Committee approves bill limiting refunding of COVID‑era fines and curbing some emergency directives

Senate Bill 301, presented by Sen. Sullivan, frames itself as a check on executive‑branch emergency directives and addresses whether civil penalties assessed during the COVID‑19 public‑health emergency should be refunded or limited.

Doralie (Doralie/Dorelie) Chandler, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control enforcement division, testified against refunding fines. She provided enforcement counts: ABC had conducted over 6,000 checks since July 1 (per ABC's enforcement schedule), forwarded 257 reports to administration (covering 91 permit locations), and had 68 paid fines, 69 files pending attorney review, 72 offers with no response, and 15 set for hearings. Chandler argued refunds would reward noncompliance and undermine the rule of law and frontline enforcement work.

The Department of Health's general counsel, Laura Hsu, and Matt Gilmore (ADH) told the committee the department received thousands of compliance complaints, that due process was provided before civil penalties, and that the bill's factual assertions about arbitrary enforcement were incorrect. Hsu warned that refunding legitimately collected civil penalties could expose the state to federal‑court litigation and diminish public‑health authorities' ability to respond in future emergencies.

Sen. Sullivan closed by reiterating the bill's purpose as a legislative role in emergency decisions. After discussion, the committee moved a 'do pass' and approved SB 301 by voice vote.

Next steps: the bill will proceed for further Senate consideration; interested agencies and permit holders may seek technical clarifications during amendment processes.