Transcript Highlights:

• I seek your confirmation today, as well as the confirmation of all my colleagues here.
• me and my colleagues as well confirm me and my colleagues as well thank<00:14:31.600> you<00:
• confirmed confirmed thank<00:29:29.279> you<00:29:29.399> Senator<00:29:30.159> uh<
• <00:30:04.679> feel I think people getting confirmed feel I think people getting confirmed
• Vel as commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services be confirmed. Chair: Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee received an overview from Chief Judge Patricia Millan of the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA). She explained the court’s history, created in 1981, its role as the appellate body for workers’ compensation disputes after Department of Labor and Industry and Office of Administrative Hearings proceedings, and its original jurisdiction over petitions to vacate settlement agreements. She also noted the court is composed of five judges, is funded entirely by the workers’ compensation fund, and operates with five staff attorneys and two full-time employees. The committee then heard introductory remarks from the judges present for confirmation: Deb Sunquist, Katherine Carlson, Shan Quinn, and Thomas Christensen, with a procedural note that Quinn’s reappointment had not yet been formally referred to the committee, so his motion would be held until paperwork arrived. The judges emphasized their collaborative, panel-based work, their experience representing both injured workers and employers, and their commitment to the workers’ compensation system. Quinn also described efforts to teach workers’ compensation at the University of Minnesota and encourage younger lawyers to enter the field. Members asked about the court’s caseload and about delays in workers’ compensation claims. In response, the judges said the WCCA’s caseload has generally declined and fluctuates, and they offered to provide case-count data. In a more detailed exchange, a senator described a family member’s long-delayed claim; judges explained that repetitive-trauma or “Gillette” injuries often require substantial medical proof and can be difficult for insurers to accept, but that the system is intended to be no-fault and typically takes about a year to a year and a half from filing to resolution. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected here.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR APPOINTMENTS.
• THIS WOULD BE MY FOURTH CONFIRMATION WITH VISUAL LIFE.
• ESPECIALLY THOSE RECEIVING THE EMAILS AGAINST MY CONFIRMATION.
• TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION?
• BY YOUR VOTE THE CONFIRMATION IS RECOMMENDED FAVORABLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But if they come after me in this confirmation hearing on Tuesday, maybe we can do another spaces and
• hearing, you say, quote, because I do have a confirmation hearing in front of the Senate.
• I was just curious how it feels to potentially be confirmed.
• And I will I will not be voting for confirmation particular.
• And I will I will not be voting for confirmation based on what I've seen and heard.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I WAS CONFIRMING THIS WAS A GREAT AMENDMENT. THANK YOU MR. CHAIR.
• Simon: LETS TAKE UP TABS 12 THROUGH 21 CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR APPOINTMENTS.
• IS THERE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION?
• IS THERE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION?
• SENATOR COLLINS MOVES RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION OF ALL APPOINTEES ON, RECOMMEND CONFIRMATION ON APPOINTEE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is referred to the committee on confirmations. Message from the governor...
• Message from the governor, Senate confirmation number...
• This is referred to the committee on confirmations.
• Harry Hobs confirmed. Secretary, call the next confirmation from the committee on confirmation.
• Doug Raglin confirmed. Secretary, thank you. Is that it?

Bills: SJR 18, SCR 5, SCR 13, SCR 25, SB 3, SB 6, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 18, SB 35, SB 388, SB 412, SB 441, SB 495, SB 666, SB 687, SB 706, SB 740, SB 815, SB 842, SB 917, SB 925, SB 995, SB 1006, SB 1281, SB 1300, SB 1379, SB 1451, SB 1902, SJR 36, SJR 18, SJR 12, SCR 13, SCR 25, SCR 5, SCR 22, SB 565, SB 372, SB 495, SB 842, SB 765, SB 62, SB 19, SB 18, SB 666, SB 707, SB 888, SB 687, SB 706, SB 847, SB 290, SB 11, SB 10, SB 13, SB 412, SB 441, SB 1248, SB 740, SB 14, SB 1006, SB 504, SB 917, SB 925, SB 388, SB 1902, SB 1121, SB 995, SB 857, SB 305, SB 296, SB 284, SB 35, SB 6, SB 815, SB 3, SB 1281, SB 1379, SB 1300, SB 1497, SB 1499, SB 1498, SB 1451, SB 1061, SB 15, SB 65, SB 241, SB 304, SB 402, SB 499, SB 621, SB 974, SB 1023, SB 1024, SB 1025, SB 1106, SB 686, SB 112, SB 371, SB 204, SB 400, SB 609, SB 1447, SB 670, SB 502, SB 427, SB 850, SB 854, SB 413, SB 1555, SB 1362, SB 1346, SB 1033, SB 1220, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 987, SB 1539, SB 893, SB 447, SB 875, SB 406, SB 509, SB 985, SB 965, SB 17, SB 1119, SB 1505, SB 12, SB 24, SB 57, SB 1194, SB 1253, SB 1215, SB 1532, SB 1268, SCR 12, SCR 24, SB 1302, SB 856, SB 650, SB 583, SB 673, SB 840, SJR 18, SB 11, SB 441, SB 10, SB 18, SB 412, SB 495, SR 238, SR 264, SR 266, SR 267, SR 268, SR 270, SR 271, SR 272, SR 278, SB 1169, SB 1169

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame, football coach, school facility naming

Transcript Highlights:

• The results of the race were confirmed.
• The results of the race were confirmed.
• The results of the race were confirmed.
• The results of the race were confirmed.
• The results of the race were confirmed.

Keywords: Consideration of HB 27 00:04:20 Presentation by Secretary of State 00:10:44 Presentation by Karen Sellers and Jason Denny 00:35:56 Consideration of HB 45 00:55:36, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled House Bill 27, which would remove the prohibition on political yard signs in planned communities statewide while still allowing communities to regulate size, placement, and duration. The sponsor said the 2023 Planned Communities Act created an unintended consequence by treating similar homeowners differently based on grandfathering dates, and a legal explanation was offered that the bill would clarify the law and avoid constitutional problems. After discussion, the committee voted 15-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The next item was an update from the Secretary of State on the 2024 election and implementation of House Bill 53, which created prompt post-election audits. He said the audits were carried out smoothly, most found no discrepancies, and no election winners changed, though he recommended adding a specific timeline to the law. He also discussed voter-roll maintenance, saying Kentucky has removed more than 440,000 ineligible voters since 2020, and argued that federal law and limited access to federal databases remain the main obstacles to faster cleanup. Members asked about the possibility of improper removals, double voting across states, and how provisional voting works. The Secretary said anyone improperly removed can reregister, that any double-voting abuse is likely marginal but still unacceptable, and that provisional ballots are available when eligibility is in doubt and can be reviewed by the county board of elections. He also urged Congress to modernize the 1993 federal voter-registration law, improve access to death and citizenship data, and create a central interstate information-sharing system for election officials.

Transcript Highlights:

• This morning we're doing the personnel board. confirmation hearings and then Senate Memorials 13 and
• Now there was no organized opposition to your confirmation.
• I look forward to supporting your confirmation. Thank you, Senator Duhigg. Mr.
• There's been a motion to move you forward for a full Senate confirmation.
• So, I please recommend her confirmation as well. Thank you. Thank you. All right.

Bills: SM13, SM14

Keywords: land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Confirmation hearings exist for one reason.
• Arizona LeadingAge urges this committee to confirm Director Debbie Johnston.
• I urge this committee to advance her confirmation to the full Senate.
• At the end of our time together, I hope you'll see fit to recommend confirmation.
• .” “...the reasons I’m here today to speak positively for his confirmation.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I would strongly recommend that the committee confirm her.
• recommend that the committee confirm recommend that the committee confirm her.<00:02:37.120>
• Thank you very much. >> I just ask that you confirm her. Thank you.
• Thank >> I just ask that you confirm her. Thank you. you. you.
• <00:12:48.360> here, nothing stopping your confirmation here, nothing stopping your confirmation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member of the Colorado confirmed.
• that the appointments be confirmed. that the appointments be confirmed.
• The motion is the confirmation of the appointments on the consent calendar.
• confirmation of the appointments on the<00:43:06.319> consent<00:43:06.720> calendar.
• <00:43:23.680> and the appointments are confirmed and the appointments are confirmed and announcements

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 5, 2026 journal as corrected, and received several committee reports and Senate Services notices. Health and Human Services recommended Senate Bill 41 be postponed indefinitely and reported confirmations for James Vandenberg to the Colorado Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board and multiple nominees to the Air Quality Control Commission. State, Veterans, and Military Affairs reported Senate Bills 47, 106, and 107, with SB 47 amended and sent to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation, while SBs 106 and 107 were postponed indefinitely. Local Government and Housing reported Senate Bills 109 and 92, both amended and sent to the Committee of the Whole, with SB 92 also recommended for the consent calendar. On the floor, Senate Joint Memorial 003 was read and then laid over until March 17, 2026. The Senate passed House Bill 1020, concerning calorimetric field drug tests in drug possession cases, and Senate Bill 95, concerning support for victim survivors of certain crimes, both on third reading and final passage by unanimous 33-0 votes. The Senate then went into Committee of the Whole on consent-calendar and general-order bills, where House Bill 1115 was advanced on second reading, and House Bill 1068, concerning remote participation policies for certain legislative committee meetings, was amended and advanced on second reading. Senate Bills 40 and 87 were laid over until March 9, 2026. The Senate also laid over Senate Resolution 004, recognizing October 26, 2026 as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado, until March 9, 2026. The chamber confirmed appointments on the consent calendar to the Board of Commissioners of Veterans Community Living Centers, the State Personnel Board, and the Colorado Racing Commission by a 34-0 vote with one excused. During announcements and personal privilege remarks, senators recognized HIV and Harm Reduction Advocacy Day, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Jack and Jill of America, and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. The Senate later recessed until 11 a.m. that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm strongly in support of his confirmation. Thank you very much for considering.
• his uh confirmation. his uh confirmation. Thank<00:03:02.920> you.
• . confirmed. confirmed.
• . confirmed. confirmed.
• If confirmed as a judge, I will continue to do so.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association. Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification. Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• today seeking your vote for confirmation today seeking your vote for confirmation to<00:07:20.400
• If confirmed, I will, however, miss my current position, something awful.
• If confirmed, I will certainly continue that work.
• > miss<00:09:13.519> my confirmed, I will, however, miss my confirmed, I will, however,
• certainly<00:09:44.000> continue If confirmed, I will certainly continue If confirmed, I will

Bills: SB2418, SB2568, SB2661

Keywords: drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• candidate advisory council and confirmed candidate advisory council and confirmed by<00:04:50.720
• <00:09:28.000> today the candidates up for confirmation today the candidates up for confirmation
• <00:21:03.360> we go along however during confirmations we go along however during confirmations
• <02:14:59.679> for and this is for the confirmation for and this is for the confirmation for
• Uh this is for confirmation for Uh this is for confirmation for um<02:25:27.520> Maryanne<02:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they, you know, checked it and they confirmed I'm good.
• And they, you know, checked it and they confirmed I'm good.
• And they, you know, checked it and they confirmed I'm good.
• And they, you know, checked it and they confirmed I'm good.
• And they, you know, checked it and they confirmed I'm good.

Bills: HB358, SB92, SB194, SB230, HB358, SB92, SB194, SB230

Keywords: juvenile justice, detention, age of majority, jurisdiction, child welfare, K-12 education, wireless communication devices, digital safety, social media education, classroom distraction, agriculture authority, eminent domain, property rights, tax exemption, agriculture center, SNAP, nutrition assistance, benefits theft, state reimbursement, food security

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a very important responsibility we have as senators in order to confirm them.
• Then you all confirmed me, which I was very thankful for.
• Then you all confirmed me, which I was very thankful for.
• Is there a motion to recommend confirmation of the block vote? Thank you very much.
• Senator Bradley moves that we move forward with a confirmation of a block vote.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a slate of trustee confirmations for several Florida state colleges and universities. Chair Harrell outlined the process, including swearing in nominees, allowing brief presentations and questions, taking public comment after each nominee, and voting on the full slate at the end unless a member was pulled for separate consideration. One nominee, Edward Fleming, was not heard and was deferred to a future meeting. The committee also dealt with several technical issues for remote participants before proceeding through the agenda. Nominees and reappointees emphasized their personal ties to their institutions and focused their remarks on workforce development, affordability, and partnerships with local employers. Several highlighted nursing and allied health programs, with committee members repeatedly asking about NCLEX pass rates; reported figures included Polk State at 100%, Lake-Sumter at 97.5%, Northwest Florida State at 100%, Daytona State at 95%, Pasco-Hernando at 97% for associate degree and 100% for practical nursing, Pensacola State at 90% practical nursing and 85% RN, and Hillsborough College at 87.5%. Other priorities mentioned included construction technology, agriculture and ag technology, surveying/geodetic programs, maritime and diesel mechanics, aircraft maintenance, dual enrollment, AI, cybersecurity, and support for military and veteran transitions. After hearing from all nominees, the committee asked whether any names should be voted on separately; none were requested. Senator Bradley moved a block vote to recommend confirmation, the motion was approved by roll call, and all nominees heard that day were recommended for confirmation except Tab 10, Edward Fleming, who was postponed to a later meeting. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your support in this confirmation process. Thank you for that testimony.
• You say, quote, because I do have a confirmation hearing in front of the Senate this Tuesday.
• As a result today, I do urge you as Florida Senators to vote yes to confirm Dr.
• Thank you very much, and please vote to confirm him. Thank you very much.
• I will not be voting for confirmation based on what I've seen and heard. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm hearing from them, and they want you confirmed.
• If confirmed, for your first year of being Secretary.
• Anything other than voting for you to confirm would be thumbing my nose at that.
• Will you confirm again today that the trip had nothing to do with vaccines?
• As the HHS secretary, I have confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're also going to be getting the briefs on the boards that we're doing the confirmations for passed
• Otherwise, I will hand the gavel over to our Vice Chair, who chairs during confirmations.
• Forward for a full Senate confirmation. If I could have a roll call vote: Senator Bergman?
• General Thomas told me to confirm you. If he didn't, he was going to kick my butt.
• We are going to be hearing a lot about that as we confirm regents throughout the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, Appointed GM 608, Governor-to-nominee William Smith, submitted for consideration and confirmation
• Thank you, Senator G 609, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Community-Based Economic
• Thank you Senator G 6 0 9 submitting for consideration and confirmation.
• Next up GM six 12 submitting for consideration confirmation Thank you.
• Okay, next up, GM 612, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Small Business Regulatory

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s nominations for advisory and regulatory boards. The first group included William Smith, Michelle Ige, and Kayana Neman for the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council; Leland Park and Cynthia Hobson for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board; and Nicole Kacal for the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation board. DBEDT and related witnesses testified in support of all nominees, and each nominee described experience in small business, finance, community engagement, or technology. Much of the discussion focused on strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy through small business support, financial literacy, and better access to capital and grants. Committee members questioned nominees about priorities for Hawaiʻi Island and the state more broadly. Topics included agricultural infrastructure, value-added food production, shared processing facilities and commercial kitchens, workforce housing, and ways government and nonprofits can partner to help small businesses navigate permitting, licensing, and grant processes. Several nominees emphasized community impact, measurable outcomes, and practical regulatory reform. Nicole Kacal also discussed diversifying the economy beyond tourism, expanding technology and AI opportunities, and creating locally governed training and research pathways so workers can adapt to changing jobs. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to recommend advice and consent for all nominees. The nominations for GM 608, GM 609, GM 612, and GM 613 were adopted by voice vote, with Senators Kim and Fevella excused. The committee then voted separately on GM 794 for Nicole Kacal, and that recommendation was also adopted. The hearing concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The nominees for said governor's messages have been confirmed.
• The nominees for said governor's messages have been confirmed.
• :03:48.799> messages<00:03:49.280> have<00:03:49.599> been<00:03:49.840> confirmed
• governor's messages have been confirmed. governor's messages have been confirmed.
• , I was advised that there may confirmed, I was advised that there may be<00:05:34.560> couple

Keywords: 912, senate, all