Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the general business law in relation to arbitration organizations.
• to say I think it's really important because more and more we're being required to do mandatory arbitration
• And according to Senator Kavanaugh, the people who do the arbitration are working for private companies
• And there are cases of arbitrators being blackballed if they rule in favor of the consumer. So...
• However, some of the concerns I have are that typically arbitration has confidentiality for various reasons

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection met for its second meeting of 2026, with Chair Rachel May noting National Consumer Protection Week and mentioning upcoming consumer fraud outreach and new online fraud-reporting tools from the Attorney General. The committee considered eight bills focused on consumer issues, including junk fees, arbitration transparency, gas stove labeling, retailer biometric tracking notices, credit monitoring services, and youth sports recording rights. Several bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.363A on clear and conspicuous pricing for mandatory junk fees was reported to first reading. S.926 on arbitration organizations drew support for its transparency goals, but Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about confidentiality and a private right of action; it was still moved forward. S.1280B on gas stove health-risk labeling also advanced despite opposition from Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Weber. S.2539A, requiring retailers to warn customers about electronic tracking and biometric data collection, was supported by Senator Myrie, who described it as a notice-only measure. The committee also advanced S.3078 on credit monitoring services and S.2517, though the transcript of the discussion on S.2517 was largely garbled. Chair May’s S.8666, which would prevent youth sports operators from barring parents from taking in-person photos or recordings of their children, prompted concerns from Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about privacy, liability, and recordings by other parents; the chair responded that the bill includes limits for safety, court orders, privacy protections, and restricted areas. The meeting concluded after the bills were moved and voted on, with several reported to first reading or to another committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a real-life example in an arbitration case I did, a labor arbitration case, where an officer was
• He fought it through arbitration. The arbitrator wouldn't change it.
• He fought it through arbitration. The arbitrator wouldn't change it.
• He fought it through arbitration. The arbitrator wouldn't change it.
• He fought it through arbitration. The arbitrator wouldn't change it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's gone to arbitration.
• First of all, you've asked for the arbitration to be here.
• He, as an arbitrator, is in a judicial role, and in a judicial capacity, an arbitrator will not come
• So the arbitrator is not an ideal person to present the report.
• About the arbitrator report. So I just—I don't want to echo and say the same exact thing.

Transcript Highlights:

• She assumed that was to reset the balance in a potential arbitration so that an arbitration award would
• arbitration such that an arbitration arbitration such that an arbitration award<00:29:39.680>
• basis for setting aside an arbitration basis for setting aside an arbitration award<00:31:17.120
• the law, that means that an arbitrator the law, that means that an arbitrator considering<00:31:
• An arbitrator or a judge, correct? An arbitrator or a judge, correct?

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• Arbitrators can make factual and legal errors, and those errors go unchecked.
• The arbitration process was almost as bad as the cancer.
• We also learned that if an arbitrator rules against an HMO, the HMO simply declines that arbitrator in
• We also learned that if an arbitrator rules against an HMO, the HMO simply declines that arbitrator in
• When a dispute goes to arbitration, the arbitrator often depends on repeat business from the very health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:01.599> and<00:51:01.799> medication arbitration and medication arbitration and
• arbitration in our current statutes, and what is the new language going to change?
• arbitration in our current statutes, and what is the new language going to change?
• existing arbitration statute, if they can, so you're already addressing arbitration in our current statutes
• Chair. arbitration in our current arbitration in our current statutes<02:29:14.359> and<02:29:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or any type of arbitration or any type of arbitration um<00:21:39.280> you<00:21:39.520><
• Um, and I'll note the final step, um, is decided by arbitrator if we do proceed to arbitration, which
• Um, and I'll note the final step, um, is decided by arbitrator if we do proceed to arbitration, which
• Um, and I'll note the final step, um, is decided by arbitrator if we do proceed to arbitration, which
• Um, and I'll note the final step, um, is decided by arbitrator if we do proceed to arbitration, which

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second one would be mediation, arbitration. Some states mandate; some states don't.
• So the issue of mediation, arbitration So the issue of mediation, arbitration and<00:21:29.080><
• <00:32:02.640> in advancing mediation and arbitration in advancing mediation and arbitration
• So, the space can be used for things like mediation and arbitration.
• like mediation and arbitration. like mediation and arbitration.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to continue its review of recommendations for New Hampshire’s family court, with the chair emphasizing a collaborative approach and noting that the group would focus on the origins of the family division, recurring problems identified in earlier reports, and comparisons with other states. Members discussed organizing testimony into three broad topics: the court hearing process and pro se litigant preparation, mediation/arbitration/counseling, and the interaction of domestic violence issues with family court and related criminal proceedings. The chair also noted that the subcommittee would not meet again for two weeks and encouraged members to review materials from Judge Michael Mace and NCSL research on other states’ family court systems. Attorney Heather Culp, senior administrator for the judicial branch’s circuit court, testified about New Hampshire’s ADR programs. She explained that the Office of Mediation and Arbitration, created by statute in 2007, oversees more than 12 statewide ADR programs across the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts, including family division programs such as divorce-parenting mediation, neutral case evaluation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and voluntary adoption mediation. She said the divorce-parenting mediation program is the largest family division ADR program, with about 3,400 mediation sessions in 2023 out of roughly 6,700 cases, and that most cases involving minor children are referred to mediation soon after the first appearance session. Culp described the family division process as beginning with a first appearance session led by a case manager, who provides information, helps with paperwork, and schedules mediation, usually within 30 to 45 days. She said mediation is strongly encouraged in parenting and divorce cases, but there is no requirement to reach agreement, and parties may settle some issues while leaving others for court. She also explained that mediation is prohibited or limited in certain domestic violence cases: cases with active civil protection orders may proceed only with both parties’ consent and possible safeguards, while cases involving criminal protective orders are not sent to mediation. Mediators in court-referred family cases are contracted with the court and must be certified by the executive branch’s mediator certification board; mediators do not communicate with judges, except through a brief ADR report noting whether the case settled or what the next procedural step is. Members asked about referrals, timing, and the meaning of “neutrals,” and Culp said the court uses in-house contracted neutrals for family division ADR and does not refer divorce-parenting cases to outside providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Move now to consideration of H. 1940, an act to adopt the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act.
• Massachusetts does have a Uniform Arbitration Act, but that's a commercial arbitration statute at General
• The Uniform Arbitration Act seeks to maximize self-determination of individuals and couples in family
• The Uniform Arbitration Act seeks to maximize self-determination of individuals and couples and family
• , locations, budget, and privacy, arbitration will provide and regulate one more voluntary outlet for

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or shortly thereafter around arbitration.
• The arbitration agreement is a part of the terms of use for a platform user.
• I have one particular needs in terms of the level of arbitration that I might need.
• But the same arbitration agreement.
• them frankly more clear because there was a lot of legalese frankly on a starting point on our arbitration

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same information hearing, I asked a question, or shortly thereafter, around arbitration.
• The arbitration agreement is a part of the terms of use for a platform user, so I go on, I agree to be
• I have one particular need in terms of the level of arbitration that I might need should I not have my
• concern that users may be agreeing to arbitration terms without fully understanding them.
• She said she wanted to make sure users are not agreeing to arbitration terms because they think they

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1. The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state arbitration process is rarely used, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.
• If it does, the arbitration does result in higher payments, ultimately who pays that cost?
• So this baseball-style arbitration requires both the provider and the plan to put a number in front of
• If it does, the arbitration does result in higher payments, ultimately who pays that cost?
• So this baseball, the baseball style arbitration requires both the provider and the plan to put a number

Bills: S0158, S0314, S0618, S0684, S0838, S0990, S1000, S1082, S1452, S1494, S1500, S1568, S1706

Keywords: pet insurance, consumer protection, insurance regulation, policy disclosure, agent training, payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, workers compensation, Florida statute, commercial insurance, insurance board, electronic signatures, vehicle titles, insurance regulations, auditing, total loss vehicles

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard and advanced a wide range of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for emergency out-of-network claims. After extensive discussion about the relationship between the state and federal No Surprises Act processes, an amendment was withdrawn due to concerns about clarity and scope, but the bill itself was supported by providers and insurers and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels, CS/SB 158 on pet insurance consumer disclosures and agent education, SB 1494 expanding breast cancer screening coverage, CS/SB 314 on digital assets and stablecoin issuers, and CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate procedures and small-estate administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance was amended to raise the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ compensation policies from 10% to 20% and then reported favorably, with supporters saying it would help keep higher-risk employers in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin and limit the program to existing stablecoins, then passed. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 838 on electronic payment convenience fees for retail installment contracts, with the sponsor emphasizing that a fee-free payment option must still be offered. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, was amended and reported favorably; it covered My Safe Florida Home administration, insurance and licensing changes, unclaimed property updates, and other DFS-related provisions. The committee also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting owner-occupied condominiums at or below 80% of area median income, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which supporters said would modernize Florida’s captive insurance laws and encourage more competition. The meeting ended with all listed bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the payment hasn't been adjusted, but the agreement also talks about an arbitration clause, which
• clause which we could enter arbitration clause which we could enter into<01:00:00.599> at<01:
• So this is what I would like to have to get my bill into shape. issues we could enter into arbitration
• issues we could enter into arbitration with<01:02:15.200> them<01:02:15.680> just<01:02
• arbitration they could certainly<01:02:28.039> contact<01:02:28.400> the<01:02:28.520>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2018, they have used the US MCA arbitrator arbitration policies and processes and multiple U.S.
• used the US MCA arbitrator used the US MCA arbitrator um<00:43:45.200> arbitration<00:43:
• and processes um arbitration policies and processes and<00:43:48.400> multiple<00:43:48.880><
• <00:48:33.599> Arbitration, um amendment was rejected.
• Arbitration, um amendment was rejected.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She asked whether the bill would cancel out arbitration clauses in contracts, pointing to section C on
• She said that, as written, it appears to eliminate arbitration clauses in private property agreements
• She said that, as she reads it, the bill would do away with all arbitration clauses in contracts of this
• I've lost my... okay, grants the court or arbitration panels, of which Representative Clowney mentioned
• To personal jurisdiction in Arkansas, seeks to maintain litigation, arbitration, agency, etc., etc.,

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite this agreement, UC has disregarded any arbitrator decision they do not like.
• Today, our collective bargaining agreements have an arbitration process to settle disputes related to
• So even if we win at arbitration, UC doesn't allow for an arbitrator's decision and instead makes us
• At UCLA, it took us four years, three arbitrations, and a court ruling.
• We are asking that future arbitration decisions mean something. Thank you for your consideration.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or in court. ...decide whether disputes are resolved through arbitration or in court, rather than being
• Arbitration remains available, but the choice belongs to the homeowner. Mr.
• And so if they choose arbitration, would they completely be barred from any court recourse?
• If they choose arbitration, then that's what they're choosing at the time of renewal or when they sign
• Now, if they choose to decline and say, no, I don't want arbitration, I want to go to court, who, or

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Washington County administrator Alan Massey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery recognitions. The chamber adopted the special order report and then took up a series of bills on the special order calendar. Early measures included CS/HB 967 on electronic payments to local governments, which passed 110-0, and HB 127 requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2-5, which passed 111-0 after members spoke about literacy, signatures, and heritage. CS/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 111-0 and would allow certain students to use Special Olympics participation for PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit. The House also passed CS/HB 237 on use of professional nursing titles, which requires APRNs using the title doctor to clarify they are APRNs, by 111-0. The chamber then debated HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment on religious expression in public schools. Supporters said it would codify existing statutory protections for student and school personnel religious expression and let voters decide; opponents argued it was unnecessary, could create confusion, and risked constitutional problems involving school-sponsored prayer and the separation of church and state. After structured debate, the resolution passed 93-17. The House next passed CS/HB 363 on dental therapy, which creates a licensed mid-level dental provider and drew sharp debate over access to care versus patient safety; it passed 80-29. HB 375 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 78-28, and HB 301 on psychiatric mental health APRN autonomous practice passed 88-18. Later, the House passed HB 863 on arbitration for Citizens Property Insurance disputes, giving policyholders a choice between arbitration and court, by 105-3, and HB 1399 on property insurance affiliates, which increases oversight of insurer-affiliate transactions, by 160-3. Members also heard and advanced a local claims bill, HB 6517, for relief of Eribeito and Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg, describing severe injuries allegedly caused during an arrest and transport; the bill was rolled over for third reading at the end of the transcript. Throughout the day, members also paused for multiple recognitions of visiting students, local officials, professional groups, and community organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for lessees to use binding arbitration, which has gone through the comptroller's office.
• They can file a suit in district court, but they cannot do limited arbitration or arbitration, binding
• arbitration through the comptroller's office.
• not follow a certain procedural item, then somebody may, uh, file an appeal to limited binding arbitration
• , effectively to have that arbitrator, uh, determine that they are entitled to a rehearing.

Bills: HB148, HB203, HJR30

Keywords: HB 148, Texas Education Code, Texas Education Agency, TEA, artificial intelligence, AI, machine learning, automated scoring, constructed response, open-ended answers, student assessments, state testing, standardized tests, public schools, education policy, assessment instruments, school accountability, test scoring, 2026-2027 school year, ad valorem tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh would there be arbitration to settle.
• arbitration uh request? arbitration uh request?
• <00:24:13.600> as but I was thinking about arbitration as but I was thinking about arbitration
• > different arbitration is a whole different arbitration is a whole different ballgame<00:24:18.159
• Maybe arbitration. I'm not envisioning. Maybe arbitration. I'm not sure. sure. sure.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee continued its hearing on enforcement and compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, first taking additional public testimony from Melissa Zimmerman and Matt Senot of the East Side Corridor residents in Owatonna. They described submitting roughly two dozen data requests across several government entities related to a proposed highway project, saying some agencies responded but others did not, and that even after they substantially prevailed in a data practices complaint and the court imposed a maximum civil penalty, they still did not receive meaningful access to the records. Zimmerman said the lack of access harmed their ability to comment on the project’s environmental review, and both witnesses argued that the law needs stronger enforcement, realistic timelines, better communication, and more accessible remedies for requesters who cannot afford repeated litigation. They also raised practical barriers such as inaccessible file formats, missing software on a county-provided laptop, and the need for electronic delivery options. The committee then heard from Eric Johnson of Anoka County, who testified about Chapter 13 issues involving third-party polygraph data used in probation monitoring. He argued that when the state relies on third-party-generated summaries, the responsible authority’s obligations for access, retention, and correction are unclear, and there is no effective remedy when the third party does not respond. Johnson said the county directed him to seek raw data from the third party, which had not responded, and he warned that short retention periods can make data subject rights unenforceable if the records are destroyed before a request is resolved. Members asked about statutory citations and retention schedules, and several commented that the issue may warrant review of data-retention rules. During member discussion, legislators broadly agreed that the Data Practices Act’s enforcement mechanisms are not working well enough and that many requesters cannot afford to pursue administrative or court remedies. Co-Chair Scott suggested staff compile the testimony into a report to identify possible legislative fixes, while Senator Lucero said there may be some “low-hanging fruit” that could be addressed quickly in the short session. The chair also floated the idea of involving the Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution in a mediation role to improve communication and reduce gridlock, though members noted that any process would still need to produce results consistent with the law. The committee then moved on to its next agenda item, a discussion of the BCA Fusion Center and its annual reporting requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have the arbitration.
• Um we are in support of the arbitration.
• no initial fee for the uh arbitration no initial fee for the uh arbitration portion.<00:24:25.200
• the outcome of the arbitration the outcome of the arbitration um<02:49:58.319> page<02:49
• , be paid by each party to the arbitrator, be paid by each party to the arbitrator, provided<02:51

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several housing, landlord-tenant, and condominium-related measures. Senate Bill 62, relating to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, would allow HPHA-owned parcels and related areas such as parking lots to be closed to the public with posted signage; HPHA strongly supported the bill, saying it would help reduce loitering, drinking, and other problems, and no further testimony was offered. Senate Bill 822, relating to the landlord tenant code, would create a three-year working group in the Department of the Attorney General to study and improve the residential landlord-tenant code. The Judiciary supported the measure but said the scope should be narrowed; the Attorney General opposed leading the group and suggested another agency should do so; Hawaii Realtors and the Hawaii Worker Center supported the concept and suggested moving the chairmanship to the Judiciary and including Legal Aid participation. The Judiciary said it could chair the group if the bill were narrowed to matters within the court’s purview. Senate Bill 38, relating to housing, would limit counties from imposing stricter conditions, AMI requirements, or fee-waiver reductions on certain affordable housing proposals if those changes would increase project costs. HHFDC supported the bill, saying county changes after state approval create uncertainty for developers, while the Hawaii State Association of Counties opposed it as an intrusion on local authority and a restriction on county safety and infrastructure conditions. Members asked about whether existing county review periods were sufficient, and the county association said the main concern was the bill’s language limiting counties from making cost-increasing conditions. Senate Bill 146, relating to condominiums, would revise alternative dispute resolution procedures for condo disputes, including evaluative mediation and binding arbitration. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission said it took no position overall but supported a $150 mediation fee and asked for a similar arbitration fee; Community Associations Institute supported the bill with suggested amendments; however, most testimony was strongly opposed by condominium owners and advocates, who said the bill had been changed to the detriment of owners and would increase costs and reduce protections. The committee noted 44 testimonies on the bill, with 2 in support, 37 in opposition, and 2 with comments. Senate Bill 253, relating to condominium reserves, would require a detailed budget summary to stand on its own, remove a good-faith defense for certain noncompliant budgets, and clarify standing and the association’s burden regarding substantial compliance. Hawaii Realtors and Community Associations Institute supported the measure as improving transparency and giving owners and buyers a clearer picture of association finances. Greg Msakian also supported it, arguing it would help owners and describing problems he experienced with budget committee exclusion and budget noncompliance in his own association. The discussion ended while testimony on the bill was still underway, with additional witnesses expected.