Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Resolution 125'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Internet and Technology - 04/01/2026
Internet And Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- , Senator Stec, along with Senator Zellner, Senator Hinchey, and Senators Walczyk.
- The first bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 1815 by Senator Fernandez.
- The next bill is Senate Bill 7713A by Senator Krueger.
- The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 8641 by Senator May.
- Senator Walczyk, actually. Seconded by Senator Stec. Here.
Summary:
The committee met at 9:34 a.m. on April 1 with a quorum present and considered several Internet and technology-related bills. The first, S.1815 (Fernandez), would require books created with generative AI to include a disclosure; one member raised concern that the language could unintentionally cover ordinary software like Microsoft Word, and the chair said she would relay that concern to the sponsor. The bill was reported to the Consumer Protection Committee with five in favor, one opposed, and one without recommendation.
The committee then advanced S.4609A (Gounardes), establishing a stop-online-creditors measure, to the Finance Committee, with one opposed. S.7713A (Krueger), restricting the use of automatic license plate reader information, was reported to the floor with five in favor and two opposed. S.7974, the chair’s bill on recovery of online accounts for mobile telephones, also moved to the floor with two opposed.
Two additional bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously: S.8641 (May), giving website and mobile app users the right to refuse non-essential cookies, and S.9097 (May), concerning social referral services, both were reported to the floor with seven in favor. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:09:15.400>
Fukunaga. Senator Fukunaga. Senator Fukunaga. - of Senator Kim. of Senator Kim.
- Senator Wakai. Senator Wakai.
- Senator Kim. yes, Senator Fukunaga. Aye. Senator Kim.
- Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Favela. Aye. Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Favela. Aye.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making.
The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future.
The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
GVO, GVO-HHS Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hashimoto. Aye. Senator Moriwaki. Aye. Senator Dela Cruz. Aye. Measures adopted.
- Senator Moriwaki. Aye. Senator Dela Aye. Senator Moriwaki. Aye. Senator Dela Aye.
- <00:10:19.400>
Senator Senator Hashimoto. Aye. Senator Senator Hashimoto. Aye. - Senator Moriwaki. Senator<00:10:25.560>
Moriwaki. - Senator Dela Cruz. Aye, aye. Senator Dela Cruz.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study.
The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints.
In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.
HI
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee met on March 31, 2026, to consider Governor’s Message 791, which concerned confirmation of Virgilio Viernes to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Health’s Wastewater Branch testified in support and stood on its written testimony. No other testimony was offered, and no members asked questions of the department.
The committee then noted that Mr. Viernes was not present in the room or on Zoom to answer questions. Because the nominee was unavailable, the chair and members agreed to defer the measure rather than take action that day. The committee said it would post a reconvene notice so the matter could be taken up later when the nominee could attend.
The meeting was then adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU-EIG, WLA-HOU Public Hearings 03-31-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Elefante. >> Aye. Senator Rhoads. >> Aye. Senator Favela. Excused.
- Senator Elefante. vote aye. Senator Elefante.
- Senator Rhoads. >> Aye. Senator Rhoads.
- Senator Inouye is excused. Senator Chang. Aye. Senator Lam votes aye. Senator McKelvey. Aye.
- <00:32:50.960>
Senator Senator Inouye is excused. Senator Senator Inouye is excused.
Summary:
The joint committees on Housing, Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, and later Water, Land, Culture and the Arts and Housing, heard several resolutions related to affordable housing and the East Kapolei transit-oriented development area. SCR 48 and SR 47 proposed declaring that affordable housing credits are perpetual until redeemed, and testimony from DHHL, OPSD, and NAIOP Hawaii supported clarifying that intent. The committees voted to pass SCR 48 and SR 47 unamended.
The committees then considered SCR 107 and SR 101, which were amended to make clear the resolution applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Land Management and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Those measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted by the committees.
In the later joint hearing, SCR 68 and SR 63 addressed the East Kapolei TOD project, urging DLNR to transfer certain parcels to HHFDC and urging HHFDC to work with HCDA on the non-housing portions of the project. Testimony from DLNR, HHFDC, HCDA, and DHHL focused on the balance between housing and revenue-generating or light industrial uses, the need for an EIS and market study, and the possibility of MOAs to memorialize agreements. After discussion, the committees amended the resolutions to prioritize rental housing as well as for-sale housing and to require MOAs before the board, then passed SCR 68 and SR 63 with amendments by unanimous votes.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/01/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator<00:12:26.720>
Long. >> Senator Long. >> Senator Long. - Senator Lang will take it out. Senator Lang will take it out.
- >> Questions from senators? >> Questions from senators?
- Senator W moves ITL >> Senator W moves ITL and<01:12:31.040>
Senator <01:12:31.440>Boka - >> Questions from senators? >> Questions from senators?
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (04/01/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Any questions from the senators? Senator Rosenwald. Thank you.
- Any questions from the senators? senators? senators? Senator<00:05:14.440>
Rosenwald. - Senator Rosenwald. Thank you. Senator Rosenwald. Thank you.
- Senator Donovan. >> Thank you. Senator Donovan.
- Senator. Um you know, in in thinking uh Senator.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/01/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:29:03.760>
I senators? Senator Favor. Thank you. I senators? Senator Favor. - Um that, Senator. Should I send that to that, Senator.
- Chair, Senators. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Senators.
- Are there questions from the senators? Senator Long, and then Senator Prentiss.
- Thank you, Senator. prove that? Thank you, Senator.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Butler. Senator Carnley: Here. Senator Chesteen: Here. Senator Coleman.
- Senator Figures: Here. Senator Givan. Senator Hatcher. Senator Holvey: Here. Senator Kelly: Here.
- Senator Melson: Here. Senator Roberts. Senator Sessions: Here. Senator Woods: Here. Senator Weaver.
- Senator Sessions: Here. Senator Woods: Here. Senator Weaver. Senator Bell: Here.
- Senator Roberts. Senator Sessions. Senator Woods. Senator Weaver. Senator Bell.
Bills:
HB586
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- that came from Senator Esbrook. that came from Senator Esbrook.
- Thank you, Senator. Questions? Yes, Senator Rosen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Senator<00:45:15.599>
Rosen. Senator Rosen. Senator Rosen. - >> Senator Rosen, thank you.
- Seeing none, thank you, Senator. Senator. Senator. >> You're<01:36:12.880>
welcome.
VT
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Disabilities - 03/31/2026
People with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Senate Disabilities Committee. I'm Senator Pat Fahy.
- We are also joined today by Senators Persaud, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, Senator Martinez, and Senator
- Senator Broussad, and I think that was seconded by Senator Martinez. Aye.
- Second by Senator Weber. Seconded by Senator Weber, seconded by Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
- Senate number five on our list, this is Bill 4908, again by Senator Fahy.
Summary:
The Senate Disabilities Committee met on March 31, 2026, with Senator Pat Fahy presiding and a quorum present. The committee considered several bills related to disability services, education, housing, and accessibility. Bills advanced included S.1197, requiring day care facilities to maintain evacuation and block-off plans for children with disabilities during emergencies; S.4042, the Traveling with Dignity Act, which was reported to Senate Finance; S.4845, concerning closure or transfer of state-operated individualized residential alternatives; S.4848, extending the OPWDD Care Demonstration Program; S.4908, creating an innovative housing initiative for people with developmental disabilities; S.5538, expanding early intervention eligibility for infants with elevated venous blood levels; and S.7826, directing school districts to establish parent advisory councils on special education.
The committee also discussed S.7792C, which was laid aside for further work with academics and advocacy groups. Most bills were moved by committee members and approved unanimously or without objection. Several measures were reported to the calendar, while others were referred onward, including S.4042 to Senate Finance and S.7826 to Education.
The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on, and the committee adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I am joined today by Senator Zellner, Senator Martin, Senator Helming, Senator Brisport, Senator Jackson
- , Senator Walsich, Senator Clear, and some of Senator...
- Senator Helming, Senator Brisport, Senator Jackson, Senator Walsick, Senator Clear, and Senator May,
- Senator Salazar, second from Senator Walsick.
- Got a motion, Senator... Senator Vellner. Motion, Senator... Senator Vellner.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/31/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The resolution is adopted. Senator Gianaris.
- >> THANK YOU, SENATOR RAMOS. SENATOR MAY ON THE RESOLUTION.
- THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. SENATOR GIANARIS.
- AND RECOGNIZE SENATOR CELLAR IN, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1823 BY: SENATOR ZELLNER MEMORIALIZING GOVERNOR
- THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. SENATOR GIANARIS.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report advancing several bills directly to third reading, including Senate Print 9630, an appropriations extender for government operations, and Senate Print 9631, an extender related to Part U1 of Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2023. The chamber then moved to the controversial calendar and debated the first extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning what the bill covered, how much funding it extended, and the status of budget negotiations. Senator Krueger said the extender covered about $1 billion for payroll and certain payments for agencies including Health, Law, OPWDD, and Veterans Services through April 7, and described the budget talks as still unresolved, with no announced follow-up Joint Budget Conference Committee meetings or table targets. She also discussed utility affordability proposals, including a three-year moratorium on A.I. and crypto data/storage facilities and support for green energy and low-income ratepayer relief. O’Mara argued the lack of urgency and absence of written proposals on climate and utility costs was concerning. Both extender bills were then passed, with the first receiving 59 ayes and the second passing 46-13 after debate over its two-year duration.
The Senate then adopted the resolution calendar, excluding two items initially, and took up two resolutions. Resolution 1821, sponsored by Senator Ramos, recognized Farmworkers Day and highlighted the essential role of farmworkers, the history of organizing for farmworker rights, and concerns about immigrant workers facing fear and retaliation; Senator May added support, noting the importance of farm labor to dairy production and food supply and the impact of deportation fears on farms in her district. The resolution was adopted. Resolution 1823, sponsored by Senator Zellner, proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York, recognizing applied behavior analysis and its benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, education, healthcare, and other fields; it was also adopted.
The chamber also welcomed a group of students from Queens visiting Albany, with Senator Comrie speaking about the importance of civics education and government engagement. After the introductions and acknowledgments, there was no further business, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN Public Hearings 03-30-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:13:08.839>
Dela Senator Dela Senator Dela Sherry,<00:13:10.920>you're <00:13 - <00:14:11.000>
What <00:14:11.200>Senator <00:14:11.600>Senator, Okay, thank - What Senator Senator, Okay, thank you.
- What Senator Senator, you<00:14:12.040>
told <00:14:12.240>them <00:14:12.320>what - Senator La Mason. Aye. Senator McKelvey is excused. Senator Awakuni. >> Aye.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The chair explained the 90-minute agenda, the 2-minute testimony limit, and that written testimony had been reviewed in advance. Testimony was generally supportive for each nominee, with agency boards, professional associations, and individuals submitting written or oral support.
For the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Michael Basta Jr. described his 40 years in the industry, ownership of two salons, and experience training educators. For the Board of Dentistry, Christopher Woo said he had served as an interim board member since July 1 of the prior year, and Jerry Young said she was a retired pediatrician and former Hawaii Medical Board member; in response to questions, she identified a potential conflict through her role with Pu'ulu Lapa'au and said she would recuse herself when appropriate. For the Board of Psychology, Sean Scanlon and Sherry Takuishi Sara both emphasized long careers in the field and service to the community.
Several members questioned psychology and medical nominees about interstate licensing compacts and access to care. Scanlon said he supported expanding the profession but would need to recuse himself on compact issues because of his role at Chaminade University, and he noted growth in local training programs. Sara said her main concern with compacts was cultural sensitivity and Hawaii’s unique cultural milieu, though she acknowledged the need for more psychologists. Pediatrician Robert Watring, nominated to the Hawaii Medical Board, said he supported local providers and was cautious about compacts, emphasizing the need to ensure qualified care in Hawaii; he said he had not seen much change from temporary licensing measures on Kauai. For the Contractors License Board, Jerry Nishik said backlog problems were driven by staff shortages and board vacancies, noting the board lacked quorum for upcoming meetings and needed more members and staff.
Other nominees included Albert Dennis and Nolan Miyahara for the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, both of whom said they wanted to continue public service and help ensure legitimate, certified repair shops; Miyahara described his career path from apprentice to automotive technology professor. The committee also heard support for Robert Woltering’s nomination to the Hawaii Medical Board, with Woltering saying he wanted to help ensure quality health care providers, especially for children on Kauai. The transcript does not show any final votes or confirmations during the excerpt provided.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- We begin with Senate Bill 9598 by Senator Stavisky. Enact to amend the Public Health Law.
- Moved by Senator Liu, second by Senator Comrie. All in favor? Opposed? Bill is reported.
- Senate Bill 9599, Bailey. And I'm the Insurance Wall. By Senator Comrie, second by Senator Myrie.
- Moved by Senator D'Addabbo. All in favor? Opposed? Bill is reported. 9631, Krueger.
- Moved by Senator D'Addabbo, second by Senator Mayer. All in favor? Opposed? Bill is reported.
Summary:
The meeting was a brief rules/committee session focused on advancing several Senate bills. Senate Bill 9598 by Senator Stavisky, Senate Bill 9599 by Senator Bailey, and Senate Bill 9630 and 9631 by Senator Krueger were each moved, seconded, and reported out without recorded opposition. The transcript indicates these measures dealt with amendments to the Public Health Law, insurance-related provisions, appropriations, and an amendment to Part U of the laws, though the discussion itself was minimal.
After the bills were reported, the chair noted that the bills were cleared for third reading and that the “Cougar bills” would be coming out that day. No substantive debate or testimony was recorded, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Local Government - 03/31/2026
Local Governments
Transcript Highlights:
- We are joined today by Senator Fahy, Senator Rolison, our ranking member Senator Weik.
- We will begin with our first bill, Senate Bill 3190 by Senator Kavanaugh.
- Next bill, we have Senate Bill S435 by Senator Rhodes.
- Our fourth bill is Senate Bill 74872 by Senator Fahy.
- Second by Senator Rolison. All in favor? Senator Fahy, are you in favor? Yes.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Local Government met for its third meeting and considered 10 bills, with Senators Fahy, Rolison, Weik, and others present. The chair thanked committee and finance staff before moving through the agenda. Most of the measures were local tax exemption or municipal administration bills, including S.3190 expanding eligibility for a State of New York Mortgage Agency low-interest-rate program, S.435 allowing the Nassau County assessor to accept a real property tax exemption application from Powell House, and S.444A concerning industrial development agencies and the definition of labor organization.
The committee also advanced S.74872 on notice of health insurance contracts for retired officers, employees, and their families, S.6817 and S.8263 involving Nassau County and a retroactive exemption for Congregation Cahal Mavakche Hesham, S.9325 creating a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of correction officers killed in the line of duty, S.9326 authorizing Babylon to accept an exemption application from Tiggerman Community Services, and S.9351 exempting the Village of Williamsville Fire Department from the non-resident membership cap. S.9409, authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to extend a lease of lands in Farmingdale, was also considered.
For each bill, members generally offered brief motions and seconds, with little debate or testimony recorded. All of the bills were reported out of committee, and S.74872 was specifically reported to finance. The meeting then adjourned.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's start with Senate Bill 26A by Senator Martinez.
- The next bill is Senate Bill 1116 by Senator Gounardes.
- I have Senator Gounardes reported himself. The next bill is Senate Bill 1477 by Senator Krueger.
- Motion by Senator Bill. By Senator Bill, by Senator Bailey, seconded by Senator Mayer.
- Next, Senate Bill 8294 by Senator Sopovena.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met for its fourth meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly on civil practice, real property, and court administration. SB 26A on extreme risk protection orders drew some concern about possible unintended consequences and broad exclusions for minors, but it was moved and reported to Codes. SB 1116, designating April 20 as New York State Constitution Day, was moved quickly and reported to the floor.
The committee spent the most time on SB 1477, which would limit certain debt-collection practices involving sovereign debt and so-called vulture investors. Senator Krueger explained that the bill is narrowly targeted at investors who buy distressed sovereign bonds with the intent to sue in New York courts, while Senator Palumbo raised concerns about breadth and possible effects on legitimate lending and contract rights. After extended discussion and assurances that the bill would not affect ordinary investors or credit-card debt, it was moved and reported to Finance. Members also discussed SB 7541 on transparency for co-ops and condos; some members warned of unintended consequences and opposition from the co-op/condo community, while others argued it would improve disclosure. The bill was ultimately reported to the floor.
Several other bills were approved with little or no opposition: SB 2546 on abandoned multiple dwellings, SB 8294 requiring more detailed judicial determinations on motions, SB 8372 on expenses in matrimonial actions, SB 8870 extending supervision requirements for a real estate license application, and SB 9482 creating a New York City Civil Court subpart for eviction matters involving affordable housing providers and small landlords. SB 9482 drew supportive comments, with a note that funding and staffing would be needed in the budget for it to function effectively. All bills considered were moved out of committee and reported to the appropriate next committee or to the floor.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, Chair Senator Rhodes. Good afternoon, Chair Senator Rhodes.
- Senator Leahy.
- Senator Coit is excused. I'll vote yes. Senator Wa? Aye. Recommendations adopted.
- Senator DeCoite is excused. I'll vote yes. Senator Wa? I. Recommendation is adopted.
- Senator<00:25:33.120>
Wa? Senator Wa? Senator Wa? >> I. >> I. >> I.
Summary:
The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process.
Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process.
After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.