Video & Transcript Research : 'judicial confirmation'
Page 161 of 394
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So, number one, I don't think it's going to be a blight to the clerk's office or the judicial system.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended.
The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Organizational business meeting to consider committee rules, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress, S.347, to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 Feb 5th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Congressional authority now appears to be ignoring the judicial branch as well.
Keywords:
brownfields, brownfield cleanup, site remediation, environmental cleanup, contaminated property, redevelopment, revitalization, CERCLA, Superfund, EPA grants, state response programs, environmental justice, disadvantaged communities, small communities, local government grants, nonprofit eligibility, community engagement, Alaska Native tribes, Regional Corporations, Village Corporations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 3rd, 2025
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, committee members, Erin Yeto on behalf of the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, we do have a lengthy agenda, including the confirmation on a Cabinet member.
- It is usual to invite a Cabinet member to the floor if they are successful in getting confirmed.
- , to wait till we adjourn and to come down and then we will greet our newly confirmed Cabinet member.
- That would be 22, and one of the Governor's messages has been confirmed.
- Ryan Yamane has been confirmed as the director of the Department of Human Services.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up is GM 511, submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Moloka'i Irrigation System Water
- to the Board of Ag and confirmation to the Board of Ag and Biosecurity Biosecurity.
- <00:08:54.240>
He's here for his confirmation hearing. - He's here for his confirmation hearing.
- And GM 771 for James Gomes, confirmation to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
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.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- count in support of this confirmation. count in support of this confirmation.
- We are seeking confirmation of him for an additional 6-year term.
- I would ask the full body to confirm I would ask the full body to confirm Joseph<00:23:28.680>
- Um, can you confirm to us that there's good faith progress being made on that?
- Um can you confirm to us that there's Um can you confirm to us that there's good<00:31:52.920>
faith
Summary:
The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and heard a prayer and pledge. The main legislative business was House amendments to Senate File 2511, the liquor bill authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses. Senators described it as a bipartisan “one-off” liquor bill with local provisions, including a St. Louis Park food hall license, Minneapolis food hall licenses, a Rochester Chateau Theater provision, expanded University of Minnesota liquor licensing flexibility, Brainerd’s Northern Pacific Center license, seasonal resort licensing, and a care-facility “granny happy hour” provision. Senator Wesenberg asked about a proposed 17-year-old server provision, and Senator Klein said it had been dropped and was never part of the Senate language.
The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 2511, advanced it to third reading, and passed it on final passage by a vote of 56 ayes to 10 nays. The chamber also adopted committee reports, took up a confirmation calendar item, and unanimously confirmed Joseph Sullivan to another six-year term on the Public Utilities Commission after Senator Frentz reported unanimous committee support and cited broad stakeholder backing.
On special orders, the Senate passed House File 3741, which modernizes educational assistance for children and spouses of prisoners of war and deceased veterans by moving coverage under the Minnesota GI Bill and increasing the benefit to $750; it passed 66-0. The Senate also passed Senate File 3622, a 97-page technical and conforming update to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act. Senator Kroon highlighted changes for small common-interest communities, insurance responsibility in mixed-use buildings, buyer disclosure, court-rule alignment, and lien priority definitions. An A2 amendment delayed the effective date of a separate 308C cooperative housing rewrite for one year to allow more consumer-protection work; after discussion involving Senators Kroon, Dibble, and Westrom, the amendment was adopted, and SF 3622 then passed 67-0. The Senate later adjourned until the following Wednesday.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Steven Bradbury, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Feb 20th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If confirmed, Mr.
- I pledge to you that if confirmed, I will bring these values to work.
- If you are confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, what legacy would you like to leave?
- I look forward to working with you once you're confirmed. Thank you, Senator.
- You confirmed that that's how the system...
Keywords:
transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/05/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:49.440>
precedents years a number of judicial precedents years a number of judicial - It was so I can, along with the judicial precedents, I'll find for you later.
- It was so I can, along with the judicial precedents, I'll find for you later.
- It was so I can, along with the judicial precedents, I'll find for you later.
- ...along with the judicial precedents, I'll find for you later.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Laura, you are confirmed and you'll go to the full Senate for confirmation, or you have passed forward
- , I should say, and you'll go to the full Senate for confirmation, and that date will be communicated
- Laura,<00:13:27.400>
you <00:13:27.560>are <00:13:27.680>confirmed <00:13:28.240> - >
Senate <00:13:29.360>for <00:13:29.480>confirmation <00:13:30.680>or to - the full Senate for confirmation or to the full Senate for confirmation or you<00:13:30.960>
have
Summary:
The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on April 14, 2026, to consider GM 644, the nomination of Kayla Curvelo to the Hawaii Island Burial Council, shifting her seat from the at-large/large landowner position to the Kona representative seat. Testimony in support came from SHPD Administrator Jessica Pap, who said Curvelo has served faithfully and has strong ties to the Kona community, and from OHA’s Leiloha Macouani, who noted Curvelo has served on the council since 2021 and as chair since August 2025.
Curvelo, appearing on Zoom, described her family’s deep roots in Kona and said her focus would be on supporting community and descendant voices in burial matters. In response to questions, she emphasized that burial council decisions should be handled case by case, especially in situations involving inadvertent discovery of iwi, preservation in place, or relocation. She said the council’s role is to listen to families, SHPD, and community needs, and to balance cultural practice, changing conditions, and respect for kupuna and ʻāina.
Members asked about her vision for the council and whether iwi could be moved when necessary. Curvelo said relocation can be appropriate when done properly, but there is no single rule; each situation depends on the family, the site, and conditions such as coastal erosion or high surf. After discussion, the chair recommended advise and consent. The committee voted to adopt that recommendation, with Chair Richards, Vice Chair, Senator Kealoha, and Senator Dela Cruz voting aye; Senator Ihara was excused. The nomination was forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation, and the meeting adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Howard Lutnick, of New York, to be Secretary of Commerce. Jan 29th, 2025 at 09:15 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I will be divesting within 90 days upon my confirmation.
- This pause will allow my time to be confirmed, and us to study and attack it rigorously.
- Lutnick, should you be confirmed?
- When you are confirmed, will you return NIST votes?
- If confirmed, what will you do to fight human trafficking in our supply chains and economy?
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor. (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:13.920>
by <00:16:14.279>the subject to confirmation by the subject to confirmation - But for newly appointed ALJs, you will not take office until the Senate confirms you.
- If you are not confirmed, then obviously you just continue working your day job.
- If you are not confirmed, then obviously you just continue working your day job.
- If you are not confirmed, then obviously you just continue working your day job.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Roll Call 00:17
SB 129 Discussion 00:46
SB 129 Vote 04:27
SB 178 Discussion 05:48
SB 178 Vote 07:57
SB 151 Discussion 09:01
SB 151 Vote 11:24
SB 201 Discussion 15:17
SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression.
The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression.
Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been on the Rules Committee since when we confirmed you earlier.
- That appointment has been approved to move to the full Senate for confirmation.
- I appreciate your consideration in the confirmation process.
- If confirmed, I look forward to continuing the work over the next four years.
- Thank you for considering my confirmation today."
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I sent to you a judicial order regarding the concern of continuity of care not being followed.
- I I sent to you a a a judicial<00:01:45.200>
order <00:01:46.320>uh <00:01:46.560>regarding - <00:01:47.600>
the <00:01:47.920>concern judicial order uh regarding the concern judicial - Commissioner of Human Services to suspend a license if there is a related ongoing investigation or judicial
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But, you know, we do have to be judicious, and I think, you know, I appreciate our colleagues on the
- But, you know, we do have to be judicious, and I think, you know, I appreciate our colleagues on the
- say um but you know we we do have<01:32:04.639>
to <01:32:04.760>be <01:32:05.000>judicious - c> and<01:32:05.679>
I <01:32:05.800>think <01:32:06.440>you have to be judicious - and I think you have to be judicious and I think you know<01:32:06.960>
I <01:32:07.159>appreciate
Keywords:
property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House higher education panel questions U of M representatives about award 1/23/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I graduated in 2000, previously served on the IFC board and judicial board, and the university is an
- I graduated in 2000, previously served on the IFC board and judicial board, and the university is an
- uh previously served on the<01:37:50.159>
IFC <01:37:50.840>board <01:37:51.719>judicial - board<01:37:53.760>
uh <01:37:54.080>and <01:37:54.480>uh the IFC board judicial - board uh and uh the IFC board judicial board uh and uh it's<01:37:55.239>
uh <01:37:55.599>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Amber Cameron of the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement about the University’s Outstanding Community Service Awards and, specifically, the community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality in 2021 and 2024. Cameron explained that the awards program recognizes faculty, staff, students, and community partners, that nominations are reviewed by University selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall impression, and that the committee evaluates only the application materials. She said the nomination for Communities United Against Police Brutality described a long-standing partnership with the University through student learning, including work through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning and a student white paper connected to the passage of Travis’s Law.
Committee members raised concerns about the organization’s history, its public messaging, and whether it was appropriate for the University to honor it. One member argued that the group’s IRS records showed it was formally organized in 2020, questioned claims that it had existed for 25 years, and objected to the organization’s letterhead and activism. Cameron responded that the award does not require formal tax status and that the selection process relies on the nomination packet rather than outside information. She also said the award nomination documented work with 130 course offerings across 17 academic departments and about 1,000 students over 24 years.
Cameron further said the award program was being phased out and retooled into a new internal Engaged Scholar Awards program focused on community-engaged scholarship rather than volunteer service. No vote or formal action was taken during the exchange, and the discussion ended with questions about the nomination materials and how the University defines the organization’s work with students and faculty.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Mar 14th, 2026 at 04:37 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- confirmed, with the exception of number 54.
- be confirmed, with the exception of number 54.
- , with the exception of number 54, are confirmed.
- I move that nominee number 54 of Senate Executive Message Number 4 be confirmed.
- I have declared nominee number 54 confirmed.
Summary:
The Senate first considered confirmations from Senate Executive Message No. 4. On a 33-0 vote, it confirmed all nominees except number 54, then separately confirmed nominee 54 on a 30-3 vote. The special order of business was then closed.
The chamber then took up a series of House-amended bills and generally concurred in the amendments before passing each bill. These included SB 723 on law enforcement cooperation with bordering states; SB 947 on birth certificate copies for homeless minors; SB 392 on personal income tax reduction; SB 54 on criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults; SB 228 on technology in child abuse and neglect investigations, including a three-county caseworker aid pilot; SB 231 on value-based payment requirements; SB 402, the Workforce Readiness Opportunity Act, with House removal of tax credits and other provisions while retaining micro-credential programs; SB 553 on transfer of contractor licenses to qualifying immediate family members; SB 575 on refusal review hearings; SB 686, the Coal Tenancy Modernization and Miners' Protection Act; SB 906 on lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations; and SB 1226 on penalties for disturbing religious worship. Most final passage votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, and several bills were made effective from passage or given a specific effective date.
Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments to SB 63, the Creating Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act, after discussion noting the House removed county charter school language and changed the effective date. The bill passed 32-2 and was made effective from passage. The Senate also concurred in amendments to SB 502, the Women's Collegiate Sports Protection Act, and SB 153, creating the Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund; SB 502 was set to take effect July 1, 2026, and SB 153 was also made effective July 1, 2026. Finally, the Senate reconsidered and again passed SB 392 by a 32-2 vote. The session ended with several introductions, announcements, and a recess until 5:30.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, first up today is Governor's Message 750, submitted for consideration and confirmation of the Commission
- Governor's Message 750, submitted for consideration and confirmation of the Commission to Promote Uniform
- ,<00:02:24.800>
I'm <00:02:24.920>looking if I'm if I'm confirmed, I'm looking if I'm - if I'm confirmed, I'm looking forward<00:02:25.680>
to <00:02:26.360>um <00:02:26.560>< - of the Commission on the confirmation of the Commission on the Status<00:04:32.160>
of <00:04:
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a Governor’s Message hearing on two nominations. For GM 750, Tracy Fujita was nominated to the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation for a term ending June 30, 2030. Testimony in support came from several officials and commission members, including the Deputy Attorney General, Maui Behavioral Health Resources CEO Nicole Hokoana, Maui Council Chair Alice Lee, and Uniform Law Commission members. Fujita said her county-level legislative law background at the Department of Corporation Counsel and Office of Council Services would help her serve, and she expressed particular interest in health care legislation. For GM 778, Jessica Schafer was nominated to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2030. Support testimony came from Commission Executive Director Yasmin Chaney and multiple others. Schafer said her background includes prosecuting domestic violence cases, working in a human trafficking clinic, investigating sexual misconduct in higher education, and leading gender-based violence programming at the University of Hawaii; she said she is especially interested in sexual and gender-based violence issues but is open to broader commission work.
After questioning, the committee moved to decision-making on both nominations. The chair recommended advise and consent for each, and the committee adopted both measures without any no votes or reservations. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- his confirmation. his confirmation.
- <00:42:46.880>
to for consideration and confirmation to for consideration and confirmation - , instance, should Tracy be confirmed, instance, should Tracy be confirmed, Tracy<01:04:11.680>
- confirmation to the Stadium Authority. confirmation to the Stadium Authority.
- confirmation to the Stadium Authority. confirmation to the Stadium Authority.
Summary:
The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses.
For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained.
The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Scott Kupor, of California, to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and Eric Matthew Ueland, of Virginia, to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If confirmed, I will work with the President, Congress, and the agencies to help right our financial
- If confirmed, I will work with the President, with Congress, and with the agencies to design a talent
- If confirmed, my hope is simple, albeit ambitious.
- I look forward to confirming you. Thank you for doing this.
- I will assume your confirmation and say that I look forward. to working with you on that. Mr.
Keywords:
nominations, Scott Cooper, Eric Ulan, federal workforce, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, accountability, collective bargaining
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- people in the LGBTQ+ community, almost one in four of the overall total, and over 500 of these were confirmed
- people in the LGBTQ+ community, almost one in four of the overall total, and over 500 of these were confirmed
- people in the LGBTQ+ community, almost one in four of the overall total, and over 500 of these were confirmed
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed.
Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details.
Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.