Transcript Highlights:

• :23:49.679> pressure outcome mirrors the litigation pressure outcome mirrors the litigation pressure
• The amendment does not resolve litigation.
• Again, litigation uh Court to determine.
• Uh and uh I therefore in the litigation.
• litigation in a certain direction. litigation in a certain direction.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 32.400> this our outside law firms throughout this our outside law firms throughout this litigation
• and continues to provide that litigation and continues to provide that coverage<00:04:35.919> in<
• <00:05:14.240> regarding<00:05:14.800> local counties in litigation regarding local
• counties in litigation regarding local regulation<00:05:15.680> of<00:05:15.919> solar
• similar litigation. similar litigation.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the the fear of any future litigation. the the fear of any future litigation.
• And I hear you guys talking about litigation. This could prevent litigation down the road.
• And I hear you guys talking about litigation. This could prevent litigation down the road.
• I understand there's been some past litigation in this area. Mr.
• past litigation in this area. past litigation in this area. Uh<00:55:58.520> Mr. Uh Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The litigation arose from the 2022.
• The litigation was North Minneapolis.
• <01:18:18.000> file attorney of record in a litigation file attorney of record in a litigation
• That would not have been litigation.
• It is a the dismissal of the litigation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do a bunch of constitutional administrative law litigation.
• administrative law litigation. administrative law litigation.
• There are two divisions within corporation counsel: counseling and drafting and litigation.
• and drafting and litigation. and drafting and litigation.
• So, for example, earlier in my career, I brought litigation against police officers, and in my current

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, obviously, you mentioned that there is some pending litigation.
• We were concerned that this would expand that protection, in particular to protection from litigation
• And the types of policyholder litigation that I’m talking about...”
• “The types of policyholder litigation that I’m talking about is bad faith, pattern and practice, and
• that I think...” “...would cause problems for those policyholders in litigation that I think is probably

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met to hear and vote on several bills, with all measures reported favorably. The first major item was PCS for HB 175 on payment stablecoins, which would create a Florida regulatory framework aligned with the federal GENIUS Act so issuers can choose state regulation instead of federal licensing. Members asked extensive questions about how stablecoins differ from other digital assets, whether Florida would need federal approval, and what impact the bill would have on the Office of Financial Regulation; the sponsor and OFR said the state framework would mirror federal standards and that any workload increase was currently indeterminate. The PCS passed unanimously after testimony from OFR and the Florida Blockchain Business Association in support. The committee then approved CS for HB 961, which streamlines electronic signature requirements for salvage titles and certificates of destruction, and HB 1415, a DFS stablecoin pilot program allowing certain stablecoins to be used for licensing and regulatory fees. HB 1415 was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin, limit the pilot to established stablecoins with at least $1 billion market cap, and require secure custody through a public depository or custodial bank. Members discussed how any interest or revenue would be used, with sponsors saying the pilot was still exploratory and intended mainly to cover program costs. Both bills passed favorably. HB 1039, establishing a state cryptocurrency reserve, also passed after a strike-all amendment moved administration of the reserve from the CFO’s office to the State Board of Administration and tightened eligibility to cryptocurrencies with a $100 billion market cap over the prior 12 months. Supporters argued the bill would create a framework for future diversification and investment in established digital assets, while several members raised concerns about volatility, reporting frequency, and the meaning of new terms such as qualified liquidity provider and secure custody solution. The committee also passed CS for HB 951 on penny rounding for cash transactions, with an amendment clarifying cash transaction definitions and treating money orders and gift cards like credit-card transactions for rounding purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has destroyed documents, obstructing both congressional oversight and potential litigation.
• merger, which is a very big issue in the Pacific Northwest. for farmers and consumers, and the litigation
• If confirmed, how would you prioritize litigation and effectively use agency resources in upholding the
• I can't weigh in too much on the substance given that it's the subject of ongoing litigation involving
• While the Justice Department, I know you're aware of this, is litigating that case, can you elaborate

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• challenges, common goals, common needs, and wanting to provide a consistent level of service to litigants
• , people who file sham or frivolous litigation, and what are the statutory remedies.
• , people who file sham or frivolous litigation, and what are the statutory remedies.
• our district courts, it's not having the facilities or not having secure facilities in order for litigants
• Just very simply, what our offices do is we are responsible for investigating, filing, and litigating

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the justice budget and the major agencies within it. Chair Maney explained that the committee would hear broad presentations rather than detailed budget questions, and the first panel included the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Commission on Offender Review, Department of Law Enforcement, Office of the State Courts Administrator, and the Attorney General’s Office. Each agency described its mission, staffing, budget, and major responsibilities, with repeated emphasis on public safety, rehabilitation, staffing shortages, technology needs, and the importance of mental health services and education in reducing recidivism. Secretary Hall described DJJ’s prevention-to-aftercare continuum, including civil citation, detention, probation, and residential commitment programs, and highlighted reductions in juvenile arrests and commitments. Secretary Dixon said DOC’s biggest issues are staffing, overtime, and inflation, while noting progress in education, reentry, and a low recidivism rate. FDLE Commissioner Glass outlined the agency’s investigative, forensic, intelligence, and protective functions, including work on fentanyl enforcement and crime reporting systems. The State Courts Administrator emphasized the judiciary’s constitutional role, case volume, and challenges in providing interpreters, experts, and technology support. Chief Deputy Attorney General Guard described the office’s litigation, criminal appeals, consumer protection, and opioid recovery work, especially defending state laws and recovering opioid settlement funds. Members then asked questions about prison conditions, immigration enforcement, court filing fees, crime reporting, staffing ratios, and transnational gangs. Agency leaders responded that they were not aware of ICE contracts in some cases, that FDLE works with immigration authorities and detention facilities under existing authority, and that filing fees are a legislative policy decision. The committee also heard from the Justice Administrative Commission, prosecutors, public defenders, guardian ad litem, regional conflict counsel, and capital collateral regional counsel, who focused on indigent representation, dependency and death penalty cases, and persistent staffing and retention problems. No votes were taken, and the meeting concluded after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This went out of its way to not impact any ongoing litigation, any of the cases that you're referencing
• , including the cases that have ongoing litigation, any of the cases that you're referencing, including
• I represent the six parishes in the coastal litigation that everyone, I'm sure, in this committee is
• We would also like to see the bill amended to state that any litigation... ...amended to state that any
• litigation brought that would otherwise hold water, that this bill does not discount that, that this

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Transcript Highlights:

• a few times, I think, in Louisiana where we have really stepped out front, particularly in the litigation
• Louisiana, we have really stepped out front, particularly in the litigation space.
• I represent the six parishes in the coastal litigation that everyone, I'm sure, in this committee is
• We would also like to see the bill amended to state that any litigation... ...amended to state that any
• litigation brought that would otherwise hold water, that this bill does not discount that, that this

Bills: SB480, HB621, HB637, HB804, HB841, HB1056

Keywords: fishing gear, Oyster Bayou, shrimping, regulation, marine resources, HB621, Act 658, renewable energy, recycling, decommissioning, wind energy, solar power, solar facilities, wind turbines, energy infrastructure, end-of-life disposal, universal waste, recyclable materials, waste reduction, Department of Environmental Quality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they have actually ended up in litigation between the board of education and Franklin County and
• I have tried to head off that litigation by talking to LSA and saying, what do we need to change in the
• And they have actually ended up in litigation between the board of education and Franklin County and
• I have tried to head off that litigation by talking to LSA and saying, what do we need to change in the
• I have tried to head off that litigation by talking to LSA and saying, what do we need to change in the

Bills: SB337, HB520, HB75, SB337, HB520, HB75

Keywords: SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, discrimination, immunization, facial coverings, healthcare rights, religious convictions, civil rights, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• tons of money trying to litigate this new made-up pseudojudicial standard for zoning ordinances that
• that will cost long-term litigation that will cost developers<01:21:10.320> and<01:21:10.400>
• this new madeup money trying to litigate this new madeup pseudojudicial<01:21:14.480> standard
• Or a Maine lobster man having to endure years of litigation to sell his catch out of his home in 2015
• Or a Maine lobster man having to endure years of litigation to sell his catch out of his home in 2015

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only winners here will be those who know how to turn litigation into a business model.
• What does not exist is a state ready for the wave of litigation this bill would invite.
• H. 1861, an Act providing transparency in third-party litigation financing.
• There are many examples of litigants getting a small fraction of winning verdicts or even...
• Just some clarifying components: We've had an abuse of litigation bill.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does do, rather, is provide consistency and certainty in the litigation process, driving
• Insurance companies, knowing that they're going to be reduced subsequent to the litigation.
• There's a counter affidavit process too, but that's simply to get them out of the litigation process.
• If they want to avoid participating in litigation, they file the affidavit that says...
• Because the bill as written is designed to just litigate it. Thank you.

Bills: HB4806

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:29.760> and endless process of uh litigation and endless process of uh litigation and
• and so forth in the in the and litigated and so forth in the in the legal<00:43:41.920> system.
• in litigation. in litigation.
• in the I'm looking at the um litigation in the I'm looking at the um litigation costs.
• , increased costs for litigation, increased costs for litigation, settlements,<02:13:53.599> and

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes. Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictive lending litigation more restrictive lending conditions<01:21:25.800> making<01:21
• One thing I do want to point out is that this statute actually encourages litigation.
• one of the big issues with um litigation one of the big issues with um filing<01:37:44.719> a
• before the 672e process is litigation before the 672e process is over<01:37:57.239> it<01:37:
• <01:53:12.320> that require both parties to litigate that require both parties to litigate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um especially particularly the litigation that you just mentioned.
• Musselman's action pending didn't have board members and the board itself as litigants, but they have
• that<00:10:17.320> you particularly the litigation that you particularly the litigation that
• So, no matter what litigation area.
• <01:06:23.240> reform about uh some of the litigation reform about uh some of the litigation

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 02:45 Roll Call 05:25 Cosmetologists 13:48 Barbers 01:16:06 Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we compromise a litigation that the attorney general's office is engaged in if we take a position
• Do we compromise a litigation that the attorney general's office is engaged in if we take a position
• Do we compromise a litigation that the attorney general's office is engaged in if we take a position
• Do we compromise a litigation that the attorney general's office is engaged in if we take a position
• <01:36:06.400> in the past when there's been litigation in the past when there's been litigation

Bills: SF1750, HF4250, HF3938, HF3904, HF3642

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute no longer reflects the complexity of modern legal work, the volume of litigation and compliance
• Litigation and compliance demands and the professional expectations placed on government attorneys today
• We have consulted attorneys that have litigated tech cases nationwide, and the bottom line is simple.
• And also, there are concerns that this would increase litigation costs with some of the liability issues
• And also, there are just concerns in there that this would increase litigation costs with some of the

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, but proceeded with public hearings on two Senate bills. Senate Bill 944, sponsored by Sen. Carla May, would update the statutory salary range for the City of St. Louis sheriff’s attorney, which she said has been unchanged since 1990 and no longer reflects inflation, modern legal demands, or comparable compensation in other jurisdictions. Rep. Fuchs offered supportive remarks, and there was no opposition or informational testimony. No vote was taken on SB 944 during the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1012, sponsored by Sen. Nicola, a broad artificial intelligence bill intended to clarify that AI is not a legal person, that humans remain responsible for AI-assisted decisions, and that licensed professionals must retain independent judgment. The bill also addressed companion chatbots, election-related AI disclosures, and other consumer protections. Supporters of the bill’s general accountability approach were not present in testimony, but opponents from Americans for Prosperity and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry argued the bill was overly broad, could chill innovation, and contained numerous drafting and cross-reference errors, including unused definitions and inconsistent metadata requirements. Members questioned how liability would apply to end users and noted the need for clearer drafting. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session on SB 1012. A motion was made for do pass, but the roll call resulted in zero ayes and 11 noes, and the bill was voted failed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could we also, thank you, Madam Chair, could we also talk a little bit about the budget for litigation
• because I know under this particular executive administration, we've had a lot of increased litigation
• So, can we talk about how much money is in the budget for litigation?
• Florida law requires transparency in board actions, especially when initiating litigation that exposes
• So yes, there was litigation filed about this. It was dismissed. It will be coming back.