Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:21:24.160><c> there</c><00:21:24.400><c> is</c><00:21:24.720><c> no</c><00:21:25.080><c> per</c
• It is<00:21:33.080><c> not</c><00:21:33.440><c> being</c><00:21:33.760><c> mixed</c><00:21:34.720><c>
• in my picture<00:21:36.720><c> that</c><00:21:37.160><c> I</c><00:21:37.720><c> submitted,</c><00:21
• Each batch<00:21:51.440><c> has</c><00:21:51.680><c> to</c><00:21:51.800><c> go</c><00:21:52.000><c>
• :53.960><c> can</c><00:21:54.160><c> be</c><00:21:54.520><c> put</c><00:21:54.720><c> onto</c><00:21:

Bills: HB2323 , HB2324 , HB1509 , HB2164 , HB2165 , HB2367 , HB2619 , HB1765 , HB2187 , HB1864 , HB1452 , HB2314 , HB1898 , HB2558 , HB2319 , HB1643 , HB2121

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard several administration bills related largely to workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. On HB 2323 HD1, which would modernize workers’ compensation notice and filing procedures, DLIR and other agencies testified in support of the original bill language but said HD1 removed key components and weakened the bill’s clarity and continuity. HB 2324 HD1, which would repeal state hoisting-machine certification requirements and the separate crane operator certificate, drew support from DLIR; members asked about whether the change would affect safety or local operators, and DLIR said OSHA-compliant certifications already exist and the union supported the change. HB 1509 HD1, which would require faster employer responses to treatment plans and impose penalties for nonresponse, received support from DLIR and others, while DHRD said it wanted an amendment. The committee also took up HB 2164 HD1 on compounded prescription drugs in workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill as a way to define compounded drugs and curb inflated pricing, but DHRD and a medical provider opposed it and asked for amendments. Testimony focused heavily on whether the definition should include 503B compounding facilities and whether physician dispensing should be limited to the first 30 days after injury. HB 2165 HD1, dealing with unemployment insurance eligibility and removing the two-year limit on recouping overpayments, was supported by DLIR but opposed by Unite Here Local 5, which argued it would make it harder for striking workers and other claimants. Members questioned the impact of changing reporting deadlines from calendar days to business days and raised concerns about future benefit offsets; DLIR said the bill was needed for federal conformity and that the committee would revisit the offset percentage and effective date. Later, the committee heard HB 2367 on pay transparency, requiring salary ranges in job postings and removing the small-employer exemption. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, Hawaii Women Lawyers, and an individual testifier supported the bill, saying pay transparency promotes fairness, trust, and pay equity; one testifier described being underpaid compared with a predecessor and said posting ranges would save applicants’ time. HB 2619 HD1, concerning homemade food products and farm kitchens, received generally supportive comments from the Department of Health, which requested an amendment to preserve flexibility in future rulemaking. HB 1765 HD1, on spear-fishing safety warnings, drew support from a safety educator and comments from DLNR; supporters said warning labels would help prevent hypoxic blackout deaths and were low-cost and easy to implement. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:21:11.000><c> so</c><00:21:11.280><c> is</c><00:21:11.560><c> the</c><00:21:11.920><c> first</c
• The<00:21:18.240><c> next</c><00:21:18.560><c> proposal</c><00:21:19.040><c> is</c><00:21:19.240><c>
• Um<00:21:39.800><c> Senate's</c><00:21:40.200><c> not</c><00:21:40.400><c> picking</c><00:21:40.760><
• 00:21:42.360><c> next</c><00:21:42.640><c> one</c><00:21:42.920><c> the</c><00:21:43.000><c> Senate</
• </c><00:21:44.560><c> 300</c><00:21:45.440><c> on</c><00:21:45.680><c> page</c><00:21:46.120><c> six.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.799><c> or</c><00:21:51.600><c> three</c><00:21:51.760><c> of</c><00:21:51.919><c> yours</c><00:21
• :52.240><c> I</c><00:21:52.400><c> was</c><00:21:52.559><c> sent</c><00:21:52.799><c> this</c> think
• </c><00:21:53.919><c> we</c><00:21:54.159><c> have</c><00:21:54.400><c> those</c><00:21:54.640><c> out
• So we have those out in email and<00:21:55.679><c> then</c><00:21:55.840><c> I</c><00:21:56.000><c> also
• ><c> for</c><00:21:58.880><c> three</c><00:21:59.120><c> amendments</c><00:21:59.520><c> for</c><00:21

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Lorna Betts, and I live in Chelmsford, and I’m speaking in support of House Bill 2351 and Senate Bill 21
• JVP has over 200,000 online supporters and over 70 chapters.
• Some of our members are supporters and over 70 chapters.
• I'm here today on behalf of the National Lawyers Guild, Massachusetts chapter, in support of S. 2134
• In closing, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Lawyers Guild strongly supports the bill to create

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight reopened a hearing on several bills related to public commissions, diversity on boards, and honorary or representative designations. Most of the testimony focused on bills promoting the rights and inclusion of American Muslims, including support for a Muslim commission that would recommend qualified Muslim residents for appointments, assess state programs’ effects on the community, and advise lawmakers. Witnesses described Islamophobia, discrimination in schools and public spaces, and the need for Muslim representation in government. One speaker, Ahmed Svahani, opposed the Muslim commission bill, arguing it could allow the state to define who counts as a “real Muslim,” create an official class, and silence dissenting voices. Other testimony supported a bill to promote diversity on public boards and commissions, with Mass NOW arguing that boards should better reflect the state’s racial and gender diversity and that diverse boards make better decisions. Mass Equality testified in support of a commission on the status of transgender people, citing federal restrictions on gender-affirming care, discrimination in housing, employment, and education, and gaps in existing representation. The National Lawyers Guild’s Massachusetts chapter also supported the Muslim commission bill, citing civil-rights concerns and increased reports of discrimination and retaliation against Muslims. No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. At the end of testimony, a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing, and the committee voted in favor of adjournment, ending the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:04.320><c> you</c><00:21:04.720><c> I</c><00:21:04.840><c> guess</c><00:21:05.159><c> who<
• > has</c><00:21:05.840><c> brought</c><00:21:06.120><c> this</c><00:21:06.240><c> to</c><00:21:06.440
• <00:21:18.200><c> because</c><00:21:18.360><c> I</c><00:21:18.480><c> do</c><00:21:18.640><c> care</c
• ><c> did</c><00:21:41.400><c> not</c><00:21:41.640><c> take</c><00:21:41.840><c> more</c><00:21:42.080
• 00:21:48.240><c> I</c><00:21:48.320><c> brought</c><00:21:48.520><c> the</c> bill<00:21:53.559><c> all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and took up several bills, mostly focused on local planning, zoning, and municipal administration. House Bill 403, a simple measure giving coroners a six-month grace period to complete continuing education, was presented by Rep. Deanna Gordon with testimony from Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelson and received unanimous support. House Bill 555, a technical bill affecting audit deadlines and flexibility for small cities and certain expo center audit arrangements, was explained by JD Cheney of the Kentucky League of Cities; he said it would help about 97 cities comply with audit requirements and allow more flexibility when municipalities are making good-faith efforts. The committee approved HB 555 on a roll call vote, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee and others in favor, and reported it favorably to the House floor. House Bill 321, also presented with JD Cheney and Rep. DJ Johnson, would expand the time for planning commission and board of adjustment members to complete orientation and continuing education, with a focus on housing supply and accessibility. Supporters said it would help recruit more members and concentrate training on land-use impacts on housing; Rep. Roarx and others discussed Louisville Metro’s planning process, while Rep. Brown and Rep. Fleming raised concerns about infrastructure and long-range planning. The committee passed HB 321 favorably after roll call, with one no vote from Rep. Griffee. House Bill 18 drew the most extended debate. Sponsor Rep. John Hodgson said the committee substitute would create incentives for infill development in urban areas and extend a moratorium on zoning district classification changes for two more years, arguing that local elected officials should have more control over major density changes and that unelected boards were approving projects without adequate infrastructure review. Opponents, including Liam Gallagher of Americans for Prosperity Kentucky and several members, argued the bill would restrict housing development, interfere with property rights, and limit Louisville Metro’s ability to update its Land Development Code; supporters countered that the bill would not stop development but would require elected officials to weigh in and address traffic and infrastructure concerns. After discussion, the committee approved HB 18 as amended by the substitute and reported it favorably to the House floor, with several members explaining their votes and some opposing the moratorium on local zoning changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:07.280><c> investors</c><00:21:07.800><c> who</c><00:21:07.920><c> will</c><00:21:08.000><c> get
• We'll</c><00:21:09.120><c> note</c><00:21:09.320><c> further</c><00:21:09.600><c> that</c><00:21:09.760
• </c><00:21:25.600><c> Members,</c><00:21:25.880><c> do</c><00:21:25.960><c> you</c><00:21:26.000><c>
• SB<00:21:31.960><c> 2957,</c><00:21:33.120><c> chair's</c><00:21:33.320><c> recommendation</c><00:21:
• Chair votes aye.<00:21:38.920><c> Vice</c><00:21:39.080><c> chair</c><00:21:39.200><c> votes</c><00:21

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:

• :00.240><c> would</c><00:21:00.440><c> would</c><00:21:00.640><c> seem</c><00:21:00.880><c> to</c><00
• would would seem to refer to a<00:21:01.559><c> transfer</c><00:21:02.039><c> and</c><00:21:02.159><
• c> the</c><00:21:02.240><c> other</c><00:21:02.480><c> would</c><00:21:02.840><c> would</c> a transfer
• <00:21:05.480><c> so</c><00:21:05.880><c> we</c><00:21:07.200><c> uh</c><00:21:08.200><c> recommended
• </c><00:21:08.880><c> that</c><00:21:09.440><c> the</c> Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:02.080><c> That's</c><00:21:02.240><c> what</c><00:21:02.320><c> I'm</c><00:21:02.400><c>
• &gt;&gt; Um,<00:21:09.440><c> so,</c><00:21:09.679><c> so</c><00:21:10.000><c> what</c><00:21:10.320>
• 21:14.240><c> how</c><00:21:14.400><c> would</c><00:21:14.559><c> you</c><00:21:14.799><c> verify</c>
• </c><00:21:52.320><c> And</c><00:21:52.559><c> so</c><00:21:53.120><c> there</c><00:21:53.440><c> is<
• ><00:21:57.760><c> um</c><00:21:58.080><c> there</c><00:21:58.320><c> to</c><00:21:58.559><c> clean</

Bills: SB2093 , SB2095 , SB2046 , SB2096 , SB2127 , SB2155 , SB2243

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The joint Senate Agriculture and Environment and Health and Human Services hearing opened with SB 2093, which would require the fuel tank advisory committee to meet at least quarterly and provide funding. The Department of Health offered written testimony, and multiple supporters, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Sierra Club, and a public member of the advisory committee, said more frequent meetings were needed to keep Red Hill cleanup, water testing, and public engagement front and center. Senators asked about public participation and whether the bill should also require meetings outside business hours; testifiers urged at least one evening or weekend meeting to improve access. No vote was taken during the discussion shown. The committee then heard SB 2095, creating a PFAS working group within the Department of Health to study PFAS and related chemicals and report to the Legislature. DOH supported the concept but requested amendments and funding, while the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity deferred to DOH. The Board of Water Supply supported the measure and asked to be included in the working group. Members asked about the bill’s reference to “other residuals,” and DOH explained it could refer to remaining PFAS components in soil, water, or other media. The discussion emphasized the widespread and long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination. Next, the committee considered SB 2046 on underground storage tanks and Red Hill-related cleanup. DOH and the Board of Water Supply testified, and a long list of community and environmental groups supported the bill. Testifiers argued the Navy caused the problem and should be held accountable for cleanup, while one witness said the bill was necessary because the Navy had delayed meaningful remediation. Senators asked whether the bill’s “large landowner” language could include the state or counties under existing statutes; DOH said it would check and later explained that cleanup responsibility generally falls first on the responsible party, then on large landowners if no responsible party exists, with the Navy currently understood to own Red Hill. The hearing then moved to SB 2096 on wastewater management, which the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported, noting PFAS can harm marine resources, and DOH’s wastewater branch offered comments. SB 2127 on water pollution drew support from Agra Business Development Corporation and opposition from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others. The main debate centered on runoff, NPDES permitting, and whether the bill could unfairly affect agricultural and public entities; senators and witnesses discussed how heavy rainfall, cesspools, and mixed land uses complicate responsibility and compliance. The transcript ends with the committee still in discussion on SB 2127, with no final votes or actions shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<00:21:33.840><c> and</c><00:21:34.159><c> so</c><00:21:34.559><c> I</c><00:21:35.280><c> am</c> Um
• I</c><00:21:37.919><c> guess</c><00:21:38.080><c> your</c><00:21:38.320><c> letter</c><00:21:38.559><
• was a suggestion<00:21:40.320><c> maybe,</c><00:21:40.799><c> but</c><00:21:41.200><c> this</c><00:21
• And so<00:21:50.799><c> I'm</c><00:21:51.039><c> wondering</c><00:21:52.000><c> um</c><00:21:52.960><
• c> why</c><00:21:53.720><c> this</c><00:21:54.720><c> is</c><00:21:54.880><c> a</c><00:21:55.039><c>

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• He<00:21:06.480><c> is</c><00:21:06.640><c> right</c><00:21:06.880><c> there.
• Uh<00:21:48.799><c> welcome</c><00:21:49.039><c> to</c><00:21:49.280><c> the</c><00:21:49.440><c> committee
• superintendent<00:21:52.240><c> and</c><00:21:52.559><c> we</c><00:21:52.960><c> um</c><00:21:53.200
• </c><00:21:57.600><c> All</c><00:21:57.600><c> right,</c><00:21:58.159><c> chair</c><00:21:58.480><c>
• </c><00:21:59.520><c> I'm</c><00:21:59.679><c> Dan</c><00:21:59.919><c> Stifter.</c> Mr.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American... Support.
• So we are going to move on to item number 21, AB 835, Calderon. Thank you. Thank you.
• This is exactly what you said for kids under the age of 21. Kratom, 7-OH does act on...
• We have over 20 chapters across the state, and we strongly support this bill. Thank you.
• Item 21, AB 835, Calderon, lifting the call.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:05.360><c> in</c><00:21:05.480><c> Education</c><00:21:06.120><c> Act,</c><00:21:06.440><c> it
• Matt<00:21:14.160><c> will</c><00:21:14.320><c> correct</c><00:21:14.640><c> me</c><00:21:14.760><c>
• Um<00:21:16.840><c> but</c><00:21:17.000><c> it</c><00:21:17.120><c> was</c><00:21:17.280><c> enacted
• We both served<00:21:19.400><c> on</c><00:21:19.520><c> that</c><00:21:19.720><c> committee</c><00:21
• And<00:21:21.760><c> it</c><00:21:22.000><c> acts</c><00:21:22.320><c> as</c><00:21:22.440><c> sort</

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.919><c> to</c><00:21:02.159><c> the</c><00:21:02.400><c> fifth</c><00:21:02.720><c> and</c><00:21
• </c><00:21:17.360><c> spring</c><00:21:17.600><c> season</c><00:21:17.840><c> was</c><00:21:18.080><c
• <02:21:05.680><c> of</c><02:21:05.840><c> the</c><02:21:06.000><c> bill</c><02:21:06.160><c> for</c><
• The<02:21:07.200><c> committee</c><02:21:07.439><c> shall</c><02:21:07.680><c> rise</c><02:21:07.920>
• 21:51.840><c> would</c><05:21:52.000><c> be</c><05:21:52.480><c> a</c><05:21:52.798><c> cost</c><05:21

Bills: HR469 , HB2483 , HR458

Keywords: official photography, House of Representatives, session, government transparency, public engagement, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, mental health, treatment programs, recovery services, federal funding, public health, grants

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the</c><02:21:06.240><c> chair</c><02:21:06.479><c> and</c><02:21:06.720><c> ranking</c><02:21:07.040
• Section three.<02:21:12.399><c> Upon</c><02:21:12.800><c> adoption</c><02:21:13.120><c> of</c><02:21:
• <c> in</c><02:21:14.880><c> order</c><02:21:15.120><c> to</c><02:21:15.280><c> consider</c><02:21:15.600
• 02:21:20.240><c> program</c><02:21:20.560><c> to</c><02:21:20.800><c> beautify</c><02:21:21.280><c> the
• <02:21:24.000><c> of</c><02:21:24.240><c> Columbia</c><02:21:24.800><c> safe</c><02:21:25.040><c> and

Bills: HB5103 , HR1131 , HR1135

Keywords: appropriations, Department of Homeland Security, local beautification, navigable waters, government oversight, House committees, membership, legislative process, election, governance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:15.679><c> drug</c><00:21:15.960><c> free</c><00:21:16.159><c> zones</c><00:21:16.400><c>
• 20.039><c> I</c><00:21:20.159><c> was</c><00:21:20.240><c> a</c><00:21:20.400><c> principal</c><00:21
• ><c> we</c><00:21:22.720><c> had</c><00:21:22.880><c> drug</c><00:21:23.080><c> free</c><00:21:23.279
• </c><00:21:28.720><c> so</c><00:21:29.000><c> I</c><00:21:29.080><c> want</c><00:21:29.240><c> to</c>
• > years</c><00:21:52.440><c> I</c><00:21:52.600><c> worked</c><00:21:52.919><c> PRN</c><00:21:53.480>

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first approved Senate Bill 64, as amended, on a 14-0 vote. The bill was described as a copper theft prevention measure aimed at protecting key infrastructure assets, including telecommunications and electrical highway infrastructure. Testimony in support came from Senator Brandon Storm and representatives from Charter Communications and law enforcement, who said copper theft and related vandalism are damaging fiber and other infrastructure across the state. A committee substitute was adopted before the vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 73, relating to sexual extortion. Senator Julie Rocky Adams and Kentucky Youth Advocates testified that sextortion is a fast-growing crime against children and that the bill would make sexual extortion a felony, create civil remedies for victims, and require school-based education and resources. The bill passed 15-0 and was reported favorably for floor consideration. House Bill 662, relating to personally identifiable information, was also approved after discussion and a committee substitute. Representative John Blanton said the bill would help protect judges and certain medical review personnel from public disclosure of personal information while preserving provider access needed for appeals and communications. The Kentucky Medical Association supported the concept but stressed the need to preserve provider-facing information so doctors can conduct peer-to-peer reviews and appeals. The bill passed 15-0 with one pass vote. House Bill 320, relating to controlled substances on hospital property, was taken up for discussion only and no vote was taken. Representative Mike Klein and a St. Elizabeth nurse testified that hospitals are seeing illicit drug use and trafficking on campus and argued for a drug-free zone to protect staff, patients, and visitors. Committee members raised concerns about how the bill would apply to unconscious overdose patients, lawfully prescribed medications, emergency situations, and whether possession should be treated differently from trafficking. The chair ruled a motion out of order because the item was for discussion only, and the bill remained under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1162, amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, section 36-405.04
• Senate Bill 1162, amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, section 36-405.04
• Senate Bill 1274, amending sections 32-2102, 21-21-22, 21-24, 21-25, and adding section 32-21-34.02,
• Senate Bill 1552, amending sections 21-101 and 23-737, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I transmit herewith House Joint Memorial 21, House Bills 939, 936, 888, 894, 927, and House
• House Joint Memorial No. 21 will be referred to the Resources and Environment Committee.
• House Joint Memorial No. 21 will be referred to the Resources and Environment Committee.
• The vote count shows 21 in favor and 14 against.
• This takes that repealed section and creates a new chapter with the podiatrists.

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Committee: House Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.