Transcript Highlights:

• Interestingly, we don't create them for the candidate process.
• I mean, I as a candidate could actually have someone sign the back of a postage stamp, and it would be
• Look, I think it's one of the easiest things I do as a candidate every time I ask for a signature is,
• There are statutory references to independence in our statutes, and that affect voters and candidates
• There are statutory references to independence in our statutes that affect voters and candidates.

Bills: SB1012 , SB1099 , SB1234 , SB1392 , SB1489 , SB1535 , SB1570 , SB1609 , SB1627 , SB1634 , SB1661 , SB1709 , SB1723 , SB1725 , SB1743 , SB1829 , SCR1027 , SCR1040 , SCR1048

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: concealed carry, firearms, restaurants, liquor licensing, public safety, defamation, private figure, public concern, statute of limitations, internet defamation, juvenile court, legal representation, appointed attorney, guardian ad litem, child welfare, election canvass, canvassing board, governing body, election inspection, election access

Transcript Highlights:

• , and this was true on the left and the right, willing to support a candidate who was going to advance
• was statements because that candidate was supporting<00:34:54.560><c> the</c><00:34:54.800><c> policies
• And there's a difference between a candidate like yourself asking for a correction or even going to a
• And there's a difference between<01:12:41.920><c> a</c><01:12:42.159><c> candidate</c><01:12:42.640><
• c> like</c><01:12:42.880><c> yourself</c><01:12:43.760><c> asking</c> between a candidate like yourself

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing with Professor Colin Moore on democratic norms and their erosion in the United States, with a focus on what that could mean for Hawaii. Chair Carl Rhodes introduced the topic and the professor, noting the briefing was livestreamed and could be rescheduled if technical problems arose. Moore defined democratic norms as unwritten guardrails that make written constitutional rules work in practice, emphasizing two core norms from political science: mutual toleration, meaning acceptance of political opponents as legitimate, and institutional forbearance, meaning restraint in using legal powers to the maximum for partisan gain. Moore used historical examples to show how norms develop and erode, including George Washington’s resignation, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the contested 1800 election, Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, and Watergate. He argued that democracies usually erode gradually rather than through sudden coups, often through leaders who reject opponents’ legitimacy, tolerate political violence, restrict civil liberties, or attack the press. He said the United States is vulnerable because of its strong presidency, an 18th-century constitutional design that did not anticipate modern political parties or a neutral civil service, and because polarization has encouraged “constitutional hardball” and retaliation. He cited comparative examples such as Hungary, Turkey, and other countries that slid toward authoritarianism over time, and said the U.S. has been rated a flawed democracy by outside indexes. Moore said the erosion predates Donald Trump, though he believes Trump has accelerated it, and pointed to recent actions and rhetoric as moving beyond ceremony into government practice. He also warned that Congress has not consistently checked executive power and that public willingness to excuse anti-democratic behavior from preferred candidates is troubling. The briefing ended with Moore turning to federalism and Hawaii, arguing that the state depends heavily on federal funding for health care, schools, housing, and infrastructure, and that delays or disruptions from an unstable federal government could create serious local harm even if no law is formally broken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the Minnesota Legislature has further protected the right of political candidates and their
• Additionally, the Minnesota Legislature has further protected the right of political candidates and their
• </c><00:08:07.360><c> and</c><00:08:07.560><c> their</c> right of political candidates and their right
• of political candidates and their campaign<00:08:08.240><c> volunteers</c><00:08:08.800><c> to</c><00
• and their campaign political candidates and their campaign volunteers<00:09:12.200><c> please</c><00

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But this bill addresses just locations that relate to us as candidates and legislators.
• Uh, it provides clarification that street addresses on prior candidate filings are considered private
• data and also outlines the transition process for candidates and clerks related to the new candidate
• and transition process for candidates and clerks<01:12:43.400><c> related</c><01:12:43.800><c> to</c
• the new candidate clerks related to the new candidate affidavits<01:12:46.000><c> since</c><01:12:46.200

Bills: HF4077 , HF3809 , HF3639 , HF4478 , HF3363 , HF3874

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations

Summary: The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the minutes from March 25 and March 26, then took up House File 4077, a bipartisan bill authored by Representatives Greenman and Roach. The bill would prohibit municipalities from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities that restrict disclosure about land development, economic development, or publicly funded projects, while preserving existing Chapter 13 data practices rules and trade secret protections. The authors argued the bill is needed to prevent secret agreements and backroom decision-making that undermine public transparency, and they moved that the bill be re-referred to the general register. Several local officials and residents testified in support, including a St. Louis County commissioner, the mayor of Lonsdale, and residents from Farmington and Hermantown. Supporters said NDAs had been used in connection with data center and other development projects to keep elected officials and the public in the dark, eroding trust and limiting community input. They described the bill as a common-sense transparency measure and said existing law already protects legitimate trade secrets. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership, which argued that NDAs are often necessary in early-stage economic development discussions to protect sensitive business information and remain competitive with other states. They warned the bill could discourage investment, jobs, and tax growth, and said it would impose a one-size-fits-all state mandate that limits local discretion. Committee members then debated whether the bill was too broad and whether it should be narrowed to data centers; supporters responded that the issue extends beyond data centers to other forms of economic development. A roll call vote was requested on the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register, but the final vote result was not stated in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but process-wise, we do interview candidates from the community, um, that, you know, share values
• from the community um that candidates from the community um that you<00:53:25.200><c> know</c><00:53
• </c><00:53:39.200><c> um</c><00:53:39.280><c> and</c> searching for candidates um and searching for candidates
• um and interviewing<00:53:39.920><c> candidates</c><00:53:40.240><c> that</c><00:53:40.480><c> are</
• c> interviewing candidates that are interviewing candidates that are interested<00:53:40.960><c> for<

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• supported seven times by the Legislature and ensures taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by hiring candidates
• Without selective certification, if candidates in the first three ranks do not possess the necessary
• years, increased turnover, and the additional cost of restarting the recruitment cycle should the candidate
• district to most efficiently utilize taxpayer dollars and serve students and families by hiring candidates

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed law amends present law to provide that names of qualified candidates may be submitted to
• It provides for the qualifications of both the candidates for the board and the licensee, For the qualifications
• of both the candidates for the board and the licensees submitting names of candidates, and retains provisions

Bills: SCR53 , HB259 , HB267 , HB478 , HB548 , HB555 , HB617 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB848 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1166 , HB1195 , HB1230

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death accounts, estate planning, beneficiary designations, Louisiana law, task force, inheritance, nonprobate transfers, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board

Transcript Highlights:

• All that we ask humans for, good souls and candid hearts, lie around me where they fall before the new
• <00:02:32.360><c> good</c><00:02:32.760><c> souls</c> for, good souls for, good souls and and and candid
• candid candid hearts, lie<00:02:40.760><c> around</c><00:02:41.120><c> me</c> lie around me lie around

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Muppie, members, has passed the House requirements for a candidate committee, political action
• Madam, members, Senate Bill 1664 requires a nomination petition for a candidate for constable in a county
• Madam Witt, members, Senate Bill 1133 is an emergency measure that specifies certain candidates are deemed
• to be in compliance with the financial disclosure requirement for filing nomination papers if the candidate

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees. A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work. The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Muppie, members, has passed the House requirements for a candidate committee, political action
• Madam Witt, members, Senate Bill 1664 requires a nomination petition for a candidate for constable in
• Madam Witt, members, Senate Bill 1133 is an emergency measure that specifies certain candidates are deemed
• to be in compliance with the financial disclosure requirement for filing nomination papers if the candidate

Summary: The committee reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across campaign finance, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, rural development, transportation, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent items or strike-everything amendments, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data, insurance and contractor conduct during emergencies, continuation of various boards and commissions, school safety and communication systems, DCS and child welfare procedures, public records fees, utility submetering, foreign adversary restrictions, and multiple health care licensing and reimbursement provisions. Several members asked for clarification on a number of bills, including school discipline communication, DCS photo documentation, and utility billing changes. A few bills drew more extended discussion. SB 1074, concerning teacher-initiated classroom removals and principal certification of return and discipline, prompted questions about parental notification and the purpose of the bill. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction, led to concerns about privacy and the scope of documentation, with supporters saying it would improve continuity and child protection. SB 1751, which would expand execution methods to include firing squad, generated strong opposition from one member and support from another, with debate focused on the morality of execution methods and the implications for those carrying them out. SB 1336, continuing the State Land Department and creating an oversight board, was pulled from the consent calendar. The committee also heard brief comments in support of bills on hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living, research security at universities, and EMS licensure compacts. Toward the end, members reviewed bills on virtual currency investments and payments, telecommunications infrastructure, tax lien and revenue administration changes, and retirement system investment limits. No floor votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting primarily consisted of bill presentations, questions, and a few items being removed or pulled from consent calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• end, we asked agencies for their recommendations over the interim on what reports might be good candidates
• Under current law, individuals who provide demographic details or candid personal experiences face a
• materials with the title of any filed ballot proposition for an election that year or the name of any candidate
• figure out how it applies, say, ballot proposition for an election that year or the name of any candidate

Bills: SB6215 , SB6160 , SB6313 , SB6049 , SB6164 , SB5046 , SB5842 , SB6035 , SB5853 , SB5888

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: fraud prevention, identity theft, consumer protection, security measures, legislation, government efficiency, state agencies, reporting, bureaucracy, transparency, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, student privacy, employee confidentiality, public disclosure, data protection

Transcript Highlights:

• It hears contests of candidacy after candidate filing periods.
• But candidate filing is coming up April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, right there in the middle of session.
• Because April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, the Friday is Good Friday, and yes, we will have candidate filing on April
• first one, which is the state election board revolving fund that consists mainly of two Things: one, candidate

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that this is a candidate for suspense file. I just want to thank Mr.
• Again, this bill is a candidate for the suspense file. It will be referred to there.
• Chair I know that this is a candidate for suspense file I just want to thank Mr.
• Again, this bill is a candidate for the suspense file. It will be referred to there.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation held its second regular hearing of the 2025-26 session and announced that, under reinstated suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee first heard AB 53, which would create a state income tax exemption of up to $20,000 for military retirees and certain survivor benefits. Supporters, including veterans’ groups, military retirees, and local officials, argued California is the only state taxing military retirement pay in full and that the exemption would help retain veterans and their families. Committee members voiced strong support, but the bill was sent to suspense. The committee then heard several wildfire-related tax relief bills. AB 429 would exempt certain wildfire settlement payments from gross income for victims of fires from 2020 through 2026; the author and a Greenville fire victim described the burden of taxing settlement funds, and rural county and forestry groups supported the measure. AB 97 proposed similar relief for Bobcat Fire settlement payments, and AB 389 would create a personal income tax credit for home-hardening expenses in high fire-risk areas, with Cal Fire and realtor representatives supporting the bill as a way to reduce future losses. Each of these measures drew no formal opposition in the hearing and was referred to suspense. AB 386 would create a tax credit for employers that help full-time employees repay student loans, up to $3,000 per employee per year. Supporters said it would help recruit and retain workers and reduce student debt burdens, while the California Tax Reform Association opposed the bill because it lacked allocation criteria and would reduce General Fund and education revenues. Committee members expressed interest but asked for clearer eligibility standards, and the bill was sent to suspense. AB 490 would allow a deduction for interest paid on qualified personal vehicle loans; the author framed it as relief for families dependent on cars, but opposition again came from the tax reform group, which argued the deduction would mainly benefit higher-income taxpayers. The bill also went to suspense. The committee also heard AB 547, which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for IVF and other fertility-treatment expenses. The author and a witness who described a long and costly IVF journey said the credit would help families afford treatment and support parenthood; members responded sympathetically and asked why the proposal was structured as a tax credit rather than a health coverage mandate. Finally, AB 330 would extend the prepaid mobile telephony services collection act through 2031, preserving an 80-cent surcharge that supports 911 and local government revenues; local government representatives and cities supported the extension, and it too was referred to suspense. The hearing ended with the committee adjourning after all measures were held for suspense-file consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act relative to the nomination process for candidates for the town meeting in Milford.
• An act relative to the nomination process for candidates for the town meeting in Milford.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and routine actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of two resolutions: one recognizing the 100th anniversary of Ayrhill Farms in Adams and another congratulating Fiona White on earning the Girl Scouts’ Gold Award. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition by James K. Hawkins, allowing a petition concerning a board to oversee occupancy payments for manufactured housing community accommodations in Attleboro to be sent to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a slate of House bills for third reading, including measures on banking law references, credit union director compensation, a local option property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and EMTs, electronic filing of property valuation forms, delivery of property tax bills, notification of deceased animals on state highways, a Boston Fire Department age waiver, and validation of the Bourne annual election. The House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then considered several bills on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including a Milford town meeting nomination process bill, a Sandwich overpass memorial designation, a Boston Police Department age waiver for Alex J. Rodriguez, and a Westwood charter bill. The House adopted an order to meet again Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, especially if a candidate that was coming forward that was an attorney, they wanted that insight
• if a candidate that was coming<00:50:47.000><c> forward</c><00:50:47.240><c> that</c><00:50:47.360><
• other candidates from other parties parties parties um<00:59:50.520><c> in</c><00:59:50.640><c> that
• And I know when I was with the Shop Labor Committee, there were different candidates that would come
• </c><01:32:34.240><c> that</c> there were different candidates that there were different candidates that

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:

• if there was a vacancy for school board member, they would go into nonpublic and discuss all the candidates
• so everybody's kind of doing what they have normally been doing. nonpublic and discuss all the candidates
• nonpublic and discuss all the candidates and<03:38:55.920><c> then</c><03:38:56.120><c> they'd</c><03

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened its hearing with a procedural discussion about a forthcoming Monday hearing, and the chair confirmed that any amendment deemed non-germane would be made public in advance and included in the calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would replace the word “citizen” in the Right-to-Know law with “any person,” allow requesters to specify the format of records, and expressly reference preliminary drafts circulated to a quorum or majority of a public body as disclosable material. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clarify existing law, remove uncertainty after a Rochester-related dispute over requester eligibility, and make records easier to obtain electronically unless doing so would be impossible, unusual, unduly burdensome, or harmful to recordkeeping integrity. Testimony was mixed. Cordell Johnston, speaking for himself as a municipal attorney, opposed most of the bill, especially the requirement that records be delivered electronically or by mail, arguing that out-of-state or out-of-country requests can be fishing expeditions that impose significant burdens on towns and clerks. He said local residents already can obtain records at town hall and that many municipalities voluntarily email records as a courtesy, but should not be required to mail large volumes of material. He also said the preliminary-draft language was unnecessary because such drafts are already covered when circulated to a quorum or majority. Representative Alexander raised concerns about the breadth of “any person,” potential abuse by bad actors, and the cost to municipalities, while Representative Peternell asked about whether the bill should account for nonresident property owners and business owners. The sponsor responded that limiting requesters by residency would not meaningfully stop abuse and said he did not know the bill’s fiscal impact, though he suggested it might improve efficiency. Yil Biset of the ACLU of New Hampshire testified in support of HB 6, calling it a modest and reasonable transparency measure. He said the preliminary-draft language was acceptable and consistent with existing exemption language in the public-meeting and documents statutes, and he said he was not aware of foreign-bot document requests occurring in New Hampshire. He also noted that current law already requires electronic disclosure when records exist electronically and can reasonably be provided that way. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• a member candidate for election to<02:30:04.040><c> or</c><02:30:04.280><c> member</c><02:30:04.560>
• ><c> or</c><02:32:55.520><c> member</c> However, a member candidate or member However, a member candidate
• Did there have to be multiple candidates for a particular position?
• for a particular multiple candidates for a particular position?
• There has to be multiple candidates.

Transcript Highlights:

• House 4203, an act providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverhill.
• House 4204, an act providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverhill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So AI is embedded in our coursework, and candidates learn how to use AI to support planning, differentiation
• And we're working closely with our candidates to help them understand, is this what you?
• And we're working closely with our candidates to help them understand, is this what you want to do?

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of the areas that we need to do better is when you're a candidate, right?
• with you specifically in the future and how we do better collectively to make it easier for the candidate
• look forward to working with you and making sure that we make that process a little easier for the candidate

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.