Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a Freedom of Information Act request a Freedom of Information Act request regarding<00:12:29.320
• So that's what this bill seeks to do: make the appropriate accommodations for those who need it.
• So that's what this bill seeks to do: make the appropriate accommodations for those who need it.
• </c> seeks to do is make the appropriate seeks to do is make the appropriate accommodations<00:14:10.399
• That'll give us time to make sure everything is locked down appropriately.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> government and then state appropriations government and then state appropriations that<00:00:56.320
• </c> Response Supplemental Appropriations Response Supplemental Appropriations Bill,<00:04:01.360><c>
• </c> We have both summary reports as well as the request forms that were submitted to the Legislative
• 00:19:16.559><c> the</c> worked um appropriated by the worked um appropriated by the legislature<00:19
• </c> been both appropriated and obligated? been both appropriated and obligated?

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion was do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion was do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Individualized data is not required, which is proposed in the legislation.
• Motion is due pass and re-refer to Committee on Appropriations.
• The motion is do pass and re-refer to the Committee on Appropriations.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's make this legislation a little bit better."
• legislative session, what are you going to do with those St.
• that I have had the opportunity to work on as a legislator.
• that I have had the opportunity to work on as a legislator.
• I was a freshman legislator, and I trusted.

Summary: The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity. The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4. After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can request reconsideration, and after that, the decision is final.
• And so I decided to take this forward as I became a legislator. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• It is not spelled out in the legislation itself. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• And so that's what brings me to my first issue: when we're looking at this as legislators, as appropriators
• Appreciate that request. And to the Vice Chair. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 97, which would appropriate funding to the Department of Health for updated shaken baby syndrome, now called abusive head trauma, prevention training and educational materials, including baby models used in demonstrations. Testimony from the sponsor and the New Mexico Injury and Violence Prevention Coalition supported the bill and emphasized that the materials had not been updated since 2016. Members noted the budget already included about $167,000 for this purpose, and the bill was tabled without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 280, creating a Youth Internship Pilot Project to support paid internships for youth as a workforce development tool. Supporters from New Mexico Voices for Children said the bill would provide mentorship and relevant work-based learning, while members questioned what occupations would qualify, whether the program would focus on trades and high-demand jobs, and how schools, employers, and Workforce Solutions would participate. The bill was tabled, with Representatives Duncan and Pettigrew recorded in opposition. The main item of the meeting was House Bill 151, as substituted by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The bill would create a compensation fund and commission for survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving public entities, while also allowing a three-year lookback window for claims and preserving private civil claims for private entities. The sponsor explained that the substitute removed a forward-looking statute-of-limitations change, set a $700,000 cap tied to the Tort Claims Act, used an administrative eligibility process with a "more likely than not" standard, and included reporting, confidentiality, and referral provisions. Supporters described the measure as a survivor-centered way to provide compensation while limiting state exposure, but members raised concerns about attorney fees, fund solvency, private versus public liability, rural impacts, and whether the state should pay for claims involving public institutions. After public testimony in support, the committee adopted the substitute but then voted on the bill itself and ended in an 8-8 tie, so the measure remained in committee and was not advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and this legislation is building off of a law that was passed last legislative session.
• And so what this legislation applies to is any change of control to a hospital.
• So those are the only entities that are in this legislation, um, that would go through a review process
• So just by a show of hands, um, who in the room is in support of this legislation?
• Um, and it was also at the request, uh, one of the requests of the hospitals that, uh, that be the appropriate

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> No, right to a vote by Stephanie Johnson, our senior legislative analysts stepping in with her.
• Our legislative analyst. Can you please raise your hand?
• But similarly, there's trips or scheduling based on writer request usually about 24 hours in advance.
• There is increasing service quality because those trips are seemed a request.
• And I think Senator Davis has requested. We do that any concerns. All right. Let's make that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for state grant program appropriations. for state grant program appropriations.
• Um on the next row, uh appropriation.
• <00:24:37.200><c> on</c> appropriation on appropriation on R51.<00:24:39.440><c> Um</c><00:24:40.240>
• </c> uh that monitoring to an appropriate uh that monitoring to an appropriate level.<00:48:52.720><c
• That's my legislative name grants.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• This is a waiver request by the City of Donaldsonville for a project in their area.
• As the chair mentioned, the next item on your agenda is a request to approve a match waiver.
• Baker, can you confirm the amount that the city is requesting as far as state funds?
• At the appropriate time, Mr. Chairman, I'd move favorably on the waiver.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on April 22 and first approved the January 15, 2026 minutes. The committee then elected Representative Bacala as vice chair by acclamation after Senator Womack nominated him and no other nominations were offered. The main item of business was a request from the City of Donaldsonville for a waiver of the local match requirement for a capital outlay project, Project 50-M68-25-01, the Stormwater Resilience Project (planning and construction). Committee staff explained that under a 2025 law, municipalities under 9,500 population may receive a full or partial match waiver if they can show an inability to provide the match without mismanagement or misconduct. Staff said Donaldsonville, with a 2020 census population of 6,695, met the eligibility threshold and recommended approval. Mayor Leroy Sullivan testified that the city has a high poverty rate, has previously managed state-funded projects responsibly, and needs the waiver to address drainage and flooding issues in an area expected to see new development. Senator Lambert moved to approve the waiver, and the committee approved it without objection. With no further business, Representative McFarland moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• This is a waiver request by the City of Donaldsonville for a project in their area.
• As the chair mentioned, the next item on your agenda is a request of...
• Baker, can you confirm the amount that the city is requesting as far as state funds?
• At the appropriate time, Mr. Chairman, I'd move favorably on the waiver.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on April 22 and first established a quorum, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and elected Representative Bacala as vice chair by acclamation after nomination by Senator Womack. The committee then took up a single substantive item: a waiver request from the City of Donaldsonville under a 2025 law allowing certain small municipalities to seek relief from the required local match for capital outlay projects. Matt Baker of the Office of Facility Planning and Control said Donaldsonville met the eligibility criteria, including a population below the statutory threshold, and recommended approval of the waiver for Project 50-M68-25-01, the Stormwater Resilience Project, Planning and Construction, tied to about $1,222,500 in state funds. Mayor Leroy Sullivan testified that the city has a high poverty rate, has already made difficult financial adjustments to complete prior water and wastewater projects, and needs the waiver to address drainage problems in an area expected to see new development, including an RPCC Westside campus. Senator Lambert moved to approve the waiver, and the committee approved it without objection. With no further business, Representative McFarland moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Chris Stearns, 47th Legislative District.
• I'm here to speak in support of the legislation.
• I urge you to support this vital legislation. Thank you. Thank you.
• Is now an appropriate time, Ms.
• And the legislation before you is a great way to do that.

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion focused on tribal representation and natural resource management. On HB 2117, which would add a tribal representative to the Board of Natural Resources, the prime sponsor and DNR officials said the bill would strengthen government-to-government relationships without replacing existing consultation duties. Tribal leaders from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation testified in support, as did the Commissioner of Public Lands and DNR’s tribal relations director. County and timber interests said they were not opposed to tribal representation but raised concerns about trust responsibilities, beneficiary interests, and whether the representative should come from a tribe with commercial forest management experience. The committee later closed testimony on HB 2117 and read into the record 192 pro, 124 con, and zero other sign-ins. The committee also heard HB 2516, which would impose a two-year moratorium on the use of certain anticoagulant rodenticides and bromethalin after a Department of Agriculture report and while the Washington State Academy of Sciences studies alternatives and impacts. The prime sponsor argued the bill balances rodent control with concerns about wildlife, groundwater, and human exposure, while opponents from the pest management industry warned it would remove effective tools and worsen rodent problems, especially for low-income and manufactured-home communities. Supporters included the Washington Poison Center, wildlife rehabilitators, Birds Connect Seattle, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and other advocates who cited poisonings in wildlife and children and pointed to non-toxic alternatives and integrated pest management. The committee read into the record 754 pro, 176 con, and five other sign-ins. For HB 2554, which would repeal RCW 77.110 and related language tied to Initiative 456 and tribal fishing rights, the sponsor and the Attorney General’s Office said the statute is unconstitutional and inconsistent with federal treaty law and court rulings. The Department of Fish and Wildlife also supported repeal, describing the measure as removing an unenforceable anti-tribal statute. The committee then moved on to HB 2327, a bill directing JLARC to audit the county forest board lands trust and DNR’s management of those lands. The sponsor, former Rep. Jim Buck, county representatives, and forest industry witnesses supported an independent review of the trust structure and performance; some asked for amendments to address reconveyance options, broader legal and ecological considerations, and consultation with tribes and the Board of Natural Resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to appropriate $1.1 million. And we're going to hire 10-11 employees. Is that right?
• So, the particular money for this program is appropriated Just for to fund that position.
• And then the funding that is requested could be used to expand the program to reduce the wait time to
• Yes, and you'll note the original Bill, while it was written differently, did have an appropriation request
• I know you're shocked, but I looked this up, and there is 124 Pieces of legislation that have been passed

Bills: HB2993 , HB3850 , HB3595 , HB3763 , HB3760

Committees: House Public Safety , House A&B Public Safety Subcommittee

Keywords: rural law enforcement, grant fund, public safety, financial assistance, coordination districts, grant funding, law enforcement coordinators, municipal assistance, education, inmates, literacy, high school equivalency, Department of Corrections, parole, rehabilitation, HB3595, Safer Counties Revolving Fund, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, county grants, traffic barrier equipment

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's an admin request, but just so that the public can understand what you're trying to do with
• Just to give the committee context of what the request is, I did, and I was very fortunate to go and
• in terms of appropriations and allotments exceeding over $200 million.
• </c> legislation in terms of Appropriations legislation in terms of Appropriations and<01:24:53.360><
• </c><01:28:02.760><c> allotments</c> intent of the appropriation allotments intent of the appropriation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations and also give committee members a chance to ask questions as we start to go through all the legislation
• And with the legislators' support, we can and will further our efforts to provide a safe, reliable, and
• that have been discussed over the years—requests that we like, requests that maybe we're not as fond
• We fielded and processed requests for matching funds from municipalities all over the state, applying
• So we want to express our appreciation to this body for passing that legislation.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational hearing with invited testimony from MassDOT leadership, the MBTA, Massport, and the state’s Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. MassDOT officials outlined work across highways, rail and transit, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and aeronautics, emphasizing major capital spending, bridge and roadway programs, transit grants, rail expansion, airport safety, and modernization efforts. They highlighted Chapter 90 and municipal grant programs, the Compass Rail and West-East Rail efforts, RMV upgrades such as electronic titles and driver licensing systems, and aeronautics work on airport pavement, drones, and advanced air mobility. Committee members focused on safety, service access, and project implementation. Questions to MassDOT covered automated enforcement and rising roadway fatalities, the Allston multimodal project’s federal funding, Complete Streets access for rural communities, and South Coast Rail staffing and future electrification. The RMV was asked about the Work and Family Mobility Act, Real ID demand, and appointment access, especially in Metro West. Members also raised concerns about South Coast Rail operations, Keolis staffing, and whether the Stoughton route remains part of future plans; MassDOT and MBTA officials said they are working on staffing, service reliability, and long-term expansion, while noting that nothing is off the table for future rail improvements. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng reported progress including workforce growth, elimination of subway speed restrictions, expanded reduced-fare access, bus network redesign, South Coast Rail launch, and commuter rail signal upgrades. He said the agency is pursuing a new commuter rail operating contract designed to support future regional rail, electrification, and higher-frequency service, while maintaining service and workforce stability amid funding uncertainty. Members also asked about fare collection data privacy and the impact of state funding levels; Eng said the MBTA needs the governor’s proposed funding to preserve service and staffing, and that the fare system’s data are encrypted and handled through a secure vendor system. Massport CEO Rich Davey reported record activity at Logan, Worcester, and the cruise and maritime facilities, along with major capital and climate investments such as sustainable aviation fuel planning, shore power at Flynn Cruiseport, renewable diesel, and expanded ground transportation. He said Massport is planning for continued passenger growth and managing congestion through parking, HOV, and curbside changes, while monitoring federal policy, tariffs, and air traffic control staffing issues. Federal Funds Director Quentin Palfrey described the administration’s efforts to secure federal infrastructure dollars, citing about $9 billion in federal awards since the start of the administration, including major transportation grants for the Cape Cod Bridges, Allston, West-East Rail, North Station drawbridge replacement, roadway safety, and clean school buses. He warned that changing federal policies, grant delays, and possible future congressional actions create uncertainty, but said the office is working case-by-case with municipalities and agencies to protect awarded funds and find alternative financing where needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Wilson, Aguilar-Curry
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 to allow Assembly Members Wilson and Papin to
• These kids are here to immerse themselves in the legislative process and learn about the work we do here
• I’ll request that the adjournment in memory be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The Assembly convened in Sacramento with an initial quorum call, then established a quorum and proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine opening business. The chamber dispensed with reading the prior journal, deferred introductions and references of bills, and reported no Governor or Senate messages. Procedural motions were approved, including suspending rules to allow adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest access, and withdrawing S.J.R. 7 from committee and placing it on the third reading file. Members then recognized several guest groups, including Grace Valley Christian School, College of San Mateo student-athletes, the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agricultural Leadership Class, the Light of the World youth group, and exchange students from Germany and Tajikistan. There was no substantive floor debate on legislation; daily file and several file items were passed, retained, or continued without further action. The main floor activity centered on adjournment-in-memory tributes. Assemblymember Ortega honored former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy for his public service, school and hospital advocacy, and civic leadership. Assemblymember Wilson honored Joseph R. Martinez, a Solano County agricultural leader and advocate for rural health care. The Assembly observed moments of silence for both individuals. The session concluded with announcements, including a reminder that FPPC Form 700 was due that day, notice of committee meetings, and an adjournment motion carrying the House until Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Wilson, Aguiar-Curry
• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 to allow Assembly Members Wilson and Papan to
• These kids are here to immerse themselves in the legislative process and learn about the work we do here
• I'll request to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm next on the agenda with this piece of legislation, so I'd ask my good co-chair to take over.
• I'm next on the agenda with this piece of legislation, so I'd ask my good co-chair to take over.
• One of the things in this legislation we've done is take out the word reimbursement from this fund.
• We didn't appropriate the money to do that.
• Ben Taves, Senator for Legislative District 4. Before you is House Bill 915.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee began by recognizing and thanking page Caleb Williams for his service, including brief remarks and a song, before moving to approval of the minutes from March 12, 16, 17, and 18, 2026. All four sets of minutes were approved by voice vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1420, which would redirect about 1% of the state health insurance premium tax into a fund for medical education, with the goal of stabilizing funding for undergraduate medical education and supporting future expansion of medical school seats. Senator Lent and Representative Manwaring explained that the bill would create a dedicated pathway for these funds and could also accommodate other medical education-related revenues. After questions about the premium tax and existing uses of the fund, the committee voted to send SB 1420 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Senator Zito requested to be recorded as opposed. Next, the committee considered House Joint Memorial 20, which asks the federal government to address the costs Idaho incurs under Plyler v. Doe for educating students regardless of immigration status. Representative Tanner argued the decision created an unfunded mandate and cited rough estimates of annual and long-term costs. After questions about the source of the student estimates, the committee voted to send HJM 20 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Burtenshaw and Semmelroth requesting to be recorded as opposed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 915, which would establish a baseline recess policy for public and charter schools, including a 20-minute daily outdoor recess for grades K-5 when feasible and a prohibition on withholding recess from an entire class as punishment. Senator Taves said the bill was intended to protect children’s health and learning, while opponents argued it was unnecessary and infringed on local control because schools already provide recess. The committee voted to hold HB 915 at the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the IDLA bill was expected the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know how you legislate leadership, but I definitely would welcome the effort.
• The General Fund, I think, is the appropriate vehicle to support, not I don't know.
• I don't know if those are things that necessarily need to be legislated.
• So I, the form of that, I would have to defer to kind of our legislative staff on exactly that.
• BES needs their own legislative staff, government relations person.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• "Okay, if not, there was a request. Senator S... you had a request for the prosecutor?"
• On the last page of Judge Johnson’s, it says, respectfully request the appropriation of $2,890,000 to
• Yeah, on the last page of Judge Johnson’s, it says, respectfully request the appropriation of $2,890,000
• We were not requesting an appropriation for this bill.
• this</c> requesting an appropriation for this requesting an appropriation for this bill<01:29:47.040

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item number two, SB 70 Zarathustra, do pass to appropriations.
• File item number five, SB 70 Zarathustra, do pass to appropriations.
• I would also like to be, as a co-author of this great legislation.
• File item number two, SB 70, Serrato, do pass to appropriations. Aye. Stephanie, aye.
• Do pass to Appropriations, 6-0, this bill is out.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all