Transcript Highlights:

• Signed, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, pursuant to the order of the House of
• United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency
• From my seat there, I will help advance the interests of our state, particularly in energy.
• From my seat there, I will help advance the interests of our state, particularly in energy.
• From my seat there, I will help advance the interests of our state, particularly in energy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of Orlando as well as the state of Florida.
• of a different faith and they kind of needed me to give them a better understanding of some parts of
• of a different faith, and they kind of needed me to give them a better understanding of some parts of
• of classes and the spread of gross inaccuracies.
• state of Florida, out of that 855.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to special order bills. Senate Bill 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5 after debate over allowing local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under safety restrictions; Senator Smith opposed it over safety concerns. Senate Bill 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0, creating a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; supporters emphasized employment opportunities and safety training, while Senator Davis raised concerns about added costs to school districts. Senate Bill 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0, allowing alternative service on scammers through the same apps used to contact victims. Senate Bill 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration passed 38-0, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive barriers; supporters called it a long-overdue justice fix. Senate Bill 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0, eliminating cost sharing for follow-up breast tests in the state employee health plan to encourage early detection. The most contentious measure was Senate Bill 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers. The bill sought to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified by claims about the legality of the detention and to add manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses carrying life imprisonment without release. An amendment by Senator Jones to restore “in good faith” language failed, after debate centered on due process, racial profiling, and the role of juries and suppression motions. Several senators spoke in support of law enforcement but objected to the bill’s breadth and mandatory life penalty; Senator Leek ultimately postponed the bill temporarily rather than taking a final vote. Senate Bill 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. Senate Bill 274 designating roads for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson passed 38-0, followed by a successful co-sponsorship motion and remarks honoring Thompson’s legacy. Senate Bill 280 on candidate qualification passed 38-0, creating an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation filing requirements. Senate Bill 296 on middle and high school start times passed 38-0, repealing the statewide start-time mandate and shifting implementation decisions to local districts while requiring public reporting and discussion. Senate Bill 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day also passed unanimously, with senators emphasizing remembrance, anti-Semitism, and the educational value of the memorial and observance.

Transcript Highlights:

• of this puzzle imperative piece of this of this puzzle and<00:03:46.319><c> how</c><00:03:46.480><c>
• It gets in the way of that.
• the sort of the nugget of what the the sort of the nugget of what you're<00:08:43.599><c> trying</c>
• So $30,000 of our taxpayer dollars were not used because of the abandonment of that request.
• </c><00:20:02.000><c> that</c> all of a lot of the attorney fees that all of a lot of the attorney fees

Summary: The committee heard House File 1999 informationally only, with no formal action taken. Representative Green explained that the bill addresses large and sometimes anonymous data requests made to school districts and other government entities, arguing that while public access to data is essential, some requests create significant staff and cost burdens when requesters do not follow through. She described examples from districts that spent thousands of dollars preparing data that was never inspected, and said the bill aims to add accountability while preserving open government and press access. Testifiers largely supported the bill’s goals but discussed technical changes. Matt Eling of Minnesotans for Open Government said the amendment largely codifies existing guidance on handling large requests by breaking them into components and allowing inspection or copying in stages. Superintendent Jeff Felson of Owatonna Public Schools said his district had received 12 anonymous requests in three years, nine of which were abandoned, costing about $40,000, and one large request cost more than $400,000 and required significant staff time. Rich Newmeister also supported the effort but raised concern about language referring to providing data on a “rolling basis,” suggesting training and clearer guidance for districts instead. Members asked whether school districts already set their own data-request policies, whether anonymous requests must be answered, and how the bill would affect private personnel data. Representative Green said districts do have their own policies, anonymous requests are allowed under current law, and the bill is meant to provide clearer statutory guidance. She also said she was open to removing the “rolling basis” language after feedback. The discussion ended with general support for the bill’s intent and a reminder from the chair that the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate both of your analyses of this bill.
• One of them, as an example, would be a target of 30 percent of the heavy-duty vehicles in serving San
• of SB 1075.
• Good evening, Kendra Begley, on behalf of the City of Glendale and the City of Roseville, in support.
• Also on behalf of the city and county of San Francisco.

Summary: The committee heard a series of Senate bills on environmental, climate, recycling, wildfire, outdoor access, and clean transportation policy. SB 958 would clarify CEQA treatment of impacts tied solely to increased building height, and SB 1230 would increase penalties and create CalRecycle support tools for repeat commercial illegal dumping. SB 1341 would revise how processing fees are calculated for bag-in-a-box wine under California’s recycling program. All three measures received due-pass recommendations to Appropriations, with roll calls showing majority support and the bills left open for absent members. Members then took up SB 1300, which would create a more permanent legislative role in California’s international climate cooperation and establish a climate secretariat at UC; SB 1370, which would codify and streamline wildfire fuel-reduction permitting with added safeguards, geographic and size limits, and pesticide-related amendments; and SB 1260/1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative and the Deputy Secretary for Access position at the Natural Resources Agency. Each drew support from environmental, utility, business, and local-government witnesses, while SB 1370 also drew opposition from environmental and advocacy groups concerned about reduced CEQA review and herbicide use. The committee discussed amendments at length, especially on SB 1370, and all three measures advanced with due-pass recommendations. The committee also heard SB 1213, the Clean Truck Transparency Act, requiring baseline pricing disclosure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks tied to state incentives and directing agencies to explore alternative financing. Support came from clean-air, business, and environmental groups, and the trucking/manufacturing opposition moved to neutral after amendments; the bill advanced on a due-pass vote. Finally, SB 1075, the Clean Air Promise, sought to strengthen AB 617 implementation and clarify community emission reduction planning, but it generated substantial opposition from air districts, business groups, and others over enforceability, funding, and the distinction between formal SERPs and community L-SERPs. The author described additional pending amendments to narrow L-SERP provisions, and the bill also received a due-pass recommendation to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate both of your analyses of this bill.
• One of them, as an example, would be a target of 30 percent of the heavy-duty vehicles serving San Leandro
• of SB 1075.
• Good evening, Kendra Begley, on behalf of the City of Glendale and the City of Roseville, in support.
• Good evening, Sylvia Solis Shaw here on behalf of the boards of supervisors for the counties of Mendocino

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Key drivers include less cash receipts over the last year, repeal of the interest and dividends tax,
• dividends</c> um, repeal of the interest and dividends um, repeal of the interest and dividends tax.
• on the financial statements.
• He doesn't want to change any of it, just put it aside, let it earn its interest, and when they call
• It will—we will credit interest, but I think it will have to be, again, the same way we invest all of

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaking of the governor, he issued a statement saying that he couldn't support the legislation in its
• This group of people up here are interested in shifting the tax system, shifting the tax burden so that
• This group of people up here are interested in shifting the tax system, shifting the tax burden so that
• And through deficit spending, which makes interest rates and the cost of housing and the cost of owning
• And through deficit spending, which makes interest rates and the cost of housing and the cost of owning

Summary: House and Senate Democratic leaders announced and defended a new “Millionaire’s Tax” bill, saying it is intended to raise revenue from the highest earners while reducing reliance on sales tax and B&O tax and funding education, health care, community safety, and other state needs. They said the proposal is a starting point and will likely change as they continue talks with the governor, business groups, local governments, and other stakeholders. They also said the bill is not subject to cutoff because it affects state revenue, and that the Senate hearing is scheduled first in Ways and Means, with the House expected to follow after the Senate version moves over. The leaders described the bill as narrowly targeted at roughly 30,000 individual payers, with the first $1 million of income taxed at zero and the rate matching the state capital gains tax above that level. They argued the measure is not a broad income tax and rejected claims that it creates a marriage penalty, saying the structure mirrors the capital gains tax and uses Washington’s capital gains definitions. They also said the bill includes credits and deductions to address pass-through businesses, including dollar-for-dollar credits for B&O and public utilities taxes and an election allowing some businesses to pay the tax at the entity level. A major part of the discussion focused on how the bill would use revenue. Leaders said about 5% would go to counties for public defense costs tied to a new Supreme Court mandate, while the rest would support tax relief and new spending. They said the package would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, increase the small business credit, end the B&O surcharge a year early, and exempt some hygiene and grooming products from sales tax, with the tax-relief share estimated in the 20% range. They also said the necessity clause is needed because of structural budget problems and federal policy changes, and they expressed confidence that voters and lawmakers have become more open to taxing high earners, citing the capital gains tax vote and broader public concern about inequality and federal cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• society, but a direct financial impact as well in terms of the direct employment of 84 full-time musicians
• But we also know there are a lot of competing interests at the university, right?
• And the purpose of the recommendation is to find a way to address a recurring pattern of financial instability
• The purpose of the recommendation is to address a recurring pattern of financial instability, due to,
• <c> and</c><03:32:54.560><c> this</c> because of high interest rates and this because of high interest

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Early review also included Division of Financial Management staff, noting necessary changes per the rulemaking
• This is the legal description of a water right point of diversion, point of place of use, we have added
• I am of the opinion that if I'm understanding your statement correctly, that reverting back to the old
• A couple of real-life examples of how this would change: In May of 2023, the Idaho Office of Emergency
• There's only four of them that I know of and only one of them gets extensively used.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• So is that an accurate way of looking at it? Well, New Hampshire is a couple of interesting points.
• </c><03:49:37.600><c> interests</c><03:49:38.080><c> with</c><03:49:38.199><c> our</c> conflicts of interests
• In the interest of time, they had cross-checked the four items that were to be extended.
• </c><05:03:07.400><c> of</c><05:03:07.638><c> time</c> extended okay so in the interest of time extended
• Can you scratch below the surface of that statement a little bit?

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail. The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels. The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of our of our permitting of our of our permitting process<00:14:56.120><c> this</c><00:14:56.320
• MCEA is a nonprofit public interest law and advocacy organization with a 50-year history of defending
• We're also interested in the section of the bill that establishes a permitting UDS position.
• </c><00:35:59.079><c> the</c> also interested in the section of the also interested in the section of
• I'm the administrator of the Creek Watershed District. counties are interested in working on counties

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that immigration arrests can result in tens of thousands of dollars in financial loss
• I'm here on behalf of the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organization, a proud sponsor of AB
• I'm on here on behalf of the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organization, a proud sponsor of
• with one of the highest costs of living in this nation.
• These include requiring a statement of support from the County Child Welfare Agency in each county in

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda focused largely on CalWORKs, child care access, early childhood supports, and family stability. Measures discussed included AB 1655, which would protect CalWORKs benefits for families when a child or family member is temporarily absent due to immigration detention; AB 1746, which would require counties to give CalWORKs applicants the actual child care request form and respond within 10 days; and AB 1755, which would repeal the CalWORKs 100-hour work penalty for two-parent families. Supporters across these bills emphasized reducing poverty, preventing administrative barriers, and avoiding punishments that can destabilize working families. No opposition witnesses appeared on these items. All three bills were moved forward on party-line or near-unanimous votes, with committee amendments accepted where noted. The committee also heard AB 2072, creating a state contingency fund to keep CalFresh and WIC benefits flowing during a federal shutdown, with support from the California Retailers Association and anti-poverty groups; AB 2429, which would make targeted changes to the early childhood mental health consultation model by making one screener optional and reducing required observations; AB 1969, the "It Takes a Village Act," establishing a grant program for cradle-to-career place-based partnerships; and AB 2092, giving the Department of Social Services lead authority over an early childhood integrated data system and creating an interagency governance structure. Testimony on these bills stressed the need for coordinated services, better data, and more flexible implementation. Each advanced out of committee, with AB 1969 receiving the most discussion and a split vote before later being finalized on the record. Two additional bills addressed county administration and emergency aid. AB 2278 would authorize a Contra Costa County pilot to test technology to speed IHSS eligibility and reassessments amid heavy caseloads and penalties, while AB 2567 would let counties issue emergency CalWORKs aid without first requiring applicants to apply for all other potentially available income sources. Both were presented as ways to reduce delays and help families in crisis faster. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing several other measures. At the end of the hearing, the committee returned to open votes and finalized the roll on all items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill tolls the statute of limitation for the offense of failing to make a mandatory report of known
• We are extremely supportive of this bill, which will continue the State of Florida's strong legacy of
• , I think that a lot of, take up Trenton's law, but a lot of, I think that a lot of impaired driving
• Unfortunately, this is one of those bills where technology and some of the heinous behavior of folks,
• The purpose of the unit was to provide selective enforcement of the narcotics and drug abuse laws of

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• the financial sector that we were seeing in the fall of 2025.
• the financial sector that we were seeing in the fall of 2025.
• the financial sector that we were seeing in the fall of 2025.
• the financial sector that we were seeing in the fall of 2025.
• Um, I also was really interested at that kind of summary at the end of the presentation and kind of what

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:00.240><c> contracts,</c><00:34:00.880><c> interest</c> negotiation of contracts, interest
• negotiation of contracts, interest contract<00:34:02.120><c> arbitrations.
• I mean, it is how the Beach Now board is operated, is, um, of interest to me and this committee, I think
• I mean, it is how the Beach Now board is operated, is, um, of interest to me and this committee, I think
• I mean, it is how the Beach Now board is operated, is, um, of interest to me and this committee, I think

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• their interest and taking good care of them.
• their interests and taking good care of them.
• Um, there sort of is not as much interest in some of that as I thought there would be.
• </c><01:06:58.000><c> of</c> they really have the best interests of they really have the best interests
• </c><01:07:48.640><c> our</c> best interest of our student of our best interest of our student of our

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• that um are out of committee of of areas that um are out of bounds<00:15:57.680><c> for</c><00:15:58.079
• is this one of those types of &gt;&gt; Was that is this one of those types of committees<00:23:16.880
• I guess my point is each of us or all of I guess my point is each of us or all of us<00:24:22.480><c
• </c> pull one item out of all of those that pull one item out of all of those that seem<00:48:35.119>
• So maybe not get rid of the rid of it.

Summary: The committee opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then moved into a work session on its remaining bills. The main discussion centered on House Bill 477, which would establish a commission to study safety and security procedures at the New Hampshire State House. Members debated whether a new commission was needed, with several speakers arguing that security is already being reviewed through the bipartisan Joint Facilities Committee and existing security staff, including an outside consultant’s review. Others raised concerns that members do not always know how to report safety or behavioral issues and suggested better communication to the full membership about who to contact and what information can be shared. The House clerk then explained the structure and authority of the Joint Facilities Committee under RSA 17-E, noting that it is a bipartisan legislative committee made up only of elected officials, with publicly listed members, defined duties, and the ability to meet in nonpublic session on sensitive matters such as security. The clerk said members can bring concerns to the committee, its chair, or their caucus leadership, and that some safety briefings are already given to all members when appropriate. Several members said they preferred keeping security matters limited to a need-to-know basis and opposed creating a new commission that could force public discussion of sensitive procedures. The committee then voted on HB 477. Representative Sheen moved ITL, Representative Turkot seconded, and the motion passed 12-0, with Representative Wall voting no. The bill was sent to consent. After that, the committee began discussion of House Bill 314, which would prohibit the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• His areas of interest include coaching young physicians and recognition and management of provider burnout
• to pass thank you now an opening statement please okay thank you mr. chair I became aware of the crisis
• Lastly, I just think that our credit ratings agencies will have to take note of us taking the interest
• And one of the things that this bill does is that it has to be written as to the child's best interest
• factors and also written to explain why kinship was not in the best interest of the child.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that if they are interested in effective prosecution of these types of cases, there could be
• of the their in the best interest of the their clients<02:17:02.599><c> or</c><02:17:02.800><c> they
• They're a person of interest to us.
• They're a person of interest to us.
• /c><02:39:04.880><c> even</c><02:39:05.120><c> for</c> interest of the citizens and even for interest

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not because of intent, not because of planning, but because of who the... ...not because of intent, not
• Then why is my private financial information disclosed to the public in the form of Form 6 that can make
• ...financial information disclosed to the public in the form of Form 6 that can make it susceptible and
• Then why is my private financial information disclosed to the public in the form of Form 6 that can make
• financial information disclosed to the public in the form of form six that can make it susceptible and

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including the Challenger Learning Center, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, school students, and other local officials and organizations. Members also offered remarks about President Allbritton’s recovery and upcoming events, including State of Black Florida Week and a future executive appointments calendar. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers. The bill clarifies that resistance to an officer with violence is not justified when the officer is performing official duties, removes language stating an officer is not justified in using force if the arrest or duty is unlawful and known to be unlawful, and adds mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Senators offered competing views: supporters said the bill corrects a verdict-form and charging problem exposed in the Officer Jason Rainer case and honors his family, while opponents argued it removes civilian protections, expands police authority, and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. Two amendments were offered and withdrawn, and the bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed a series of bills, mostly on public records and regulatory topics. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increased penalties; SB 288 narrowed statutory ambiguity affecting rural electric cooperatives; SB 292 and SB 298 created or extended public-records protections for appellate court clerks and victims of dating violence in the Address Confidentiality Program; SB 296 created the HAVEN initiative to study a secure alert system for domestic violence victims and expanded confidentiality protections; SB 364 modernized CPA licensure pathways; SB 386 created protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserved exemptions for emergency shelter information, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit records, Public Service Commission and Gaming Commission proceedings, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigatory records, social media platform investigations, and certain economic development loan-program financial records. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, and the Senate waived rules so all bills passed that day could be immediately certified to the House.