HB 560: Judiciary; Community-Based Organizations; Appropriations
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-18
Current Status:
Failed
(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Appropriates funds to the Judiciary to support services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to the Judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funds to the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
560 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society. However, many of the State's residents face significant barriers in navigating the legal system. Vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, families in crisis, and persons with behavioral health needs, are particularly impacted by a lack of resources.
The legislature further finds that community-based organizations play a vital role in delivering essential services that strengthen access to justice, including legal aid, mediation, case management, and behavioral interventions.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding to the judiciary to support services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on April 23, 2057.
Report Title:
Judiciary; Community-Based Organizations; Appropriations
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Judiciary to support services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 4/23/2057. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
560 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society. However, many Hawaii residents face significant barriers in navigating the legal system. Vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, families in crisis, and persons with behavioral health needs, are particularly impacted by a lack of resources.
The legislature further finds that community-based organizations play a vital role in delivering essential services that strengthen access to justice, including legal aid, mediation, case management, and behavioral interventions.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding for the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Judiciary; Community-based Organizations; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the Judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
560 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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|
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||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to the judiciary.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that access to justice is a cornerstone of a fair and equitable society. However, many Hawaii residents face significant barriers in navigating the legal system. Vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, families in crisis, and persons with behavioral health needs, are particularly impacted by a lack of resources.
The legislature further finds that community-based organizations play a vital role in delivering essential services that strengthen access to justice, including legal aid, mediation, case management, and behavioral interventions.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide increased funding for the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Judiciary; Community-based Organizations; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds to the judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1143) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC deferred the measure until 03-14-25 10:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-13-25 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 256). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1139), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Kusch, Reyes Oda, Ward. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Matayoshi, Poepoe, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 724) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti, Cochran, Todd. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Friday, 02-07-25 2:05PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Adult Friends For Youth | ** Support | |
| Aloha United Way | ** Support | |
| Aloha United Way | ** Support | |
| Aloha United Way | ** Support | |
| Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Child and Family Service | ** Support | |
| Community Alliance on Prisons | ** Support | |
| Department of Human Services | ** Support | |
| Domestic Violence Action Center | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Domestic Violence Action Center | ** Support | |
| Epic Ohana | ** Support | |
| EPIC ʻOhana | ** Support | |
| First Hawaiian Center | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks! | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Community Foundation | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi True Cost Coalition | ** Support | |
| Institute for Human Services, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Judiciary | ** Support | |
| Kuikahi Mediation Center | ** Support | |
| Kuʻikahi Mediation Center | ** Support | |
| Kuʻikahi Mediation | ** Support | |
| Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. | ** Support | |
| Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
| Parents And Children Together | ** Support | |
| Partners in Development Foundation | ** Support | |
| Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| SanHi Government Strategies | ** Support | |
| Share Your Mana | ** Support | |
| Share Your Mana | ** Support | |
| The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. | ** Support | |
| The Legal Clinic | ** Support | |
| The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. | ** Support | |
| The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. | ** Support | |
| The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc. | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii | ** Support | |
| Volunteer Legal Services Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Volunteer Legal Services Hawai‘i | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| YMCA of Honolulu | *** Support | Mar 13, 2025 |
| YMCA of Honolulu | ** Support | |
| YWCA | ** Support | |
| YWCA of Kauai | ** Support | |
| YWCA of Kauaʻi | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1143
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 560
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide increased funding to the Judiciary to support services contracted with communitybased organizations that deliver essential services, streamline judicial processes, and support the Judiciary's capacity to effectively meet the needs of vulnerable households.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Department of Human Services; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Parents and Children Together; Kuʻikahi Mediation Center; Volunteer Legal Services Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; YWCA of Kauaʻi; Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center; The Legal Clinic; Adult Friends for Youth; Child and Family Service; Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; Aloha United Way; Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi True Cost Coalition; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Epic ʻOhana; Institute for Human Services, Inc.; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Partners in Development Foundation; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii; YMCA of Honolulu; Share Your Mana; Hawaiʻi Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations; Domestic Violence Action Center; and five individuals.
Your Committee finds that courts and programs of the Judiciary contract with organizations across the State for important services for court users and clients, including anger management classes, emergency shelter services, adult and juvenile sex offender assessment and treatment services, adult and juvenile substance abuse services, mental health assessments for juveniles, certain mental health services, mediation and dispute resolution services, victim advocacy for child physical abuse and child sex trafficking, domestic violence intervention services, sober living and treatment services, and more. Your Committee further finds that these services assist low-income and vulnerable residents in navigating the legal process and avoiding long-term consequences that result without representation or assistance. Additionally, these programs promote confidence in the justice system and the rule of law. This measure will ensure access to justice for all residents of the State, regardless of their economic status or personal circumstances.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an effective date of April 23, 2057, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1139
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 560
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Parents And Children Together; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Hawaii Youth Services Network; Community Alliance on Prisons; Hawaii True Cost Coalition; The Legal Clinic; Catholic Charities Hawaii; EPIC Ohana; Aloha United Way; Child & Family Service; Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations; Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Partners in Development Foundation; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii; YMCA of Honolulu; Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii; Share Your Mana; YWCA of Kauai; Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!; Kuikahi Mediation Center; and SanHi Government Strategies. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary and Department of Human Services.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 724
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 560
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 560 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE JUDICIARY,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Judiciary; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Kuʻikahi Mediation; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; The Legal Clinic; Volunteer Legal Services Hawaiʻi; Parents and Children Together; Hawaiʻi True Cost Coalition; Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.; EPIC ʻOhana; Aloha United Way; Child & Family Service; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; The Institute for Human Services, Inc.; The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.; Partners In Development Foundation; Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii; Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii; YMCA of Honolulu; Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; YWCA; Community Alliance on Prisons; and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.
Your Committee finds that community-based organizations play a vital role in delivering essential services that strengthen access to justice, including legal aid, mediation, case management, and behavioral interventions. This measure will provide increased funding for the Judiciary for services contracted with community-based organizations that will assist low-income and vulnerable residents in navigating the legal process and avoiding long-term consequences that result without representation or assistance.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 560, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 560, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 13, 2025 | HB560_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | HB560_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Feb 7, 2025 | HB560_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-07-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
8MIN
House Standing Committee on Finance
9MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
9MIN
