Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• <00:38:34.520> of<00:38:35.160> for my backyard Chamber of Commerce of for my backyard
• Good morning, and welcome to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• Welcome to the Joint Committee on Education and Commerce and Consumer Protection.
• The Joint Committee on Education and Commerce and Consumer Protection on House Bill 624.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committee hearing considered HB 472 HD1 on digital identification and HB 1097 HD1 on public housing evictions, followed by HB 1325 HD3 on housing redevelopment and tenant relocation rights. HB 472 would require digital IDs to be accepted under certain conditions and allow law enforcement to use them as proof of identity; the committee heard limited testimony, then adopted a recommendation to pass with amendments, including changing “shall” to “may” and adding effective and defective dates. HB 1097 would shorten the storage period for unclaimed personal effects after a public housing eviction; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the impact on displaced families. The committee moved the bill forward with discussion of the agency’s eviction process, waitlist size, and the need to free units sooner for other applicants. HB 1325 HD3 drew extensive testimony and discussion. The bill would require developers of certain HHFDC affordable housing projects to provide displaced tenants with a right of first refusal for a comparable unit or relocation assistance, along with information, tracking, and enforcement provisions. HHFDC supported the measure but suggested amendments to require both relocation assistance and a right of first refusal, without requiring the same rent as the prior unit. Legal aid, housing advocates, community organizations, and many tenants testified in strong support, emphasizing displacement during public housing redevelopment, inadequate communication, accessibility problems, and the need for enforceable rights to return. Several tenants described confusing notices, unsuitable replacement units, and hardship for elders, disabled residents, and children. The discussion also highlighted concerns about developer compliance and the need for state-level enforcement. No final vote on HB 1325 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but the hearing included substantial questioning of the housing authority and testimony from affected residents. The committee also discussed the broader redevelopment context, including large-scale public housing demolition and replacement plans, and the potential consequences for families if relocation and return rights are not clearly enforced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 281,
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 346,
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Health and
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 421,
• Speaker, your Commerce and Economic Development Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 447,

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Appropriations and Technology, having under consideration House Bill 2752, relating to the Commerce
• President and Speaker the ability to designate individuals to serve in their place on the Arizona Commerce
• And it adds that the objective research would be written up by ACA, the Commerce Authority.
• This would require the Commerce Authority to do the research, and for our decisions about where offices
• Commerce Authority to do the research, and for our decisions about where offices are placed to be done

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars. On Calendar 1, HB 2192 (employment/video content matters of public concern) was amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 2592 (government information technology) was amended to remove legislative approval of certain emergency or temporary AI-related rules and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2752 (Commerce Authority trade office) received a do pass recommendation after a Mesnard amendment and an Epstein amendment was debated; the Epstein amendment failed on division, and the bill was retained on the calendar. HB 2916 (traffic schools and instructors fingerprint clearance) was amended to allow work to begin while fingerprint clearance is pending and received a do pass recommendation. HB 2946 (development fees) was amended to address municipal distinctions based on dwelling size/bedrooms and received a do pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 2, HB 2918, HB 2999, HB 1418, and HCR 2059 were considered. HB 2999 (special taxing districts/infrastructure finance districts) drew the most discussion; a Mesnard floor amendment made several changes to tax-rate, bond, and infrastructure provisions, and the bill was ultimately amended and given a do pass recommendation. HB 1418 (sheriff auxiliary authority) and HCR 2059 (county services) also received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 3, HB 2035 (DCS kinship care placement requirements) was amended to change a reporting deadline and received a do pass recommendation. HB 241 (child neglect financial resources exception), HB 2594 (child confidentiality), and HB 2932 (groundwater transportation fee/withdrawal-related provisions) were also considered; HB 2594 and HB 2932 were amended and received do pass recommendations. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On Calendar 4, HB 2109 (portable wireless communication devices/distracted driving penalties for motorcycles), HB 2118 (mobile food vendors’ licenses), HB 2244 (eviction satisfaction of judgment), and HB 4011 (HOA duties) were all advanced, with committee or floor amendments adopted where offered, and the report was adopted. The Senate also took up an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2440 (transition program), adopted a technical floor amendment, and advanced the bill. Later, the chamber adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial and welcomed guests from the university. The Senate received a House request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. On third reading, HB 2592 passed 16-9-1, HB 2916 passed 26-1-3, HB 2946 passed 27-0-3, and HB 2999 passed 21-6-3, with Senator Epstein explaining her no vote on HB 2999 due to concerns about homeowner cost uncertainty. The Senate then adjourned until April 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This cross-border commerce currently generates 3.3 million annually for the city of Farr, and with our
• I understand that there has been these corridors in place for some time for the purpose of commerce.
• Drainage that you see at the border is fairly typical of how commerce moves. OK, very good.
• Chairman, uh, for giving us an opportunity to potentially shed some light on how, uh, legitimate commerce
• , that the community is safe, and more importantly, that we don't impede, uh, international, uh, commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I say site, I mean a site as approved by the department of commerce, a project that's Department
• of commerce, a project that's approved by the department of commerce.
• I'm asking the committee to pass it today, but there's going to be a substitute coming from the Commerce
• This bill is a bill that is coming for commerce that is looking for $5 million out of the Alabama 21st

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Home to the birthplace of Juneteenth, a hub for trade and commerce and a leader in medical and marine
• Galveston County is just not the hub for commerce and tourism but also for civic leadership and community
• Floresville has long been a center of agriculture, commerce, and culture in South Texas.
• Klein, HR 91 by Faso, Brazos Wood High School, HR 102 by Harris Davila, Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce
• HR 107 by Leo Wilson, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Transcript Highlights:

• > which<01:19:39.600> is Committee on Commerce to which is Committee on Commerce to which
• reasons, the majority of the commerce reasons, the majority of the commerce committee<01:20:46.880
• The committee on commerce to President.
• <05:01:08.320> to President. the committee on commerce to President. the committee on commerce
• <05:03:23.200> heard hearing, the Commerce Committee heard hearing, the Commerce Committee

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know working with Secretary Chenery from our Commerce and Trade Secretariat, as well as with the
• I staff the House Labor and Commerce Committee; my colleague Sarah Kinzer staffs the Senate Commerce
• I staff the House Labor and Commerce Committee, my colleague Sarah Kinzer, the House Labor and Commerce
• Committee, my colleague Sarah Kinzer, staffs the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee where a lot of

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• working with the Coalition for Small and Disabled Veteran Businesses, the California Black Chamber of Commerce
• , the Valley Industry of Commerce Association, and United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley in respectful
• Chris Anderson, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, respectfully in opposition.
• services we provide and this contamination we receive at the back end is from PFAS that's used in commerce
• Adam Rangel, on behalf of the California Chamber of Commerce, we remove our cost driver.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Chad Condi, Florida Commerce. I wish I could read that. I'm so bad. He waves in support.
• provisions of the bill include designating the chief manufacturing officer of the Department of Commerce
• It requires the Department of Commerce to prepare biennial reports that track and assess the progress
• It requires the Department of Commerce to prepare biannial reports that track and assess the progress
• The fees portion of this requires the Department of Commerce to assess an annual fee, not exceeding $100

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• putting additional funds Into that program, we did hear from testifiers, was it the Department of Commerce
• I appreciate that, and Commerce has made their way to the table, so maybe you can fill us in with a little
• I'm the Director of the Energy Assistance Program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• This would be a question for the Department of Commerce, but from the new program standpoint in LIHEAP
• Madam Chair, also to the gentleman from the Commerce Department, looking at one of the testifiers who

Transcript Highlights:

• Taxing these transactions without a clear and workable sourcing framework exposes Minnesota to Commerce
• <00:10:07.760> clause exposes Minnesota to commerce clause exposes Minnesota to commerce clause
• elections for the Minnesota<00:12:45.440> Chamber<00:12:45.680> of<00:12:45.760> Commerce
• <00:12:46.079> The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• Freedom Act and the Commerce Clause. Freedom Act and the Commerce Clause.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Maui Chamber of Commerce in support. >> Housing Hawaii's Future in support.
• Johnny Mae Alpery in opposition, and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in support. >> The Chamber stands on
• Maui Chamber of Commerce in >> Thank you.
• Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in support. Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in support.
• Maui Chamber of Commerce in >> Thank you. Maui Chamber of Commerce in support? support?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• special language agenda that is ready for a due pass as amended is Senate Bill 10, Department of Commerce
• Senate Bill 10, Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services.
• I've also asked DWS or Commerce to come up since it's their appropriation bill.
• Allison Hatfield, Chief of Staff, Department of Commerce.

Summary: The committee first heard a Special Language Committee report from Senator McKee, who reported that the subcommittee adopted nine amendments related to Governor’s Letter 7 and 30, including amendments to HB 1005 and one sponsored by Senator Dismang. The committee then adopted the report and approved several items on the special language agenda, including HB 101 (Department of Corrections), HB 1017 (Department of Agriculture promotion boards), HB 1009 (Department of Public Safety), and SB 10 (Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services). During discussion of SB 10, members questioned a $10 million unemployment insurance modernization item, and Commerce/DFA explained it was a continuation of existing funding rather than a new increase. The meeting then turned to the Treasurer’s budget, where members raised concerns about prior and proposed salary increases in the office, especially the size of raises for senior staff compared with lower-paid employees. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the new appropriation would be directed to the investment team rather than top administrators, and whether special language could cap raises or otherwise limit how the money could be used. The Treasurer’s representative said the office was willing to discuss caps and that no final decisions on raises had been made, but several members remained dissatisfied and emphasized the need for the Treasurer himself to appear. Representative Lundstrum moved to hold the Treasurer’s budget, and the committee approved the hold. After that, the committee referred items with special language to the special language process and then batch-approved a series of supplemental and reappropriation bills, followed by individual due-pass actions on multiple bills, including HB 1006, HB 1013, HB 1016, HB 1033, HB 1048, HB 1050, HB 1053, HB 1065, HB 1078, and several Senate bills such as SB 2, SB 14, SB 19, SB 26, SB 32, SB 42, SB 52, SB 53, and SB 74. Near the end, members discussed filing deadlines and the need to suspend rules for late special-language items, and Senator Irvin released a hold on HB 1064 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• special language agenda that is ready for a due pass as amended is Senate Bill 10, Department of Commerce
• the special language agenda that is ready for a due pass as amended, Senate Bill 10, Department of Commerce
• I've also asked DWS or Commerce to come up since it's their appropriation bill.
• Allison Hatfield, Chief of Staff, Department of Commerce.

Summary: The committee first took up the Special Language Committee report, which adopted nine amendments tied to Governor’s Letter 7 and HB 1005, and then approved several items for due pass as amended, including HB 101 (Department of Corrections), HB 1017 (Department of Agriculture promotion boards), HB 1009 (Department of Public Safety), and SB 10 (Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services). A question was raised about the $10 million unemployment insurance modernization item in SB 10, and Commerce staff said it was a continuation of a previously approved appropriation rather than a new increase. The main discussion centered on the Treasurer’s budget request, especially salary increases. Committee members questioned why the office had already received substantial raises in 2025 and whether additional funds would go to lower-paid staff or mainly to top leadership. Treasury staff said the request was intended to retain talent, that the office’s investment team manages an $11.5 billion portfolio, and that the state benefits from those returns; they also said the treasurer would be open to discussing a cap on raises. Members expressed concern that prior funds had not gone where expected and that the treasurer was not present to answer directly. Representative Lundstrum moved to hold the Treasurer’s budget until the treasurer could return and provide more information, and the motion passed. Representative Kavanaugh also asked about a $150,000 preparedness and safety appropriation, and staff said it would support IT and security upgrades related to a move from AIS to S4 HANA and a cloud-based system. The committee then batched and passed a series of supplemental and reappropriation bills, followed by individual due-pass votes on multiple House and Senate bills, all of which were approved without objection. The meeting ended with procedural guidance about filing special-language items and a request to release a hold on HB 1064, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wish to announce on the Speaker's committee on commerce and this. is drawn from the Committee on Health
• Senate Bill 1128 is drawn from the Committee on Commerce and additionally referred to the Committee on
• Madam Chairwoman, your Committee on Commerce is under consideration SB 1415 and respectfully recommends
• I wish to announce that Senate Bill 1016 is withdrawn from the Committee on Commerce and additionally

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest and doctor introductions. Members recognized visitors for a range of advocacy and community events, including Children’s Health Advocacy Day, Jewish Advocacy Day, housing affordability advocates, environmental advocates for Lobo Week, and several constituent and youth groups. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement honoring Dr. Leah Hillier as Doctor of the Day and several remarks about community organizations and guests in the gallery. The House then received Senate messages and committee referrals, including multiple Senate bills and a concurrent resolution being assigned or withdrawn from committees. In Committee of the Whole, SB 1415 was recommended do pass, and SB 1430 was recommended do pass as amended after a Ways and Means amendment was adopted to remove a controversial provision so the measure would remain limited to tax code corrections. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the bills were deferred for engrossing; SB 1193 was retained on the calendar. On third reading, the House passed HB 2680, relating to workers’ compensation, by a vote of 55-1 with four not voting, and passed SB 1029, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, by a vote of 57-0 with three not voting. Later, the chamber heard extended personal privilege remarks on federal issues, including the government shutdown, TSA and ICE at airports, immigration enforcement, and state budget negotiations. The House also recognized Lobo Week and received announcements about upcoming committee meetings and a CAP update, then adjourned until Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• just working out to have a close relationship with the House work that's being done, talking to commerce
• work that's being done, uh<00:06:32.240> talking<00:06:32.640> to<00:06:32.880> commerce
• <00:06:33.240> people<00:06:33.760> and<00:06:34.480> new uh talking to commerce
• people and new uh talking to commerce people and new senators<00:06:35.080> over<00:06:35.280

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger discussed her path from science and genetics into politics, saying her lab work showed her that research was not always translating into effective policy. She described getting involved through her union, helping pass paid parental leave for state employees, and then moving into elected office after opportunities opened up in 2022. She also said her House experience helped prepare her for the Senate by teaching her the legislative process, committee work, and relationship-building. On policy priorities, she said her district is focused on affordable health care, climate change, education, PFAS contamination and drinking water, and concerns about federal actions. She framed her agenda this session as “protect, respond, and recover,” including protecting existing laws such as paid Minnesota leave, responding to possible Medicaid and SNAP cuts, child care costs, and tariffs affecting groceries, and helping the community recover from recent ICE activity that she said disrupted public safety, businesses, and residents. She identified one specific bill effort: continuing work to ban cryptocurrency kiosk machines, which she said are being used to scam seniors. She said the idea came from the Woodbury Police Department and that she is working with House and Senate colleagues on it. She also described herself as a thoughtful, data-driven “scientist at heart” and said her butterfly earrings symbolize pollinators, native plants, and hope, as well as her own journey and the arrival of spring.

Transcript Highlights:

• I passed my free water bill through the Commerce Committee.
• 00:01:18.560> bill<00:01:18.799> through<00:01:18.960> the<00:01:19.119> commerce
• water bill through the commerce water bill through the commerce committee.<00:01:20.000> you<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Leigh Finke discussed the unusual 2025 Minnesota legislative session, describing it as difficult and fast-moving because of the House tie, the DFL quorum break, and the resulting power-sharing arrangement. She said the split chamber made committee work strange, but noted that some bills still advanced, including her free water bill through the Commerce Committee, and that lawmakers ultimately kept the government open. Finke also spoke about concerns in the trans and queer community under the Trump administration, saying she has been holding town halls statewide to separate fact from fiction about federal actions. She said Minnesota is in a relatively strong position because of protections passed in 2023 and 2024, including the trans refuge bill and the gender-affirming care insurance mandate, and noted that the Minnesota Human Rights Act has protected gender identity since 1993. On the Minnesota Supreme Court’s powerlifting ruling, she said the court correctly applied state law and affirmed transgender participation, while acknowledging that some professional questions remain for lower courts. Looking ahead to 2026, Finke said she is not focused on new trans-related legislation and argued that Republicans are likely to keep attacking the issue even though the public cares more about affordability, health care, and safety. She said the Equal Rights Amendment has been stalled because equality has become a political football and broader civil rights protections have faced resistance. She also said gun violence should be a major priority next session, expressing support for significant controls on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and saying such measures would pass if brought to the floor, though she blamed Republican leadership for blocking action.

Transcript Highlights:

• , from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and<00:15:04.360
• , representing over 6,300 member Commerce, representing over 6,300 member companies<00:20:48.280>
• As a result of that law's enactment, on behalf of our members' rights, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
• filed a lawsuit in federal Commerce filed a lawsuit in federal court<00:22:53.600> challenging
• ,<00:34:04.240> the<00:34:04.320> Downtown Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Chamber

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and support from the Purple Maia Foundation and the Maui Chamber of Commerce.
• in support, and Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii in support.
• Maui Chamber of Commerce is in support. Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is in support.
• in support and Chamber of Commerce in support and Chamber of Commerce<00:56:05.319> of<00:56:
• of Hawaii in support is there Commerce of Hawaii in support is there anyone<00:56:07.480> else

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.