Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General Harmit Dillon.
• Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael E.
• The attorneys representing are acting on behalf of the attorney general and representing the state have
• It was only directed to the Attorney General and to the governor.
• Rather, we are simply seeking testimony from an assistant attorney general who sent the letter to Texas

Transcript Highlights:

• I've worked as an assistant state attorney for the State of Florida.
• , Washington County attorney; Brad Johnson, Anoka County attorney; and Jonathan Hollitz, assistant St
• those attorneys generally agree with those attorneys generally agree with those policy<01:04:15.880
• , the attorney general, and the BCA.
• us attorney so uh for former assistant us attorney and<02:11:52.679> judge<02:11:53.480> small

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We took that to the Attorney General at the time, Hector Balderas.
• Senator during the territorial days and he was Attorney General for the State of New Mexico.
• Former Attorney General, former U.S. Senator, Madam Chair.
• With the community governance attorneys, with the Attorney General, but also in terms of resources coming
• The questions were referred by the Governor to the Attorney General of New Mexico, Antonio Barreiro,

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we will review Article 8, Regulatory Agencies, and Article 9, General Provisions.
• Turn it in to the Assistant Clerk.
• For example, the table on page 13 shows that attorney three and four positions.
• I have four staff attorneys, each carrying a caseload of 125.
• Enforcement cases are worked by only three staff attorneys.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But our Attorney General, Bonta, our VA, and CalVET relied on federal law, and this is federal law.
• And that is something we'd have to look through with the Attorney General.
• It starts with meeting with the Attorney General.
• It starts with meeting with the Attorney General. And so that's separate from this.
• It starts with meeting with the Attorney General. And so that's separate from this.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met with a quorum and first approved its consent calendar, which included AJR 15, SB 56, SB 296, and SB 855, with the roll left open for absent members. The committee then heard SB 694 by Senator Archuleta, a bill aimed at protecting veterans from unaccredited claims representatives and other for-profit entities that charge fees to assist with VA disability claims. The author and supporters, including county veterans service officers and veterans organizations, argued the measure would curb predatory practices, restore accountability, and steer veterans toward free, accredited assistance through CVSOs and other authorized representatives. Testimony in support emphasized that veterans are often targeted online and may pay large fees for services that are available for free, while supporters said unaccredited firms lack transparency and can exploit vulnerable veterans. Opposition witnesses, including representatives of claims-assistance companies and individual veterans, argued the bill would eliminate choice and that some contingency-based firms provide useful services, better outcomes, and faster claims processing. Committee members debated whether the bill would unlawfully bar legitimate assistance or whether it was needed to stop illegal business practices, with several members noting the issue is also being litigated in federal court and that an accreditation process already exists through the VA. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 694 and refer it to the Committee on Judiciary. The final vote was 6 ayes, with some members not voting. The committee then completed the consent calendar vote, which passed with eight votes, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2255 relating to the Department of Attorney General.
• HB 2255 relating to the Department of Attorney General.
• HB 2255 relating to the Department of Attorney General.
• It appropriates funds for positions in OCS and for the Department of the Attorney General to assist OCS
• <01:02:55.200> in Attorney Generals to assist OCS in Attorney Generals to assist OCS in reviewing

Bills: SB2198, SB2140, SB3055, SB3090, SB3091, SB3092, SB2761

Keywords: workforce development, craftspersons, skilled trades, artisan, craftsmanship, trade recognition, award program, DLIR, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, vocational education, career pathways, cultural preservation, workforce excellence, apprenticeship, Hawaii trades, economic diversification, public nominations, governor awards, historically significant venue

Transcript Highlights:

• These individuals are trained by the attorneys, myself and senior staff attorney, about CMTC's legal
• They can have attorneys, and often do.
• When we partnered with the National Association of Attorneys General to host a national convening on
• Two years ago, I attended the National Association of Attorneys General convening on human trafficking
• , which drew attorneys general, state boards, and law enforcement from all over the country to discuss

Summary: The joint sunset oversight hearing reviewed five regulatory entities: the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the Board of Psychology, the Physician Assistant Board, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the California Massage Therapy Council. Across the hearing, each entity described recent accomplishments, licensing and enforcement workload, workforce shortages, and efforts to modernize processes. Common themes included streamlining licensure, expanding access to care, addressing telehealth or emerging technology, and balancing consumer protection with workforce needs. For the Board of Behavioral Sciences, members discussed workforce shortages in mental health, supervision barriers, telehealth confidentiality, AI in therapy, interstate compacts, school-based services, and military spouse licensure. The board said it has expanded outreach, improved licensing processes, and created temporary practice authority tracking, while also expressing concern about counseling compacts and emphasizing California-specific law, ethics, and cultural competency. Public commenters supported the board’s work and the possible move to a national MFT exam, while also urging more resources. The Board of Psychology highlighted fee adjustments, streamlined licensure pathways, enforcement process improvements, new CPD requirements, and proposed changes including a psychotherapist-client privilege exception for investigations. Committee members and public witnesses focused heavily on that privilege proposal, with some members opposing it as too broad and privacy-invasive, while the board argued it is needed to obtain records in bias and sexual misconduct cases. The board also discussed workforce shortages, processing improvements, and the use of inactive status for psychological associates. The Physician Assistant Board reported growth in the PA workforce and education programs, SB 697 implementation, and financial pressure from rising enforcement costs. The main policy debate centered on physician-to-PA ratios and practice agreements, with board representatives and many public commenters arguing that current restrictions limit access to care, especially in rural areas, while the California Medical Association defended the need for explicit ratios and agreements. The board also discussed AI, fee increases, and tracking temporary practice authority. The Podiatric Medical Board described licensing and renewal reforms, residency expansion, enforcement support, and budget constraints, while public testimony raised concerns about a proposed fee increase and about reimbursement parity and practice recognition for podiatrists. Finally, the California Massage Therapy Council defended the certification model over licensure, citing lower costs, local government collaboration, anti-trafficking work, and its role in vetting applications and disciplining bad actors; no formal votes or final actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're listed publicly on the VA Office of General Counsel website as an attorney, a claims agent
• So yes, the attorney general could, but also there's private right of action under consumer... making
• So the attorney general's remedies.
• So yes, the attorney<00:26:59.120> general<00:26:59.440> could,<00:26:59.760> but
• ><00:27:00.080> also<00:27:00.400> there's attorney general could, but also there's attorney

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the issue was the Attorney General would have to represent the chief election officer, which
• So it's almost like the Attorney General was representing the Green Party, and that's why the law got
• Trish Nakamatsu appears on behalf of Albert Cook and the Department of the Attorney General.
• <00:40:18.720> general may be listening Deputy attorney general may be listening Deputy attorney
• of the Department of the Attorney of the Department of the Attorney General<00:40:26.400> we<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This incredible work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys.
• This work is done every single day by our investigators, staff, and assistant attorneys general in our
• The Republican attorneys general had gotten invitations more than a week prior.
• The Republican attorneys general had gotten invitations more than a week prior. difficult.
• The Republican attorneys general had been gotten invitations more than a week prior.

Summary: Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield held a press event marking National Health Care Fraud Takedown Day to highlight the state’s Medicaid fraud enforcement work and announce four new criminal filings. He said the Oregon Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Unit, which includes investigators, auditors, attorneys, data analysts, and a nurse investigator, has secured hundreds of convictions and settlements since 2010 and recently received additional staffing from the legislature. He framed the work as bipartisan and aimed at protecting vulnerable Oregonians, recovering taxpayer dollars, and deterring fraud. The announced cases involved alleged provider or vendor fraud rather than Medicaid recipients: Ed Morgan of Beaverton was charged in connection with housing assistance funds tied to a health-related social needs program; Linda Thomas and her company, Gateway of Willamette Valley, were charged with billing Medicaid for day support services not provided; and Amanda Thorne, a former Lane County employee, was charged with using a government credit card for personal purchases. Rayfield also noted recent progress in other cases, including a nurse who pleaded no contest to false billing and theft and was sentenced to jail, probation, and restitution, and a medical transportation company owner recently charged with billing for services not provided. In response to questions, Rayfield said Oregon staff attended a federal meeting on Medicaid fraud despite late notice and political tensions, emphasizing that fraud enforcement should remain bipartisan. He said the federal landscape is complicated by cuts to enforcement staff even as there is talk of increased enforcement, and that states have had to step up. He also said Oregon’s managed care system has not been a major barrier to investigations, which typically begin with complaints and are developed with partner agencies. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General Tong.
• Attorney General Tong.
• Department Attorney General contact the Department Attorney General contact the Department of<07:
• /c><07:43:14.440> these Attorney General have any of these Attorney General have any of these
• to the attorney general Allan speak to the attorney general Allan Wilson<07:43:30.080> directly

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when the Attorney General opinion came back, he disagreed with it, and there was an article in the
• And when the Attorney General opinion came back, he disagreed with it, and it was an article in the newspaper
• During that time, I went through law school and became an attorney.
• I was able to assist with this and the negotiations that represented Cox referenced, I was able to assist
• And we have actual criminal statutes that the Attorney General has recently used to go after law enforcement

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ad litem, and the attorney ad litem is the attorney for the proposed ward, and can act on the wishes
• Who is um testifying neutral, uh with the Office of Attorney General and Child Support Division.
• I'm an Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General.
• Um, virtually every case that, that I'm involved with has the either the Attorney General or the, um,
• We've also assisted with access to education, assistance with special education, obtaining Medicaid,

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General Ellison is the chief legal officer.
• Deputy Attorney General Jeang. Uh Mr.
• Uh Attorney General budget request.
• legal<00:28:24.399> assistants The new attorneys and legal assistants The new attorneys and
• How much, Chief Deputy Attorney General Keller? Yeah, you can move, Sales.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:02.080> general served as the deputy attorney general served as the deputy attorney
• <00:33:10.640> general And Sonia Toma was the attorney general during the entire case that
• I'd like to assist in that attorneys.
• petition as a deputy attorney general. petition as a deputy attorney general.
• You mean as a deputy attorney general? Yes, as a deputy attorney. If a child is...

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we have Deputy Attorney General Lori N. Tanigawa.
• Lori Tanigawa, Deputy Attorney General.
• <00:03:25.519> general previously raised by attorney general previously raised by attorney
• >> of the attorney general. All right. >> of the attorney general. All right.
• <00:48:57.200> General Uh, first up is Deputy Attorney General Uh, first up is Deputy Attorney

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs considered three bills. SB 2141 would reclassify certain Department of Law Enforcement leadership and employees as Class A members for retirement purposes and adjust retirement benefit calculations. DLE supported the bill, saying it would address retirement classification without enhancing benefits, while the Employees’ Retirement System said it had no formal board position but wanted key provisions preserved. The Deputy Attorney General raised a potential title/subject issue and warned the bill could be vulnerable to challenge because the reclassification, contribution changes, and benefit calculations are in separate statutory sections. After questions about the number of affected employees and possible amendments, the committees deferred the bill. SB 2593 would exempt certain Law Enforcement Standards Board positions from civil service and collective bargaining. The board’s administrator said the positions would handle sensitive and confidential information and require specialized experience, and the board chair’s representative said the bill was important to meet certification deadlines. Opposition testimony from HGA argued exempt employees are at-will and suggested civil service protections should remain, with any staffing issues handled through reclassification or other personnel tools. Committee members questioned whether the positions could instead be civil service but excluded from bargaining, and staff explained the distinction between civil service exemption and collective bargaining exclusion. The committees ultimately recommended passing SB 2593 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of January 1, 2077, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2824 would create a bribery-related reporting duty for public servants. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said it would establish a clear duty to report known or suspected bribery and strengthen public trust. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, saying it would criminalize an affirmative duty to report another person’s misconduct. After limited discussion, both committees voted to pass SB 2824 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Saposnikov, Deputy Attorney General, also a member of CASE. Please support the bill.
• I'm an attorney with the... Good morning. I'm Jill Zimmerman.
• I'm an attorney with the Office of Administrative Law.
• Senator Strickland, assistant, please call the roll.
• Assistant, please call the roll.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney in a rural area.
• We look forward to working with you this session. the Office of Attorney General, the State Prosecuting
• On behalf of your Attorney General Ken Paxson, thank you for the invitation to be here.
• granted to one of my assistant attorney generals to be, for that particular matter, and it's as specific
• We are in negotiations with DOJ and we are working with the Office of the Attorney General and have been

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Office of the Attorney General, relative to the House budget, we eliminate general fund replacement
• In the Office of the Attorney General, relative to the House budget, we eliminate general fund replacement
• <00:28:35.360> General, In the Office of the Attorney General, In the Office of the Attorney
• body<00:40:01.400> armor the Attorney General for the body armor the Attorney General for
• we designate the Attorney General to we designate the Attorney General to decide<00:44:48.560>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Auditor General did their work.
• Excuse me, Auditor General Perry.
• And the Attorney General will consider...
• I don't know. ...of federal awards, and the Attorney General will consider implementation of the new
• Yes, the Rules Attorney. Yeah, not the Attorney General. The Rules Attorney.

Keywords: 1182, all