Transcript Highlights:

• legislative bodies. legislative bodies.
• A1 amendment.
• Who will be moving that amendment. Who will be moving that amendment? amendment? amendment?
• <00:26:37.680> Um A1 amendment. Um A1 amendment.
• amendment? amendment?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 2022 incident involving a legislator. 2022 incident involving a legislator.
• It was a request to defer for one legislative day.
• a simple one legislative day deferral. a simple one legislative day deferral.
• <00:30:38.360> day mere legislative day mere legislative day to<00:30:39.960> really
• <00:32:26.880> who into the conduct of the legislator who into the conduct of the legislator

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, CRN is opposed unless amended.
• We're opposed unless amended.
• I think we do have amendments and the committee amendments that will address our concerns.
• So thank you for accepting those amendments.
• We are in a supportive and amended position and appreciate the work on our requested amendments to date

Summary: The committee heard several health-related bills, with extensive testimony on maternal health, prenatal safety, privacy, valley fever, Medi-Cal contracting, anti-discrimination protections, and health data sharing. SB 32 would require time-and-distance standards for labor and delivery units in health plan networks; the author and supporters said it would address maternity care deserts and improve access, while health plans opposed. SB 646 would require testing and public disclosure for toxic elements in prenatal vitamins; supporters emphasized fetal and maternal safety and transparency, while industry opponents warned it could confuse consumers or lead to reduced nutrient content. Both bills drew broad support from medical and public health groups, and both were advanced on party-line or near-unanimous votes after committee discussion. The committee also approved SB 313, which moves a parent’s birthplace on birth certificates into the confidential section to protect privacy, and SB 297, which directs CDPH to identify high-incidence valley fever regions and publish them for screening and awareness; valley fever experts and supporters stressed rising cases and the need for earlier diagnosis, while local health jurisdictions raised concerns about mandates. SB 324, dealing with Medi-Cal enhanced care management and community supports, would prioritize local community-based organizations and clarify contracting and data practices; it received strong support from nonprofits and community health advocates, with children’s hospitals and health plans seeking amendments, and it was sent forward after amendments were discussed. The committee then considered SB 418, which would codify ACA nondiscrimination protections in state law and allow up to a 12-month prescription supply for hormone therapy when medically necessary. Supporters framed it as protecting continuity of care for transgender patients and others using hormone therapy, including IVF and menopause patients, while opponents argued it would conflict with federal policy and promote harmful treatments. The bill passed to the next committee. Finally, SB 660 would strengthen the California Health and Human Services data exchange framework by creating governance and accountability for data sharing across health and social service entities; supporters said it would reduce duplication and improve care coordination, while some providers and hospital groups raised concerns. It was approved and sent to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The consent calendar and the other measures were also voted out, with the committee recording the required roll-call votes and sending the bills onward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will move your amendment before the committee. Please explain your amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. Representative Kuden, please explain your bill as amended.
• Please explain your amendment.
• The amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. Cher Wisinski, please explain your bill as amended.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And given the fact that these events took place very late in the legislative session, the recommendation
• <00:01:38.160> session, very late in the legislative session, very late in the legislative
• amendments made in that decision-making. amendments made in that decision-making.
• <00:03:45.560> this am not allowed to further amend this am not allowed to further amend this
• committees, I am not permitted to amend committees, I am not permitted to amend this<00:03:54.240

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection took up House Concurrent Resolution 137, House Draft 1, and Senate Resolution 20, both proposing a Senate draft urging an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to hostilities in Iran. Only written testimony was submitted, in support, from Barbara Polk, with comments from Kelsey Burien, Sage Colon, River Burien, and late testimony from Azale Guillermo Ramirez. The chair noted that resolutions are non-binding expressions and do not change Hawaii Revised Statutes, and said Senate rules allow substantive changes to the vehicles. Because the matter arose late in the session, the committee recommended passage of the proposed Senate draft for HCR 137 and SR 20. The motion was adopted by votes from the chair, vice chair, Senator McKelvey, and Senator Awana; Senator Lamasao was excused. The committee then reconvened to reconsider House Concurrent Resolution 202, House Draft 2, which would establish a legislative task force on Hawaii’s future energy pathways. The chair explained that additional testimony raised concerns about the Public Utilities Commission’s participation and possible ex parte issues, and that the resolution could be construed as creating a closed task force because it did not require open public membership. Since further amendment was not possible without restarting the process, and a similar House resolution already existed, the committee recommended deferral. No comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can take that amendment up. That is Amendment Barcode 264582. We can't take that amendment up.
• That's the amendment, sir. The question is on the amendment.
• And that is the amendment. Questions on the amendment?
• The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
• Additional debate on the delete-all amendment as amended.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment First time on the amendment.
• So, on and against the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• Representative Andrew on the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• Okay, second time on the amendment. amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McKenzie said the amendment never came through for this legislation, and that if it had
• Representative Sullivan said the amendment would put a new section into protective legislation in the
• I move inexpedient to legislate. >> Let's open the amendment, and we'll introduce your amendment once
• And so I think if we're going to, you know, do amendments to this legislation or change this legislation
• or<00:53:53.760> change amendments to this legislation or change amendments to this legislation

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislators should get a pay raise. Legislators should be paid more.
• <01:43:20.760> manager uh neie sebas here legislative manager uh neie sebas here legislative
• forward with some technical amendments forward with some technical amendments or<01:48:43.400>
• and four make some technical amendments and four make some technical amendments for<01:56:02.599
• please voting on SB 694 with amendments please voting on SB 694 with amendments representative<02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Through the legislative process, we've been able to take amendments to address a balance of recognizing
• We have taken amendments to specify exactly who this applies to.
• Single-family homes, with the amendment, it's four units or less.
• Except potential amendments.
• We're opposed to the bill, even with the amendment. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She moved the A1 amendment. The A1 amendment was adopted.
• the amendments adopted. the amendments adopted.
• just move that amendment. just move that amendment.
• we should see that amendment. we should see that amendment.
• A1 amendments adopted. A1 amendments adopted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the amendment that they've got.
• Uh Ocean Legislative<00:20:50.720> Task<00:20:51.039> Force. Legislative Task Force.
• Legislative Task Force.
• we will also have technical amendments we will also have technical amendments for<01:16:12.000><
• And with that, we are adjourned. is to pass with amendments. Chair and is to pass with amendments.

Bills: HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, 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

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:59.520> And legislation or the constitution. And legislation or the constitution.
• We got to pass them out for um amendment... The amendment is coming around.
• I believe this was announced as an amendment for 300, SP 300, and the amendment is for SB 58.
• Do we have that amendment? amendment? amendment?
• What amendment? Uh, do we to know that. What amendment?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think there will be further legislation that will likely be needed, but I think what this amendment
• Um, I would obviously recognize that if the committee would like to amend the legislation, the committee
• Um, I would obviously recognize that if the committee would like to amend the legislation, the committee
• 16:41.359> amend<02:16:41.599> the legislation the committee May amend the legislation
• the committee May amend the legislation<02:16:42.280> in<02:16:42.439> any<02:16:42.719

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:42.080> director<00:18:42.480> for the legislative director for the legislative
• Is there an amendment? Would somebody be offering the A2 amendment?
• to the Amendments uh is there Amendment to the Amendments uh is there Amendment uh<01:31:32.560> would
• <01:38:17.000> if conversation about the amendment if conversation about the amendment if
• Representative Acomb: The A7 amendment is a very simple amendment that deletes section four, which is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• as amended?
• you have an amendment. you have an amendment.
• as amended?
• the next legislative session. the next legislative session.
• . amendment.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a substantive bill as committee amendments.
• I think Laura and my legislative director would both murder me because they worked so hard on those amendments
• Laura and my legislative director would both murder me because they've worked so hard on those amendments
• But that's part of the legislative process.
• AB 2313, do pass as amended to appropriations. AB 2313, do pass as amended to appropriations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those were dealt with in the amendments from the committee, and I accepted those amendments.
• Those were dealt with in the amendments from the committee, and I accepted those amendments in terms
• . for working with us on the amendments and working with the committee on the amendments.
• I appreciate the amendments to the bill.
• Furthermore, this legislation is a call to accountability.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote to pass as amended, and thanks again to the colleagues that worked on this legislation, my fellow
• as a floor amendment.
• I introduce floor Amendment 1111. I can speak to the amendment. Yes, who may...
• as amended Senate to pass with Amendment as amended Senate Bill<02:33:24.160> 263<02:33:25.279
• is on the adoption of floor amendment is on the adoption of floor amendment number Floor Amendment

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need legislation to do.
• The motion prevails and... bill as amended. So let's get these done bill as amended.
• or she moves that the DE1 amendment or she moves that amend<01:04:47.839> DE2.
• those in favor of the amendment say I. those in favor of the amendment say I.
• strike section six of the DE2 amendment. strike section six of the DE2 amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house