Transcript Highlights:

• Selling weapons, the Talmud teaches, quote, Ravdimi Bar Abba says it is prohibited to sell weapons to
• The stumbling block is the weapon, and the blind are the IDF, who use those weapons to kill people and
• And we still sent more weapons their way. If the and we still sent more weapons their way.
• Almost 70% of Israel's weapons come from the U.S.
• Massachusetts money should not be funding weapons for Israel.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill is doing is changing the verbiage, and the verbiage is now to a weapon, one weapon, or
• Each one of them has a weapon.
• It only takes one weapon.
• weapon, or one, weapon, one weapon, or an explosive.
• Each one of them has a weapon.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, structure, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition testimony, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years. The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make trafficking more than three weapons or explosives ineligible for pardon or early release and remove the requirement that trafficking be for financial gain. Support came from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yavapai County Attorney, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and does not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion, but the committee voted 7-0 with one present to recommend the bill do pass. HB 2132, which lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams, drew strong support from law enforcement and county attorneys who said fentanyl trafficking is driving overdoses and homicide investigations, especially in rural counties. Opponents, including a criminal defense attorney and a recovery advocate, argued the bill could sweep in people with substance use disorders and push more people into prison instead of treatment. After debate about prevention, treatment, and mandatory minimums, the committee voted 7-2 to recommend the bill do pass. The committee also approved HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct recklessly endangers others, causes serious injury, involves a child under 13, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the measure as a public safety tool, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions with police. The committee voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. The sponsor and county attorney said the bill closes a gap in cases involving mutilation or concealment of bodies; a defense attorney warned the language was too broad and could create ambiguity. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• get into how weapons can be used.
• physically held the weapon and fired it. ...used remotely or a human being physically held the weapon
• and fired it, or, you know, I guess used the weapon.
• , non-lethal weapons, and sensors.
• , non-lethal weapons, and sensors.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• None of that changes with weapon screening.
• </c> We will be evaluating how the weapon We will be evaluating how the weapon screening<00:03:11.280
• > common</c><00:07:49.440><c> security</c> Weapons screening is a common security Weapons screening is
• </c> to the area on the body that that weapon to the area on the body that that weapon or<00:10:42.800
• ,</c> under the statute 609 dangerous weapons, under the statute 609 dangerous weapons, it<00:15:12.959

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogey announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and framed it as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both emphasized that the Capitol will remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing heightened threats to public officials and the recent murders and shootings involving Minnesota lawmakers and their families. Bogey outlined the screening plan: visitors will use four public access points, with the south ground-level entrance as the primary entry, while other exterior doors will not be open for public entry. She said the process should take only seconds for most people, with bags going through separate scanners and additional screening only if needed. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, though accommodations will be made when hearings or floor sessions run later. She also said the entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible and that staff will be available to help guide visitors. In questions, officials said prohibited items are defined by statute and administrative rules and referred reporters to the State Patrol website for the full list. They confirmed that lawful permit-to-carry holders may still bring firearms, but must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening; elected officials are exempt, while staff are not. They also said the State Patrol will fund the rollout from its own budget, with costs to be evaluated over time, and that tunnel key-card access will be restricted to everyone. The briefing ended with a plan to demonstrate the screening equipment upstairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The weapon absolutely matters.
• They're not defense weapons.
• These aren't hunting weapons. They are human-killing weapons.
• These aren't hunting weapons. They are human killing weapons. Just back to it.
• So if you're disabled and need help holding a weapon, that's a military-style assault weapon.

Transcript Highlights:

• . weapons. weapons.
• ><c> weapons,</c><00:45:50.960><c> and</c> war, those assault weapons, and war, those assault weapons
• </c> weapons of war on our street. weapons of war on our street.
• ,</c><00:56:52.280><c> ban</c> to ban assault weapons, ban to ban assault weapons, ban high-capacity<
• </c> high-capacity magazines of the weapons high-capacity magazines of the weapons that<00:56:54.800>

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.640><c> the</c> Implementing weapon screening at the Implementing weapon screening at the start<00
• </c> None of that changes with weapon None of that changes with weapon screening.<00:02:28.400><c> It's
• </c> We will be evaluating how the weapon We will be evaluating how the weapon screening<00:03:13.200
• Weapons screening is a common security Weapons screening is a common security tool<00:07:52.240><c> used
• </c> to the area on the body that that weapon to the area on the body that that weapon or<00:10:44.720

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made. In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Undefined terms become weaponized in court.
• AB 2047 builds on prior legislation to address the newest firearm threat, which is 3D-printed weapons
• Numerous reports from the DOJ and nonprofits have emerged demonstrating the proliferation of these 3D-printed
• But when a fully operable firearm as deadly as a store-bought weapon can be manufactured by a teenager

Summary: The Senate Public Safety Committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing a long agenda of bills. Early items included AB 2605, which would require statewide reporting on public defense services; supporters said California lacks basic data on how indigent defense is delivered and that the bill would help identify under-resourced counties, while no opposition appeared. AB 1650 would require rental vehicles used in law enforcement operations to display agency identification; supporters framed it as a transparency and community-trust measure in response to immigration enforcement tactics, while sheriffs and police groups opposed it unless amended, arguing it could compromise undercover and task-force operations and raise legal and indemnification concerns. AB 1930 would require notice to the Attorney General before business entities respond to subpoenas involving legally protected abortion or gender-affirming care information; supporters said it protects patient privacy and provider safety, while opponents raised constitutional, law-enforcement, and business-burden concerns. The committee also heard AB 458, directing state procurement guidelines for firearms and accessories so agencies buy from responsible vendors, with support from police chiefs, gun-violence prevention groups, and local officials, and no opposition testimony offered. The committee then heard AB 1588 on sideshows and street takeovers, which would update the definition of sideshows, include motorcycles and dirt bikes, and align penalties with street racing. Supporters, including police, city, transportation, and road-safety advocates, said the bill responds to dangerous events, property damage, and injuries; opponents from civil liberties and public defender groups argued higher fines and criminal penalties are ineffective and disproportionately harm low-income people, favoring roadway design and community-based prevention instead. AB 910, the Survivors Act, would expand affirmative defenses and vacature relief for survivors of trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence; supporters, including a survivor who described decades of abuse and wrongful conviction, said the bill gives survivors a chance to tell their stories and seek relief, while district attorneys opposed expanding relief to violent offenses and warned it could erase restitution and undermine victims’ rights. AB 2624 would expand Safe at Home confidentiality protections to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters described threats, doxxing, and harassment against immigrant-serving organizations, while opponents claimed the bill was prompted by investigative reporting on fraud and would chill journalism and transparency. The committee also heard AB 31, making the tribal police pilot program permanent and creating a missing and murdered Indigenous persons task force, which drew strong support from tribal representatives and no opposition. Later, AB 1959 sought to close a resentencing loophole tied to a 2001 Santana High School shooting case by restoring judicial discretion in resentencing for certain juvenile offenders; supporters said the current process can lead to automatic release even after parole denial, while opposition testimony began with concerns that the bill was responding to one case and lacked broader evidence. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly noted they supported several bills but could not formally vote because the committee lacked a quorum, so motions were held for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• an assault weapon.
• that was used was an the single weapon that was used was an assault<00:03:43.160><c> weapons</c><00:
• ban was an assault assault weapons ban was an assault weapon. weapon. weapon.
• </c> these weapons of war in our communities. these weapons of war in our communities.
• We know that banning assault weapons makes a difference.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:29:47.760><c> that</c> and they have access to weapons, that and they have access to weapons
• </c> person shouldn't have access to weapons. person shouldn't have access to weapons.
• </c> explained to try to get a weapons explained to try to get a weapons exemption<00:30:07.039><c> where
• So on island they never have the<00:30:29.440><c> weapons.</c> the weapons. the weapons.
• </c> exemption and if they use that weapon exemption and if they use that weapon for<00:31:19.120><c>

Bills: HB2264 , HB2336 , HB2298 , HB1518

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that weapon screening was for those buildings that you mentioned.
• ><c> or</c> prevents the introduction of weapons or prevents the introduction of weapons or other<00:
• Um, you know, weapon screening at the doors and not being able to bring guns up into the gallery.
• Um, you know, weapon they come.
• So again, there are probably six states that don't have a weapons policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• weapon in self-defense not to have the weapon?
• </c> disposed of the weapon. disposed of the weapon.
• </c> gotten rid of the weapon. gotten rid of the weapon.
• </c> weapon. Correct. weapon. Correct.
• a weapon and I used the that I did have a weapon and I used the weapon.<04:07:37.199><c> Correct.

Transcript Highlights:

• weapon, there's going to be a rebuttable presumption that you did not use the weapon in self-defense
• weapon, there's going to be a rebuttable presumption that you did not use the weapon in self-defense
• weapon, there's going to be a rebuttable presumption that you did not use the weapon in self-defense
• weapon, there's going to be a rebuttable presumption that you did not use the weapon in self-defense
• weapon, there's going to be a rebuttable presumption that you did not use the weapon in self-defense

Bills: SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226 , SB309 , HB192 , SB178 , SB179 , SB237 , HB10 , HB107 , HB189 , HB37 , HB226

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:35.120><c> And</c> military-style assault weapons. And military-style assault weapons.
• ><c> been</c><00:54:36.560><c> delivered</c> these weapons that have been delivered these weapons that
• ><c> weapons,</c><01:04:39.080><c> and</c> war, those assault weapons, and war, those assault weapons
• </c> weapons of war on our street. weapons of war on our street.
• of the weapons that are talked magazines of the weapons that are talked about<01:15:43.640><c> in</c

Transcript Highlights:

• . weapons. weapons.
• These weapons were of weapon used.
• . weapon. weapon.
• So, I'm really concerned that we bring up this whole fact of weapons of war, weapons of war, weapons
• "I'm really concerned that we bring up this whole fact of weapons of war, weapons of war, weapons of

Bills: HF3433 , HF3402 , HF3412 , HF3405 , HF3404

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> using what is called a bladed weapon using what is called a bladed weapon without<00:02:21.200><
• Um generally weapons.
• </c> definition for the term bladed weapon definition for the term bladed weapon should<00:04:56.240>
• </c> implements utilized um in a non-weapon implements utilized um in a non-weapon way<00:05:07.120><
• </c><00:22:11.760><c> It's</c> weapons for self-defense. It's weapons for self-defense.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• weapons that could be converted.
• to an unlawful weapon.
• Madam Chair and Representative, yes, when they produce or misrepresent the weapon or produce a weapon
• The goal of the bill is, as I articulated, to address these weapons and the sale of these weapons.
• citizen to purchase a weapon.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, talking about uh weapon screening.
• </c> members of AKS and um the weapon members of AKS and um the weapon screening<00:03:45.519><c> process
• </c> was available to do would be weapon was available to do would be weapon screening<00:04:12.400><
• </c><00:05:30.160><c> screening</c> the judicial branch's weapon screening the judicial branch's weapon
• </c> immediate impact is weapon screening. immediate impact is weapon screening.

Summary: The committee reconvened in open session after a closed discussion of sensitive security details and reviewed the public executive summary of the Minnesota State Capitol Complex Security Assessment by Axtel. Members discussed weapon screening and access control at length, including testimony from Capitol security and judicial center staff about screening procedures, prohibited items, and how screening is managed for visitors and authorized personnel. The chair emphasized that the committee was voting on high-level recommendations to be included in the final ACAST report and that the Department of Public Safety and Department of Administration would be encouraged to pursue the necessary work, including any legislative or budget requests. The committee then took a series of roll-call votes on the Axtel recommendations. Access control screening and visitor management (5.11) passed 4-2, while authorized access control and credential oversight (5.12), internal circulation and zoning controls (5.13), perimeter and exterior grounds (5.14), staffing models/post orders/operational readiness (5.15), technology and system integration (5.16), and protective intelligence (5.18) all passed unanimously 6-0. Each approved item was added as a recommendation in the final report. After the votes, the Department of Administration, Department of Public Safety, and House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms offices walked through the draft final report. They highlighted staffing improvements, security infrastructure already installed, and remaining needs, including an estimated $41.008 million request for future enhancements such as kiosks, glass-resistant film, door access controls, cameras, lighting, bollards, and an updated distributed antenna system. The report also includes recommendations on trauma-informed safety drills, conduct rules for hearings, and designating the Minnesota State Patrol Capital Security Division as the primary investigative authority for potential criminal activity on Capitol grounds.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> weapons is catastrophic. weapons is catastrophic.
• are not weapons of war.
• are not weapons of war.
• are not weapons of war.
• </c> assault weapons. assault weapons.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> weapons actually increased. weapons actually increased.
• Weapons of war.
• Weapons of to talk about weapons of war. Weapons of war. war. war.
• </c> They want to remove weapons of war. They want to remove weapons of war.
• </c> adults owning weapons. adults owning weapons.