Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so that accordance with this chapter. Uh so that accordance with this chapter.
• 1A, the Maryanne Leonard chapter 1A, the Maryanne Leonard chapter 1A, the Maryanne Leonard Educators
• This chapter shall with the following. This chapter shall with the following.
• This chapter shall be known and cited as the Maryanne. be known and cited as the Maryanne. be known and
• An accordance with this chapter. An accordance with this chapter.

Bills: SB199, HB142, SB86, HB152, HB297, SB1, SB1

Keywords: parental leave, state employees, local education agencies, adoption, work-life balance, family support, portable benefits, portable benefit account, independent contractor, gig worker, 1099 worker, freelancer, app-based worker, rideshare, delivery driver, worker benefits, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, income replacement insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1: 26 V.S.A. 1703, definition of optometry chapter.
• Section 1: 26 V.S.A. chapter 17, definition of optometry.
• This chapter moves the only remaining This chapter moves the only remaining section<00:42:33.440>
• , Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Chapter, Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Chapter, the<01:04:17.760
• 6VSA chapter 37 sections 681 and 686. 6VSA chapter 37 sections 681 and 686.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with several announcements and recognitions, including a lengthy tribute to Representative Carolyn Brangan of Georgia on her retirement and years of service, followed by remarks from Brangan explaining that she is leaving to care for her husband during cancer treatment. Additional members offered brief reflections, including one on the end of the session and another welcoming students from Founders Memorial School to the gallery, and a member from Brattleboro highlighted a collaborative mural in the card room titled “These Green Hills, Vermont State Symbols and Personal Reflections.” The body then took up its calendar. It adopted Joint House Resolution 12, authorizing limited remote voting in joint committees through the remainder of the calendar year, with an ADA-related accommodation for members physically present but unable to access a meeting room. The House also suspended rules to take up and concur in the Senate amendment to House Bill 935 on emergency management. The committee report described grant programs for emergency response and technical rescue, new definitions and shelter-planning language centered on “whole community,” a wildland fire response task force, and an emergency rulemaking provision requested by the Agency of Natural Resources; the committee approved the Senate proposal on an 8-3 straw poll, and the House concurred. The House next adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 952, the capital construction and state bonding budget adjustment bill. The report explained changes made in conference, including shifting funds to cover a higher-than-expected bid for the St. Johnsbury facility, restoring some funding for maintenance at the women’s correctional facility in Chittenden County, and setting aside $750,000 toward planning for Wi-Fi installation in correctional facilities. It also noted a lease-related language change for a Vermont Huts project at Little River State Park, with notification to the institutions committee chairs. The House then took up Senate Bill 64 on optometrists’ scope of practice; the committee presentation supported allowing specially credentialed optometrists to perform certain minor surgical, laser, and injection procedures, citing improved access, safety, cost, and workforce development, and the bill was read for second reading with committee recommendations for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter. ...and how
• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter.
• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter.
• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter.
• <00:21:11.960> thank officer for the Hawaii uh chapter thank officer for the Hawaii uh chapter

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also has the responsibility to periodically review and recommend changes to Chapter 57-40.6.
• It also has the responsibility to periodically review and recommend changes to Chapter 57-40.6.
• In large part, the chapter was written during a time when copper-line wireline services were the only
• Over the last 30 years, the chapter has been revised to incorporate emerging technologies, new funding
• The ESC3 recognizes that the scale and scope of a chapter rewrite could be considerable and may impact

Summary: The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results. In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system. The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted if it'd be germane on this one if we amended this to repeal Chapter 18, I'm If we amended
• this to repeal Chapter 18?
• And on page 25, line 31, the court would have jurisdiction of the juvenile pursuant to Chapter 18-8-6A
• So the court still would have jurisdiction under Article 4 of Chapter 49. ...still would have jurisdiction
• under Article 4 of Chapter 49 on page 25.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of bills: HB 2960, behavioral health; HB 2196, the appropriation clapout chapter; HB 2983
• House Bill 2010, amending Title 44, Chapter 2, Article 5, A.R.S., by adding Section 44-1484, relating
• House Bill 2155, repealing Section 41-3026, A.R.S., remaining Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, A.R.S.
• House Bill 2178, amending Title 41, Chapter 57, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-5902, relating
• House Bill 2395, amending Title 15, Chapter 2, Article 2, A.R.S., by adding Section 15-249.20, relating

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation commending law enforcement and Border Patrol personnel involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising the interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine desk business, committee substitutions, first and second readings of numerous bills, and reported attendance at 56 present, three absent, and one excused. The Committee of the Whole considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 each received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extended debate over voter ID, mail ballots, ballot deadlines, and election security. A subfloor amendment was adopted by a 32-26 vote, and the amended resolution then received a do-pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. On third reading, the House passed HB 2010 on digital consumer licensing disclosures by 59-0, HB 2132 on drug offenses by 59-0, HB 2155 on the Arizona Beef Council by 57-2, HB 2178 on state agency licensure requirements by 51-9, HB 2310 on employment relationships by 59-0, and HB 2395 on a Department of Education fitness-related measure by 59-0. HCR 2001 also passed on third reading by 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing election integrity and consumer or public-safety benefits, and opponents criticizing the election measure as restrictive and unnecessary. The House then heard multiple personal privilege remarks and announcements, including a proclamation for Cary Elwes Day, birthday and community notices, and a request for JLBC to review election-related funding. Committee meeting announcements followed, additional bill referrals and withdrawals were announced, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kamal Ahmad, Director of Public Affairs, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Minnesota Chapter, Nusrat Mosque
• So members, I would urge a no vote because it's not in the same chapter of law.
• We don't need to see it because it's in Chapter 13, I believe, or...
• Specific part of Chapter 13 that deals specifically with the Attorney General's office, lucky for you
• 13 and how he's to operate under Chapter 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to note that the department shall adopt the rules with regards to chapter 91.
• uh with department shall adopt the rules uh with regards<00:04:10.400> to<00:04:10.640> chapter
• <00:04:12.000> Okay,<00:04:12.319> sounds regards to chapter 91.
• Okay, sounds regards to chapter 91.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Colorado Springs Alumni Chapter, Omicron Zeta Chapter, and Omicron Pi Chapter of Cap Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Uh the chapter also Denver area seniors.
• I wished my school would have had a chapter back when I was in school. It didn't.
• I wished my school would have had a chapter back when I was in school. It didn't.
• I wished my school would have had a chapter back when I was in school. It didn't.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and then took up several ceremonial and procedural items before moving to resolutions and a large consent calendar of supplemental appropriation bills. The chamber also received committee reports, including Agriculture and Natural Resources appointments to the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, the Colorado Agricultural Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee, which were recommended for the consent calendar and confirmation. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and personal privilege remarks. Senators recognized Cap Alpha Psi Fraternity for its mentorship, scholarship, housing, and community service work in Colorado, and later honored Ukraine Power, a Colorado Springs nonprofit that raises funds and delivers generators, heaters, power banks, and other aid to people in Ukraine. Senators emphasized the ongoing war in Ukraine and praised Coloradans helping with humanitarian relief. The Senate then adopted SJR 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, after extended remarks about agricultural education, leadership development, and the role of FFA in both rural and urban communities. The resolution passed on a 33-0 vote, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber also passed a 30-bill consent calendar of supplemental appropriations and related measures, with several senators recording no votes on selected bills. Final passage followed for House Bill 1151 and the remaining bills on the calendar, covering supplemental appropriations to departments including Corrections, Health Care Policy and Financing, Agriculture, Early Childhood, Education, Human Services, Judicial, Labor and Employment, Law, Local Affairs, Military and Veterans Affairs, Personnel, Revenue, State, Transportation, Treasury, and capital construction and education-related funding measures. Debate on HB 1155 focused on Medicaid and behavioral health cuts, with one senator opposing the bill over parity concerns and others supporting it as part of broader budget balancing. Most bills passed with strong majorities, though several had recorded no votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• what it is was provided in this chapter what it is was provided in this chapter what it is if you say
• so are we saying at the end of chapter so are we saying at the end of chapter so are we saying at the
• yes ma'am the language was a chapter yes ma'am the language was a chapter yes ma'am the language was
• shall authorize required by this chapter shall authorize required by this chapter shall authorize the
• this state as provided in this chapter this state as provided in this chapter but if you have a job

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:17:55.520> Department<01:17:55.800> of industrial hemp chapter.
• Department of industrial hemp chapter.
• , and eggs chapter, and eggs chapter, and<01:18:38.760> then<01:18:39.040> section<
• Section 6, which is on page 34, modifies the definitions in the inspection and enforcement chapter to
• reference whole chapters and to reflect changes to the seed potato provisions.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• General Laws, Chapter 93, Section 76, is where the continuing care statute resides.
• and what's spelled out in the contracts, what needs to be included in the contracts, are defined in Chapter
• 93, Section 76 of the Are defined in Chapter 93, Section 76 of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection
• Governor Patrick signed Chapter 419, an act relative to continuing care retirement communities, which
• But it is what you did, frankly, Mr. and Madam Chair, in Chapter 197.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with members and presenters discussing how the model works, consumer protections, and areas for future review. After member introductions, Jennifer Fuller summarized survey results showing the top priorities as financial viability and affordability, consumer protections and rights, and regulation/monitoring standards. The commission said those issues would guide its work plan, while also keeping staffing, definitions, and federal support on the radar. Alyssa Sherman of LeadingAge Massachusetts and Jim Freiling of Brookhaven at Lexington gave a detailed overview of CCRCs, explaining that they combine housing with health-related services under long-term contracts and typically require entrance fees plus monthly fees. They described the three common contract types: Type A/life care, where costs stay relatively stable if residents need more care; Type B, which offers some included or discounted care with higher costs later; and Type C, fee-for-service, with lower entrance fees but higher costs if care needs increase. They also discussed nonprofit governance, resident involvement, and the role of state and Attorney General disclosure requirements. Several members raised concerns about affordability, refund timing, and the need to distinguish true CCRCs from other senior housing marketed similarly; presenters said refunds are often tied to reoccupancy and that their organizations are collecting data on refund timelines and contract terms. The discussion also covered resident rights and governance, including whether residents should have seats on nonprofit boards. Christine Griffin said her community lacks resident board representation and urged the commission to consider a state requirement, while others said resident associations and direct engagement with boards can be more effective than mandatory board seats. Members also discussed transparency around monthly fee increases, financial screening before admission, and the importance of clear marketing so consumers understand what they are buying. No votes were taken. The meeting ended with logistical updates, including a tentative public hearing date of June 3, 2025, a note that the next meeting would focus on regulation and monitoring standards, and a reminder that the commission would continue refining its work plan based on survey feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1099, amending Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-651.01, relating to civil
• House Bill 1452, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 9-500.54 and Section
• Senate Bill 1635, amending Title 13, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 13-2519,

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1038: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Please do the next bill on the calendar: Senate Bill 1133, an act amending Title 16, Chapter 3, Article
• Please proceed with the next bill: Senate Bill 1247, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1,
• Senate Bill 1247: An act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• Senate Bill 1038: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including referral of a gubernatorial nomination and several bills. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider four measures: SB 1038 on election conduct and cast vote records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure received committee amendments and was reported out do pass, with SB 1133 and SB 1247 treated as emergency measures. Most of the debate centered on SCR 1001. Supporters said it would speed election results, strengthen election security, require proof of identity, and preserve legislative authority over election procedures. Opponents argued it would reduce access to voting by changing mail-ballot rules, eliminating the active early voting list, limiting Election Day ballot drop-offs, and potentially creating long lines and confusion, with disproportionate impacts on rural voters, voters of color, and people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then took third-reading votes. On final passage, SB 1038 passed 17-9-1, SB 1133 passed 23-6-1, SB 1247 passed 28-1-1, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. Senators explained votes on both sides, with supporters emphasizing integrity and faster tabulation and opponents warning of disenfranchisement and reduced mail voting. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1-1 each, then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're registered as Cyrus Reed on behalf of the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club testifying for the
• I'm with, uh, the vice president of, of government affairs for the Texas chapter of American Society
• to cost of pumping groundwater from the common aquifer and share common regulatory authority under Chapter
• This bill authorizes the Hayes Trinity District, to assess pumpage fees under the chapter on permitted
• 30 cents per 1000 gallons, the bill also repeals some other provisions that are inconsistent with chapter

Bills: HB 5208, SB 863, SB 1243, SB 1624, SB 1965, SB 2660, SB 2702, SB 2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:52.799> that<00:33:53.120> would and plant amendment chapter that would and
• plant amendment chapter that would allow<00:33:53.600> the<00:33:53.840> commissioner<00
• <00:38:53.839> and<00:38:54.320> section in the gasoline tax chapter and section in
• the gasoline tax chapter and section 38<00:38:55.599> modifies<00:38:56.079> the<00:38
• <00:40:39.680> to inspection and enforcement chapter to inspection and enforcement chapter

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, regarding Part IV, this is establishing Kale special or Kale initiative special funds in Chapter
• finally, regarding Part IV, this is establishing Kale special or Kale initiative special funds in Chapter
• that are captured in chapter that are captured in chapter 844g<00:55:31.760> um<00:55:32.000
• testimony there is chapter testimony there is chapter 844g<00:56:46.720> which<00:56:46.880
• <00:56:50.520> and evidence collection kits chapter and evidence collection kits chapter and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for certain offenses where the statute of limitations is beyond what is normally prescribed under chapter
• <00:10:50.399> or<00:10:50.720> statute prescribed under chapter or statute prescribed
• under chapter or statute 701108. 701108. 701108.
• <00:48:41.359> And<00:48:41.520> the<00:48:41.680> purpose offenses in chapter
• And the purpose offenses in chapter 712.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• 152 into chapter 342.
• Chapter 152 is where we currently regulate the medical cannabis program.
• <00:12:21.680> 152 and is already allowed in chapter 152 and is already allowed in chapter
• <00:13:39.279> 152 tribal medical patients in chapter 152 tribal medical patients in chapter
• 152 into<00:13:40.240> chapter into chapter into chapter 342.<00:13:42.399> 152<00:13:

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special initiative commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that no testimony would be taken at this meeting; instead, the commission would begin its work, introduce members, and prepare for future hearings and a final report with recommendations on credit cards and other payment methods. The chairs outlined the commission’s charge: to examine payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the effects of section 28A of chapter 140D on small businesses. They said the commission would likely organize hearings around business and consumer impacts, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Members discussed the importance of hearing from retailers, restaurants, banks, small businesses, and possibly experts, and suggested considering cryptocurrency and whether hearings should be held outside the State House or include regional access. Several commissioners and stakeholders introduced themselves, including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the House, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Commissioner of Banks, retail and restaurant associations, a banking representative, and two small business owners. The chairs said interested parties could sign up to testify or receive notices, written testimony would be accepted, and the first hearing was tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium. The meeting ended with a motion to close, which passed unanimously.