LEGISLATIVE WEEK IN REVIEW March 27, 2015 - April 2, 2015

by Duke Aiona, Hawaii Family Advocates April 3, 2015

Today is April 3, 2015 (Good Friday).  I wish you all the best during this Holy Week.

It is also one week before 2nd legislative decking.  That means the bills that are still alive have to be in their final form so that the full chamber (on each side) can vote on them.  If you will recall, all House bills still alive moved to the Senate, and all Senate bills moved to the House.  Many of the bills have changed during that time so that may mean a conference committee will be meeting to try to come to an agreement on the current versions of the bill.  If no agreement is made in conference committee, a bill can be killed.  Keep in mind that after 2nd Crossover (April 16, 2015) there will be no more public hearings in which oral testimony will be allowed.  The conference committee meetings, however, are open to the public and we will be notifying you when that happens because it is still important to be present as decisions are made.

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Sex Trafficking

On March 27, 2015, the House Judiciary heard SB 265 SD1 Relating to Sex Trafficking. This bill establishes the offense of sex trafficking as a class A felony. Includes offense of sex trafficking in the department of the attorney general's statewide witness program. Includes the offense of sex trafficking in the list of violent crimes for which victims may be eligible for criminal injury compensation. Amends the offense of promoting prostitution in the first degree to repeal the act of advancing or profiting from prostitution of a person less than eighteen years old. Adds the offense of sex trafficking to the list of covered offenses for which property is subject to forfeiture. Adds the offense of sex trafficking to the list of crimes for which an order to intercept wire, oral, or electronic communications is permitted. Amends the eligibility requirements for an offender of promoting prostitution in the first degree if the offender knowingly advanced or profited from prostitution of a person less than eighteen years old to be able to petition the court for termination of sex offender registration requirements. Includes the offense of sex trafficking to the list of offenses in which deferred acceptance of guilty plea or nolo contendere plea does not apply. Effective 01/07/2059. (SD1)

Although Hawaii Family Advocates has not submitted testimony on this bill, our community associate (Hawaii Family Forum) is in support.  I am providing this information as a courtesy to them.

Status:  Decision making was deferred until Tuesday, 04-07-15 2:05PM in conference room 325.

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Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

On April 2, 2015, the House Finance heard SB 682 SD2 HD1 Relating to Medical Marijuana.  This bill was gutted from its original Senate version and replaced by language from the House Health Committee.  It  now has similar language to the HB 321 SD1. The bill in its current form establishes a system of medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers. Requires that the number of licensed dispensaries and production centers increase gradually over an initial phase-in period.  Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers. Allows a qualifying patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place, under certain conditions. Replaces the requirement that a certifying physician be the qualifying patient's primary care physician with a requirement that the physician have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the qualifying patient. Prohibits primary caregivers from cultivating medical marijuana after 6/30/2018, subject to certain exceptions. Appropriates funds. (HD1)

Hawaii Family Advocates has serious concerns about this bill.

Status:  The House Finance will do decision making on SB 682 HD1 was deferred until Tuesday, 04-07-15 2:45PM in conference room 308.

The Senate Judiciary & Labor will do decision making on HB 321 SD1 on 04-08-15 @ 9:55 a.m. in room 211.

Action:  Send a message to your House Representative today.  Click here to send message.

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Safe Places for Youth

On April 2, 2015, the House Finance heard SB 979 SD2 HD2 Relating to Safe Places for Youth.  The current version requires the office of youth services to coordinate a safe places for youth pilot program until 6/30/2021 to establish a network of safe places where youth in crisis can access safety and services. Establishes the position of safe places for youth program coordinator. Allows youth in crisis who are at least 14 but under 18 years of age to consent to services in the safe places program under certain circumstances. Makes an appropriation. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2) 

Hawaii Family Advocates strongly opposes this bill.

Status:  Decision making was deferred until Tuesday, 04-07-15 2:45PM in conference room 308.

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UPCOMING HEARING:

The birth certificate change bill (HB 631 HD2) is being heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, April 6, 2015.  Although they will not be doing any ORAL testimony, they are allowing WRITTEN testimony.  The current version of the bill establishes the documentation required when requesting the Department of Health to issue a new birth certificate with a sex designation change. (HB631 HD2). 

Hawaii Family Advocates strongly opposes this bill.

Status:  Hearing scheduled for 04-06-15 at 9:45 a.m. in room 016.  Click here to submit written testimony.  (Must be done before 9:45 a.m. Sunday)

Action:  Send a message to YOUR SENATOR asking them to oppose HB 631 HD2.  Click here to send a message now.

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Once again, I truly wish you all the best and send my deepest gratitude for your continued support of Hawaii Family Advocates.

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