Transcript Highlights:

• Then you ran for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives and campaigned on issues you believed in
• It teaches me that it is a duty to stand up for the rights of the defenseless.
• represent him as a private. attorney.
• Do you agree it is the duty of the Justice Department to defend the laws Congress passes?
• Many of these duties would fall under the DOJ.

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Duran will yield for a question. Representative Greenman.
• **Representative Duran**: Yes, we can. **Representative Green**.
• , Representative Fooley, Representative Liz Lee, and Representative Herr for sharing your stories with
• I recognize the author of the bill, the representative from Ramsey, Representative Herr.
• Then we have Representative provision from Representative Norris' bill, House File 1334.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Swinsky. I think House Representative Swinsky.
• Represent our Vice Chair Witty. Represent our Vice Chair Witty.
• Representative Davis. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair, Representative Johnson.
• Representative Johnson. All Mr. Chair. Representative Johnson.
• Representative<01:42:05.920> Engen. Representative Engen. Representative Engen.

Bills: HF3547, HF3651, HF4043, HF4282, HF4095

Keywords: fireworks, public safety, regulation, tax revenue, local government, sale, safety standards, fire safety, ethanol, fuel equipment, compatibility standards, law enforcement, peace officer, unauthorized practice, criminal justice, civics education, jail medication, correctional facility, detention, incarcerated persons

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Simmons.
• This was Representative Simmons...
• Stanley, his position was based on what Representative Simmons, his conversation with Representative
• can represent that.
• And Representative Simmons was a part of that. And Representative Simmons was a part of that.

Summary: The hearing opened in a Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings matter involving Legislative Ethics Board complaint 2025-5 against Representative Tara Simmons. The ALJ outlined the process, the issues on appeal, and the burden of proof, which centered on whether Simmons violated the Ethics Act by using her legislative position for others’ benefit and by holding outside employment that conflicted with her duties, and what sanction would be appropriate. Several exhibits were admitted by stipulation or without objection, while Exhibit 2 was initially held for later ruling but was ultimately admitted after testimony from the witness who prepared it. The board also granted a motion to sequester witnesses and took under advisement a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after the staff case-in-chief. In opening statements, board staff alleged Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070 by sponsoring a proviso that benefited her outside employer, Equity and Education Coalition (EEC), by using campaign surplus funds to help hire a friend, by intervening in a dispute over the proviso-funded work, and by sending text messages to influence others. Staff said it would seek penalties of up to $5,000 per violation plus costs. Defense counsel argued the allegations were technical ethics issues, denied Simmons profited personally, and contended the proviso funding her employer was permitted under prior board guidance; counsel also argued the campaign donation and later contract dispute were lawful and context-dependent. The first witness, Kimberly Gordon of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), testified that AEJG received state proviso funding and donations from Simmons, including $10,000 and later $40,000, which Gordon said were intended to fund the hiring of Antoine Coleman, Simmons’s romantic partner. Gordon said AEJG returned the donations and terminated Coleman after learning of the relationship and potential conflict of interest. She also testified about a later 2024 proviso involving EEC, a subcontract between AEJG and EEC, and a dispute over EEC’s performance under that subcontract. Gordon said AEJG raised concerns with the Administrative Office of the Courts, met with contract manager Chris Stanley, and ultimately rewrote the subcontract after Stanley, allegedly after speaking with Simmons, directed them to do so. The hearing then recessed for lunch, and cross-examination of Gordon was set to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Representative Harrison, for what purpose? Oh, hang on. Representative Harrison, wait a second.
• Representative Garcia Hernandez. That you. OK. Is this working? Representative Lopez? OK questions.
• Representative Lopez, do you have any questions? No. Representative Harrison. OK.
• Thank you, Representative Harrison.
• Right, Representative Lozano.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a group of representatives from across the state with us today representing Main Street.
• I have a group of representatives from across the state with us today representing Main Street, and I'd
• materials and the duties of law enforcement.
• Representative Boe- Bingo. Bingo Bill. Representative Boe-Ye-Bingo bill, return to the calendar.
• House Bill 139 by Representative Sawyer is next.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Billings? Here. Representative Boyd? Representative Carter? Representative Farnham?
• Representative Marcel? Representative Macon? Representative Newell? Representative Schammerhorn?
• Representative Marcel? Representative Macon? Representative Newell? Representative Schammerhorn?
• Representative Thomas? Here. Representative Walters? Here. Representative Wright?
• Representative Billings? Yes. Representative Boyd? Representative Carter? Representative Farnum?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Representative Rhodess, questions for Representative Rhodess.
• Representative<00:23:41.840> Sher. Representative Sher. Representative Sher.
• Murphy. >> Yes. >> Representative Vale. >> Yes. >> Representative Jurus. >> Yes. >> Representative Shear
• Yes. >> Representative Morancey. >> Yes. >> Clerk votes yes. >> Representative Gagy. >> Representative
• Murphy. >> Yes. >> Representative Bale. >> Yes. >> Representative Jurus. >> Yes. >> Representative Shear

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: resolutions filed by Representative
• Judy and Dick Jolin on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary, and resolutions filed by Representative
• 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution, recommending legislation relative to providing injured-on-duty
• 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution, recommending legislation relative to providing injured-on-duty
• 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution, recommending legislation relative to providing injured-on-duty

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee and Senate messages, including a Rules Committee report adopting resolutions congratulating Judy and Dick Jolin on their 50th wedding anniversary and commending the National Brain Tumor Society for recognizing May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The chamber also welcomed guests in the gallery for Apraxia Awareness Day and received a gubernatorial message proposing injured-on-duty compensation for Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinalee, which was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The House concurred in Senate referrals for bills on consumer-connected devices, crumbling concrete relief for homeowners, and naming the Hianus Transportation Center, and it also suspended Joint Rule 12 for a petition by Omar Gómez concerning reports of crimes to law enforcement. Another petition, by Michael S. Day on quantum investment tax incentive programs, had Joint Rules 12 and 9 suspended, was then referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies after a division of the question. The House also advanced several bills from the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, including the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, a Holyoke Charter change removing the treasurer as acting mayor, and a Kingston special police retirement-age bill, all ordered to a third reading. The chamber passed to be enacted or engrossed multiple local bills, including measures for Andover, Plymouth, Pembroke, Auburn, New Salem, and Falmouth. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative Gley. Thank you, Representative Gley.
• >> HB380 by Representative Collins. >> HB380 by Representative Collins.
• <00:04:41.919> Garrett, seen it that Representative Garrett, seen it that Representative Garrett
• Representative, since we don't have anything here in front of us...
• Thank you, Representative Collins. >> Thank you very much, Mr.

Bills: HB8, HB380, HB8, HB380

Keywords: tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, human cloning, criminal penalties, embryo, genetic modification, bioethics, campus chaplain, chaplain, school chaplain, volunteer, public K-12 schools, public schools, public charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Abeyta [member_20557]? Here. Representative Chavez [member_20559]? Here.
• Representative McQueen [member_12514]? Here. Representative Reeb [member_14046]?
• Madam Chair, Representative, first I would point out that we're not getting rid of the duty to notify
• Representative Abeta? Representative Chavez? Yes. Representative Hall? Yes.
• Representative Hockman-Vee-Hill? Yes. Representative Yes. Representative Hockman-Veehill? Yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Harvey, no. Representative Fox, no. Representative Lit, yes.
• representative lit yes representative representative lit yes representative Jacobs<00:11:07.920> no
• representative of the people representative representative representative Fox<00:20:17.760> thank
• representative Fox yes representative representative Fox yes representative lit<00:23:06.240>
• <00:24:27.600> representative very much represent representative very much represent representative

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Wiley. Thank you. Representative Wiley.
• Representative Bayham. Mr.
• Representative Budrow voted yea. Representative Gaiman voted yea. Representative Baham voted yea.
• Representative Beham voted yea. Representative Boudreaux voted yea.
• Representative Muscarello.

Bills: HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, SB83, SB143, SB155, SB228, SB283, SB295, SB338, SB388, SB408, SB431, HR84, HR188, HR205, HB302, HB597, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SCR24, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB357, SB406, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HR9, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB79, HB251, HB625, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, HB646, HB824, HB341, HB682, HB766, HB926, HB998, HB1051, HB1080, HB1201, HB1223, HB603, HB940, HB1191, SB47, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382

Keywords: condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning recognizing guests and former members, including student groups, arts educators, rodeo queens, and Congressman Troy Carter, who urged members not to let partisan divisions harm Louisiana. Representative Newell also delivered a lengthy floor statement tying current voting-rights debates to civil rights concerns and warning against weakening protections for Black communities. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports, and several resolutions and bills were advanced or referred in routine order. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to House resolutions, many of them memorials or study requests. The House adopted resolutions supporting a physical therapy degree designation for federal loan purposes, honoring veterans who served in Honduras, extending a behavioral health courts study, seeking bridge-removal funding for U.S. 90 in St. Tammany Parish, urging DOTD studies on local traffic projects, requesting a study of rural economic development, supporting Camp Beauregard and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, creating a permit-study committee, and asking for studies on autism services, school nurse orientation, opioid treatment in correctional settings, floodplain map updates, and care gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One resolution on rent stabilization failed, and another on pregnancy-related emergency medication was returned to the calendar after questions about its implications. The chamber also concurred in or rejected several Senate amendments to House bills. Concurrences included bills on arrest warrant recall procedures, disturbing the peace near places of worship, rape and sex offense provisions, bridge naming, holiday rules, victim confidentiality, and the classic black license plate. The House rejected Senate amendments to HB 258 on dual office holding and dual employment. The most contentious item was HB 102, which would create second-degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities but was amended in the Senate to add broader first-degree murder provisions tied to firearms and public shootings; members raised concerns about self-defense, overcharging, capital punishment exposure, and fiscal impact on the public defender system. Despite those objections, supporters argued the changes would deter violent crime and protect the public, and the bill was ultimately supported in floor debate as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Fugate here. Representative Hart here. Representative Johnson here.
• Representative Lewis here. Representative Maddox. Representative Moore here.
• > representative representative Freeland representative representative Freeland representative
• Maddox representative representative Maddox representative masseron<00:04:54.639> representative<
• :04.800> representative representative Stevenson representative representative Stevenson representative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and recognized guests Mary Beth Brer and Ashley Clemens. The committee then took up Senate Bill 61, described by the sponsor as a private property rights measure involving the rental of private swimming pools through services such as VRBO, Airbnb, and swim.com. The sponsor said current law can cause a privately rented pool to be treated as a public swimming pool by the Department of Public Health. The committee moved and seconded the bill, and it passed on a roll call vote with all members voting in favor. The committee next considered Senate Bill 237, which was presented as a measure to waive the physical agility requirement for certain out-of-state police officers in good standing who have at least 10 years of certification and recent employment. Representative Blandon explained that a friendly floor amendment would require proof that the officer passed a physical agility test in the state of origin, addressing concerns raised by Kelly C. The sponsor agreed to that approach. During discussion, the sponsor also noted the committee substitute updated 911 dispatching laws and that the bill had originally been introduced as House Bill 525 before being brought into Senate Bill 237. A motion and second were made on the committee substitute, and the committee approved it by voice vote. The transcript then shifted into discussion of the bill and amendment, but no final roll call vote on Senate Bill 237 is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• duty is still intact with this.
• Go ahead, Representative.
• Marilynne, citizen representing myself. I gave a list to Representative Cutler ahead of time.
• We're going to jump over to Representative Shepard and then Representative Peterson. Go ahead.
• And Representative Burton? Yes. And Representative Burton? Yes. Senator Plumb? Senator Plumb.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat] >> Representative Bricky, absolutely not. >> Representative Papovichi, yes. >> Representative
• >> Representative<01:23:14.320> Papovichi, >> Representative Papovichi, >> Representative
• >> Representative<01:23:17.840> Lad, >> Representative Lad, >> Representative
• Representative<01:37:45.679> Brown. Representative Brown. Representative Brown.
• Representative Burton: No. Representative Ricky: No. Representative Papovich: Yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case. Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Tishner, >> Representative Balman, >> Representative Bray, >> Representative Bray, Representative
• Brown, >> here. >> Representative Chester Burton, >> Representative Don, >> present. >> Representative
• Representative Griffy, >> here. >> Representative Hampton. >> Representative Hart, >> here. >> Representative
• Representative Lewis. Representative Maddox, >> here. >> Representative Meredith.
• Representative Neighbors, >> here. >> Representative Rymer. >> Representative Rors, >> here. >> Representative

Keywords: Reupload to restore attendance roll call Roll Call 00:00:00 Approval of Minutes from September Meeting 00:00:24 Presentation of the Kentucky Association of Counties Legislative Platform for the Upcoming 2026 Session 00:01:48 Discussion of Legislation Concerning Firefighter Death Benefits 00:35:43 Discussion of DNA Collection in Jails for Felony Arrests 00:45:52 Discussion of Federal Immigration Law Enforcement 00:54:18 Adjournment 01:15:39, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its sixth meeting, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The main agenda item was a presentation from Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) leaders and county officials on jail funding and jail-system reform. Speakers said county jail costs have reached crisis levels, citing large and rising general-fund subsidies in counties such as Hardin, McCracken, and Warren, and noting that county general-fund contributions to jail funds have increased by 76% since 2019. KACo outlined a three-part legislative approach for the upcoming session: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and redefining the model for housing state inmates in county jails. On regional jails, they proposed one-time state construction funding, statutory changes to allow former county jails to serve as 96-hour holdover facilities, broader participation of jailers on regional jail authority boards, an increased supplement for closed county jails, and a one-time payment for counties that close local jails and join regional facilities. Union County Judge Adam Onan described his county’s savings from contracting with Webster County and said regionalization can reduce costs where feasible. Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley focused on pre-trial felony detainees, saying counties bear the full cost of housing people awaiting trial for long periods, sometimes years, and that pre-trial time is later credited toward state sentences. He argued the state benefits from that credit and referenced prior bills that would have reimbursed counties for time-served credit. Shelley Hampton then proposed replacing the current per diem model for state inmates with contracts requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs and to support programming such as substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academics. No votes were taken on the jail proposals, and the meeting ended with the presentation and discussion of the county recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As always, I am so glad to represent counties. Mr.
• Gentlemen, Carl, state your name and who you represent.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• Chair lays out House Bill 2607 by Representative Wharton.
• Trevor, state your name and who you represent.

Bills: HB148, HB334, HB554, HB762, HB1520, HB1593, HB3526, HB3810, HB5092, SB2215, HB2607, HB148

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, HB 554, fireworks, Juneteenth, Juneteenth holiday, retail fireworks permit, Texas Occupations Code, Local Government Code, county commissioners court, drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service, fire safety, holiday sales

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll ask that if Representative Stearns can carry the first bill and then... Let's, let's... Right.
• What this bill does is it takes into account state active duty.
• So when they go from a federal to a state active duty, now this just...
• To a state active duty, now this just more clarifies and codifies that they can continue to offer those
• Services Office for the position within the... office for the position within the office accompanying duties

Bills: SB198, SB179

Keywords: Alabama National Guard, National Guard legal services, legal assistance program, judge advocate, staff judge advocate, paralegal, military justice, military law, legal aid, preventive law, notary, notarial acts, Adjutant General, State Military Department, Office of General Counsel, Army Regulation 27-1, Army Regulation 27-3, Air Force Instruction 51-304, Air National Guard Instruction 51-504, Title 31

Transcript Highlights:

• Represent Shamzu. any questions? Represent Shamzu.
• Representative Shimezu and then Representative<01:28:39.280> Garcia. Representative Garcia.
• Representative Hashim excused. Representative Kavaloa. >> I. Representative Syama is excused.
• Representative Takayama. >> Aye. Representative Garcia. >> No. >> No for Representative Garcia.
• Representative<02:42:55.040> Takayyama. Representative Takayyama. Representative Takayyama.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.