Transcript Highlights:

• Currently school bond questions are excluded from being placed on the general election ballot.
• I think the representative has done an excellent job in giving you all an overview of this proposed amendment
• only place these bond levy elections on a regular local election in odd number years and in mail ballots
• are significantly increasing, and this change will help districts to place these questions on the ballot
• And those proposals Haven't moved forward.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that the first reference that you made was in regard to the provisional ballot.
• Because it's not about safety; it's about paper ballots and paper-and-pen ballots and the way in which
• by this body obviously Senator Polsky said, “Something that was proposed by this body.
• You can then vote in person here or request a vote-by-mail ballot from our office.
• In addition to federal and state races, your ballot will include local races for Leon County.

Bills: S0174, S1342, S1334, S1362, S1602, S1604

Keywords: transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, transit-oriented development, housing affordability, mixed-use zoning, urban development, traffic congestion, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud, vertiports, aviation, airport infrastructure, economic development, veterans

Summary: The committee first heard CS for SB 1342 on transit-oriented development by Senator Rouson, which seeks to expand housing near fixed transit corridors by updating TOD definitions and applying Live Local-style land-use principles to those areas. An amendment narrowed definitions, limited the bill to land-use and development regulations, removed a private cause of action, and added exclusions for environmentally sensitive areas, historic properties, and military installations. Supporters said the bill would increase housing supply near existing infrastructure and maximize the state’s transit investments, while local government groups and city leagues opposed it as a sweeping preemption of local zoning authority that could force high-density development without public hearings or adequate infrastructure planning. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up CS for SB 1334 on elections by Senator Grall, which would require documentary proof of citizenship in voter registration and related election processes, update how citizenship is verified through REAL ID and the SAVE database, clarify that paper ballots are the primary voting method, and add other election-related changes such as candidate eligibility rules and timelines. Two technical amendments were adopted. During extended questioning, senators raised concerns about how documents would be submitted and stored, whether voters without Florida IDs or REAL IDs—especially students, disabled voters, seniors, and homeless Floridians—could be flagged or burdened, and what fiscal and workload impacts the bill would have on supervisors of elections and state agencies. Supporters argued the bill would streamline verification and reduce duplicate paperwork, while many public speakers and some senators said it would create barriers to voting, increase costs, and risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The transcript ends during debate on the bill, before a final vote is shown. Later, the committee considered CS for SB 1362 on advanced air mobility by Senator Harrell. A strike-all amendment aligned the bill with the House version and added vertiports and charging systems as eligible projects for public-private partnership funding, with FDOT authorized to fund certain vertiport costs within available resources. The bill drew support from industry and local representatives, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 174, which designates a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and directs FDOT to install markers at an estimated cost of $2,400. The bill prompted significant debate over whether Kirk’s legacy warranted a state road designation, with opponents citing his controversial statements and arguing the honor was political and divisive, while supporters said the designation recognizes civic engagement near FIU and is symbolic rather than regulatory. The transcript ends during debate on SB 174, before any final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had read in one of the bills, I proposed 150 setbacks.
• will fulfill that requirement that was put, I guess, into statute from that ballot measure?
• And they need to pay the fair share, not a cut rate down to the 12% that's been proposed.
• And they need to pay the fair share, not a cut rate down to the 12% that's been proposed.
• That's just unfair. fair share, not a cut rate down to the 12% that's been proposed.

Summary: The House Utilities Committee resumed and then concluded a hearing on HB 2402 and HB 2816, both dealing with utility-scale solar development. The chair asked witnesses to testify for informational purposes where they supported some provisions but opposed others, and the discussion centered on setback distances, taxation, cropland conversion caps, local control, and decommissioning/oversight. Several witnesses described concerns about large solar projects encircling farms, impacts on neighbors, glare, fire risk, wetlands, and property values, while others emphasized the need for reasonable statewide standards and the importance of preserving Chapter 100 agreements and county flexibility. Testimony from landowners and advocacy groups largely urged stronger protections: higher setbacks, more local authority, lower caps on cropland conversion, and higher tax rates than the bill’s proposed $2,500 per megawatt. Some witnesses argued solar should be taxed as commercial property rather than agricultural land, while others raised constitutional concerns about changing agricultural assessment. A county commissioner described local regulations his county adopted, including road agreements, decommissioning bonds, hydraulic studies, and buffering, and said counties need clearer rules, especially where there is no zoning. Industry and utility representatives said the bills were generally workable but wanted further discussion on setbacks and tax treatment. They argued tax comparisons should account for the full package of taxes and incentives, not just nameplate taxes, and said higher taxes can raise electricity costs for customers. Ameren Missouri said most of the bill was acceptable, but cautioned about how real property would be assessed and noted its current and planned solar buildout. The committee took no vote; after hearing the final witness, the chair closed testimony on HB 2402 and HB 2816 and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• As well as amendments proposed after the bill becomes law.
• initiative process to get something on the ballot in an honest and fair way.
• It sets a time frame, a total of seven months, to propose language for a proposed rule.
• It must then publish a notice of proposed rule within 180 days thereafter.
• I think it's much like a, you know, a ballot statement. If you are A, you know, a ballot statement.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0. The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship. The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we're taking what<00:11:08.480><c> was</c><00:11:08.640><c> proposed</c><00:11:09.040><c> here</c
• ><00:11:09.200><c> and</c><00:11:09.519><c> trying</c><00:11:09.760><c> to</c> what was proposed here
• So I I guess I'm get trying to ballot.
• </c> members to vote for this on the ballot? members to vote for this on the ballot?
• This proposes an this agenda is SP 2152.

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that the first reference that you made was in regard to the provisional ballot.
• Because it's not about safety, it's about paper ballots and paper and pen ballots and the way in which
• Because it's not about safety, it's about paper ballots and paper and pen ballots and the way in which
• Senator Polsky, in debate: Something that was proposed by this body.
• You can then vote in person here or request a vote-by-mail ballot from our office.

Bills: S0174, S1342, S1334, S1362, S1602, S1604

Keywords: transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, transit-oriented development, housing affordability, mixed-use zoning, urban development, traffic congestion, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud, vertiports, aviation, airport infrastructure, economic development, veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• It would go on the November ballot.
• It goes on the ballot, like all constitutional amendments have passed.
• If the joint resolution were approved, it would be on the ballot this fall.
• So you're proposing, Mr. Speaker? Yeah.
• Those wishing to speak in opposition to the proposal to add a judgeship. Okay.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're proposing to reduce the opportunity for local workers to find work.
• Every year the Governor proposes cutting this funding; every year we get it reinstated.
• drop locations, and locations where ballots are counted, canvassed, audited, certified, or recounted
• This bill further weakens that standard by allowing ballots to still be counted if they are received
• In fact, my bill was proposed regarding this subject, to have all mail ballots arrive by election day

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, under pressure from refineries, new regulations have been proposed that will Work procedures.
• Originally, the proposed cap was an inflation factor.
• And they proposed increased training.
• Some Californians serving overseas are literally unable to return their ballots by mail.
• My own chief of staff's brother, who was deployed, has never received his ballot, vote-by-mail ballot

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through confirmations and floor legislation. Three California Housing Finance Agency and State Mining and Geology Board appointments were confirmed unanimously. The chamber then took up several policy bills, with debate often focusing on housing, public safety, energy, and local government impacts. Among the major measures, SB 1173 on lesser related offense jury instructions passed after supporters argued it would give judges limited discretion and improve fairness, while opponents warned it could create inconsistency. SB 1354, barring out-of-state military or law enforcement activity in California without the Governor’s permission, passed despite objections that it conflicted with federal commander-in-chief authority. SB 1090, the Altadena disaster-speculation bill, passed to restrict unsolicited purchase offers in fire-affected areas, and SB 966 passed to preserve refinery worker safety participation rights. SB 1256, a local housing/land-use bill, passed unanimously after discussion of fire-safety concerns and ongoing amendments. The Senate also approved SB 865 on music festivals, SB 866 on homelessness planning and regional coordination for jurisdictions not receiving HAP funds, SB 938 on peace officer training requirements for certain immigration-enforcement-related applicants after the author committed to major amendments, SB 1359 on natural gas planning to reduce ratepayer costs, SB 923 on privacy rights under the CCPA, SB 1098 on utility memorandum and balancing accounts, SB 1010 on refrigerant recovery for cooling appliances, SB 937 on restricting flashbang use in crowd control and immigration enforcement, SB 1082 on inter-district pupil transfers, and SB 1087 on modernizing regional transportation planning. Several bills drew split votes and pointed debate over mandates, taxes, local control, and regulatory certainty, but most ultimately passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, this proposal will discourage residents from running for office.
• As it was proposed, there's no stated grounds for recall.
• As it was proposed, there's no stated grounds for recall.
• Sudbury also proposed no turnout minimums with a special election.
• And even then, the proposal includes significant safeguards.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, from the counting the ballots?
• So, this proposed legislation home.
• </c><00:42:36.000><c> a</c> this proposed legislation has a this proposed legislation has a definition
• The proposed that has to be in escrow.
• </c> I think the uh the uh proposed I think the uh the uh proposed legislation<01:26:20.880><c> accounts

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow state-chartered credit unions to compensate board members if the membership approves it. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, intended to help credit unions recruit and retain qualified directors and align New Hampshire with other states that already allow such compensation. Credit union representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank supported the bill, saying board service has become more complex because of cybersecurity, asset-liability management, and other regulatory demands, and that compensation could be modest and take forms such as meeting fees or educational reimbursement. In response to committee questions, they said compensation would be set by the membership, disclosed in advance, and subject to bylaws and internal policies; they also noted that board members must be credit union members and that voting procedures vary by institution, with some using mailed ballots rather than proxy voting. Members raised questions about why credit union boards were historically excluded, what kinds of compensation were contemplated, whether there would be a cap, and how voting and confidentiality would work. Testimony explained that the historical rationale was the nonprofit, volunteer mission of credit unions, but witnesses argued that the modern environment and competition for talent justify a change. They also said the bill would not mandate compensation and would not create a salary structure comparable to banks, but would allow members to approve modest compensation or reimbursements. After no further testimony, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25. The committee then opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Senator Howard Pearl, concerning the definition of deposits in land sales and escrowed accounts. Pearl said the bill would clarify that buyer funds for upgrades and luxury items in new-home construction are not treated as refundable deposits that must be held in escrow, arguing that the current Attorney General interpretation raises builder costs, increases home prices, and can limit buyer choices. He said the proposal would allow those upgrade funds to be paid directly to builders for construction, with signed disclosures making clear that the buyer requested the items and bears the risk if financing falls through. The hearing on Senate Bill 26 had just begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:16:55.519><c> and</c> specific funds and proposals and specific funds and proposals and projects
• </c><02:31:21.920><c> rule</c> to see these proposed rule to see these proposed rule changes.<02:31:24.080
• <02:31:41.040><c> rule</c> proposed rule proposed rule making<02:31:42.960><c> and</c><02:31:43.200><
• </c> am in favor of the uh bill proposal am in favor of the uh bill proposal language<04:28:11.520><c
• </c><04:37:35.439><c> agreements</c> details, all of the proposed agreements details, all of the proposed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, what would be an easier approach to speed up the ballots? Voter ID.
• It takes too long to count these ballots.
• This bill allows us just to reject signatures and then have another 20 days to count those ballots.
• An automatic rejection of ballots because they didn't match the signature.
• Just to be clear, it's 10 days to count the normal ballots in this bill.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0. Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education. On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jackie on us on behalf of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, proposing the majority of small
• I do like that this has been proposed by the the local control part.
• This bill will allow CCTA to place a similar tax measure on the ballot.
• I want to clarify: all this does is give the voters the ability to put that measure on the ballot and
• The governor has proposed to allocate a total of $1.6 billion.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post signage at tobacco retail locations about lung cancer screening eligibility. The author and a UC San Diego thoracic surgery resident testified that lung cancer screening is underused because many Californians do not know it exists, while retailers and convenience store groups raised implementation concerns about sign size, store space, and notice before penalties. Members discussed penalties and screening access, and the author said he was willing to reduce the penalty in later amendments. The bill passed 4-0 and was sent to the Committee on Health. The committee also considered several disaster-related tax measures. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without losing their Proposition 13 base-year value, and it received support from the Los Angeles County Assessor, the California Association of Realtors, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dahle, would create a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased after a disaster for a primary residence; the chair raised concerns about administration and benefits flowing to higher-income households, and CTA opposed. Both bills were approved and sent to Appropriations, with SB 1352 passing 5-0 and SB 1343 passing 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place limits and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to examples from Shafter and Dinuba where local revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. The city of Shafter, League of California Cities, and California Retailers Association supported the bill, while some members worried it could infringe on local control; the author and sponsor argued it would protect local tax dollars without eliminating local discretion. The bill passed 4-0 and went to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; supporters included transit agencies and county officials, while Howard Jarvis and the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed. The committee emphasized that the measure only lets voters decide, and the bill passed 4-1. The committee also took up SB 1404 by Senator Stern, which would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to help fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with the author saying he wanted to reduce administrative costs and work on hardship protections. NRDC and PG&E supported the concept, while rural county representatives, Howard Jarvis, and Butte County opposed, arguing the fee would unfairly burden rural and fixed-income residents and function like a tax. Members split over affordability and local impacts, but the bill passed 4-1. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help retention and access to care in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 after committee amendments were accepted. The consent calendar and other listed bills were also approved on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The language being proposed is very similar to requirements for voter notification.
• instead of ahead of issuing a ballot to a voter.
• When we use several multi-colored ballots, we deleted the word...
• It makes clear that the allowance is to assume that the total of the pre-packaged ballots is correct.
• Still stands that election judges should initial ballots as they go.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:20.440><c> and</c> that folks can um get on the ballot and that folks can um get on the ballot
• So, [clears throat] the amendment that was proposed just moments ago...
• And then we went to the ballot and we have now elected people from 15 different districts.
• So, I would I propose going into law.
• Yeah, they can go to the ballot, but it's difficult when you're underwater already.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows additional counties to put that sales tax on the ballot.
• But first— This bill allows additional counties to put that sales tax on the ballot.
• So it's really up to the library, individual library, on what they propose to voters.
• So it's really up to the library, individual library, on what they proposed to voters.
• On what they proposed to voters.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters for a sales tax, with specific provisions for St. Charles County requiring a property tax rollback tied to sales tax revenue, and separate limits and property tax elimination requirements for Cass and Johnson counties. It also includes language allowing circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance. Senator Brown explained the bill and the county-specific amendments. Library representatives and supporters testified that the measure would let local voters decide whether to diversify library funding beyond property taxes, which they said currently provide the vast majority of library revenue. Supporters from Scenic Regional Library, St. Charles City-County Library, Marshall Public Library, the Missouri Library Association, and the Kansas City Public Library said the bill would help stabilize funding, support expansion and services, protect voter-approved taxes from county reclassification issues, and provide fiscal flexibility. Some members raised concerns about shifting library funding to a sales tax paid by nonresidents, while others emphasized the broad community role of libraries and supported the bill. No one testified in opposition. The chair closed the public hearing and announced the committee planned to executive the bill on Monday, with the exact time to be emailed to members.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Massachusetts and Maine were ballot initiatives, Chair.
• established an independent entity to conduct the regulation of the ballot initiative language.
• established an independent entity to conduct the regulation of the ballot initiative language.
• </c> enforcement uh in Maine um the ballot enforcement uh in Maine um the ballot initiative<01:02:17.760
• </c> language of the ballot language of the ballot initiative<01:02:27.520><c> uh</c><01:02:27.839><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification documents with
• both the request for and the submission of the absentee ballot.
• The absentee ballots. And that is a summary of the Save America Act, which is before Congress.
• And then they would have to have a different ballot. Does that sound like that would be possible?
• ballot.

Summary: The Special Committee on Redistricting held a public hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges support for the federal SAVE Act. Representative Michael Davis presented the resolution, explaining that the bill would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections, photo identification to vote, and additional procedures for absentee voting and name-change issues. He argued the measure would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizens from voting, while noting that the resolution simply expresses support for the federal legislation already passed by the U.S. House. Committee members from both parties questioned Davis extensively. Supporters said the proposal would add a needed citizenship verification layer and cited examples of non-citizen voting or mistaken registration. Opponents argued that Missouri already requires voter ID, that non-citizen voting is rare, and that the SAVE Act would create burdens, costs, and potential disenfranchisement for married women, students, rural residents, elderly voters, disabled voters, military families, and others who may lack easy access to birth certificates, passports, or other documents. Several members also raised concerns about federalism, the cost to election officials, and whether the resolution belonged in a redistricting committee. The committee then heard public testimony. Witnesses opposed to HCR 48, including representatives of the League of Women Voters and several individual voters, said the measure would make voting harder and could require duplicate or repeated documentation, affidavits, or separate systems for different election types. One witness testified in favor, saying proof of citizenship is easy to provide and would help ensure fair and honest elections. After all testimony and questions, the chair closed the hearing; no vote or other action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those that are following along, there's a proposed substitute that we're hearing the bill on.
• This would be in place of having a secret-ballot election.
• We believe in the sanctity and importance of a secret ballot.
• We believe in the sanctity and importance of a secret ballot for worker integrity.
• And this is a proposal. With a system that is failing, this is a proposal for Washington State.

Bills: SB5437, SB6152, SB6058, SB5944, SB6039, SB6117

Keywords: noncompete, noncompetition agreement, restrictive covenant, nonsolicitation, employment contract, worker mobility, labor law, wage suppression, trade secrets, confidentiality agreement, franchise, independent contractor, employee mobility, economic growth, entrepreneurship, job mobility, restraint of trade, customer solicitation, post-employment restrictions, FTC noncompete rule