[HIham] Hearings scheduled for Cell Phone Bills HB 2225, HB 2602, SB 2755. Time to submit testimony is now

[Bart Aronoff]

Thanks for staying on top of this, Ron.  Your vigilance and your webpage have been responsible for our success so far.

I thought some might be interested in more detail about the four bills.

1.  The one being heard Monday cannot become law in its present form, because it has a defective title, "Relating to Mobile Communication."  Under Hawaii law, every bill must have a single subject, expressed in it's title, which title cannot be changed once introduced.  The bill would have been fine if its title had been "Relating to mobile electronic devices," or something similarly inclusive, but because it specifies only mobile communication, it can only relate to mobile communication, not other mobile electronic devices.  This is a technicality, but a critical one.  IT IS STILL IMPORTANT TO TESTIFY ON THIS ONE, but it will die.

2.  HB 2602 and its companion SB 2755 are not the favored bills at this time, though their content, including specific penalties, may be in a final bill passed.  They are not favored because they are part of the Governor's Legislative Package, both introduced "By Request".  Historically with this Governor, the Democrats would rather pass a bill sponsored by Democrats, even if it adopts the exact language of the Governor's bill.  I have not heard anything about improving relationships between our Governor and our Majority caucuses, but one of these could advance.  Thankfully we should know before long.

3.  If a bill is passed this year, I predict it will be HB 2785, which is identical to HB 2225, but has a proper title, and is sponsored by 9 Democrats (and one Republican).

As you say, it's important to follow each of the bills.  We should know by February 19, which is the deadline for passing a bill on to its second committee.

By the way, anyone who wants a clear, concise but inclusive explanation of the process would probably find great value in

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/info/2009CitizensGuide.pdf

Once again, Thanks,

~Bart
 
On Jan 29, 2010, at 10:06 PM, Ron Hashiro wrote:

> Hawaii Hams,
> 
> There are now three active bills in the State Legislature regarding 
> mobile electronic devices/cell phones.  Your written/email testimony is 
> needed now, 24 hours ahead of the public hearings on Monday Feb 1 at 
> 9:00 am (Rm 309), and on Wednesday Feb 3 at 9:00 am (Rm 309) and 2:05 pm 
> (Rm 224), and your presence is requested at the hearings.
> 
> The hearing for House Bill 2225 is on Monday, Feb 1 9:00 am in Rm 309.  
> Bart WH6AA will be present.
> 
> House Bill 2602 and Senate Bill 2755 are companion bills, so these 
> appear to be the favored bills at this point in time.
> 
> House Bill 2785 has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
> 
> Three distinct, stand-alone testimonies -- one for each active bill -- 
> are needed at this time.
> 
> Further details are at web page:
> 
> http://www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-radio/cellular-phone-ordinance.html
> 
> Be sure to press the REFRESH button on your web browser to pick up the 
> latest updates.
> 
> Ron H
> 
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