Transcript Highlights:

• The question now comes on concurring in the House amendment as amended.
• And be it further ordered that all amendments to the proposed new draft shall be second-reading amendments
• And be it further ordered that all amendments to the proposed new draft shall be second-reading amendments
• And be it further ordered that all amendments to the proposed new draft shall be second-reading amendments
• And be it further ordered that all amendments to the proposed new draft shall be second-reading amendments

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial welcomes, including recognition of the 2025 Duxbury Girls Soccer Team, the MIAA Division II state champions, and the Medfield Girls Soccer Team, the Division III state champions. Senators offered congratulatory remarks highlighting each team’s season records, championship wins, coaches, and standout performances. The chamber then took up several procedural matters and local bills. The Senate adopted a House order establishing a special joint committee on initiative petitions, passed to be enacted a bill providing for the recall of elected officers in the Town of Sharon, and adopted resolutions congratulating Oxford Fire Chief Lawrence R. McDonald on 45 years of public service. It also advanced multiple local measures for Bridgewater, Cambridge, and Natick, including bills on town council structure, temporary absence of the town manager, appointment powers, a Cambridge employment and job training trust, and a Natick home rule charter amendment. The Senate also acted on several House amendments and Ways and Means reports. It concurred in a House-amended bill on protections for individuals with disabilities after adopting a further Senate amendment with an emergency preamble, ordered a sick leave bank bill for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee to third reading, and adopted orders placing bills on the Orders of the Day for future second reading, including measures on consumer protections, CPA licensure pathways, and fair housing. The session concluded with adjournment orders and moments of silence in memory of Jim Parker and Kimberly Parker, with the Senate set to reconvene the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• You do it that second way.
• Okay, before we get the motion and the second, hang on one second.
• Macedo a second by Berman.
• From Assemblymember Berman, a second.
• Macedo, and seconded by Berman.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second. So we're probably moved and seconded.
• Second. It has been properly moved and seconded. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• Second. We're properly moved and seconded. Madam Secretary, please call the roll on SB 419.
• So, ma'am, I need a second. Second. It's been moved and seconded.
• On SB 710, the motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused on transit funding, veterans’ tax relief, clean energy incentives, housing development costs, and tax conformity. SB 63 would authorize a Bay Area regional sales tax measure for transit agencies facing fiscal shortfalls; supporters said it was needed to avoid major service cuts, while the California Taxpayers Association opposed it on Proposition 13/218 concerns. SB 56 would exclude veterans’ disability compensation from income calculations for the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, and SB 296 would expand property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses; both drew broad veterans’ support. SB 86 would extend and expand the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority sales and use tax exemption program, including fusion energy, and SB 302 would conform state tax law to federal clean energy credit monetization provisions; both were backed by industry, labor, and clean energy advocates. SB 328 would cap Department of Toxic Substances Control fees on contaminated-soil remediation for infill and master-planned housing projects, with housing groups arguing the current fee structure can make projects infeasible. SB 711 would update California’s tax conformity date to January 1, 2025 to reduce complexity and inconsistencies with federal law, and was supported by tax professionals and business groups. Several bills were held or sent to suspense, while others advanced with amendments. After quorum was established, SB 63 passed the committee 4-2 and SB 86, SB 302, SB 328, and SB 711 were referred to suspense, with SB 86 and SB 302 later approved out of suspense with amendments. SB 56 was held in committee, SB 296 was made a two-year bill, and SB 284 and SB 723 were held. The committee also approved a number of additional suspense-file bills, including SB 293, SB 359, SB 419, SB 587, SB 603, SB 663, SB 710, and SB 785, while SB 591 was approved with amendments and SB 353 was made a two-year bill. The hearing concluded with the committee adjournment after final roll calls and bill actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So entertain a motion on the amendment. I make a motion to adopt the amendment.
• Representative Collins seconded. Representative Fner for second. for second. Representative Fner.
• I have an amendment prepared.
• So, you have an amendment offered. Seconded by Representative Collins. All in favor say "Aye."
• So we have an amendment to the bill as amended. I entertain a motion.

Bills: SB113, SB114, SB305, SB111, HB600, SB112, SB150, SB109, SB122

Keywords: education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students

Transcript Highlights:

• the what it came as a OEM uh second the what it came as a OEM uh second question<00:16:53.240>
• Judiciary if your concerns are amended Judiciary if your concerns are amended in<00:25:45.679>
• the period of year so I want to amend the period of year so I want to amend this<00:44:22.200>
• The second part: keep section two as it is, but section three needs conforming amendments to HRS 291-
• The second part: keep section two as it is, but section three needs conforming amendments to HRS 291-

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would move ought to pass on Senate Bill 56 with amendment 1494H. Is there a second? >> Second.
• Did I second her amendment? Who sec? Did anybody second your amendment?
• Did I second her amendment? Who sec? Did anybody second your amendment?
• Did Did I second her amendment? Who sec?
• anybody second your amendment? anybody second your amendment?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll second it. and a second. I'll second it.
• Representative Kelly, I'll make a motion to pass this amendment. Got a second.
• Having just seen the amendment about 90 seconds ago, I'll just say the Professional Standards Board is
• I'd like to move to adopt amendment 1265H to HB 2. And look for a second. I can second it.
• And look for a second. I can second it. And look for a second. I can second it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, go ahead, Rachel, you have 90 seconds. Go ahead, Rachel. You have 90 seconds.
• It applies to second homes.
• We are seeking this amendment because there are many legislators in this body who work second jobs, which
• Madam Chair, move a do pass on House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Second.
• Oh, oh. 90 seconds.

Bills: HB99, HJR5, HM39, HB206, HB213, SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we got seconds. We got seconds. We're good.
• Do I have a motion and a second on the consent calendar? Got a motion, got a second.
• So we need a motion and second for a second. Item number four. Got a motion. Got a second.
• I need a motion and a second for AB506, agenda item number five, got a motion, got a second.
• So we need a motion and a second on Agenda Item 11, AB 985, Aarons. Got a motion and a second.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize the SB 1552 as amended as amended as a bill 5502 as amended.
• as amended.
• It also amends. This amendment eliminates the rulemaking language.
• Representative Livingston, we're back on the amendment as amended. Mr.
• Hold on a second.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, this is a second amendment.
• I mean, this is a second amendment.
• I mean, this is a second amendment.
• I mean, this is a second amendment.
• I mean, this is a second amendment.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 493, a proposal to require physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to complete child abuse and neglect training as part of licensure and continuing education. The bill’s sponsor and supporters said the measure addresses a gap in provider training, especially because abuse can be difficult to recognize and voluntary training has had low participation. They described a free Dartmouth online course and argued that mandatory, repeated education would help providers identify signs of abuse, know when to involve specialists or DCYF, and improve child safety. Supporters also noted the bill was amended to clarify coverage for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing hours, and to address language concerns raised by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Committee members and OPLC counsel raised implementation questions, including whether the bill would apply to all physicians regardless of specialty, whether it created a new licensure condition rather than only a continuing education requirement, how often the training would need to be repeated, and whether the accreditation language fit nursing rules. OPLC also noted that psychiatrists would be covered as physicians, while psychologists would not. A child abuse pediatrician testified that in his experience, children were sometimes seen by providers who missed early signs of abuse, leading to worse outcomes, and that mandatory education was needed because voluntary programs had poor uptake. The New Hampshire Hospital Association opposed the bill, saying health care professionals already have reporting duties and that the legislature should not single out one training mandate when similar requirements are generally left to licensing boards. The Office of the Child Advocate supported the bill, citing cases from 2023 involving non-ambulatory infants with fractures, conflicting medical testimony in court, and a low completion rate for the existing free online course. The Child Advocate said the bill should be mandatory and recurring so providers stay current on evolving science and law. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• passage; Senate Bills 1960, 8385, and 95, as amended; and 153 passed on second reading ordered revised
• is amended and 1338 passed<02:34:36.960> on<02:34:37.120> second<02:34:37.359> reading
• So, Senate Bill 95, as currently drafted without the amendment that was added on second reading, aligns
• She meant to keep the amendment that was passed on second reading.
• Um, but their second one... amendments to House Bill 1412 requests amendments to House Bill 1412 requests

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from April 16, 2026, and then moved to announcements and introductions. Representative Woodro welcomed fifth grade students from Denver Academy and recognized his son Ari on his 12th birthday, leading the chamber in singing happy birthday. The House then agreed to take up a memorial out of order. Senate Joint Memorial 1, honoring the late Senator Faith Winter, was read at length and supported with remarks describing her legislative work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, women’s leadership, and bipartisan efforts. Representative Wilford and others spoke emotionally about her public service and personal impact. The memorial was adopted on a 50-10 vote, with 15 excused, and Representatives Rutinel and Lindsay were listed as co-sponsors. The chamber then considered committee reports and special orders. The Appropriations Committee reported several bills favorably, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order. House Bill 1317, creating a unified system of post-secondary talent development and a transition plan for workforce development programs, was amended in committee to remove travel reimbursements, clarify adult learners’ inclusion, adjust advisory committee membership, and preserve type one status for affected departments; it passed the House. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, also passed after Judiciary Committee amendments clarifying law enforcement database checks. Senate Bill 95, supporting victim survivors of certain crimes, passed Judiciary but drew floor opposition from several members who argued the bill’s jury-related provisions conflicted with confrontation rights and due process; despite those concerns, the bill advanced after further debate continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll take up the amendment to the amendment, barcode 49098.
• There's an amendment to the amendment barcode 49098. Amendment barcode 49098.
• Any questions on the amendment? Debate on the amendment.
• amendment will.
• Debate on the amendment. Debate on the amendment. Okay, seeing none.

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Michelle Whitworth to the Florida Commission on Offender Review. Whitworth described her 30 years of criminal justice experience, and the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SB 1692 on material harmful to minors, adopting a delete-all amendment that shifted the focus to K-12 instructional materials and objections by parents or residents. Supporters argued it would create clearer standards and protect children from pornographic content, while opponents warned it would worsen book bans and remove consideration of literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. After extensive debate and public testimony, the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1422 increased penalties for certain drone-related offenses near critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones; SB 1360 clarified xylazine’s veterinary use while creating stronger trafficking penalties; and SB 1732 increased penalties for animal cruelty involving minors and for contributing to a minor’s delinquency. SB 776 added an aggravating factor for the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 984 added aggravating factors for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for religious, school, or government activities. SB 1640 made domestic violence lethality assessment forms confidential, and SB 1268 updated FDLE operations and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. All of these bills were reported favorably after brief debate and mostly supportive testimony. Later, the committee approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, with a strike-all amendment addressing digitally forged intimate images and extending prosecution time limits. SB 1654 updated sexual offender and predator registration rules, including definitions of residence and online reporting for in-state travel, though one witness raised concerns about vague language and employer privacy. SB 1774 created a rebuttable presumption in certain second-degree murder cases when the victim had a controlled substance in their system, drawing criticism that it could devalue victims who used drugs. Finally, SB 1838 strengthened protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, with an amendment adding magistrates, hearing officers, and related staff; defense attorneys warned the tampering language could inadvertently reach zealous advocacy. Each of these measures was ultimately reported favorably, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a second? Representative Ward seconds. Representative Lane: Do you have an amendment?
• I'm sorry, did you move the amendment? There was a second by Representative Ward, correct?
• I'm sorry, did you move the amendment? There was a second by Representative Ward, correct?
• Is there a second? Representative Weary seconds. Is there an amendment? Yes, Amendment 058Z.
• I move ought to pass as amended on House Bill 151 with Amendment 2025-0580. Is there a second?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to make a motion on the consent calendar Second I have a motion in a second for the consent
• Second calendar is out with 10 votes.
• Got a motion and was that a second right sure got a motion in a second madam secretary please call the
• We had do we have a motion and second? We've got a motion and a second.
• I need a motion and a second.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Amendment 1 is passed by the House. Representative Johnson. I have a second amendment.
• Second. There was a motion made and seconded to recess to read the amendment.
• by House Amendment 1, House Amendment 1 to House Amendment 1, House Amendment 3, and Senate Amendment
• 1, House Amendment 1, House Amendment 1, House Amendment 1, House Amendment 3, and Senate Amendment
• And the second part of the amendment is a residency requirement.

Summary: The House met on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for two deceased community members. Members also adopted Consent Calendar 29, which included House Concurrent Resolutions 153, 154, and 156, and passed House Concurrent Resolution 157 directing the State Lottery to report on iLottery options to support traditional lottery retailers, as amended to set a February 15, 2027 reporting deadline. The chamber then considered several bills on agriculture, telecommunications, health, fire service standards, corrections, elections, and education. Among the measures passed were Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program, Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecom carriers, Senate Bill 339 clarifying advance health care directives, Senate Bill 235 extending manufactured home rent increase rules, Senate Bill 325 updating firefighter/EMS background check and membership standards, Senate Bill 309 discharging incarceration-related balances, Senate Bill 324 on constable-related handgun purchase exemptions, Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication access, and Senate Bill 293 creating a licensure pathway for summer camp providers in the Purchase of Care program. The House also passed Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry regardless of race or gender while explicitly preserving religious freedom. The bill drew extended debate, with supporters framing it as a safeguard against future rollbacks of marriage equality and opponents raising concerns about constitutionalizing an issue already in statute; several members explained changed votes and personal reflections before the final roll call, which passed 28-12. House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after amendment, despite some opposition over party-system effects. Two measures were tabled or amended after debate: Senate Bill 233 on removing snow and ice from vehicles was initially tabled to consider a truck-driver exemption amendment, then the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended; and Senate Joint Resolution 19 on studying health care costs was tabled briefly pending legal clarification. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a three-year pilot program for AI and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, data privacy, and teacher oversight. The transcript ends as House Bill 478 is being read in, but no final action on that bill appears in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a second? >> We have a second by Representative Flannry.
• Is there<00:08:07.680> a<00:08:07.840> second? there a second? there a second?
• Is there a second? by the committee sub. Is there a second?
• Is there a second? Second by Representative Callaway.
• Is there a second? Representative All. Is there a second?

Keywords: 0:02 ROLL CALL 1:44 SB 145 DISCUSSION 5:15 SB 145 VOTE 6:50 HB 36 DISCUSSION 9:15 HB 36 VOTE 10:45 HB 92 DISCUSSION 13:22 HB 92 VOTE 14:30 HB 628 DISCUSSION 16:30 HB 628 VOTE 17:50 HB 245 DISCUSSION 19:20 HB 245 VOTE 20:45 HB 584 DISCUSSION 25:23 HB 584 VOTE 27:55 ADJOURNMENT, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 145, which updates Kentucky’s laws governing caterers’ licenses and related ABC regulations. Senator Julie Rocky Adams explained that the bill clarifies where and how licensed caterers may sell and serve alcohol, standardizes food-to-alcohol revenue requirements, and removes administrative barriers. A committee substitute was adopted that also changes a tobacco-related license deadline from January 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026. Members discussed ABC staffing concerns, but the sponsor said those costs had not been specifically addressed. The committee substitute and then the bill as amended both passed unanimously and were sent to the House floor. The committee then considered three interstate compact bills. House Bill 36, the respiratory care compact, was presented as a straightforward compact aimed at helping military families, protecting the public, and improving real-time disciplinary data sharing; a committee substitute correcting immunity language was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. House Bill 92, the dietitians compact, was described as improving portability of licensure, reducing burdens on licensees and states, supporting military families, and enhancing investigative and disciplinary information sharing; the committee substitute added background checks, and the bill passed unanimously. House Bill 628, the athletic trainer compact, was presented as a new compact with enough states moving forward to meet the threshold for establishment; members noted it had become a Department of Defense priority, and it also passed unanimously after a committee substitute. House Bill 254 was then taken up as a bill to exempt certain temporary emergency housing structures from plumbing code enforcement, based on experience during disaster sheltering when new trailers could not be used quickly because of inspection delays. A committee substitute corrected a drafting issue that had unintentionally affected temporary structures, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, House Bill 584, which removes a permanent ban on a physician reapplying for DEA prescribing authority after rehabilitation and restoration of their medical license, was debated more extensively. The sponsor said the bill preserves DEA discretion while allowing a second chance after a lengthy rehabilitation process; KMA had not taken a position. Several members explained their votes, and the bill ultimately passed. The committee then recorded votes on the day’s bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move ought to pass on amendment 2026489H. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I second. Okay.
• I move ought to pass as amended by 0489H. Is there a second? And I'll second that.
• I move all to pass as amended by 0522H. Second by Belure. Um, any discussion?
• I would like to introduce or move to pass on amendment 2026 0412H. >> I'll second that. Okay.
• I would like to move that to pass as amended. >> I'll second that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:16.720> or sentencing requirements for second or sentencing requirements for second
• We did speak with the introducer also, who understood and I think was amendable to that amendment, so
• urge the committee to consider amending urge the committee to consider amending it<01:53:04.280>
• because of a Constitutional Amendment because of a Constitutional Amendment added<02:08:27.159><
• Voting on House Bill 278 with amendments. Voting on House Bill 278 with amendments.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I have a second? Seconds? All in favor? Opposed?
• Second. I second. You can do it both ways.
• Do I have a second? Second. Second. seconded by Commissioner Urban.
• Do I have a second? Second. Commissioner Urban seconds. All in favor? Aye.
• Do I have a second? Second. Commissioner Schmidt.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.