Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Johnson Stewart: No, I really defer to the experts in this area.
• <01:22:35.080> the No, I really defer to the No, I really defer to the um, um, um, experts
• Senator Johnson Stewart: No, I really defer to the experts in this area.
• Senator Johnson Stewart: No, I really defer to the experts in this area.
• Kolstad, I wonder if deferring for a year would be okay. I still am in favor of the amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To pass it with an SD1 by deferring the date to July 1st, 20150.
• So, with that, uh, Senate Bill 3169 is deferred.
• . deferred. deferred.
• So in this case, I will be deferring Senate Bill 3169. Thank you.
• So, with that, Senate Bill 3169 is deferred.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think you should kill this bill, defer it forever, kill it like everything else, like the dreams
• Services as well, and we defer to their testimony for the details. >> Okay.
• <00:56:12.640> Uh request that you guys defer this. Uh request that you guys defer this.
• For 3324, chair's recommendation is to defer this. Um, next is 2563 relating to homelessness.
• For 3244, chair's recommendation is to defer that. Nobody seems to like it.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I defer on whether or not we go through this bill line by line.
• I defer on whether or not we go through this bill line by line.
• So, but otherwise I would defer to the true expert electrical engineer.
• So, but otherwise I would defer to the true expert electrical engineer.
• So, but otherwise I would defer to the true expert electrical engineer.

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're extendedly deferring them and hoping that their medical condition would improve.
• So they're extendedly deferring of care.
• Why are we deferring? Why are we denying?
• Why are<01:08:22.799> we<01:08:23.000> deferring?
• are we deferring? Why are we denying? are we deferring? Why are we denying?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair’s recommendation is to defer this measure. Oh, are we on 1087? Did I skip one?
• The Chair’s recommendation is to defer this measure.
• The Chair’s recommendation is to defer this measure.
• The Chair’s recommendation is to defer this measure.
• The Chair’s recommendation is to defer this measure.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 13, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of housing, land, and resource bills. Early bills included HB 743 on fiscal sustainability, HB 1318 on affordable housing, and HB 1409 on the Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Improvement District Board. Testimony on the housing measures was largely supportive from agencies and advocacy groups such as the Office of Planning, Hawaii Housing Future, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities, and the County of Kauai, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) raised concerns on HB 1318 about public trust duties for ceded lands. On HB 1409, members questioned whether the bill needed updating in light of a separate bill changing the board structure, and witnesses said the measure did not change funding but only the board’s mission and scope. The committee also heard HB 1410, which would create a supportive housing special fund. Supporters, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Hawaii Appleseed, argued that predictable dedicated funding is needed for supportive housing, social services, and long-term homelessness solutions. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed tax earmarks in general, saying they subvert the constitutional budgeting process. Members asked how the fund would be administered and who could access it; witnesses said HHFDC and the counties would coordinate the process, but DLNR noted the bill did not provide additional administrative capacity and suggested language to address that. Later bills included HB 528 on residential leaseholds, HB 1359 on flood mitigation, HB 1087 on historic preservation reviews, HB 868 on disabilities, and HB 1323 on transfer of non-agricultural park lands. HB 528 drew limited testimony, with a Catholic Charities/Hawaii Public Housing Authority representative offering a general example of leasehold development but saying the bill’s exemptions had not been discussed in detail. HB 1359 prompted discussion of homeowner and county responsibilities for drainage and flood damage, with DLNR saying private owners are responsible for drainage on private property and counties for county roads. HB 1087 was supported by DHHL, which said historic preservation reviews currently take about 165 days and the bill could improve timeliness, while Hawaii Historic Hawaii Foundation opposed it. HB 868 drew support from the Disability Rights Center and DCAB, with testimony focusing on beach access and the need for clearer legal authority. On HB 1323, DLNR opposed the bill, saying it did not reflect Act 90 and that some agricultural parcels should remain under DLNR for conservation, watershed, recreation, or fire protection reasons; DOA, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the measure, arguing that productive agricultural lands should be transferred to agriculture to protect local food production and family ranches.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:57.760> maintenance talk about u the deferred maintenance talk about u the deferred
• There's a lot of deferred maintenance in this facility, but it's not impossible with the things we've
• Uh there's a lot of deferred<00:59:21.119> maintenance<00:59:21.440> in<00:59:21.680>
• > this<00:59:21.920> facility, deferred maintenance in this facility, deferred maintenance
• the time saw the needs of our deferred the time saw the needs of our deferred maintenance<01:04:

Keywords: This meeting is taking place on location at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Building Room 238 using on site equipment., 958, all

Summary: The interim Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met at Kentucky State University and heard a presentation from President Kofi Aapo and Vice President Michael Dorsy on the university’s role as an HBCU and its current priorities. They emphasized Kentucky State’s impact on Black student outcomes nationally, its focus on workforce development, civic leadership, innovation, and economic mobility, and its efforts to grow enrollment, expand dual-credit partnerships, and launch a prison education program. They also described House Bill 250’s role in prompting program review and the creation or expansion of market-aligned offerings, including manufacturing engineering, agricultural engineering, biological and agricultural engineering, social work, criminal justice, and expanded online programs through “Thoroughbred Global.” A major topic was Kentucky State’s move toward STEM and applied programs. President Aapo said the university is diversifying beyond liberal arts to meet workforce demand and cited plans for a PhD in agroecology, which he said would help farmers adapt to climate conditions and would be federally funded. He also discussed the nursing program as the fastest-growing on campus, partnerships with health systems that pay tuition and guarantee jobs, and the need for a new nursing facility. He said the current nursing space is inadequate and that a new building could double or triple enrollment in the program. He also described a mobile health initiative intended to bring preventive care and health education to underserved areas of the state. Members asked questions about the nursing building, STEM strategy, teacher preparation, dual credit, prison education, and student readiness. Senator Bledsoe asked about the shift toward STEM, and Aapo said the strategy is based on student demand and data from House Bill 250. Senator Berg requested a list of dual-credit partners and encouraged long-term tracking of prison education participants to study outcomes such as recidivism; Aapo said the university has not yet begun that research but intends to. Senator Tidner asked about remedial needs, and Aapo said KSU found more than 100 students with zero GPAs when he arrived and is using co-requisite support and tutoring to address English and math deficiencies. Representative Brown and others highlighted the historical and ongoing value of HBCUs, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• than just explain to you folks what I’m thinking of doing, if it’s a pretty complicated HD1, I will defer
• Uh, the Chair's recommendation on this one is to defer indefinitely.
• recommendation on this one is to defer recommendation on this one is to defer indefinitely.<01:16
• So, the Chair's recommendation here is to defer this until Friday, February 6th at 2:10 p.m.
• <01:18:54.719> this recommendation here is to defer this recommendation here is to defer this

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 4 and began with announcements about committee protocol, including posting hearing notices and testimony earlier than required and using written HD1 drafts for more complex amendments. The chair also noted the new AV system and asked speakers to be clear because the microphones are sensitive. The committee then took up several University of Hawaiʻi-related measures, with most testimony coming from UH officials, state agencies, and advocacy groups, and no votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1596, relating to student basic needs support at the University of Hawaiʻi, drew support from UH, the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, and an individual. UH said it stood on its written testimony and could answer questions. HB 1597, relating to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, received support from UH/JABSOM, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others; the Attorney General’s Office offered a procedural reminder about statewide concern. HB 1970, funding the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and the Hawaii Tumor Registry, was supported by UH, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Hawaii Medical Association, and others, with testimony emphasizing the registry’s role in cancer surveillance, prevention, and federal funding. The committee also heard HB 1598, creating a Hawaii Climate Institute. UH testified in support, citing worsening drought, heat, sea level rise, and extreme weather, and said the institute would hire climate modelers and faculty across several schools. Members questioned funding, and UH said it would seek state startup money, possible green-fee support, and federal grants, noting recent federal cuts and the need for permanent positions. HB 1989, on water retention, was supported by UH as a study to slow runoff and improve aquifer recharge. HB 1951, on biosecurity, drew support from UH, DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, students, and other organizations; testimony stressed invasive species threats, the need for biocontrol research and containment capacity, and possible sites for a statewide facility. HB 1952, funding agricultural research station improvements on Kauaʻi, was supported by UH, the Farm Bureau, and others, with testimony noting aging facilities and the need to modernize stations across the islands. Finally, HB 2005, relating to language access, received UH support, with a UH representative noting that credit programs may fit best in a credit-bearing academic program and that Outreach College could be an option for noncredit programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:45.360> to 101-111 the department would defer to 101-111 the department would defer
• The recommendation is to pass with amendments, deferring the date to July 1, 2050.
• The chair's recommendation is to defer.
• The chair's recommendation is to defer. Thank you. Are there any objections?
• defer defer objections<01:09:34.400> House<01:09:34.679> Bill<01:09:35.080> 1437

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple years ago, we initiated a preliminary study, and I can defer to my colleague Elsie Berger to
• A couple years ago, we initiated a preliminary study, and I can defer to my colleague Elsie Berger to
• to my my colleague study and I can defer to my my colleague Elsie<00:12:30.399> Berger<00:12:
• Uh<00:45:36.560> I<00:45:36.800> will<00:45:37.040> defer<00:45:37.359> to
• I would have to defer to the the that.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard from the Department of Corrections first about Wellpath’s medical services contract and the contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy. DOC officials said Wellpath’s reorganization plan was confirmed in May 2025, the contract was automatically assumed, and services have continued without lapses. They said DOC has not seen any reduction in care, staffing problems, or known impact on Kentucky operations, and that DOC and health services staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether “emergence” meant discharge from bankruptcy; staff clarified that Wellpath has not yet been discharged and is still in the process of paying debts. The discussion then shifted to the Department of Juvenile Justice’s proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility. DJJ said the facility is still in the conceptual and preliminary programming stage, with no full design funding yet and no entry into the formal A/B process with DECA. The proposed facility would have 24 beds total, split into 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, and would need to separate males and females as well as high- and low-risk youth under Senate Bill 162. Officials said the concept was developed with DJJ and CHFS mental health staff and outside design experts, and that the project was submitted in the capital plan for consideration. Members questioned the need for the facility, the estimated construction and staffing costs, and whether the state has enough youth to justify it. DJJ said the number of youth needing this level of care changes frequently, that they currently have one youth in Pennsylvania and typically send one to five youth out of state each year, and that out-of-state placement is increasingly difficult. Officials argued that a dedicated facility would reduce delays, keep youth closer to home, and avoid the need to retrofit multiple detention centers. Some members expressed concern that the projected operating costs seemed high compared with the small number of current out-of-state placements, and asked for more information on annual out-of-state spending and the number of youth who would qualify for the facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:23.279> to you know, we, you know, we defer to you know, we, you know, we defer to
• My recommendation is that we defer this measure, as DNR had stated there is a sufficient mechanism to
• My recommendation is that we defer<01:01:12.720> this<01:01:12.960> measure.
• this measure. uh as DNR had defer this measure. uh as DNR had stated,<01:01:15.839> there<01:
• Can I defer that one? Oh, did I? Yeah, you missed it. Oh, 307. I'm sorry.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:48.000> retirement HB 378 relating to deferred retirement HB 378 relating to deferred
• As a practical matter, we don't have any issues with the existence of a deferred retirement option plan
• Again, so we will be deferring this measure because of those reasons.
• Next, we have HB 378, relating to deferred retirement for police.
• My recommendation is that we defer this measure.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply gives law enforcement the ability to use their judgment based on real risk.
• ability<01:43:51.840> to<01:43:52.000> use<01:43:52.240> their<01:43:52.440> judgment
• <01:43:53.080> based<01:43:53.520> on ability to use their judgment based on ability
• to use their judgment based on real<01:43:54.240> risk.
• The question before the body is shall the decision of the speaker stand as a judgment of the house?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• privacy involved in these cases, meaning that there's a lot we do not know, and there's a lot of judgment
• Um, of course it's a policy judgment for this committee to make as to whether we've struck the right
• Um of course it's a policy<04:04:59.439> judgment<04:04:59.840> for<04:05:00.080> this
• <04:05:00.239> committee<04:05:00.479> to policy judgment for this committee to policy
• judgment for this committee to make<04:05:00.800> as<04:05:01.040> to<04:05:01.199>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• force, others who need to have confidence that law enforcement officers have the best training and judgment
• force, others who need to have confidence that law enforcement officers have the best training and judgment
• force, others who need to have confidence that law enforcement officers have the best training and judgment
• force, others who need to have confidence that law enforcement officers have the best training and judgment
• force, others who need to have confidence that law enforcement officers have the best training and judgment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think I'm going to defer on this.
• So, I think I'm going to defer this<00:36:07.200> until<00:36:08.040> Monday this until
• I'm going to go ahead and defer it. distilled spirits people. Uh, and distilled spirits people.
• Um, I'm going to defer this one, not because I have any objection to any of it, but the Senate version
• Um I'm<00:42:46.400> going<00:42:46.480> to<00:42:46.560> defer<00:42:46.880>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 841 by Chairman Geymann provides for expropriation procedures. voluntarily defer
• I'm not a lawyer, so I'd have to defer to Mr. Caffrey on... I agree with you.
• I'm not a lawyer, so I'd have to defer to Mr. Caffrey on his thoughts.
• I think we're both trying to get to the same point, so I'll defer to the committee, certainly.
• This bill will probably get deferred because of its fiscal note.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 80 by Representative Domangue, which expressed support for private property rights and reviewed the 2025 landman code of conduct. Domangue described concerns about aggressive landmen and expropriation threats, then voluntarily deferred the resolution so Chairman Geymann could present his bill. The committee then took up HB 841, also on expropriation procedures and landman conduct. Geymann explained the bill was aimed at how expropriation negotiations are conducted and enforced, not at whether expropriation is allowed, and cited a recent dispute involving a pipeline right-of-way and threatening letters to landowners. A video of affected landowners was played, and members from industry and landowner groups discussed the need for fair compensation and better communication. The committee adopted two amendment sets to HB 841. The first set made technical changes, removed some court-cost language, broadened the code of conduct to all certificate holders, added a prohibition on threatening landowners with court costs and attorney fees, shortened the response period for offers, and clarified that the rules apply across energy types rather than only carbon capture. The second amendment set added graduated fines for violations, required the Department of Conservation and Energy to collect the fines, and directed the department to post violators on its website. After support testimony and no opposition, HB 841 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. An amendment clarified that existing DEQ recycling rules apply. Members raised concerns about decommissioning language, costs, and whether the bill overlapped with existing hazardous-waste and universal-waste rules. Coates agreed to remove the bill’s last sentence on decommissioning costs and add an effective date of January 1, 2027. DEQ explained that many components are already covered under federal and state universal-waste rules, and industry witnesses said solar recycling is feasible and already occurring. HB 621 was then reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 595 by Representative Jacob Landry, which addresses local permits that impede natural resource development, especially road permits affecting Haynesville shale operations. An amendment clarified that local governments may not unreasonably interfere with permitted activity and that road permits not acted on within 30 days are deemed approved. Supporters said delayed parish permits can stall rigs, reduce investment, and hurt royalty owners, while opponents warned the bill could further erode local authority, including in carbon capture matters. Police jury representatives said they were willing to keep working on the issue and suggested a 30- to 45-day target for permit decisions. HB 595 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 1191 by Representative Landry, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites, with testimony that it could help clear environmental liability and bring properties back into commerce; the bill was still under amendment and questioning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• up to two additional years can create unintended financial strain to borrowers, including larger deferred
• 238 from 12 months to 36 months and requires a mortgage servicer to offer borrowers the option to defer
• And that's a deal where you're refinancing the principal and interest that you deferred at market interest
• So typically you can defer payments under the GSEs for 12 months.
• So typically you can defer payments under the GSEs for 12 months.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Present on Zoom, Chair. >> Okay, we're going to defer his until the end of the calendar.
• >> Okay,<00:18:58.720> we're<00:18:59.039> gonna<00:18:59.280> defer<00:18
• his until the >> Okay, we're gonna defer his until the end<00:19:01.840> of<00:19:01.840
• Chair's recommendation is to defer this to March 9th, 1 p.m., Room 225.
• to defer this to March 9th, 1 p.m. room to defer this to March 9th, 1 p.m. room 225 225 225 for<00:36

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on a series of gubernatorial nominations to health, disability, aging, and advisory boards. Early nominees included Pria Tay for the Kauaʻi Service Area Board on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, who emphasized her 25 years in the mental health field and commitment to community access to training and resources, and Ashley Mishihara for the Fuel Tank Advisory Committee, who described her involvement in the Red Hill response and ongoing concern about protecting the sole-source aquifer and ensuring remediation. Christopher Luthie, nominated to the State LGBTQ+ Commission, said he wanted to advocate for LGBTQ+ residents statewide and help improve programs so people are not overlooked, and he received support from commission member Michael Galuyo Jr., who said the commission had lacked a Hawaii County representative since December. The committee also heard from nominees to the Radiologic Technology Board, including David Wodsworth and Reena Shimata. Wodsworth said the board should modernize rules and regulations, while the Department of Health supported him and clarified that the board focuses on policy and procedures rather than direct licensing decisions. Shimata said she wanted to help protect patients, technologists, and the public from radiation exposure, and the Department of Health and several medical professionals supported her, with one witness noting that modern technology reduces dose but competent technologists remain essential to avoid unnecessary exposure. The committee deferred GM712, a nomination not present at the hearing, until Monday, March 9. Additional nominations included Judy Pike for the disability communications/access board, who cited her prior DECAP staff experience and long involvement in disability access work, with strong support from a current board member; Rick Taber for the Policy Advisory Board for Elderly Affairs, who sought a second term and highlighted his committee leadership and long mental health career; Amy Healey Austin for the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, who said she wanted to represent rural health needs and described her leadership roles in West Hawaiʻi health care; and Ed Chevy for DECAB, who stressed the importance of interpreter access and communication access, with support from Christine Pagano. The committee took no final votes in the portion of the hearing provided, and several nominees were told their decisions would be taken up later in the meeting or at the end of the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, Alabama has a lot to give on judgment day when we put God at the top of the house and do everything
• There's a passage in the scripture that says, "Wherefore we all must stand before the judgment seat of

Bills: HB 14, HJR 31, HB 43, HB 18, HB 106, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 1971, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 1710, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3684, HJR 99, HB 1399, HJR 5, HB 1330, HB 2110, HJR 2, HJR 6, HB 1587, HB 14, HJR 31, HB 43, HB 18, HB 106, HB 36, HB 26, HB 149, HB 121, HB 206, HB 136, HB 3114, HB 2733, HB 1732, HB 3700, HB 467, HB 1130, HB 1846, HB 1442, HB 1147, HB 2176, HB 2701, HB 805, HB 2890, HB 1154, HB 1644, HB 2118, HB 1718, HB 2488, HB 2596, HB 1971, HB 2468, HB 484, HB 2578, HB 3204, HB 1041, HB 307, HB 685, HB 1710, HB 538, HB 2525, HB 3125, HB 2027, HB 2894, HB 3077, HB 3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services