Transcript Highlights:

• She is how seniors protect Social Security. She is how parents fight for schools.
• And the name of the commission is the Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission, yes.
• commission.
• commission.
• I’m asking, yes, whether those appeals can be filed with this commission, this athletic commission.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vehicles. 1568, Early Ballots Registration Signature. 1572, Public Schools. 1618, Military Affairs Commission
• This is consumer fraud, and products have security vulnerabilities, and the consumers don't know about
• vulnerability for our state, we should focus on policies that actually improve long-term energy security
• We get security to my desk, Chuck.
• We get security to my desk, Chuck.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures. Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements. The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> Maryland Ireland Trade Commission, Maryland Ireland Trade Commission, it<00:05:55.960><c> is</c
• ,</c> Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security, and<00:37:41.400><c> we</c><00
• </c> of Homeland Security of Homeland Security because<00:37:58.760><c> we</c><00:37:58.920><c> have<
• </c> &gt;&gt; Fund Department of Homeland Security. &gt;&gt; Fund Department of Homeland Security.
• </c><03:47:12.320><c> is</c> that the Public Service Commission is that the Public Service Commission

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All the parties came together—the Honey Commission, ISDA, and others.
• It moves the regulatory functions of the commission to ISDA.
• I think it's just making this commission uniform to the other types of commissions where ISDA has regulatory
• This leaves the commission intact. The Honey Commission will still exist.
• between the commission and ISDA on how the regulatory side has worked.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• any amount of family farming, and particularly for farms that are contributing directly to food security
• </c> contributing directly to food security contributing directly to food security and<00:19:26.640><
• Testifying first is the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission. agreements.
• </c><00:47:45.440><c> to</c><00:47:45.680><c> develop,</c> and adaptation commission to develop, and
• adaptation commission to develop, implement,<00:47:46.800><c> and</c><00:47:47.040><c> maintain</c><00

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We report, and we send pay stubs to Social Security monthly.
• There’s one individual whose Social Security was reduced, and that’s as I was reduced, but he’s earning
• Some other barriers that we see: in 2018, and I actually brought the study, we commissioned a study in
• The commissioned study found that about half of Oklahomans indicated that half of employers would hire
• Our contracts that we've been able to secure are about $15 to $20 an hour, and that's to serve three

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We report, we send pay stubs to Social Security monthly, and, you know, we, as rep payee and the benefits
• There’s one individual who, his Social Security was reduced, and that’s as I was reduced.
• So the commissioned study found that about half of Oklahomans indicated that half of employers would
• We commissioned a study in Oklahoma to ask lots of different questions about how a study in Oklahoma
• Our contracts that we've been able to secure are about $15 to $20 an hour, and that's to serve three

Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item C-6 is an amendment to the Public Defender Commission.
• institutions of correction is the ability of the inmates to thwart any effort on the part of the security
• institutions of correction is the ability of the inmates to thwart any effort on the part of the security
• I think we all agree that it's a problem, both technologically and security-wise.
• It is a request to amend House Bill 1006 for the Department of Labor and Licensing, Boards, and Commissions

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, for item C-6 is an amendment to the Public Defender Commission. It is on page 18.
• I think we all agree that it's a problem, both technologically and security-wise.
• I think we all agree that it's a problem, both technologically and security-wise.
• Then on page two of the letter is a request to amend their Racing Commission Then on page two of the
• letter is a request to amend their Racing Commission Casino Gaming Section appropriation.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• isolation provisions prohibit a school resource officer from carrying out the lawful duties of a commissioned
• The provisions of the proposed substitute say the lawful duties of commissioned law enforcement officers
• So SROs are required to take specific SRO training, and they are, specifically, commissioned law enforcement
• But there are other categories of safety and security staff who aren't necessarily law enforcement officers
• , and all safety and security staff are required to take training that relates to working with students

Bills: HB1795

Committee: House Education

Keywords: restraint, isolation, public schools, educational programs, student rights, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:06.520><c> And</c><00:15:07.280><c> I</c> other commissions have to do.
• And I other commissions have to do.
• </c><01:43:22.800><c> appointed</c><01:43:23.200><c> three</c> School Fund Commission appointed three
• School Fund Commission appointed three members<01:43:23.680><c> as</c><01:43:23.840><c> well.
• ><c> right,</c><01:57:52.840><c> from</c> Um any additional security, right, from Um any additional security

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm also the House Chair of this commission.
• We'll make sure it gets out to all commission members.
• So the commission members received the xylazine commission brief and position statements this morning
• And so they are the ones that secure volunteer nurses.
• And so they are the ones that secure volunteer nurses.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Building Standards Commission, on a triannual basis, takes the National Electrical Code and then
• We'd like the California Building Standards Commission to look at these issues. Thank you.
• It happens, no disrespect, at the Building Standards Commission at times.
• And what happens is that the same is, At the Building Standards Commission at times.
• I think it's notable that the Little Hoover Commission has sent in a support letter for SB 886.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:16.080><c> to</c> RSA 151G7 requires the commission to RSA 151G7 requires the commission to
• Quality and Patient Safety Commission, quality and patient safety commission, that is made up of all
• </c> It's important for the secure It's important for the secure continuation<01:15:28.640><c> of</c>
• This I think secures people that anyway.
• It creates the security that clarity.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the members please rise for the invocation delivered by Pastor Kyle McDaniel, Capital Commission
• This is just a way to make sure that we are making it more secure. And with that, Mr.
• and security of stateowned real<00:24:06.000><c> property</c><00:24:06.400><c> throughout</c><00:24:
• Access to education can help us make laden career strides to maximize social security and retirement
• </c> with and and so uh the fire commission with and and so uh the fire commission has<01:23:57.760><

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a hacking, like if there's a security breach or a hacking issue and protection against those
• That's going to be the fastest and most secure way to reach the committee.
• It's more secure, et cetera. I already covered a lot of this.
• Total, 3,969 are primary or uniformed commissioned members that receive medical benefits.
• Is that true, or do Left 1 participants also get Social Security or any other...?

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeremy Klass, he's with Homeland Security.
• We got some help from FEMA, Homeland Security, and, like I mentioned, NRCS.
• And for potentially the Secure Bureau, you could funnel some state money to the Secure Bureau, and then
• So we verify ownership, we secure, and we're kind of the boots on the ground for DFA.
• There will be a parking area there for us just past security.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• benefits, then those social security benefits, then those social security benefits, then those people
• and apply for their social security and apply for their social security benefits or to get question
• I just social security office would be. I just social security office would be.
• Thank you so very security department. Thank you so very security department.
• I contacted Sunny with the county commission association. Uh got green commission association.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This gives our commissioned members the authority to detect and investigate arson, reckless... to be
• reckless This gives our commissioned members the authority to detect and investigate arson, reckless
• This commission would not transfer with the authority to administer the Washington State Fire Code.
• to worry about campaigning, fundraising, putting up yard signs, and going to political events to secure
• By way of background, the State Parks and Recreation Commission... And winter sports activity.

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard briefings and public testimony on several bills. SB 6064 would let qualifying regional fire protection districts or authorities take over administration and enforcement of the International Fire Code within their boundaries, with notice to counties and equivalent jobs for displaced workers; supporters said it would improve consistency and local control, while counties, fire marshals, and builders opposed it as unnecessary and likely to add permitting complexity and delay. SB 6101 would require county coroners to be appointed rather than elected, while preserving appointed medical examiners in larger counties; the sponsor cited the Yakima County coroner controversy as the reason for the bill, and opponents argued it would reduce voter accountability and could increase costs, though some supporters said appointment would professionalize death investigations and improve consistency. SB 6077 would extend from 21 to 28 business days the deadline for assessors and taxpayers to exchange valuation evidence before property tax appeal hearings, with supporters saying the change would give taxpayers a fairer chance to respond and opponents saying the bill should also address long delays in scheduling hearings themselves. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County-specific Growth Management Act authority allowing freight rail-dependent uses on certain resource lands adjacent to a short-line railroad. The sponsor and supporters said the 2017 law was a poorly written special exemption that threatens agricultural and resource lands and should be repealed; opponents, including the railroad operator, business groups, and local officials, argued the rail overlay supports economic development, jobs, and low-emission freight movement and that the county should retain local control. Testimony on SB 5820 also raised concerns about safety, land-use conflicts, and the meaning of “adjacent,” with some witnesses saying the land is currently underused and others saying it is needed for future industrial and rail-served development. Finally, the committee heard SB 6013, an agency-request bill updating ski-area terminology and safety provisions to include aerial tramways, toes, and conveyors in the state’s ski lift regulations. State Parks supported the measure as a technical update to align safety inspections, insurance requirements, and rider conduct rules with current equipment terminology. The transcript ended before any vote or executive action was taken on these bills, and the chair noted some previously scheduled executive session items were moved to a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• > neighborhood</c> coordinator from kapalama neighborhood coordinator from kapalama neighborhood security
• watch</c><00:03:51.080><c> and</c><00:03:51.200><c> Grassroots</c><00:03:51.599><c> movement</c> security
• watch and Grassroots movement security watch and Grassroots movement of<00:03:52.040><c> the</c><00:
• law commission be sure there's<00:48:45.000><c> no</c><00:48:45.240><c> conflict</c><00:48:45.839><c
• uh clarifies that the commission uh clarifies that the oversight<00:56:35.039><c> coordinator</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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