Bills: HB177, HB210, HB238, HB258, HB307, HB359, HB398, HB661, HB705, HB752, HB858

Keywords: court reporter, official court reporter, courts, judicial system, ethics, post-employment restrictions, cooling-off period, two-year waiting period, rehiring, reemployment, contractual services, former public employee, public employer, Louisiana ethics law, R.S. 42:1121, Act 532, lobbying, public service, statewide officials, compensation

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Bills: SB2043, SB2044, SB2004, SB2143, SB2411, SB2455, SB2519, SB2661, SB2665, SB2731, SB2737, SB2767, SB2794, SB2830, SB3334

Keywords: insurance, captives, examination, regulations, policyholders, dormant captive, tax exemption, Hawaii revised statutes, financial reporting, outdoor advertising, billboards, public safety, penalties, community pollution, elections, chief election officer, vacancy, order of succession, election commission, campaign finance

Transcript Highlights:

• corruption cases uh including bribery. corruption cases uh including bribery.
• uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery. uh Senate Bill 2249 relating to bribery.
• Any measure taken to mitigate bribery Any measure taken to mitigate bribery will<00:05:23.919>
• limitations of 9 years for bribery limitations of 9 years for bribery offenses.<00:09:55.120>
• bribery under certain circumstances. bribery under certain circumstances.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is really an anti-bribery bill.
• It goes to the bribery statute.
• It goes to the bribery statute.
• It goes to the bribery statute.
• It goes to the bribery statute.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds into our current constitution the crime of treason, bribery in an election, a sex offense, a
• wasn't a crime against a child, bribery wasn't a crime against a child, bribery or<00:10:43.920>
• The response was that the current language in the previous bill said "bribery in an election."
• said um bribery in an election. election. election.
• >> Oh, bribery in an election. >> Oh, bribery in an election.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call 00:00:10 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:21 Discussion of the Restoration of Voting Rights 00:06:34 Discussion of the Application of NTI Days for Schools Designated by County Clerks as Polling Locations for Elections 00:25:20 Approval of Minutes from July 29, 2025 Meeting 00:32:22 Adjournment 00:32:49, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up two fire commission regulatory amendments. Bruce Roberts, director of the Fire Commission, explained that one amendment updates financial disclosure reporting rules to align with changes to KRS 95A.55, including revised definitions, reporting requirements, and moving compliance reviews from every four years to an annual basis. The second amendment changes the deadline for fire departments to submit state aid documentation from July 31 to September and adds flexibility for departments affected by natural disasters by allowing a waiver process for missing, lost, or damaged documents. The committee approved the agency amendment by motion, second, and voice vote with no opposition. The main policy discussion centered on a proposed constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentence and probation/parole. Senators Hickden and Herren said the proposal would restore only voting rights, not citizenship or the right to run for office, and would still exclude certain offenses such as treason, bribery in an election, sex offenses, violent offenses, and offenses against a child. They argued that Kentucky is one of only three states without automatic restoration, that the current governor’s executive order is temporary, and that the issue should be settled by constitutional amendment. Members asked about the relationship to expungement, costs, and whether election-related crimes should be included among the exceptions; the sponsors said expungement is separate and that they were open to refining the language. Several members voiced support, and the sponsors said they hoped to continue working on the proposal before the next session. The committee also discussed a practical issue involving schools used as polling places and conflicts with KDE testing days. The chair raised the possibility of adjusting testing schedules or using NI days at affected schools, while members noted that county clerks already have authority to use tax-funded buildings for elections and that schools have long been used because of ADA accessibility. Some members suggested a simpler fix would be to prevent KDE testing dates from overlapping with election dates, rather than changing NI-day rules or limiting clerks’ authority. The committee then approved the minutes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to vote no against bribery, legalizing bribery in Minnesota. Members, vote no.
• I'm going to vote no against bribery, legalizing bribery in Minnesota. Members, vote no.
• 00:50:45.839> legalizing vote no against bribery, legalizing vote no against bribery, legalizing
• bribery in Minnesota. Members, vote no. bribery in Minnesota. Members, vote no.
• Like the bribery bill that is Speaker.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• persons, criminal mischief if the offense was committed using a firearm or explosive weapon, commercial bribery
• ammunition, uh, they're pretty clear, uh, but we have issues here, for example, it talks about commercial bribery
• Um, commercial bribery.
• I, I hear in your questioning, for instance, commercial bribery, it requires that there be a breach of
• And I, I agree with you, commercial bribery, probably no.

Bills: HB 214

Keywords: Texas Women's Privacy Act, HB 214, sex-segregated facilities, bathroom bill, restroom access, locker room, changing room, shower room, single-sex spaces, gender identity, transgender, biological sex, women's privacy, public facilities, state agency, political subdivision, correctional facility, prison housing, jail housing, family violence shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• persons, criminal mischief if the offense was committed using a firearm or explosive weapon, commercial bribery
• But we have issues here, for example, it talks about commercial bribery, or it talks about...
• Bribery. That sounds again like it's in the private sector as opposed to the public sector.
• For instance, commercial bribery requires that there be a breach of fiduciary duty, which to me sounds
• Commercial bribery, probably no.

Bills: HCR40, HB214, HB214

Keywords: HCR 40, House Concurrent Resolution, Operation Lone Star, border security, southern border, Texas border, reimbursement, federal reimbursement, Congress, immigration, migrant crossings, illegal immigration, Texas National Guard, Department of Public Safety, DPS, human smuggling, cartel, fentanyl, border enforcement, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, I think that there's a $5 bribery statute that is included in another piece of this section
• It legalizes bribery of every voter up to $19.99 per election on your ballot.
• I'm going to vote no against bribery. Legalizing bribery in Minnesota. Members, vote no.
• So, no, I don't think this is a bribery statute, not a campaign finance statute, so it doesn't intend
• Speaker, like the bribery bill that is currently in law, what it says is, in order to induce, if you

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the next bill is also a Senate bill, SB 2494, relating to corruption and bribery statute of limitations
• So, SB 2494 basically just establishes a statute of limitations of 9 years for a bribery offense.
• 9<00:36:57.200> years<00:36:57.520> for<00:36:57.680> a<00:36:57.760> bribery
• of limitations of 9 years for a bribery of limitations of 9 years for a bribery offense.<00:36:58.960

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is the anti-bribery provision and uh this has been something that was a topic of considerable
• Uh this is the anti-bribery side.
• Uh this is the anti-bribery um<00:32:20.120> provision<00:32:21.120> and<00:32:21.919><
• This would<00:33:00.320> expand<00:33:00.720> the<00:33:00.960> anti-bribery<00:
• 33:02.159> um would expand the anti-bribery um would expand the anti-bribery um provision<00:33

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• in office, and public bribery.
• in office, and public bribery.
• in office, and public bribery.
• Listed is abuse of office, bribery of a candidate, bribery of voters, corrupt influencing malfeasance
• in office, and public bribery.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to vote no against bribery, legalizing bribery in Minnesota.
• So, um, no, I don't think this is a bribery statute, not a campaign finance statute.
• That is what we're talking bribery.
• Like the bribery bill that is Speaker.
• <01:31:58.239> statute And so this law like the bribery statute And so this law like the bribery

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Because our bribery amendment in the, or not amendment, the bribery portion of our constitution has pretty
• the<00:23:28.960> bribery.
• guilty<00:25:13.679> of duties, shall be deemed guilty of duties, shall be deemed guilty of bribery
• 14.960> punished<00:25:15.279> in<00:25:15.520> such<00:25:15.760> manner bribery
• , and be punished in such manner bribery, and be punished in such manner as<00:25:16.240> shall

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a proposed Senate Rule 15-9 prohibiting campaign contributions in Senate-controlled areas of the Capitol, prompted by concerns about lobbyists and others distributing checks to legislators while legislation is pending. The chair read a leadership statement condemning campaign contributions during session when donors’ interests are under consideration, saying such conduct creates at least the appearance of impropriety and undermines public trust. The initial draft would bar soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in Senate-controlled spaces such as the chamber, gallery, floor, corridors, lounge, lobby areas, and committee rooms. Senator Barlo raised concerns about defining the Senate’s authority and the scope of the prohibited areas, asking whether the rule would apply year-round, during interim meetings, or to online donations received while in the building. Other members responded that the Senate could only regulate areas under its control and that the rule should focus on the Capitol building itself, where fundraising should not occur. The chair noted that many other states have similar restrictions, and members discussed whether the rule should also cover campaign contributions during legislative session, not just inside the building. Senators Guru, Rothfus, and Biteman generally supported a stronger rule aimed at preventing vote buying and preserving the integrity of the institution, while acknowledging the need to refine language for enforcement and scope. The committee reviewed examples from Alaska and Wyoming’s constitutional bribery language, and staff and members proposed revised wording that would prohibit any person from knowingly soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in the state capital complex at any time, and separately prohibit senators from knowingly soliciting or knowingly accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. The discussion ended with no final vote taken, and members indicated they would continue working on the language with staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to Senate Bill 2824 relating to bribery. Uh, we have 57 testimonies in support.
• or suspected bribery or suspected bribery um<00:26:46.640> such<00:26:46.880> as<00
• Thank you for Senate Bill 2824 relating<00:30:50.880> to<00:30:51.039> bribery.
• c> this<00:30:52.960> is<00:30:53.120> kind<00:30:53.279> of relating to bribery
• Uh this is kind of relating to bribery.

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:

• What we need to find out, and I think this is what the public is interested in, is whether it is bribery
• interested in, is whether it is bribery. interested in, is whether it is bribery.
• So I would say let's constitute bribery. So I would say let's find<00:41:56.800> out.
• As when I read the article, the accusation seemed to be bribery.
• to be bribery. to be bribery.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Wesland's bribery bill had biased partisan port, and it protects election integrity.
• Senator Wesland's bribery bill had biased partisan port, and it protects election integrity.
• Senator Wesland's bribery bill had biased partisan port, and it protects election integrity.
• Senator Wesland's bribery bill had biased partisan port, and it protects election integrity.
• Senator Wesland's bribery bill had biased partisan port, and it protects election integrity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• closing comments, and then it's, uh, well, before we vote on the bill first, because that could be bribery
• because<00:15:26.079> that<00:15:26.160> could<00:15:26.279> be<00:15:26.440> bribery
• ><00:15:27.440> okay<00:15:28.319> um<00:15:29.160> uh because that could be bribery
• okay um uh because that could be bribery okay um uh any<00:15:29.600> other any other any other

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4, first adopting the H004A1 amendment without objection. The author described the bill as a constitutional amendment intended to create a tax relief account funded from projected budget surpluses, defined as revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures based on the November forecast. Supporters framed the proposal as a way to return excess taxpayer money to families, homeowners, and seniors rather than allowing the state to retain or redirect it. Testimony in support came from Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who praised the bill’s clarity and argued that taxpayers are overburdened and should receive surplus funds back; she also suggested broader tax and budget reforms, including rate reductions and tighter spending limits. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in opposition, saying the legislature already has authority to use surpluses for rebates or tax cuts and warning that constitutionalizing tax policy would reduce flexibility, weaken accountability, and make it harder to respond to changing conditions, emergencies, or recessions. Members then briefly commented, with Republicans expressing support for returning money to taxpayers and citing cost-of-living pressures and fixed incomes. The committee did not hear a formal department position. At the end of the hearing, Representative Johnson renewed the motion that House File 4, as amended, be recommended to pass and sent to the Ways and Means Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• She thought that was bribery or whatnot, and that, you know, communities are already uncomfortable.
• She thought that was bribery or whatnot, and that, you know, communities are already uncomfortable.
• She thought that was bribery or whatnot, and that, you know, communities are already uncomfortable.

Keywords: 1183, house