Video & Transcript : 'organized theft groups' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Name, organization, please.
- or you try to identify theft or you try to prosecute theft, which isn't necessarily related to redeeming
- I know how long you have been at the organization, so. Did you get the job.
- Name and organization, please. Good afternoon, Mr. Chair.
- Name and organization. Good afternoon, Chair and members.
Committee:
House Privacy and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several bills on consumer protection, pricing, gift cards, streaming ads, name-image-likeness protections, and online hate. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation; supporters said it would curb discriminatory and opaque pricing, while business groups raised concerns about geolocation language and impacts on legitimate location-based pricing. The bill was moved on a due pass motion and passed the committee 8-1, with the author saying amendments were still being discussed.
SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount consumers can redeem from unused gift cards, with the author emphasizing inflation and consumer fairness. Retailers, restaurants, and other business groups opposed the bill, arguing it would increase fraud risk, create safety concerns by requiring more cash on hand, and should also clarify existing exemptions and rules. Consumer advocates supported the measure. The bill was sent out on a 6-1 vote and kept on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg, the CALM Act, would apply broadcast-style limits on loud commercials to streaming services; the Motion Picture Association and Streaming Innovation Alliance opposed it, citing technical and federal-law concerns, but the committee approved it 8-0.
SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people whose name, image, voice, or likeness is misused can seek injunctive relief or a TRO, with the author saying the bill updates an outdated statute and strengthens privacy protections. The Recording Industry Association of America supported the goal but wanted faster takedown timing, while the First Amendment Coalition opposed the measure over free-speech and prior-restraint concerns. The bill passed 8-0. The final bill, SB 771, sought to hold social media platforms accountable when their algorithms amplify hate, harassment, or violence; supporters from Jewish and Muslim advocacy groups described real-world threats and violence linked to online hate, while TechNet and CCIA argued the bill would conflict with Section 230 and chill protected speech. Members raised questions about constitutional limits and the scope of platform liability, and the discussion continued as the hearing concluded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/23/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So these are services that people commonly refer to as group homes and customized living or assisted
- So these are services that people commonly refer to as group homes and customized living or assisted
- So these are services that people commonly refer to as group homes and customized living or assisted
- So these are services that people commonly refer to as group homes and customized living or assisted
- </c> reiterate when we had the whole group reiterate when we had the whole group here<00:21:55.039><c
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Chuck Eddie, who is the lead manager for the Moms Demand Action Group in Central Kentucky.
- </c><00:41:40.920><c> by</c> which is an act relating to theft by which is an act relating to theft by
- </c> is put into existing statute the theft is put into existing statute the theft by<00:42:20.400><c
- Why is that not theft by deception already under the statute as it currently exists?
- That's theft by deception. You're—it's as if I tell you I own something and I don't.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- in, that tenant organizer should undergo a criminal background check.
- They don't have to organize; they don't have to invite anybody in to organize them if they don't want
- The question I have is, are organizers Do you have to let organizers into the apartment complex to go
- Why is a criminal background check for tenant organizing necessary?
- You are essentially making the case that this group of individuals, those who want to organize and go
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The advisory board is a volunteer group that is available.
- The advisory board is a volunteer group that is available to respond to state concerns.
- The advisory board is important because it's a nonpartisan group, as is the division.
- The state could live without it, but it is the only non-watchdog group that does reports and issues.
- The non-watchdog group does reports and issues, excuse me, here's testimony and issues reports on issues
Bills:
HB2495 , HB2557 , HB2594 , HB2615 , HB2800 , HB2861 , HB2862 , HB2931 , HB2995 , HB4042 , HB4070 , HB4117 , HB4136
Committees:
House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Keywords:
vulnerable adults, sentencing, felonies, criminal justice, enhanced penalties, medical records, patient rights, healthcare access, privacy, healthcare providers, timeliness, address confidentiality, domestic violence, privacy protection, voter registration, court proceedings, parenting time, supervised visitation, family court, high-risk cases
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Feb 18th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- My organization testified in support of that for a few reasons.
- My organization testified in support of that for a few reasons.
- And that's the concern with youth programs, schools, faith-based organizations.
- And that's something our organization feels very strongly about.
- When stolen property is easy to sell, theft increases.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met in executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2765, which was amended to revise hemp beverage retailer delivery language, adjust retailer fees and renewals, require product registration, and remove residency requirements. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported do pass by a 10-0 vote. The committee also voted House Bill 2848, relating to mass intimidation offenses, do pass by a 9-0 vote.
In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Joint Resolution 130, which would ask Missouri voters to authorize retrospective civil laws for child sexual abuse claims. The sponsor and survivor advocates argued the measure is needed to allow revival windows and address delayed disclosure, while opponents from the insurance, tort reform, and business communities warned it could expose third parties such as schools, churches, nonprofits, and employers to broad, open-ended liability and higher insurance costs. No vote was taken on the resolution.
The committee also heard House Bill 2254, which would speed capital post-conviction review by requiring earlier appointment of counsel and aligning Missouri procedures with federal standards. Supporters, including victims’ family members and the Attorney General’s office, said it would reduce years of delay and bring closure, while opponents raised concerns about wrongful convictions, conflicts from simultaneous representation, and increased public defender workload. Finally, House Bill 2206 on catalytic converter theft was heard; the sponsor and law enforcement supported stronger recordkeeping and licensing rules, while scrap/recycling and press representatives objected to added paperwork and a separate provision affecting public notice for self-storage sales. The hearing on HB 2206 was interrupted by the floor schedule and not completed in the transcript.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- My organization testified in support of that for a few reasons.
- My organization testified in support of that for a few reasons.
- And that's the concern with youth programs, schools, faith-based organizations.
- And that's something our organization feels very strongly about.
- When stolen property is easy to sell, theft increases.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul's Neighborhood Safety Community Council, and I am the group lead for the St. Paul ...
- And I am the group lead for the St. Paul group of Moms Demand Action.
- within 48 hours of the time that they know or reasonably should know of the loss or theft.
- We heard from her organization in 2011.
- <01:42:35.800><c> in</c> organization in organization in 2011<01:42:37.840><c> um</c><01:42:38.080><c
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is about an elite group of people and giving them a tax break.
- This is about an elite group of people and giving them a tax break.
- These organizations can provide continuing education all they want.
- The largest form of theft in this country isn't retail theft. It's wage theft.
- Children are especially vulnerable to wage theft.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed.
On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- point to The e-verify as one of the causes of identity theft.
- How does your bill address the identity theft component? Thank you for the question.
- So, e-verify is not designed to control or catch identity theft.
- So, a huge hole I see is identity theft.
- Identity theft issues, we need to enforce that.
Committee:
House Business
Keywords:
labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Cothran was charged with felony theft
- Cothran was charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office on September 11 and resigned from
- And the folks that were involved in this are no longer at these organizations.
- and representatives here, and because we have so many, I think we're going to limit it to one organization
- So Senator Johnson, is this for a particular group or organization, or is this for staff? Mr.
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/28/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> or your organization or your organization how<00:31:58.960><c> does</c><00:31:59.159><c> it</c><
- </c> firefighter training is a separate group firefighter training is a separate group from<01:25:46.239
- c> uh</c> they're security threat groups gang uh they're security threat groups gang uh activity<02:13
- c><02:14:00.800><c> groups</c> activity often times organized um groups activity often times organized
- their their group versus allowing access their their group versus allowing access more<02:14:46.960><
Bills:
HF2432
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> organizations specifically. organizations specifically.
- Has to do with theft amendments.
- </c> theft uh would be guilty of a felony. theft uh would be guilty of a felony.
- </c> um increasing the punishment for theft. um increasing the punishment for theft.
- . theft. theft.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 24th, 2025
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- However, penalties for those convicted of theft are only part of the solution.
- at their stores, and around 83% believe that retail theft is at least somewhat of a major issue.
- Theft from small retailers harms more than business owners.
- As recently reported by the Department of Homeland Security, they estimate that organized retail theft
- State your name and organization; this is support.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
Summary:
The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard six bills and announced at the outset that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The chair also reminded witnesses to submit position letters in advance so their positions would appear in the analysis. A quorum was established and the committee proceeded through the agenda.
AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to help recruit and retain peace officers in California. The author and supporters, including several police and sheriff associations, argued that many retired officers leave the state and that the tax exemption would encourage them to stay and continue contributing to their communities. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was referred to the suspense file.
AB 918 proposed a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders while deployed within California on mutual aid during declared emergencies. Supporters said mutual aid is increasingly strained by major disasters and that the bill would reward and retain responders who leave their home communities to assist elsewhere. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment; supporters framed it as a response to retail theft and violence, while one member questioned whether the state should instead fully fund broader crime-enforcement efforts. AB 984 would allow tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from a CalABLE account holder and a family member describing the importance of the accounts for people with disabilities and their long-term savings needs. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, with the author citing high poverty and medical debt rates; members voiced support for helping low-income Californians with medical costs. AB 838 would raise California’s renter tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible renters, with support from the California Apartment Association and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, both arguing the current credit is outdated and should better reflect housing costs. All six bills were ultimately referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think that that bill and this bill make the point that if you are in a worker organization and
- Coisei Turn on behalf of the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations in support.
- Commissioner's Office, which a recent state audit found had 47,000 backlogged wage theft cases that
- Workers lose billions of dollars every year due to wage theft violations.
- A study conducted by Rutgers in 2024 found that, on average, workers affected by wage theft had about
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several labor-related bills. SB 1166 would place AC Transit employees under PERB jurisdiction for unfair labor practice disputes; supporters said it would reduce cost and delay compared with court litigation, AC Transit was neutral, there was no opposition, and the bill passed 4-1 and later 4-1 on call. SB 1054 would add wage-data elements to state reporting to improve Medi-Cal and other eligibility verification and strengthen workforce-program data; supporters emphasized reducing administrative burden and improving accountability, and it passed 4-0, later 5-0 on call. SB 1149 would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person” and align it with other family-leave laws; it drew broad support from caregiving, LGBTQ+, labor, and advocacy groups, no opposition, and passed 3-0, later 5-0 on call.
The committee also considered SB 909, which would raise and index public works contractor registration fees and prevailing-wage penalties and direct more penalty revenue to enforcement. Supporters argued it would deter wage theft and fund enforcement staffing, while contractor groups warned it would raise costs, increase uncertainty, and not solve staffing delays; the bill passed 2-1 and later 4-1 on call. SB 1132 would require a standardized know-your-rights curriculum through the workforce development system; supporters said workers need rights education at job-entry points, especially immigrants and other vulnerable workers, and the bill passed 3-1, later 4-1 on call.
SB 1241 sought to strengthen enforcement of skilled-and-trained workforce requirements on public works projects by defining substantial compliance, limiting repeated reliance on compliance plans, and increasing accountability for reporting failures. Labor supporters said it would close loopholes and protect apprenticeship-trained workers, while contractor groups argued the market lacks enough qualified workers and that the bill could increase penalties and debarment risk; after extended debate it passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1038 would require CalPERS to notify unions when employer audits are initiated so they can assist members facing repayment or pension adjustments; supporters said it would help workers navigate audit consequences, there was no opposition, and it passed 4-0 before the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Members you know that thieves engaged in organized oil field theft 409 lack of coordination between authorities
- Cartels and highly organized cartel activity. in the last few years.
- oil field theft and recommend solutions. to address this ongoing issue.
- Senate Bill 494 ruling Establishment of a Theft of Petroleum Products Task Force.
- Members Senator Sparks move suspension of the three-day rule. 422 423 of a Theft of Petroleum Products
Bills:
SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB10 , SB11 , SB19 , SB20 , SB25 , SB62 , SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442 , SB494 , SB523 , SB569 , SB616 , SB688 , SB707 , SB766 , SB842 , SB869 , SB890 , SB914 , SB929 , SB971 , SB992 , SB1066 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SJR36 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB372 , SB495 , SB842 , SB971 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SB412 , SB20 , SB441 , SB442 , SB1621 , SB569 , SB314 , SB25 , SB293 , SB914 , SB260 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB20 , SB25 , SB260 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB442 , SB494 , SB616 , SB869 , SB890 , SB929 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SR232 , SR237 , SR242 , SB16 , SB22
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 027 Feb 10th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- theft.
- theft.
- theft.
- That<01:08:37.040><c> is</c><01:08:37.279><c> theft.</c> That is theft. That is theft.
- </c> always popular to give money to groups always popular to give money to groups that<01:24:36.800>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Penalties for those convicted of theft are only part of the solution.
- at their stores, and around 83% believe that retail theft is at least somewhat of a major issue.
- Theft from small retailers harms more than business owners.
- As recently reported by the Department of Homeland Security, they estimate that organized retail theft
- State your name, organization, and that you are in support.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room.
AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense.
AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force.
- If we're not quite sure that the use of organized retail thefts impact on state and local tax receipts
- This is more for organized crime.
- It's going after organized crime.
- The intent of this bill is organized crime.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1226 by Senator Rader, which would add property damage to the state’s leaving-the-scene statute so a driver who damages property and leaves would be treated similarly to a vehicle accident. After brief questions about whether the driver would need to wait for law enforcement or the property owner, the bill advanced unanimously, 6-0.
Several sunset-extension bills from Senator Burstrom were then considered. Senate Bill 1456 would extend the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2036 and passed 6-1. Senate Bill 1462 would extend the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force to 2036; members questioned whether a task force created in 2023 needed such a long extension, but it still passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1463 would extend the Polygraph Examiners Board to 2036 and passed 8-1, with some members again objecting to the 10-year sunset length.
The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1980 by Senator Logan, which updates larceny and forgery language to cover gift cards, gift certificates, and redemption information when possessed or used with intent to defraud. Members pressed the author on whether the offense would be a misdemeanor or felony and on the bill’s scope, but the measure passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1479 by Senator Stewart, dealing with release of crime- and collision-scene information by first responders, was amended to strike the title after concerns about scope and private entities; it then passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1608 by Senator Frick, as amended, would make school location and employer information searchable in sex offender and violent offender registries, and it passed 6-2.
Finally, Senate Bill 1923 by Senator Murdoch would prohibit inmates from accessing social media, prompted by a constituent’s concerns about inmates contacting victims’ families through contraband cell phones. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing DOC policies and whether it should address tablets as well; an amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 7-1. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 1612 and concluded its Public Safety agenda for the week.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM, PSM DEFER, TCA-PSM Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- has also had an opportunity to talk with, um, say, the fire department or, you know, some of the groups
- So I don't know if your organization has talked to others on this issue, but with respect to the fire
- So I don't know if your organization has talked to others on this issue, but with respect to the fire
- group that could handle this type of thing.
- group that could handle this type of thing.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely.
The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well.
In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.