Transcript Highlights:

• My challenge is the authority having jurisdiction that's given under HRS 461A-13 to the counties for
• My challenge is the authority having jurisdiction that's given under HRS 461A-13 to the counties for
• My challenge is the authority having jurisdiction that's given under HRS 461A-13 to the counties for
• My challenge is the authority having jurisdiction that's given under HRS 461A-13 to the counties for
• My challenge is the authority having jurisdiction that's given under HRS 461A-13 to the counties for

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the board Authority Act.
• </c> Jackson County E91 Emergency Jackson County E91 Emergency Communications<00:07:20.960><c> District
• I've done county and with the state.
• I'm the county administrator for Quipman County. I've been in position for eight years.
• :46.080><c> Quipman</c> the county administrator for Quipman the county administrator for Quipman County

Keywords: Technology - Room 216, 18 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will now open the roll to allow any member to add on as a co-author on these resolutions.
• Members, this vote is for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote.
• This is for co-authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 50 co-authors.
• And the King's County Fire Department, as they grieve this tragic loss.
• Today I rise in adjourn in memory of King County Fire Captain Mark Eades.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It gives providers and authorization.
• .<01:20:19.360><c> Uh</c> County.
• If the conviction is resulting in probation to the county level, and we've worked with the counties on
• We have talked to county commissioners, CCI, and the county sheriffs.
• </c> have sole enforcement authority have sole enforcement authority related<01:57:44.320><c> to</c><

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the county level, as Vice Chair of the King County Board of Health, I contributed to adoption
• And at the county level, as Vice Chair of the King County Board of Health, I contributed to adoption
• And at the county level, as Vice Chair of the King County Board of Health, I contributed to adoption
• I've done them in multiple counties over the last few years.
• , a federal authority, a Title 32, or state active duty authority at the direction of the governor.

Summary: The committee began by suspending the five-day notice rule for Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9066 and then heard confirmation testimony from Megan Matthews, director of the Washington State Office of Equity. Matthews described the office’s growth, its work with agencies and communities, and efforts on data, contracting, and statewide outreach. Senator Hasegawa raised concerns about the Office of Equity’s relationship to ethnic commissions and whether it should remain internally focused, while other members praised Matthews’ statewide presence. The committee also heard confirmation testimony for Women’s Commission appointees Reedy Miu Kapade and Kiana Daniels, both of whom emphasized their experience serving women and girls and their commitment to the commission’s work; both appointments were noted as coming up for a vote the following week. The committee then heard House Bill 2309, which would prohibit the civil service classification plan from requiring a postgraduate degree as the only way to show qualifications unless required by law. Supporters, including the sponsor, OFM, and public witnesses, said the bill would remove barriers to state employment and broaden applicant pools. House Bill 2249 would add certain Washington Technology Solutions network and security systems employees to civil service coverage; the sponsor said it would resolve a narrow inequity affecting about 20 workers, while WOTEC said it needed flexibility to recruit and retain technical talent and asked to be involved in further changes. Substitute House Bill 2411 would expand shared leave to employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions involving themselves or family members; supporters cited a state worker detained at the border and said the bill would help employees through extraordinary hardships, while opponents warned about abuse and objected to extending benefits in immigration-related cases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916, dealing with voter registration challenges and list maintenance, drew strong support from voting-rights groups and county election officials who said it would curb mass, bad-faith challenges and protect eligible voters, especially naturalized citizens, students, military members, and voters of color. The Secretary of State’s office and county auditors also raised concerns about ambiguity in parts of the bill, including who may challenge registrations and how deceased voters are removed from the rolls. House Bill 2417 would add a victim’s bill of rights to the Washington Code of Military Justice, aligning state military justice with federal protections; the Military Department and veterans advocates supported it as a consistency and fairness measure. Finally, the committee took executive action on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which changes the membership and selection criteria for the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and advanced it to the Rules Committee on a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the Northeast Public Development Authority in Spokane.
• Paul Jewell, on behalf of the members of the Washington State Association of Counties.
• Of county planning directors.
• Affordable housing is a top priority for counties.
• I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District in South King County.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard public testimony on several bills. SB 5885 would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the density-bonus affordability threshold from 100% to 50% and adding a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying projects. The sponsor and supporters from Redmond, Tacoma, Spokane, faith organizations, and housing nonprofits said the current standard is too restrictive and that churches and other faith groups have underused land that could help meet the state’s housing shortage. A county planning representative raised concern about an unfunded mandate to update local development regulations, and one testifier said the bill should be paired with funding for county planning work. The committee also heard SB 5884, which would expand a sales and use tax deferral program for redevelopment of underutilized property. The bill would broaden eligible land beyond surface parking lots to include vacant, partially used, or underutilized parcels, and would allow cities to approve projects with at least 50% affordable units, or 20% in designated residential targeted areas. Supporters from Spokane, Vancouver, Kent, Bellingham, and the Washington State Association of Counties said the current program is too narrow and should be available in more places, including counties and more cities. Construction industry groups supported redevelopment but objected to a provision tying eligibility to apprenticeship utilization, saying it could disadvantage nonunion contractors and create compliance burdens. For SB 5937, the committee heard testimony on smart access systems in rental housing. The bill would require landlords, upon request, to offer a non-biometric, non-app-based alternative key and to provide privacy policies and limits on data collection for smart access systems. Tenant advocates supported the bill as a privacy and access protection, citing concerns about app-based locks, data tracking, lockouts, and retaliation. Landlord and multifamily housing groups said they were open to the concept but argued the bill was too broad and could impose burdens on small housing providers or simple keypad systems, and they asked for narrower definitions and clearer implementation language. Finally, the committee took testimony on SB 5938, which would make technical changes to the foreclosure prevention fee created last year, including exempting certain reverse mortgages and chattel loans, preventing duplicate charges on some state-backed transactions, and directing Commerce to study a possible state homeowner assistance fund. Homeownership counselors, legal aid, HOA advocates, and equity organizations supported the bill, saying it would clarify fee collection, protect low- and moderate-income buyers from unnecessary costs, and help sustain foreclosure prevention services. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the transcript, and the meeting ended after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of the authors, please remove item 11, SB 272 Becker, and item 17, HR 44 Ward from the
• I offered the author amendments— Mr. DeMaio, just one moment, please. Just a moment.
• Of this year and to communities from Del Norte to Imperial County.
• Having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
• This is for co-authors. Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposition authorized a total of $10 billion in state general obligation bonds.
• There was not a specific amount earmarked from the bond authority for that purpose.
• Pamela Gibbs, representing the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
• I'm the San Joaquin County SELPA Director.
• I'm the San Joaquin County SELPA director.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on dual enrollment, reading difficulty screeners, special education, school facilities, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing programs. For dual enrollment, the Department of Finance described a $100 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund proposal to expand the Dual Enrollment Opportunities Grant Program, add flexibility for regional occupational centers, support justice-involved youth, prioritize higher-need LEAs, and allow funds for teacher professional development, along with a reduction in required instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the new funding, saying it did not address a clear implementation barrier, while CDE supported the proposal and suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Members and public commenters largely supported the expansion, with some urging additional technical assistance and broader access, including adult dual enrollment. The committee then discussed the reading difficulty screener proposal, which includes $40 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund for implementation costs and statutory changes that would delay formal screening until the 91st day for kindergarten and the 46th day for grades 1-2. Finance said the timing was intended to reduce over-identification and align screening with sufficient exposure to instruction; the LAO recommended rejecting the funding and redirecting it to a discretionary block grant. CDE supported the investment but cautioned about the timing restrictions, and several members and public witnesses argued the proposed deadlines were too rigid and could delay early intervention, while others supported the structured timeline as a way to improve accuracy and reduce misidentification. On special education, Finance presented a proposal to increase the statewide base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund augmentation, plus COLA and a negative growth adjustment. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment and local cost pressures, and district and SELPA representatives described large local funding gaps and growing expenditures. The committee also reviewed school facilities funding under Proposition 2, with Finance and the Office of Public School Construction describing $1.5 billion in proposed bond spending, existing balances for new construction and modernization, and the use of bond authority for natural disaster recovery, including projects related to recent fires. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the committee heard about the Student Teacher Stipend Program, the Golden State Teacher Grant, state operations funding for misconduct investigations and SB 848 implementation, and a $250 million proposal to extend the Teacher Residency Grant Program; CTC supported the proposals and highlighted new data systems and technical assistance, while public testimony broadly backed the investments and urged continued or additional funding for teacher recruitment, literacy screening support, and special education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is something that Doña Ana County has really become a leader in.
• President, in just 10 years, we had a tripling of visitation to Doña Ana County.
• And that is something that Doña Ana County has really become a leader in.
• In fact, in partnership with the county, the county helped to... ...for them to learn and to grow, I
• In fact, in partnership with the county, the county helped to...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, our author being here. I really appreciate that.
• We don't have any authors.
• In the meantime, we're looking for authors.
• I would be happy to ask to be a co-author.
• Yes, while we wait for another author, can you call the roll for missing members?

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization heard several bills related to outdoor advertising, open meetings, and San Francisco economic development. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up processing of outdoor advertising permits by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and clarifies customary maintenance of signs. Supporters said the bill would reduce permit backlogs and help local governments and the billboard industry; there was no opposition. The committee passed SB 364 to Appropriations, with the roll left open for additional votes. SB 470 by Senator Laird would extend until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative Bagley-Keene open meeting rules adopted in SB 544, allowing state boards and commissions to continue using remote participation under specified conditions. Supporters from the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities said the current law has increased public participation, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including ACA of California Action, the California News Publishers Association, and media and transparency groups, argued the bill weakens in-person public access and accountability. The committee approved SB 470 to Appropriations, with some no votes and the roll held open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would let San Francisco create a hospitality zone in Union Square/Yerba Buena with up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants to support downtown recovery. City and business representatives said the measure would help fill vacancies, attract restaurants, and boost foot traffic, while remaining temporary and geographically limited. The bill passed to Appropriations with broad support and no opposition. SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the special outdoor advertising rules for signs in former redevelopment areas; supporters said it would give affected communities time to find a permanent solution, while billboard industry opponents warned about compliance and federal highway funding risks. The committee passed SB 783 to Appropriations as amended, and then adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• sheriffs to help fund county sheriff operations because we were told at that time that the counties
• multiple county sheriffs who qualified for food stamps in 2024?
• And look again, this does not cut county government; this just throttles the growth of what counties
• You know, the county sheriffs are the highest-paid employees in counties.
• If we have county sheriffs that are on food stamps, it seems that reason would say we have other county

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when they're properly called forth by Congress under the authority of the Constitution or federal
• And so what we do know is that it's been endorsed by people in authority to say that we would not lose
• Federal authorities to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Mr.
• The state already allows a county sheriff's office to enter into a 287(g) agreement.
• Six of our 15 counties have already established an agreement to cooperate with ICE.

Bills: SB1047, SB1365, SB1474, SB1618, SB1620

Keywords: National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The CCE was going to be allocated a certain amount of money for setup, and then the county authority.
• Allocated a certain amount of money for setup, and then the county authority was going to be given $1.5
• Stephanie Farland, representing the San Diego County Office of Education and other authorizers, charter
• authorizers in the state.
• Stephanie Farland representing the San Diego County Office of Education and other authorizers, charter

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Unger, District School Board of Pasco County and Housing Authority of Key West, waving in support
• Hillsborough County settled this case for $600,000. The county tendered their statutory $200,000.
• Hillsborough County settled this case for $600,000. The county tendered their statutory $200,000.
• Bob Cortez, Seminole County Sheriff's Office, is waiving in support.
• Bob Cortez, Seminole County Sheriff's Office, is waiving in support.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4308, the County Industrial Development District Act, seeks to create a HB 4308, the County Industrial
• to now applying to counties with populations of 3 million or less.
• The three largest employers in the county are governments: two school districts and the county itself
• This legislation will provide Fort Bend County and other Texas counties a vehicle to finance and develop
• District, providing authority to issue bonds, providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can cite to 3 different cases. 800,000 in Bay County against the hospital, 501,000 in Polk County in
• They are given authority.
• Chairman this bill was filed in anticipation of Miami-Dade County and Broward County finalizing agreements
• Robert, as I don't see a Seminole County just excuse me, Seminole County Sheriff's Office waiving in
• good see areas in Pinellas County.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just a lawyer I've lived in San Juan County for over 30 years.
• or Donana County or Santa Fe County?
• Authority. I want to be able to sue. I want subpoena authority.
• I, I, I wasn't aware that there was someone that went went that went county to county to verify the,
• I know that, I mean, from individual counties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> work with appropriate state and county work with appropriate state and county departments<00:17:
• Thank you. urging the city and county of Honolulu urging the city and county of Honolulu to<00:40:22.720
• </c><00:46:23.040><c> of</c> encouraging the city and county of encouraging the city and county of Honolulu
• </c><00:48:14.640><c> of</c> HR43 urging the city and county of HR43 urging the city and county of Honolulu
• </c><01:01:17.359><c> of</c> way to really transfer the authority of way to really transfer the authority

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Public Safety hearing considered HCR 121/HR 117, which asks federal and state transportation and defense agencies to coordinate on expanding Kle Pass as an emergency exit route. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state departments and community representatives, though one member raised equity concerns about other communities needing similar access solutions. Both committees recommended passage, and the resolutions were adopted in tandem. The Transportation Committee then heard a series of road safety and mobility resolutions. These included HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots; HCR 52/HR 48 on a sidewalk between Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach; HCR 57/HR 53 on traffic calming around Piywa Street in Waipahu; HCR 112/HR 108 on a pedestrian-first policy; HCR 129/HR 125 on safety and congestion near Haiku Elementary; HCR 131/HR 127 on rural air service and short takeoff/landing aircraft; HCR 136/HR 130 on reflective gear for pedestrians at night; HCR 137/HR 131 on school crosswalk safety at Kipapa Elementary; HCR 177/HR 173 on a summer streets pilot; and HR 43 on an emergency access road on the YNI coast. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of pedestrian and school safety measures, while some transportation and bicycling advocates opposed the reflective-gear resolution as placing too much responsibility on pedestrians rather than improving the built environment. During decision-making, the committee advanced all measures. HCR 43 was amended to specify the study should include district court impacts. HCR 131/HR 127 was amended to shift the rural air service study from the Legislative Reference Bureau to the Department of Transportation. HCR 136/HR 130 was amended to change the reflective-gear proposal from a requirement to an encouragement. HCR 137/HR 131 and HCR 45/HR 38 were also advanced with technical or clarifying amendments, and the remaining resolutions were passed as is. Several members noted reservations or no votes on the reflective-gear measure, but all recommendations were ultimately adopted and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they working with the housing authorities, either the regional housing authority or the local housing
• authority, in really just planning?
• Let's first start with the authorizing structure.
• Local authorizers are allowed to withhold up to 2%.
• by the district to being a state authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:22.880><c> Good</c> Prosecuting attorney county. Good Prosecuting attorney county.
• </c> county, and communities. county, and communities.
• </c> and county. and county. Good<00:47:21.280><c> morning.</c> Good morning. Good morning.
• </c> ethics commission or an authorized ethics commission or an authorized county<00:58:56.960><c> ethics
• </c> county ethics commission, I mean board. county ethics commission, I mean board.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.