Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to hear item number two, SB 995 by Perez.
• To achieve that, SB 995 creates a uniform, statewide To achieve that, SB 995 creates a uniform, statewide
• of SB 995 and ask that you support the bill.
• SB 995 can provide necessary safeguards.
• Item number two, SB 995 by Perez for add-ons.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on mental health access, preventive care, health care costs, detention oversight, and daylight saving time. SB 989 would streamline Care Court referrals by allowing first responders to ask county behavioral health agencies to review and file petitions; supporters, especially firefighters and families, said the current process is too burdensome, while Disability Rights California and other opponents argued Care Court is coercive and unproven. SB 1089, as amended, would direct CalRx/HHS to help distribute GLP-1 medications more broadly and more affordably; the author described her own experience with the drugs, and the bill drew support from medical and life sciences groups with no opposition. SB 1309 would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically appropriate lung cancer screening follow-up care; cancer advocates and survivors strongly supported it, while health plans and insurers opposed it as costly and said the bigger problem is low initial screening rates. The committee also heard SB 1284, which would require DHCS to report large employers whose workers are enrolled in Medi-Cal and estimate taxpayer costs, framed by supporters as a transparency measure about corporate reliance on public coverage. SCR 7, urging permanent standard time for health reasons, passed with support from medical groups and no opposition. SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act, would create statewide inspection and enforcement standards for large involuntary residential facilities, including private immigration detention centers and certain youth facilities; supporters cited unsafe and inhumane conditions, while county probation officials objected to duplicative oversight for secure youth treatment facilities. The committee took votes on each measure, and the bills and resolution advanced, with SB 1309 and SB 1284 moving on amended and the others also reported out; the consent calendar was approved as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number two, SB 995 by Senator Perez. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• We are going to hear item number two, SB 995 by Perez.
• To achieve that, SB 995 creates a uniform, statewide system for inspecting and enforcing standards in
• We are proud to be one of the co-sponsors of SB 995 and ask that you support the bill.
• Item number two, SB 995 by Perez, for add-ons. We have everyone.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is HB 995.
• > next<00:03:56.239> up<00:03:56.360> is<00:03:56.480> HB<00:03:56.840> 995
• <00:03:57.840> this<00:03:58.000> amends thank you next up is HB 995 this amends thank
• you next up is HB 995 this amends the<00:03:58.439> annual<00:03:58.840> reporting<00:
• If not, HB 995 recommendations to pass as is. Any no votes or reservations? No vote.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on a decision-making agenda and took up a series of bills, mostly accepting committee recommendations with either technical or substantive amendments. HB 472 would allow digitized identification cards to be accepted as valid ID under certain circumstances; the committee amended it to clarify that a physical ID may still be required where state or federal law demands it, and the measure passed. HB 510 on water shortages and emergencies, HB 871 on the effective date of Act 130 relating to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, HB 1120 on the Department of Health’s nuisance-abatement authority, and HB 1162 on motorcycle instruction permits all passed with amendments or technical changes. HB 544 establishing a pet insurance framework, HB 995 extending reporting time for firearm carry license reports, HB 10002 extending the White Correctional Oversight Commission coordinator term, HB 1093 clarifying the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers, HB 1291 expanding labeling rules for winged brown coffee to roasted coffee, and HB 1348 on public-land recreation leases and county-resident lotteries also passed, with HB 1348 amended to require a lottery within a year of vacancy and to limit renewal conditions. The committee also discussed HB 76, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1259, which would change how speed limits can be reduced without an engineering study. One member raised concerns about HB 1259, arguing the language could allow unsafe reductions on state highways; the committee noted a no vote from that member, but the measure still passed. HB 76 initially passed as amended, then the committee briefly revisited it after a member said they had intended to vote no; on revote, the bill was adopted unamended. Throughout the meeting, members generally voiced no objections to the remaining measures, and each bill was reported out with the stated recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 995 is a suspense file candidate. Senator Perez has waived presentation.
• Are there any individuals present wishing to testify in support of SB 995?
• SB 995 is a suspense file candidate. Senator Perez has waived presentation.
• Are there any individuals present wishing to testify in opposition to SB 995?
• SB 995 will move to the suspense file. SB 1098 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, we consider Senate Bill 995. Thank you, Mr. President.
• I move to suspend the regular order of business for Senate Bill 995.
• order of business, Senate Bill 995.
• Chair lays that on third reading and final pass at Senate Bill 995.
• I move final passage of Senate Bill 995.

Bills: SJR57, SCR8, SB8, SB14, SB24, SB108, SB112, SB125, SB213, SB251, SB315, SB318, SB371, SB378, SB379, SB472, SB487, SB502, SB513, SB565, SB621, SB650, SB689, SB707, SB710, SB761, SB763, SB815, SB854, SB875, SB896, SB916, SB925, SB958, SB961, SB965, SB973, SB987, SB990, SB995, SB1006, SB1018, SB1019, SB1024, SB1026, SB1146, SB1194, SB1198, SB1253, SB1330, SB1343, SB1362, SB1379, SB1497, SB1498, SB1527, SB1532, SB1547, SB1596, SJR36, SJR12, SJR57, SCR22, SCR12, SCR8, SB565, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB14, SB1006, SB504, SB925, SB995, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB815, SB1379, SB1497, SB1499, SB1498, SB241, SB304, SB621, SB1023, SB1024, SB686, SB112, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB502, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1362, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB987, SB1539, SB447, SB875, SB406, SB985, SB965, SB1119, SB1505, SB24, SB1194, SB1253, SB1215, SB1532, SB1302, SB856, SB650, SB583, SB673, SB213, SB681, SB1172, SB1252, SB378, SB1343, SB608, SB487, SB955, SB957, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120, SB251, SB958, SB761, SB541, SB315, SB379, SB1018, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB1527, SB125, SB599, SB1330, SB53, SB916, SB896, SB1352, SB973, SB785, SB710, SB472, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB1547, SB961, SB1038, SB513, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB108, SB8, SB318, SB507, SB533, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB1198, SB1146, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB503, SJR37, SB16, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB924, SB1029, SB1185, SB1202, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1697, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB1535, SB827, SB1585, SB207, SB1207, SB1619, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741

Keywords: central bank digital currency, CBDC, Federal Reserve, digital dollar, digital currency, cashless payments, financial privacy, cybersecurity, government surveillance, financial surveillance, money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit finance, banking policy, monetary policy, payments system, commercial banks, Texas Legislature, concurrent resolution, federal reserve digital currency

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on the chair recognizes Senator Nichols. on Senate Bill 995.
• So Senate Bill 995, just. allows TxDOT, instead of the Comptroller Attorney General, makes him the sole
• Hearing none, does anyone else like to testify for or against Senate Bill 995?
• Senate Bill 995 be reported back to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass and be printed
• There's nine ayes and no nays, Senate Bill 995 will be reported. report it back to the full Senate with

Bills: SB35, SB284, SB296, SB305, SB857, SB995, SB1121, SB1555, SB1902, SCR25, SB 35

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• To achieve that, SB 995... ...dignity, and human rights.
• SB 995 is a straightforward exercise of California's core police powers.
• And that's exactly what SB 995 does.
• Is there anyone else here in support of SB 995? Thank you.
• Item 12, SB 995, Perez. Herbidian, aye. Aye. Item 12, SB 995, Perez. Herbidian, aye.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• To achieve that, SB 995...
• SB 995 is a straightforward exercise of California's core police powers.
• And that's exactly what SB 995 does.
• Is there anyone else here in support of SB 995? Thank you.
• Item 12, SB 995, Perez. Harabedian? Aye. Aye. Item 12, SB 995, Perez. Harabedian, aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 995 is a suspense file candidate. Senator Perez has waived presentation.
• SB 995 is a suspense file candidate. Senator Perez has waived presentation.
• Are there any witnesses present who would like to testify in support of SB 995? Good morning.
• Any individuals present wishing to testify in opposition to SB 995?
• Without objection, SB 995 will move to the suspense file. SB 1098 is a suspense file candidate.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to consider a large suspense-file agenda, noting that 122 measures met suspense criteria and that several bills listed in the daily file were postponed to the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills. After establishing a quorum, the committee proceeded through the agenda, with most authors waiving presentation and public testimony limited to fiscal issues. Most measures were moved to the suspense file without objection after brief or no testimony. A number of bills drew support or opposition from outside groups on fiscal grounds, including SB 951, SB 947, SB 954, SB 1031, SB 1291, and SB 1368. Testimony highlighted concerns such as ongoing state or departmental costs, General Fund impacts, broadband and compliance burdens for small mutual water companies, and implementation costs for education, health, and transportation-related proposals. Supporters of some bills argued they would save money over time, such as SB 1067 on early math remediation and SB 1089 on obesity treatment and CalRx partnerships. The committee also heard an author presentation on SB 1089 by Senator Richardson, who said the bill would reduce CalPERS and broader health costs by expanding access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible public employees and directing CalRx to pursue production or acquisition of a GLP-1 medication. No committee questions were raised on that measure, and it too was sent to suspense. The hearing concluded with all items heard being moved to the suspense file and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation from last year, if you guys will remember the Raigns Act (HB 2728) as well as Senate Bill 995
• Maybe we've put in some legislation this last year between the Raines Act, Senate Bill 995, and Senate
• And then we've got 995 that requires approval.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are on Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel.
• Finish Line um we are on Senate Bill 995 Finish Line um we are on Senate Bill 995 relating<00:04
• Is there anyone else wishing to testify on Senate Bill 995? If not, members, any questions?
• if not members any 995 if not members any questions Senator, thank you, Chair.
• This is Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuels.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 103, relating to electric vehicle batteries, and then moved to Senate Bill 995, relating to renewable fuel. On SB 103, the Department of Health and the State Energy Office supported the measure, and Redwood Materials said it supported the bill’s intent but requested an amendment to add a battery recycler to the commission. Other testimony on SB 103 included support from several individuals and organizations, with one opponent noted. A committee member also raised a possible deadline change requested by the Alliance of Automobile Innovation for future work on the measure. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 995, which would create tax incentives for sustainable aviation fuel and related renewable fuel production. Supporters included the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pono Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines/Alaska Airlines, the Tax Foundation, PAR Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel, and others. Supporters said the bill would help build a local SAF industry, encourage camelina and other feedstocks, and advance decarbonization goals. Several supporters also said they had proposed amendments or technical comments and stood on their written testimony. Opposition testimony argued the bill could allow toxic waste feedstocks, such as construction and demolition waste, into fuel production, and questioned whether the incentives would truly benefit Hawaii farmers or consumers. One opponent said the bill’s benefits could flow to the producer and to imported feedstocks rather than to local agriculture, and another questioned the scale of local land and water available for camelina production. Committee members pressed witnesses on acreage, water use, expected yields, the role of PAR Hawaii’s refinery investment, and whether the state would be subsidizing a business decision that might not produce significant local fuel. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:35:02.159> sequence house concurs page 629 TRN 995 sequence house concurs page 629 TRN
• 995 sequence 1001<01:35:03.719> fridge<01:35:04.119> benefits<01:35:04.600> for
• 69 on page 630, TRN 995, sequence 50. Add funds for Volunteer Youth Council on Transportation.
• Governor's message, 995, sequence 2181: Reduce negative $375,000 in FY 24 for Volunteer Youth Services
• 995 sequence 2181<01:35:47.679> reduce<01:35:48.360> negative<01:35:49.600> 375,000

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone else on House Bill 995? If not, members, questions?
• House Bill 995. This is relating to firearms reporting.
• Anyone else on House Bill 995? If not, members, questions?
• Anyone else on House<00:26:41.600> Bill<00:26:42.520> 995?
• If not, members, House Bill 995? If not, members, questions?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several firearms-related bills. HB 125 would require firearm sellers or transferors to provide buyers notice about secure storage laws, expand secure-storage requirements, and clarify criminally negligent storage. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education supported the bill. The Office of the Public Defender raised constitutional concerns under District of Columbia v. Heller and suggested narrowing the bill so a firearm need not be made inoperable when the lawful owner is home. Supporters, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, veterans, and other advocates, said secure storage would reduce accidental shootings, youth access, theft, suicides, and school shootings. Opponents argued the bill was redundant, could criminalize victims of theft, and imposed strict liability. The committee noted 24 individuals in support and 103 in opposition. The committee also heard HB 137, which would impose a mandatory prison term for violent felons who violate firearm or ammunition possession prohibitions. DLE, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawaii County Prosecutor supported the measure, arguing it targets repeat offenders and strengthens public safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed mandatory sentencing, saying judges already have discretion to impose lengthy sentences and that mandatory terms can be inappropriate in some cases. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for use of a ghost gun in a felony. DLE and the Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while the Public Defender and several opponents said parts of the bill were redundant or could create definitional problems; the committee recorded five supporters and 70 opponents. HB 995 would amend deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting by the Attorney General and county police chiefs. The Attorney General’s office and HPD supported the bill, with the Attorney General asking for more time for police departments to submit complete data and for the April 1 deadline to be removed. The committee also heard HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended consolidating the new office’s duties with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission to avoid duplication and possibly repealing the existing commission statute. DLE supported HB 664, while the Tax Foundation objected to the special fund. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 995 by Senator Perez and an act relating to public health. Senator.
• I rise today to present SB 995, the Masuma Khan Justice Act.
• Anyways, respectfully ask for an aye vote for SB 995. Senator Perez, you may close. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• social and economic costs, slowing down court proceedings by requiring defense attorneys to file lengthy 995
• As noted in the committee analysis, these 995 motions effectively require re-litigating the preliminary

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 15, 2026, for a regular order hearing on 38 bills. The chair announced that AB 2457 was pulled to a later hearing, reviewed public testimony rules, established a quorum, and approved the consent calendar in two motions. Bills on the consent calendar were moved either to the Assembly floor consent calendar or to the floor non-consent calendar, and the suspense calendar was deemed approved as read. The committee then heard AB 1917 by Assemblymember Schultz, which would require prosecutors to file an 871.5 motion to reinstate felony charges dismissed at a preliminary hearing for lack of probable cause, rather than simply adding the charges back. The author and supporters, including the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, Californians for Safety and Justice, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and several advocacy groups, argued the bill would improve due process, transparency, and court efficiency by reducing unnecessary litigation and costs. No opposition testimony was presented. After questions and a motion, the committee took a roll call vote on AB 1917. Members voting were recorded as aye, and the bill passed out of committee. The hearing then concluded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the prosecution, but the defendant, must then carry the burden of proof in filing a lengthy motion, a 995
• Under current law, Section 995 exists as this procedural safeguard.
• going to set a double-tracked criminal procedure in our trial courts, where you will have a Section 995
• motion judge, ...where you will have a Section 995 motion judge who reviews sufficiency of the evidence
• overburden our trial courts with this mechanism. ...in our trial courts, where you will have a Section 995

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Standing Committee Report Number 995. Representative Amato, reservations, so ordered.
• discussion on these items, starting with House Bill 111, House Bill 1175, House Bill 998, House Bill 995
• House Bill 111, House Bill 1175, House Bill 998, House Bill 995, House Bill 131, House Bill 369, House
• House Bill 1175, House Bill 998, House Bill 995, House Bill 131, House Bill 369, House Bill 368, House

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read. The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next bill is HB 995 by Representative Mooney, Areas of Critical State Concern.
• Our next bill is HB-995 by Representative Mooney. Areas of Critical State. I'm sure.
• HB 995 is an area of critical state concern.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes. The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• 000, 866, 885, 8888, 891, 902, 908, 913, 915, 932, 935, 941, 945, 954, 958, 9659659659, 971, 971, 98, 995
• , 995, 996, 998, 995, 996, 998, 10908, 10, 10, 20, 10, 22, 10, 10, 10, 22, 10, 10, 10, 10, 25, 10, 10

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 14, 2025, for a regular order hearing with a large consent calendar and many individual bill presentations. The committee first approved numerous bills on consent, then heard a series of measures spanning reproductive health, child care eligibility, transportation, mental health diversion, county recorder fees, groundwater management, election deadlines, parking enforcement, consumer protections, housing, immigrant and student protections, and utility/CPUC oversight. Several bills were taken up only for presentation because they were on suspense, including ACA 4 on long-term housing funding, and the committee later approved a very large suspense calendar as a whole. Among the bills discussed, AB 260 would protect medication abortion access and providers; AB 904 would clarify child care subsidy eligibility during family leave or job search; AB 1014 would give Caltrans more flexibility on speed limits in rural highway segments; AB 46 would clarify judicial discretion in mental health diversion; AB 1413 and AB 929 addressed groundwater adjudication and SGMA-related protections for small community water systems and wetlands; AB 930 would count vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days; AB 1022 would end towing solely for unpaid parking tickets; AB 290 and AB 302 dealt with automatic payments for the California Fair Plan and medical data protections; AB 1303 would remove the need for a Social Security number for California Lifeline eligibility; and several housing bills, including AB 920, AB 956, AB 1470, AB 893, and AB 1021, sought to streamline approvals or expand housing options. AB 1318 and AB 49 focused on immigrant-serving nonprofits and keeping immigration enforcement out of schools, while AB 1532 extended telecommunications and transportation access programs and added CPUC accountability measures. Testimony was generally supportive for the bills heard, with authors and sponsors emphasizing low or absorbable fiscal impacts, consumer protection, housing production, public safety, and protections for vulnerable communities. Opposition appeared on a few measures, including concerns about ADUs, towing authority, charter school-related issues, and the scale of proposed housing funding in ACA 4. Several members also commented in support of the housing and immigrant-protection measures, and some bills were voted out with recorded no votes or not-voting members noted. After the suspense calendar was deemed approved, the committee opened public comment on bills not presented that day, heard a long list of supporters and opponents on various measures, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next measure was House Bill 995, relating to firearms reporting.
• The Chair asked whether anyone else wished to testify on House Bill 995.
• Next measure, House Bill 995.
• We need to get better at it, so my recommendation is to move House Bill 995 as is.
• We need to get better at it, so my recommendation is to move House Bill 995 as is.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.