Transcript Highlights:

• Special orders consent calendar. Special orders consent calendar.
• Committee will come to order and the Committee will come to order and the court<01:35:47.199> rule
• system for protection order violations. system for protection order violations.
• And we will proceed out of order. order. order.
• Uh, 2023 it's up to 41 and it certainly hasn't restrained in any u certainly hasn't restrained in any

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tell us the court order. >> The court's order we are appealing. >> Okay, what is the court order?
• >> Yeah, we're appealing the court order. >> You're appealing the court order.
• order was.
• Tell us the court order. >> The court's order we are appealing. >> Okay, what is the court order?
• So, what was the court order? Tell me what the court order was.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call to order this hearing of the Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee today.
• So, the first order of business is to move the minutes. All right. Thank you.
• restraining an employer from violations of employment laws under DLI's jurisdiction.
• If issued by the district court, a temporary restraining order would require an employer to come into
• So, a court order restraining the violation would allow the department to intervene more quickly and

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• The Justice Budget Subcommittee will now come to order. Order, Ms. Rosa, please call the roll.
• I heard a story a few months ago about a lady whose ex-husband broke a restraining order dozens and dozens
• Violation of an injunction or foreign protection order against the same victim will subject a person
• My restraining order was violated six Times with no consequences, despite multiple complaints.
• The effect that that has on a sheriff is that the sheriff has to keep a bed open for that week in order

Transcript Highlights:

• In no particular order of favoritism, I'm just going down the line.
• A veterinary assistant would be someone who is maybe restraining the patient while the technician is
• A veterinary assistant would be someone who is maybe restraining the patient while the technician is
• A veterinary assistant would be someone who is maybe restraining the patient while the technician is
• The profession of veterinary medicine is growing at an astronomical rate in order to provide top-notch

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• On January 30th, 2025, the district court issued a temporary restraining order. percent of our cases,
• On January 30, 2025, the district court issued a temporary restraining order against the federal government
• But through the temporary restraining order and now the preliminary injunction, funds are once again
• order.
• So that's the executive order.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn. Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits. The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're officially called to order.
• We recently had a constituent case that involved domestic violence and a restraining order.
• In this case, because the courts argued the restraining order ceased to exist once the person had passed
• But barring that, if there had been a restraining order in place prior to the passing— If there had been
• a restraining order in place prior to the passing, and say that was against their parents, would they

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children. The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Committee on Labor and Technology please come to order? This is our 3:00 p.m. agenda.
• It would allow them to pursue damages, attorneys' fees, and court orders to stop further distribution
• So, we would have to do a little bit of assessing in order to figure out how to best address that.
• So, we would have to do a little bit of assessing in order to figure out how to best address that.
• This is relating to petitions to temporarily restrain and enjoin harassment of an employee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.
• In order to obtain an injunction restraining the collection of ad valorem taxes by a taxing unit, if
• Well, let's go take the questions in top-down order, okay?
• In order for the resolution to be passed, we have to have a resolution that is indicated in the ballot
• for an election required to be held under Section 2627, ordering the election, or an order of resolution

Bills: SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687, HB24

Keywords: Fort Bend County, Municipal Utility District, MUD, special district, Rosenberg, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, ad valorem tax, bond issuance, assessments, fees, taxes, eminent domain, road district, storm drainage, infrastructure financing, development agreement, municipal consent, temporary directors, public utility district

Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of people like to try to draw a parallel with a domestic violence restraining order.
• And a lot of people like to try to draw a parallel with a domestic violence restraining order.
• In doing that, I've served hundreds of domestic violence petitions and restraining orders.
• Whereas the current restraining order laws and the domestic violence petition laws and the domestic IEP
• In doing that, I've served hundreds of domestic violence petitions and restraining orders.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, members, we're going to go ahead and call this meeting to order.
• All right, members, we're going to go ahead and call this meeting to order.
• Today we're going to take some of these items out of order without objection.
• appropriate for this committee, and so whatever he does speak to, I mean, I think we need to be pretty restrained
• appropriate for this committee and so whatever he does speak to i mean i think we need to be pretty restrained

Summary: The committee took up several budget and personnel items, first approving revised requests from the Auditor’s Office and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The Auditor’s request lowered its salary-and-match increases to 10 percent, with operations and UCP amounts reduced to $245,490 and $109,711. The Lieutenant Governor’s revised request kept positions at line-item maximums and sought $99,876 in regular salary and match appropriations, or 17.43 percent. Both items were approved without objection. The main discussion centered on a member amendment from Senator Rice to Senate Bill 30 affecting the Governor’s Office. The amendment would eliminate one senior advisor position, reduce authorized positions from 59 to 58, and cut salaries and matching funds by a total of $264,895. Senator Rice argued the reduction was warranted because of concerns about former Corrections Secretary Joe Profury’s handling of corrections-related matters, including the Franklin County land purchase, transparency issues, and his refusal to appear before Joint Performance Review. Several members questioned the relevance of the testimony and noted the Governor could still hire him in another role if she chose. After discussion, a roll call vote was taken and the amendment failed. The committee then approved two routine items: OPM’s request to reinstate a labor market rate at the crime lab so it can offer up to $300,000 to recruit two medical examiners, and Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for 11 positions tied to the new veterinary medicine school. Both requests were approved, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• go to a civilian judge and get a restraining order.
• order. that was part of the restraining order. that was part of the evidence<01:07:44.640> package
• /c><01:07:50.559> of restraining order and this sort of restraining order and this sort of improves
• <01:09:48.080> And<01:09:48.239> why<01:09:48.400> would their restraining orders
• And why would their restraining orders. And why would you<01:09:48.719> be?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to specifically highlight my support for the temporary restraining order provision found
• If issued by the district court, this temporary restraining order would require an employer to come into
• A court order restraining the violation would allow the department to intervene quickly and help ensure
• A court order restraining the violation would allow the department to intervene quickly and help ensure
• A court order restraining the violation would allow the department to intervene quickly and help ensure

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• order or a denied temporary restraining order or a denied<00:59:24.720> protective<00:59:25.200
• order stage as the temporary restraining order stage as well<01:00:11.280> as<01:00:11.440>
• They won't grant the temporary restraining order. But it'll still show up.
• They won't grant the temporary restraining<01:01:36.160> order<01:01:37.119> and<01:01:
• order and so but it'll still restraining order and so but it'll still show<01:01:38.640> up.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects. Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers. Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The court issued the order, sent it to the clerk, but because of a slip-up, that order was never sent
• If it's urgent for the restraining order or the Baker Act pickup order to get delivered, it seems to
• If it's urgent for the restraining order or the Baker Act pickup order to get delivered, it seems to
• Is there a way to copy the sheriff on the order right away, as you?
• Is there a way to copy the sheriff on the order right away?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3. Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously. Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Criminal Justice Subcommittee will come to order. Julia, please call the roll.
• Daley: right now if you violate an injunction—someone has a restraining order and you violate it—it's
• Got a restraining order but I changed my mind.
• Right now today, if I had that restraining order and someone shows up to my home, 911 is called and the
• If I am a victim in the case and the judge ordered that stay away order and it is violated, unless a

Transcript Highlights:

• orders.
• But there has to be restraining orders, temporary restraining orders.
• We'll go in order unless there's a different order you want to go through.
• If I have to respond and I have to explain to an officer that they can enforce a restraining order on
• order, go to court.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• orders.
• But there has to be restraining orders, temporary restraining orders.
• And we'll go in order, unless there's a different order you want to go through.
• If I have to respond and I have to explain to an officer that they can enforce a restraining order on
• order, go to court.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an informational hearing on the state’s response to the missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) crisis, with an added focus on foster youth and child welfare. Opening remarks from the chair and members emphasized that California has made some progress through the Feather Alert, DOJ coordination, grant funding, and MMIP summits, but that the crisis remains severe and requires ongoing, not one-time, investment. Members repeatedly noted the need for stronger statewide coordination, better data, and more consistent attention to tribal communities and foster youth. Tribal leaders described the crisis as rooted in jurisdictional gaps, poor data collection, and lack of urgency from law enforcement. Witnesses from Hamul, Chachancey, Tahon, Yurok, and Hoopa tribes shared personal accounts of missing and murdered relatives, criticized inconsistent responses, and called for regional response agreements, direct tribal access to data, sustained funding, and clearer law enforcement protocols in Public Law 280 settings. Several leaders said Feather Alert and state grants have helped build infrastructure and partnerships, but stressed that trust-building, training, and accountability are still uneven across the state. The second panel featured the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Justice’s Office of Native American Affairs, both of which reported on implementation improvements. CHP said it has tightened Feather Alert practices, increased activations, improved outreach and training, appointed a tribal liaison, and expanded human trafficking training. DOJ described work under AB 3099 and AB 1334, including a Public Law 280 advisory council, improved crime reporting and data systems, MMIP outreach, and a tribal police pilot program with the Yurok Tribe. Members also raised the need to better support tribal courts and ensure protection orders are enforced. The final panel focused on foster youth as part of the MMIP crisis. Advocates from Pitt River, the California Tribal Families Coalition, and Coyote Valley said Native children are disproportionately represented in foster care and are at heightened risk of going missing or being exploited. They argued that foster care, trafficking, poverty, housing instability, and historical trauma are all connected to MMIP, and called for stronger ICWA implementation, culturally grounded services, better coordination with social workers and law enforcement, and immediate use of Feather Alert when Native children are missing. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with continued calls for legislative, budgetary, and policy action.

Transcript Highlights:

• This meeting of the Children and Senior Advocacy Committee is now called to order.
• the word abuse to this bill, which means that if someone is convicted of abusing an elder, it also restrains
• the word abuse to this bill, which means that if someone is convicted of abusing an elder, it also restrains

Bills: HB9, HB52, HB53, HB99, HB9, HB52, HB53, HB99

Keywords: elder abuse, elder exploitation, financial exploitation, elderly person, senior abuse, probate, inheritance forfeiture, slayer statute, intestate succession, will contest, joint tenancy, right of survivorship, joint bank account, beneficiary designation, life insurance proceeds, estate law, Alabama probate law, vulnerable adults, senior advocacy, forfeiture of benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate please come to order? Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Senator Awana? Here.
• Referrals and re-referrals are made in accordance with any supplemental orders of the day that may be

Bills: SB3225, HCR53, HCR57, HCR101, HB1878, HB1481, SCR40, SCR59, SCR114, SCR197, SCR198, SR30, SR107, SR185, SR186

Keywords: statutory revision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, clarification, obsolete provisions, legal accuracy, University of Hawaii, Board of Regents, associate degree, degree audit, reverse transfer, credit audit, student completion, credential attainment, community college transfer, four-year campus, higher education, postsecondary attainment, workforce development, student retention, graduation pathways