Transcript Highlights:

• renewed interest in recent years in the taxation of multinationals and potential changes, including repealing
• Also note that the regulations California used then, a lot of the regulations California used then, .
• Also note that the regulations California used then allowed corporations to use reasonable approximations
• Those regulations, as we've heard, are still in place.
• Repealing the Waters Edge election could put us right back to where we were in the early 1980s.

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals. In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• renewed interest in recent years in the taxation of multinationals and potential changes, including repealing
• Also note that the regulations California used then, a lot of the regulations California used then, Also
• note that the regulations California used then allowed corporations to use reasonable approximations
• Those regulations, as we've heard, are still in place.
• Repealing the Waters Edge election could put us right back to where we were in the early 1980s.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on California’s taxation of foreign subsidiaries of U.S. corporations, especially the state’s water’s-edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Committee members and witnesses discussed how unitary taxation and sales-factor apportionment work, why multinational corporations are a small share of filers but a large share of tax liability, and how foreign income, profit shifting, and double taxation concerns affect policy choices. The Franchise Tax Board explained current filing rules, the seven-year water’s-edge election, and recent filing statistics showing about 21,562 water’s-edge returns in 2023, roughly 6% of C corporation filers but about half of corporate tax liability. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and FTB staff emphasized that revenue effects from eliminating water’s edge are uncertain because foreign affiliate income is not directly observable, and they noted possible revenue volatility and administrative complexity. Several committee members asked about foreign government pushback, the burden on FTB, whether certain industries are more likely to shift profits, and whether companies would leave California; witnesses generally said there was no strong evidence that firms would exit the state because tax liability is driven mainly by California sales. They also discussed how California already administers both methods, how the election can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on a firm’s facts, and how federal reforms like GILTI/NCTI, CAMT, and OECD Pillar Two may affect the issue. The second panel presented sharply contrasting views. One professor and a tax policy advocate argued that water’s edge creates unfairness, encourages profit shifting, and leaves California with billions in lost revenue, while a Tax Foundation witness argued that mandatory worldwide reporting would tax the wrong income, create double taxation and litigation risk, and impose heavy compliance burdens, especially for foreign-based multinationals. A later panel from the California Budget and Policy Center supported closing the “water’s-edge loophole,” saying it would raise needed revenue for public services and level the playing field between large multinationals and smaller domestic businesses. No vote or formal action was taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to the working connections child care program. 2025, Chapter 412, Section 13, are each repealed
• So what we did is we aligned with the federal government regulations related to attendance policy.
• , appreciate some of the reforms, some of which the good lady mentioned about the federal regulations
• And it's ridiculous, the regulations they choose to use. ...open, and it's ridiculous, the regulations
• We need to be reducing regulations. We need to be creating spots.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer from Tammy Stamphley, a Presbyterian minister and hospital chaplain. After approving the previous day’s minutes and receiving a Senate message, the chamber moved to second and third reading of several bills, with multiple measures advanced under suspended rules. The first major vote was on Engrossed Senate Bill 5872, which establishes a pre-K-related account to support up to 10,000 additional early learning slots for three- and four-year-olds. Supporters emphasized the Balmer Group’s private funding commitment and the value of early learning and family support; the bill passed 97-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5834, a Department of Retirement Systems request bill changing the fund source for legal, medical, administrative, and fraud-prevention expenses using interest earnings from pension funds, also passed 97-0. Substitute House Bill 2689, dealing with the Working Connections Child Care program, drew the most debate. Supporters said it aligned attendance policy with federal rules, adjusted reimbursement rates, and helped balance the budget while preserving child care resources. Opponents argued it cut support in rural and underserved counties, would worsen child care deserts, and placed budget savings on the child care industry; it passed 53-44. The House then passed Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer vehicle depreciation funds with OSPI approval, by 59-38, and Senate Bill 6065, a narrower bill for districts under enhanced financial oversight such as Prescott, by 97-0. The session ended with announcements that both caucuses would meet later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so Laramie's lawsuit is still pending, and our ordinance is fully repealed.
• And so Laramie's lawsuit is still pending, and our ordinance is fully repealed.
• And so Laramie's lawsuit is still pending, and our ordinance is fully repealed.
• These permits do not regulation.
• We are subject to the same regulations regulations regulations um<02:35:45.920><c> as</c><02:35:46.240

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Our regulations are strict number.
• Members, this already contains a defective effective date and repeals on June 30, 2028.
• Members, this already contains a defective effective date and repeals on June 30, 2028.
• </c><02:30:18.319><c> So</c><02:30:18.479><c> with</c> repeals on June 30th, 2028.
• So with repeals on June 30th, 2028.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2198, which came to us earlier today by a vote of 197 to 5, would repeal the sales and use
• The underlying repeal on gross receipts puts money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians that need it
• The underlying repeal on gross receipts puts money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians that need it
• This chamber has considered no bills meaningfully regulating data centers, the true drivers of massive
• We have now this repeal of the data center sales and use tax exemption, which is very important.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> extend repeal around. extend repeal around.
• This just extends the repealer to 2029.
• </c> and put a repealer in the legislation. and put a repealer in the legislation.
• </c><01:54:29.600><c> I</c> the reverse repealer amendment. I the reverse repealer amendment.
• </c> does it already have a reverse repealer does it already have a reverse repealer to<02:10:56.080>

Transcript Highlights:

• The urgency to regulate is made greater by climate change.
• is made Greater by urgency to regulate is made Greater by climate<00:32:42.200><c> change</c><00:32:
• The public wants recommendations and regulations around retention and detention ponds, which would help
• </c><00:33:41.559><c> already</c><00:33:41.799><c> should</c> and Regulators already should and Regulators
• </c><04:10:56.680><c> act</c><04:10:57.359><c> 88</c> 2025 repeal act 88 2025 repeal act 88 um<04:10:

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> repealer and there's a strike all. repealer and there's a strike all.
• Just to add a reverse repealer. All right, um, motion is to adopt the repealer amendment.
• Just to add a reverse repealer. All right, um, motion is to adopt the repealer amendment.
• </c> add a reverse repealer. add a reverse repealer. &gt;&gt; All<01:36:26.880><c> right.
• . repealer. repealer.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a heavily watched and regulated area for some of the that you brought up, Representative Rhodes
• This is a heavily watched and regulated area for some of the that you brought up, Representative Rhodes
• This is a heavily watched and regulated area for some of the that you brought up, Representative Rhodes
• This is a heavily watched and regulated area for some of the that you brought up, Representative Rhodes
• </c><02:23:03.320><c> with</c><02:23:04.240><c> an</c> making clause is repealed with an making clause

Summary: The meeting began as a Committee of Conference on House Bill 194, but the discussion quickly centered on whether to remove an attached bill, 504, because of concerns about a possible fee or tax and a House rule issue. Members debated the procedural posture of the bill, whether the House version had been non-concurred, and whether the conference committee could still resolve the issue by adopting the House amendment or reconsidering the non-concur. The exchange became tense, with one side warning that failing to pass the measure could jeopardize a linked rural health transformation grant worth about $20 million. The committee ultimately recessed without resolving the 194/504 dispute and planned to return the next day. The committee then opened conference on House Bill 609, which dealt with use-of-force/self-defense language and restraint/seclusion authority in health care settings. On the self-defense portion, House members argued strongly for restoring vehicle language, saying people should be able to defend themselves in a car the same way they can in a home, especially in carjacking or assault situations where no weapon is displayed. Senate members expressed concern about expanding deadly-force protections too broadly and suggested narrowing the language to focus on imminent harm to the person, not property, while also questioning where the provision should be placed in statute. The second major topic in HB 609 was who may order restraint or seclusion in clinical settings. House members argued that physicians are not always immediately available, especially in hospitals and emergency settings, and that APRNs and physician associates should be able to act in crises if properly trained and credentialed. Senate members raised concerns about scope of practice and asked whether the language implied patient consent was required; the Senate side explained that consent language was intended to address capacity and informed decision-making, not to require voluntary consent to restraint. The discussion ended with the sides still apart, though the Senate floated a compromise allowing physician associates to order restraint when no doctor is physically on the premises, while not yet extending that authority to APRNs. The committee took a short break to continue negotiations on the firearm/self-defense piece.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill repeals the now infamous HB 1569, which was adopted last year.
• </c><04:29:29.159><c> what</c> what the you know to to regulate what what the you know to to regulate
• , the election law repealed it in 2011.
• , the election law repealed it in 2011.
• Seeing none, thank you. uh repealed it uh in uh repealed it uh in 2011<04:50:03.320><c> um</c><04:50:

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing impacts from federal actions, the repeal of the renewable tax credits, slow delivery of
• We're seeing impacts from federal actions, the repeal of the renewable tax credits, slow delivery of
• And House DFLers can step in and regulate some of this technology before it is too late.
• And we know this because they're not telling citizens, they're not telling regulators, they are telling

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press event outlining an affordability agenda focused on housing, child care, health care, groceries, energy, and taxes. Speakers argued that Minnesota families are being squeezed by rising costs and income inequality, and said the caucus would pursue policies aimed at lowering everyday expenses and shifting more costs onto corporations and wealthy residents. Representative Bierman said health care costs are pushing people to skip care and called for system reforms, including moving toward a more universal model and reducing the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Representative Kotiza-Wazhushk said the caucus is pushing for universal or low-cost child care, expanded pre-K and community-based care, and a bill to stop grocery surveillance price gouging. Representative Acomb and other energy leaders said the House DFL wants to lower utility bills through more energy assistance, weatherization, renewable energy support, limits on utility cost recovery for lobbying and executive pay, and stronger PUC authority to prevent shutoffs and limit rate increases. Representative Agbaje described housing as unaffordable for many renters and homeowners, cited a shortage of housing units, and said the caucus supports restricting private equity and corporate purchases of single-family homes. Leader Stevenson framed the agenda as a response to a budget picture that he said reflects gains for corporations and wealthy Minnesotans, and he criticized federal tax policy and Medicaid cuts. In response to questions about cost, he said several proposals would not require state spending, while others could be funded by looking at new revenue and at those who benefited most from recent tax changes. The event also included a detailed explanation of the grocery surveillance pricing proposal, which would restrict the use of personal data and AI to set individualized prices and limit rapid electronic shelf price changes. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:09.519><c> that</c> and support and new regulations that and support and new regulations that
• It repeals statutory authority and rescinds unobligated balances for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
• This program was repealed in August. Hawaii is expected to receive $62.5 million.
• Um, this program was<00:13:21.200><c> repealed</c><00:13:21.600><c> in</c><00:13:21.839><c> August.
• Um, that Hawaii was repealed in August.

Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 17, repealing the shotgun zone.
• Section two on page 104 repeals a DNR 4.
• Section 17, repealing the hunting. Section 17, repealing the shotgun<00:02:16.160><c> zone.
• ><c> changes</c><00:02:46.400><c> to</c> Section 24, repealing recent changes to Section 24, repealing
• </c><00:04:07.360><c> some</c><00:04:07.680><c> obsolete</c> 52 repealing some obsolete 52 repealing

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• that does address that and we're Extending that out from 2026 to 2031 and then we are also just repealing
• We have increased the compliance regulations.

Bills: SB1239 , SB1732

Committee: House A&B General Government Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2460 prohibits a county and municipality from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, rule, or regulation
• issued for a civil traffic violation or a misdemeanor criminal offense related to transportation regulation
• Containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals for any purpose unless required by federal regulations,
• They specify the cost-of-service studies are required only if requested, and they repeal the reporting
• or imposing identification requirements necessary to administer and enforce mobile food vendor regulation

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills returned from the Senate with amendments, generally asking staff to describe the changes and then confirming whether the sponsor concurred. Many measures were accepted with little or no debate, including bills on tax filing penalties (HB 2016), court-ordered restitution for homeless or indigent defendants (HB 2028), vaccination and mask restrictions (HB 286), bullion investments by the state treasurer (HB 2140), nursing care complaint timelines (HB 2195), privacy protections for county records (HB 2327), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), medical records access timelines (HB 2557), licensing board procedures (HB 2660), school and public records provisions, AI governance (HB 2592), fingerprint clearance temporary work authorization (HB 2916), development fees (HB 2946), affordability infrastructure districts (HB 2999), distracted driving penalties (HB 2109), health aide scope of practice (HB 2189), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), backyard structure rules in planned communities (HB 2342), inmate transition services (HB 2440), nuclear-ready community designation criteria (HB 2456), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), groundwater/medical reimbursement changes (HB 2932), traffic citation signature authority (HB 2369), advanced math enrollment (HB 2423), school district training and intervention requirements (HB 2435), job order contracting limits (HB 2482), special education and placement rules (HB 2621), DCS parent rights notice changes (HB 2661), domestic violence expert testimony standards (HB 2662), inmate mental health study committee provisions (HB 2673), legislative subpoena enforcement (HB 2745), ACA trade office oversight (HB 2752), utility reporting changes (HB 2756), Native American language proficiency credit (HB 2895), mental health judicial review timelines (HB 2923), mobile food vendor licensing (HB 2118), medical intervention/school attendance rules (HB 2248), school board finance training (HB 2379), and school board meeting access/video requirements (HB 2380). Sponsors repeatedly stated they concurred with the Senate amendments, and no roll-call votes were taken in the transcript. A few items were set aside or sent back, including HB 2035 and HB 2249, and one bill (HB 2594) was left pending because the sponsor had not yet responded.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the repealing of the obsolete language that you put in various bills over the years.
• know, for the last few years, we have tried to carve back some of the many, many, many rules and regulations
• know, for the last few years, we have tried to carve back some of the many, many, many rules and regulations

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and recognitions of guests, including YMCA youth and government participants and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem. Senators also made introductory remarks honoring the YMCA’s 175th anniversary and its community service, and the chamber noted the president’s birthday. The body then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session laws; Senate Bill 102 and Senate Bill 104 were reviser bills updating and cleaning up the Florida Statutes. Senate Bill 320, on administrative efficiency in public schools, would reduce district reporting and procedural requirements, expand teacher apprenticeship and certification options, adjust assessment and accountability rules, increase district flexibility in funding and facility planning, and shift some VPK oversight to school districts. Senate Bill 7010 would allow Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans. Sponsors described each bill as improving efficiency, flexibility, or statutory clarity. All four bills passed unanimously, 36-0, after brief debate or no debate. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration. At the end of the session, the chamber adopted a motion to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House and then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill could have been used as a vehicle for open carry, as a vehicle for red flag repeal.
• The governor has even wanted the repeal of red flag laws, the push of open carry legislation, the repeal
• Today I bring USB 628, also known as Lucy's Law, which aims to strengthen boating safety regulations
• that protects Floridians’ right to boat by preventing local bans on vessels based on fuel type, repealing

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee met and took up several criminal justice, public safety, and boating measures. It first heard SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which would create mental health diversion options for eligible misdemeanor and felony defendants, expand mental health and substance abuse grant uses, require evaluations and treatment recommendations in certain cases, add Hillsborough County to a forensic diversion pilot list, and create a behavioral health data repository. After adopting a technical amendment, the bill received strong support from NAMI Florida, family advocates, sheriffs, and the Murphy family, and was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee also approved SB 86, expanding peer support programs for certain law enforcement support personnel, and SB 472, allowing inmates who complete approved education in correctional facilities to receive credit toward professional licensure requirements. Both bills were amended and then reported favorably without opposition. SB 276, which increases penalties for unlawfully sheltering or aiding an unmarried minor and creates a defense for actions taken to protect a minor from danger, drew questions about runaway youth, LGBTQ youth, and the scope of the defense; the sponsor said he was open to further amendment, and the bill passed favorably. Members then approved SB 402, updating the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute to reference the armed forces by definition rather than by branch. SB 490, as amended, would let law enforcement, correctional, and correctional probation officers carry concealed off duty and exempt law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and active military service members from the three-day waiting period for rifle and shotgun purchases; it passed 8-1 after debate over the waiting period and equal treatment concerns. Finally, the committee passed SB 628, Lucy’s Law, to strengthen boating safety and penalties, after adopting an amendment that removed proposed changes to warrantless blood draws and boating education requirements; the bill was supported by the family of Lucy Fernandez and passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is to repeal a communication services tax.
• And this is to repeal a communication services tax.
• this if we repeal this on on on the<00:16:58.960><c> the</c><00:16:59.120><c> other</c><00:16:59.400
• So this is really outside our power to regulate this. Um, any other thoughts?
• We don't have the the power to regulate<00:23:13.640><c> this.</c> regulate this. regulate this.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last legislative session, Act 298, the Legislature repealed 584 and adopted 584A.
• </c><00:02:55.720><c> 584</c><00:02:56.600><c> and</c><00:02:57.120><c> adopted</c> legislature repealed
• 584 and adopted legislature repealed 584 and adopted 584A.<00:02:58.560><c> So,</c><00:02:58.720><c>
• </c><00:46:42.160><c> language</c> general or primary, repeals language general or primary, repeals language
• , especially when it comes to Regulations, especially when it comes to harassment,<00:51:16.040><c> which

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.