimers and entity disclaimers, improving delivery rules for non-real-estate property, and specifying that a disclaimer is not a transfer for transfer-tax purposes. The bill was described as a response to outdated law in light of an impending large intergenerational wealth transfer, and the House proceeded with second reading discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• People say it violates the Second Amendment. I have read the Second Amendment.
• Public testimony on the amendment? None on the amendment.
• By your vote, the amendment is adopted. We are now back on the bill as amended.
• Amendment? We are on debate on the amendment. Anyone on debate? I don't see any.
• By your vote, the amendment is adopted. We are now back on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• concurrence with proposal of amendment? concurrence with proposal of amendment?
• concurrence with proposal of amendment. concurrence with proposal of amendment.
• with the Senate proposal of amendment. with the Senate proposal of amendment.
• Are you ready for the amendment? Are you ready for the question?
• Members, Senate proposal of amendment.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tom Stevens of Waterbury, who reflected on the Sermon on the Mount as a call to resist exclusion, greed, and coercion and to focus on blessing and care for those in need. After the devotional, the chamber suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career and technical education system, and committed it to the Committee on Education. The House also adopted HCR 241, a concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Leslie Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Manny L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, with members offering remarks about her climate work and public service. On the action calendar, the House passed Senate Bill 157 on recovery residence certification in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and Senate Bill 239 on the child abuse and neglect reporting working group in concurrence with proposal of amendment. During discussion of S. 239, a member explained that the House amendment was a technical correction adding the Vermont School Counselor Association and the Agency of Education as stakeholders for the working group to consult. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 410, which concerns the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures; the Judiciary Committee said the Senate change was a clarifying wording revision and supported it. The chamber then moved through announcements, including recognition of visiting family members, a UVM intern, and notice of a caucus discussion on permitting modernization. A member also invited colleagues to view Vermont Railways’ train in Montpelier. The House completed its orders of the day and adjourned until the next morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:26:24.320> that<01:26:24.560> we amendment to amend the amendment that we amendment
• amend the amendment, what now when you amend the amendment, what page<01:28:07.199> are<01:28:
• . amendment. amendment.
• Is that a friendly amendment? amendment? amendment?
• Floor amendment. Aaliyah. Floor amendment.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• condominium related bills are amended condominium related bills are amended properly<00:21:56.559
• look at this bill and look at amending look at this bill and look at amending this<00:22:41.559>
• uh what we need I think is an amendment uh what we need I think is an amendment to<00:37:34.760>
• <00:48:35.559> mainly<00:48:35.880> is Amendment um and the amendment mainly is Amendment
• proposed amendments on page 14 adopt proposed amendments from<01:14:31.199> crumb<01:14:31.440

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment, Fifth Amendment, you know, search and seizure and due process.
• > Fifth right same with fourth amendment Fifth right same with fourth amendment Fifth Amendment
• amendments.
• We'll just be taking the AG amendments, the Tax amendments, and technical amendments.
• amendments and Technical amendments amendments and Technical amendments questions<03:00:36.640><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.