Video & Transcript Research : 'exceptions'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee (09/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- request to waive the administrative fee, given that this grant is in exchange for no consideration except
- grant is uh in exchange for no grant is uh in exchange for no consideration<00:24:25.520>
except - /c><00:24:25.840>
for <00:24:26.080>the <00:24:26.400>services consideration except - for the services consideration except for the services the<00:24:27.600>
availability <00:24:28.080
Summary:
The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met and first approved the June 30, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee then took up a series of Department of Transportation property actions, including authorization to grant an access point in Exeter, sell two small tracts in Keene, amend a prior Guilford disposal based on a revised survey and appraisal, sell 0.42 acres in Lincoln, list and sell 9.77 acres in Chesterfield, sell 0.54 acres in Fremont, and approve a permanent access easement in Belmont. The committee also approved a utility easement in Albany and a permanent access easement on Route 153 for the Bickfords. Most of these items involved direct sales or listings, administrative fees of $1,100, and conditions requiring surveys and local/state approvals; several were approved unanimously after brief or no questions.
Representative Faulkner declared a conflict of interest on the Chesterfield item, and Representative Newman sat in for that matter; later, Faulkner was recused from the Belmont item as well. The committee also approved a Department of Administrative Services request to grant a perpetual utility line easement to Public Service Company of New Hampshire for a facility under construction at the Hampstead hospital property, with the administrative fee waived because the grant was in exchange for utility service. During discussion of informational item LRCP25-038, staff explained that no committee action was needed because the item was only to notify members that a parcel’s fair market value had been reduced due to a change in access.
The committee received additional informational materials from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development, including minutes from its May 8 meeting and memorandums on surplus land review for Meredith and Hampstead. The next meeting was set for December 9 at 9:30 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and the chair noted the meeting would be on a Tuesday because of building scheduling. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 5/15/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And this community is not an exception.
- And this community is<00:18:23.320>
not <00:18:23.480>an <00:18:23.600>exception. - c> So,<00:18:25.200>
what <00:18:25.480>we <00:18:25.640>know is not an exception - So, what we know is not an exception.
Summary:
House and Senate DFL lawmakers, joined by Unidos Minnesota and other allies, held a press event responding to a budget deal they said would end MinnesotaCare coverage for roughly 20,000 undocumented adults at the end of the year while preserving coverage for children. Speakers, including Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Sen. Sandy Leafman, and Emilia Gonzalez Davalos, argued the agreement was cruel, would harm vulnerable families and essential workers, and was being justified under a false claim of fiscal responsibility. They said the affected people are Minnesota residents who work, pay taxes, and contribute to the state, and they rejected the idea that private insurance markets are a viable substitute.
The speakers emphasized that many enrollees are receiving ongoing care such as cancer treatment, dialysis, insulin, and asthma medication, and warned that losing coverage would push people into emergency rooms and increase costs for hospitals and communities. They also said the deal set a dangerous precedent by using mixed-status families and undocumented workers as bargaining chips in negotiations. Several speakers framed the issue as part of broader attacks on immigrant communities at the federal and state levels.
In response to questions, the lawmakers said they had not been given meaningful input on the agreement, that the DFL leadership had tried to make the “least harm” choice, and that the members speaking would vote no on the provision. They said their focus was on this specific health-care agreement rather than other budget bills, and they indicated the program’s cost was within projections, citing about 20,000 enrollees, roughly 17,000 adults, and spending under $4 million so far. The event ended with a call to continue fighting the deal and to pursue a Minnesota public option and broader long-term coverage solutions.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF1959 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- You'll see largely the same format, with the exception that the numbers that you see are only incremental
- 00:04:17.919>
the largely the same format uh with the largely the same format uh with the exception - 18.799>
numbers <00:04:19.040>that <00:04:19.199>you <00:04:19.359>see exception - that the numbers that you see exception that the numbers that you see are<00:04:19.680>
only <
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 3/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The only exception that there is is with the fraud committee, that will still be chaired by Representative
- hearings for the rest of the time<00:00:48.239>
the <00:00:48.399>only <00:00:48.760>exception - that<00:00:49.480>
there <00:00:49.760>is <00:00:50.160>is time the only exception - that there is is time the only exception that there is is with<00:00:50.480>
the <00:00:50.640
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (3-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- all of the Legislative Research Commission staff, and all of the former General Assembly members except
- 23.880>
General <00:09:24.240>Assembly <00:09:24.640>members <00:09:25.000>except - <00:09:25.279>
for uh General Assembly members except for uh General Assembly members except
Summary:
The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on March 17, 2025, approved the January 14 minutes, and received staff reports on budget, compliance, and training. Staff reported the January and February budget reports were within spending parameters and were approved. On reporting compliance, staff said about 15 forms were late in January, generating $750 in fines from late employers and lobbyists, but that all reports ultimately came in and the commission ended the month in full compliance. Staff also noted that all annual financial disclosure statements were filed except one, from former Representative Jacob Justice, who has been sent repeated notices and a certified letter regarding a $100 fine.
The commission discussed a potential ethics-related bill for the session. Staff said freshman Representative Kim Holloway of Graves County and part of McCracken County agreed to sponsor the bill, but there was little expectation it could advance this late in the session. Holloway met with staff on March 4 and expressed interest in continuing discussions over the interim so the proposal could be ready for next session. Staff also said the commission is nearly fully compliant with certification requirements for legislators who missed or were late to the January 8 current issues seminar.
Training efforts were also reviewed. Staff proposed starting a monthly Zoom training for lobbyists, employers, and others who work with them, beginning on a trial basis after session ends. The first session is planned for April 22 at 2 p.m., with notice to be sent through the newsletter and a special email. Staff said the goal is to help with filing questions, reduce late filings, and improve accuracy. The commission then voted to enter executive session under the cited Kentucky Open Meetings Act provisions to discuss confidential complaints and informal opinions.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- everyone I've talked with, is that it's not a major impact on our towns, with a few occasional exceptions
- regulations relating to minimum lot size regulations relating to minimum lot size MH<00:15:59.120>
except - 00.560>
a <00:16:00.759>need <00:16:01.319>because <00:16:01.759>of MH except - when there's a need because of MH except when there's a need because of the<00:16:02.560>
soils
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- A litigant would now have to show a rare and exceptional circumstance to overcome the presumption.
- They have recommended a hearsay exception for guardians.
- However, their reports and testimony are subject to hearsay exceptions.
- There is currently a hearsay exception in statute for comparable reports. that social workers do in the
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- response fund be added to the exception response fund be added to the exception list<01:07:48.880
- Except that one. Oh yeah. Looks like a Texas Ranger. Sorry, Mr. Chairman. It was me.
- And so we're freezing all external hiring subject to exception for critical mission needs.
- And so we're freezing all external hiring subject to exception for critical mission needs.
- <01:43:45.760>
for external hiring subject to exception for external hiring subject to exception
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally, it is centralized, with one exception, and that one exception is the state's ERP system, the
- it is centralized it with one exception it is centralized it with one exception and<00:38:44.000
- >
the <00:38:45.440>state's and that one exception is the state's and that one exception - <01:24:30.400>
to hardly ever uh provide an exception to hardly ever uh provide an exception - countries access to our Network except countries access to our Network except for<01:28:41.880><
Summary:
The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail.
The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels.
The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it appears to be identical language, word for word, except for the word Oklahoma rather than New
- emergency exception emergency exception because<03:55:35.199>
obviously <03:55:35.920> - clause put in there that says, 'except as otherwise provided by Article 72A.'
- So you can see 72A has to deal with Article 4, and therefore it's an exception.
- So the reason why they're exception.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Current law says a principal can make an exception, and this would remove that exception that principals
- Current law says a principal can make an exception, and this would remove that exception that principals
- says a principal can make an exception says a principal can make an exception and<00:28:51.200><
- and this would remove that exception and this would remove that exception that<00:28:53.120>
- The neighboring states, with the exception of one, allow capital carry.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are the exceptions to the rule.
- And without trial, it's supposed to be a carefully limited exception.
- There's ways to weave other exceptions in here if we want.
- And everybody did see. except his SISP, probation officers.
- I'm not going to do a personal bond, except in very rare cases.
Keywords:
family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, bail bonds, bail fund, charitable bail fund, nonprofit bail organization, public funds, local government spending, political subdivision, county, city, taxpayer lawsuit
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bans on external communications have crippled international collaborations, with special exceptions given
- given at random with special exceptions given at random and<00:20:58.880>
many <00:20:59.360>< - <02:17:09.080>
one without intervening motion except one without intervening motion except - one one hour of debate equally except one one hour of debate equally divided<02:17:57.120>
and - one one hour intervening motion except one one hour of<02:18:40.280>
debate <02:18:40.559>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/27/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- We're also adding clarity and simplicity by making an existing statutory exception permanent.
- This exception has been renewed annually with no controversy, and making this exception permanent eliminates
- exception permanent. exception permanent.
- This<00:58:03.680>
exception <00:58:04.079>has <00:58:04.319>been <00:58:04.720>< - c> renewed<00:58:05.119>
annually This exception has been renewed annually This exception
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds (09/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- There sometimes are exceptions if there's a purchase that has to be made and paying through a credit
- There sometimes are exceptions<01:17:22.800>
if <01:17:23.040>there's <01:17:23.280> - a a purchase that exceptions if there's a a purchase that has<01:17:24.480>
to <01:17:24.560>< - So, but the list, except for the last one, we can put on the get rid of list.
- c><01:48:52.400>
except <01:48:52.880>HHS <01:48:53.679>that's for everybody except
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of partial minutes, with members noting that DHS/HHS material was not yet included and that the minutes would be finalized later. The committee then heard from the General Court about several dedicated funds. Testimony explained the Joint Legislative Historical Fund, which receives a $25,000 annual general fund appropriation and transfers from visitor center sales above a $50,000 threshold, and is used for portrait maintenance, chamber work, Hall of Flags upkeep, and other historical preservation needs. Members also discussed the preservation of the Civil War flags in the Hall of Flags, with the General Court stating the flags are monitored through annual high-definition photos and that no immediate stabilization project is planned. A question about Union cemeteries was raised but the witness said he had no knowledge of federal funding for them.
The committee also reviewed the visitor center revolving fund and noted that the accounting presentation is confusing because transfers are netted out so the fund ends each year at $50,000. Members suggested the narrative should clearly identify the transfer amounts and actual revenue, and staff agreed to note that in future reporting. The General Court then described its special legislative account as a stability reserve for capital and emergency needs, citing past uses such as the plaza ADA renovation, the legislative parking garage, and moving operations to One Granite Place. Members asked about interest earnings and were told the account is held in the treasury and any interest goes to the general fund unless statute directs otherwise; no additional funding was recommended at this time.
The Department of Administrative Services then presented the law enforcement memorial fund, explaining it is a long-standing leftover construction fund with a small balance that has not been needed because the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Association privately funds memorial upkeep and plaques. Members discussed whether the state should transfer the remaining money to the nonprofit, but no decision was made; the department said it would research whether such a transfer is legally possible. The department also reviewed the former land conservation endowment fund, now moving to Fish and Game under House Bill 2, and explained that it primarily covers administrative costs, management fees, and investment losses for a long-term conservation program. Members asked about the fund’s large balance and the increase in expenses, and were told the fund is intended to last indefinitely and that future reporting will shift to Fish and Game.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to recognize an exceptional intern serving in my office this session, George Ferris, a soon-to-be
- And the 40% threshold is so high it almost says, well, we have an exceptional tolerance for potential
- Senators, it's my great pleasure to recognize an exceptional member of my team, our intern that served
- Specifically, Florida Statute 768.2018 contains exceptions that prohibit certain parents and children
- With false promises of nothing except maybe a lower standard of care overall because now everyone can
Bills:
HCR35, SJR59, SJR84, SCR30, SB127, SB317, SB324, SB457, SB506, SB511, SB529, SB547, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB659, SB715, SB732, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB801, SB904, SB1026, SB1049, SB1065, SB1181, SB1224, SB1250, SB1383, SB1467, SB1524, SB1528, SB1531, SB1568, SB1585, SB1640, SB1681, SB1754, SB1757, SB1777, SB1972, SB1980, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2055, SB2069, SB2080, SB2119, SB2138, SB2139, SB2154, SB2201, SB2225, SB2268, SB2306, SB2308, SB2310, SB2330, SB2366, SB2375, SB2392, SB2401, SB2422, SB2480, SB2514, SB2530, SB2533, SB2543, SB2544, SB2589, SB2610, SB2615, SB2623, SB2660, SB2662, SB2693, SB2695, SB2707, SB2722, SB2742, SB2753, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2858, SB2880, SB2885, SB2891, SB2925, SB2938, SB2986, SJR3, SJR18, SB5, SB914, SB963, SB1197, SB1415, SB1437, SB1786, SB326, SB767, SB769, SB783, SB1035, SB1271, SB1619, SB1637, SB1806, SB1, SB260, HB135, HB 1109, HCR35, HCR64, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SCR30, SCR3, SB2023, SB619, SB2742, SB646, SB1026, SB2880, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB584, SB1085, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1721, SB2366, SB1013, SB2797, SB2383, SB1754, SB2119, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2929, SB1972, SB2540, SB2595, SB2217, SB715, SB2330, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB506, SB2514, SB2753, SB2398, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB410, SB659, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, SB2721, SB243, SB1285, SB2568, SB1959, SB1442, SB1454, SB2520, SB2541, SB1708, SB1237, SB1844, SB1586, HB1392, HB22, SB1551, SB3039, SB2819, SB66, SB629, SB1015, SB2342, SB2903, SB2933, SB1965, SB2477, SB3029, SB2605, SB2419, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB628, SB2523, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2778, SB3044, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB127, SB506, SB529, SB584, SB659, SB735, SB771, SB784, SB800, SB1049, SB1383, SB1531, SB1568, SB1681, SB1972, SB1980, SB2007, SB2041, SB2046, SB2050, SB2080, SB2225, SB2306, SB2308, SB2366, SB2392, SB2544, SB2610, SB2660, SB2662, SB2807, SB2843, SB2844, SB2885, SB2938, SB2986, SB324, SB1065, SB1754, SB2330, SB2693, SB2858, SR448, SR463, HCR35, SB324, SB619, SB646, SB1026, SB1065, SB1754, SB2330, SB2693, SB2742, SB2858, SB2880, SB3063, HJR5, HJR98, HB 109, HB 114, HB388, HB421, HB431, HB879, HB 1244, HB1399, HB1445, HB1672, HB1695, HB1734, HB1875, HB1893, HB1950, HB2152, HB2217, HB2558, HB2559, HB2775, HB2789, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB3126, HB3135, HB3163, HB3229, HB3306, HB3513, HB3770, HB4134, HCR56, HCR102, SB3063, HJR5, HJR98, HB 109, HB 114, HB388, HB421, HB431, HB879, HB 1244, HB1399, HB1445, HB1672, HB1695, HB1734, HB1875, HB1893, HB1950, HB2152, HB2217, HB2558, HB2559, HB2775, HB2789, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB3126, HB3135, HB3163, HB3229, HB3306, HB3513, HB3770, HB4134, HCR56, HCR102
Keywords:
spaceports, tax-exempt bonds, aerospace investment, Texas space economy, Federal legislation, education funding, Texas State Technical College System, capital projects, infrastructure, higher education, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, Birding Capital, Matagorda County, wildlife, conservation, Texas Legislature
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/20/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I don't really see it as something that we don't have an ability to get access to that money except
- So, I don't really see it as something that we don't have an ability to get access to that money except
- So, I don't really see it as something that we don't have an ability to get access to that money except
- So, I don't really see it as something that we don't have an ability to get access to that money except
- So, I don't really see it as something that we don't have an ability to get access to that money except
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McKelvey voted aye except for the ones he had noted. Senator Awa voted aye.
- >> Uh, except for the ones I've noted, yes.
- >> Uh, except for the ones I've noted, yes.
- the Chinese dragon except way hairier. the Chinese dragon except way hairier.
- us now nearly every state maybe except us now has<01:04:29.960>
in <01:04:30.080>place
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas.
The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente.
In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC Public Hearings 02-24-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we have certain delineated exceptions for certain offenses where the statute of limitations is beyond
- Um, we have<00:10:42.000>
certain <00:10:42.399>delineated <00:10:43.120>exceptions< - /c><00:10:44.399>
for have certain delineated exceptions for have certain delineated exceptions - with this statute decline that except with this statute >> bec<00:24:28.799>
that <00:24 - <01:08:04.640>
to use of emergency powers except to use of emergency powers except to address
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total.
The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period.
The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted.
Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/13/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Except you're repealing and reenacting. >> Well, taking that away. >> The RSA I think that needs
- I think cleaning up that RSA to make it a mandatory no-exception. They would recuse themselves.
- exception. They would recuse themselves. exception. They would recuse themselves.
- So, I suppose you could allow for that exception.
- The problem is it's deemed exception.