Transcript Highlights:

• I feel it's a public duty Commission.
• Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission for two terms, one to expire June 30 of this year and
• It's an honor and privilege to be nominated to serve as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission.
• With respect to the current bill, that's why you notice that the Public Utilities Commission is very
• Komeiji, Governor's Message 514 and 515 to serve as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> project basis the Public Utilities project basis the Public Utilities Commission<00:21:20.240><c
• All right, next on the docket we have the Public Utilities Commission with their budget overview.
• I'm the executive secretary for the Public Utilities Commission.
• Utilities Commission we for the Public Utilities Commission we appreciate<01:14:05.360><c> the</c><01
• The commission hears a lot from the public, and many of those comments are about projects.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 1972, Trust for Public Land has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more
• It expressly allows public transit service to substitute for parking requirements.
• Each time, it was the commission that stepped in to protect the public interest.
• This isn't a problem related to the LCP; it's a problem of how the Coastal Commission protects public
• services.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills focused on environmental policy, public infrastructure, housing, and energy. AB 1812, dealing with compostable plastics and compost contamination, drew strong support from farmers, composters, counties, cities, and waste companies, while manufacturers and compostable-product companies opposed it unless amended, arguing it would undermine compostable packaging and SB 54 goals. AB 2216 to expand the Delta Conservancy’s service area also received broad support and no opposition. AB 2481, which would allow leftover glass quality incentive funds to support recycled glass used in fiberglass insulation and other products, was supported by insulation manufacturers, recyclers, and waste advocates and passed with no opposition. AB 2152, streamlining fire station construction and tying CEQA relief to project labor agreement requirements, was supported by firefighters and construction trades but opposed by contractors and wildlife groups over the PLA mandate and environmental review provisions; the committee discussed amendments and sent it forward. AB 1536, the Save Our Shores Act, aimed at offshore oil and gas safety and decommissioning, was supported by coastal and environmental groups and opposed by the petroleum industry, with members debating pipeline safety, drilling risks, and carbon intensity before advancing the bill. AB 1849, a study bill on decarbonized gaseous fuels, split supporters from hydrogen, bioenergy, and propane interests against environmental and justice groups who said it favored biomethane and hydrogen without clear definitions; the author said it was only a study measure, and it moved ahead. AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and community college housing projects, was backed by students, UC representatives, housing advocates, and labor, with no opposition heard; members raised concerns about environmental impacts and evacuation planning, but the bill was approved. Several measures were taken on consent and others were held open for absent members or quorum issues, with multiple bills receiving due pass recommendations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, thank you for your public service. I'm Joe Catherine Quinn.
• services. them.
• House Bill 2868 updates the law to direct the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to use the TDUs' actual
• The Public Utility Commission sets a theoretical rate of debt to equity, such as 60% debt to 40% equity
• Eligible recipients must be Texas residents who either honorably retired from public service at the state

Bills: HB551 , HB 1281 , HB1378 , HB1617 , HB2868 , HB2881 , HB3374 , HB4439 , HB4726 , HB4732 , HB4878 , HB4914 , HB4921 , HB4958 , HB5200 , HB5318 , HB5360 , HB5402 , HB5568 , HB5573 , HB5623 , HJR218

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• How the program funds itself is through the Missouri Public Health Services Fund, taxpayer money, so
• How the program funds itself is through the Missouri Public Health Services Fund, taxpayer money, so
• every one of us, is through the Missouri Public Health Services Fund.
• Dinoff, State Public Advocate.
• Dinoff, State Public Advocate.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll try to provide as many service-impactful services as possible depending on how long the person
• </c><00:01:20.320><c> administrator</c> um Oversight Commission administrator um Oversight Commission
• So we'll try to provide as many service-impactful services as possible depending on how long the person
• 07.120><c> on</c><00:03:07.200><c> how</c> services as possible depending on how services as possible
• . services. services.

Bills: HB389 , HB1166 , HB1510 , HB1541 , HB1605 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1678 , HB1769 , HB1785 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1815 , HB1824 , HB1838 , HB1840 , HB1853 , HB1860 , HB1891 , HB1952 , HB1960 , HB1969 , HB1970 , HB1972 , HB1976 , HB2050 , HB2094 , HB2104 , HB2158 , HB2165 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2246 , HB2271 , HB2300 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2319 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2343 , HB2443 , HB2498 , HB2551 , HB2599 , HB2606 , SB17 , SB83 , SB99 , SB148 , SB411 , SB709 , SB847 , SB874 , SB888 , SB1032 , SB1166 , SB2001 , SB2014 , SB2031 , SB2041 , SB2050 , SB2057 , SB2061 , SB2074 , SB2075 , SB2089 , SB2095 , SB2101 , SB2102 , SB2108 , SB2109 , SB2110 , SB2125 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2146 , SB2151 , SB2152 , SB2175 , SB2203 , SB2239 , SB2246 , SB2247 , SB2253 , SB2261 , SB2268 , SB2271 , SB2272 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2347 , SB2353 , SB2363 , SB2367 , SB2372 , SB2376 , SB2386

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature also passed SB 1440, which authorized the California Public Utilities Commission... .
• ..also passed SB 1440, which authorized the California Public Utilities Commission to develop a procurement
• And there's an extensive process that's sort of been set up by the Public Utilities Commission and the
• Don Gilbert on behalf of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, in support.
• SB 1366 requires both the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision. SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension. SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact. The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Civilian Oversight Commission.
• With me to testify is Eric Lofgren, a public defender on behalf of the LA Public Defenders Union Local
• This is not about public safety.
• This is not about public safety.
• And calls for service.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• and not public separating out public and not public information<00:04:36.400><c> can</c><00:04:36.720
• and non-public data, both uh public and non-public data, which<00:56:11.440><c> the</c><00:56:11.599
• </c> public information. public information. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:04:23.599><c> you.
• </c><01:47:41.760><c> health</c><01:47:42.080><c> services,</c> safety programs, public health services
• , safety programs, public health services, or<01:47:43.679><c> even</c><01:47:44.080><c> everyday</c>

Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me at the table is the Chair of the Public Defender Commission, Gina Martin Maestas, and she will
• The Public Defender's Office provides services to indigent defendants across the State of New Mexico,
• We provide that public service to them, to their families, and to their community.
• It's so important that we have a Public Defender Commission now that provides oversight and guidance
• Acknowledge the remarkable abuse of public trust by the previous person who was head of this commission

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• by our Commission.
• The Commission is very split on the additions that have been added with the substitute, and so the Commission
• that the transition services program.
• I did public comment, I think.
• That concludes our public comment period.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• General obligation bond debt service.
• Facilities Commission, Texas Southern University, Health and Human Services.
• Laura Kerner, Commission Chairwoman, and Tom Palladino, Executive Director for Texas Veterans Commission
• , and support. and direct services.
• Services.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:59.400><c> safe</c><00:13:00.000><c> public</c> disability and the public safe public disability
• and the public safe public uh,<00:13:00.760><c> safety</c><00:13:01.120><c> benefit</c><00:13:02.080
• </c> We have these often in the commission. We have these often in the commission.
• </c> service credit that was omitted. service credit that was omitted.
• </c> will get that service service credit. will get that service service credit.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Raymond Contrars with Lighthouse Public Affairs, on behalf of SPUR, San Diego Housing Commission, California
• It expressly allows public transit service to substitute for parking requirements.
• Each time, it was the commission that stepped in to protect the public interest.
• Each time, it was the commission that stepped in to protect the public interest.
• It’s a problem of how the Coastal Commission protects public access in these areas, because it’s all

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• notice and public comment.
• public data either, even members on the Legislative Audit Commission.
• /c><01:01:31.680><c> dollars</c> non-public uh pupil Aid public dollars non-public uh pupil Aid public
• She said state employees provide important public services and have a lot of important institutional
• Representative Jones said state employees provide important public services and have a lot of important

Bills: HF1 , HF2

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• regulated by the public service being regulated by the public service commission.<03:03:23.760><c> Now
• </c><03:04:21.439><c> service</c><03:04:21.760><c> commission</c> take it to the public service commission
• ><c> service</c><03:24:10.479><c> commission</c> hear from the public service commission hear from the
• service commission about to the public service commission about it<03:33:09.520><c> because</c><03:33
• um, public service commission, um, public service commission, appreciate<03:33:58.000><c> you</c><03:

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chief public offender.
• Also here at the table with me is the chair of our public offender commission, Gina Maestas.
• Wonderful addition to the commission.
• Wonderful addition to the commission.
• And then your question about commission members. We have seven commission members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so— Throughout our work, this commission is charged with soliciting input from the public, businesses
• and future commission meetings online also.
• future Commission meetings on so you can receive the notices of our commission future commission meetings
• It's the entire commission.
• People are looking forward to the work of this commission, probably more interest in this commission

Summary: The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that the commission’s charge includes reviewing payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now/pay later financing, the costs to small businesses of accepting different forms of payment, and the impact of Section 28A of Chapter 140D. No testimony was taken at this first meeting; it was intended to introduce commission members, outline the process, and begin planning future hearings and a final report with recommendations or options for the Legislature. Members discussed possible hearing topics, including business and consumer impacts of credit card fees, surcharges, and gratuities; the legal and regulatory landscape; and policy considerations such as transparency, reporting requirements, and possible limits on fees. Several members supported the commission’s scope and noted the issue’s timeliness, citing the growth of cashless transactions and the burden of swipe fees on retailers and restaurants. One member suggested the commission also consider cryptocurrency in transactions, and another raised the possibility of holding hearings outside the State House to improve access for small businesses around the state. The chairs said the first public hearing is tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium, with additional hearings to be scheduled depending on interest and sign-ups. They said testimony may be offered in person, online, or in writing, and that written testimony will be part of the record. The commission also encouraged members and interested parties to suggest experts, topics, and report formats as the study develops. The meeting ended with a motion to close and an affirmative vote to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission supports this commission.
• </c> uh LGBTQ plus commission. uh LGBTQ plus commission.
• c> three</c> public deputy public defender three public deputy public defender three position.<00:26:
• </c> public defender. public defender.
• Um, public defender.

Bills: SB2040 , SB2248 , SB2530 , SB2732 , SB2871 , SB2919 , SB3076 , SB3300 , SB3301

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> services</c><01:41:09.360><c> and</c><01:41:09.600><c> we</c> commission of children's services
• c> oversight commission for children oversight commission for children services,<01:45:59.679><c> we<
• Um, and the 737 Commission, which looks at PFAS and public health impacts.
• Um, and the 737 Commission, which looks at PFAS and public health impacts.
• Um, and the 737 Commission, which looks at PFAS and public health impacts.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services