Transcript Highlights:

• enacted new hemp guidance and new hemp regulations that closed the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that led
• Today, we are pleased to welcome Maynard Girl Scout Troops 67540 and 82448 to the State House, led by
• the dedicated troop leaders Jennifer Remain... to the State House, led by the dedicated troop leaders
• The case was filed by the New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torres and is the first state-led trial verdict
• It led to mission accomplishment.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land. The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted. The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And boys, you'll be able to tell your grandchildren that you led Justice Samuel Alito in the pledge to
• He led nationally, innovatively, and for decades he championed access to justice, not as a slogan, but
• That led to the creation of the Texas Access to Justice Commission in 2001, eventually chaired by Jim
• Changing when we had no choice has led us to look for opportunities for productive choices ahead—in the
• My Lord has led and blessed me all the way, as I know he will in the new path ahead.

Summary: The Supreme Court of Texas held a ceremonial investiture for two new justices, James Sullivan and Kyle Hawkins. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock opened the session with welcoming remarks and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem sung by Trooper Alena Gallardo. The event included an invocation by Father Dean Wilhelm, emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Governor Greg Abbott praised the new justices, highlighting their qualifications and the significance of their appointments to the court. Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath of office to Justice Hawkins, while Judge Thomas Griffith administered the oath to Justice Sullivan. Both justices expressed gratitude for their appointments and acknowledged the support of their families, mentors, and colleagues. The ceremony also honored former justices Jeff Boyd and Nathan Hecht, with heartfelt tributes reflecting on their contributions to the court and the legal community in Texas. The event concluded with a benediction by Reverend Greg Davidson, encouraging the justices to work diligently and honorably in their new roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many delegates did walk out, but not in the reason he meant, and that led to a split in the party with
• Many delegates did walk out, but not in the reason he meant, and that led to a split in the party with
• Many delegates did walk out, but not in the reason he meant, and that led to a split in the party with
• Many delegates did walk out, but not in the reason he meant, and that led to a split in the party with
• Many delegates did walk out, but not in the reason he meant, and that led to a split in the party with

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Rapid deployment without thoughtful design has already led to unintended consequences.
• This led to notifying IRS officials of the scheme, who then put controls in place to guard against similar
• one recent case, the PACE helped an OIG develop risk models to review some 2,400 pension plans, which led
• And this led to, in those cases, groups that were putting in multiple claims, you know, because they
• This has, though, led to lots of reports of delayed and missing checks, difficulty for seniors, including

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as I said earlier, LED will lead it, but we'll coordinate with the Governor's Office of Rural Development
• And what the bill does is create a role for LED in marketing the research capacity and the trial capacity
• I mean, um, uh, so, um, what you—the goal of the bill was to be able to give LED information about the
• So it really is just for LED to look to see where the potential...
• Just for LED to look to see where the potential, as an economic development measure, to create areas

Summary: The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting. The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The historic result of settlement and geography in the Pajaro Valley led the Army Corps of Engineers
• itself to building a new and improved system, despite the myriad troubles with federal funding that led
• And that in turn led to landmark streamlining and a perfect example of cutting the green tape, thanks
• Valley, it also led to Ariola v.
• Valley, it also led to Ariola v.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on flood risk and flood management in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that flooding is a statewide and growing threat due to climate change, including the possibility of extreme losses in a worst-case event. Members noted recent flooding in places such as San Diego, the Tulare Basin, and Pajaro, and framed the hearing as a way to better understand prevention, response, and how to capture excess water for later use. Jeffrey Mount of PPIC gave the main overview, describing California’s high flood exposure, the different flood types the state faces, and the mix of structural and non-structural tools used to manage them. He stressed that levees, dams, bypasses, land-use planning, flood insurance, and emergency response all matter, but that risk is rising because current standards are based on past hydrology rather than future climate conditions. He also warned that flood management is underfunded, that the National Flood Insurance Program is weak, and that federal support is increasingly uncertain. Members asked about groundwater recharge, permitting, NOAA and federal cuts, and which communities are most at risk; Mount said recharge can help but does not eliminate flood risk, and that small Central Valley communities and heavily developed floodplains are especially concerning. State officials Laura Hollander of the Department of Water Resources and Jane Dolan of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board described the state’s role in forecasting, emergency response, grants, planning, and the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. They highlighted aging infrastructure, the need for better coordination, and the state’s special liability in the Central Valley after the Paterno decision. Dolan reviewed the history of major floods and said the plan calls for about $1 billion per year over 30 years to meet current needs, while Hollander said the state works with local and federal partners on preparedness, response, and subventions projects. Both emphasized that floodplain planning, regional coordination, and faster permitting are important, but that more consistent funding is needed. A later panel from local flood agencies and districts reinforced those points, arguing that the state’s annual flood funding is below identified needs and that a proposed statewide flood and dam safety bond was reduced substantially in the broader climate bond package. Witnesses urged more routine maintenance funding, support for regional flood planning, and continued federal-state-local partnerships to reduce risk and maintain eligibility for federal assistance. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the informational hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• allow otherwise eligible accredited bachelor's degree or higher programs to not have to be instructor-led
• allow otherwise eligible accredited bachelor's degree or higher programs to not have to be instructor-led
• allow otherwise eligible accredited bachelor's degree or higher programs to not have to be instructor-led
• allow otherwise eligible accredited bachelor's degree or higher programs to not have to be instructor-led
• allow otherwise eligible accredited bachelor's degree or higher programs to not have to be instructor-led

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• This organization led the Is a symbol of that effort.
• This organization led the fight to create a monument that we see across Boston, and we want to thank
• The organization led by Tom McGrath, the president, is here today, and we want to recognize him for his

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. Members adopted resolutions commending Anticoagulation Forum Incorporated for recognizing May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month, the New England Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2025 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Direction on its 100th anniversary. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the South Boston Citizens Association for its observance of the 249th anniversary of Evacuation Day. Senator Collins spoke at length about the historical importance of Evacuation Day, Boston’s role in the American Revolution, and the South Boston Citizens Association’s long-running efforts to preserve and promote that history. Tom McGrath, president of the association, thanked the Senate and said the holiday should be restored as a state holiday. The Senate also welcomed Irish Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, who discussed Irish-American ties, Irish companies operating in Massachusetts and the U.S., and the importance of maintaining cultural and economic links. The Senate further recognized guests including Lieutenant Jeffrey Diyadh, newly appointed legislative liaison to the State Police, the Hamilton-Wenham girls’ cross-country team, 2024 MIAA Division III state champions, and visitors from the North Attleboro Council on Aging. No substantive legislation was debated; the session consisted of recognitions, guest introductions, and ceremonial actions. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SENATORS AND GUESTS IN THE GALLEY PLEASE RISE FOR THE OPENING PRAYER TO BE LED TODAY BY SENATOR HARRELL
• PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR THE PLEDGE TO BE LED TODAY FROM SENATOR TRUENOW FROM HIS DESK.
• HE IS AN HONORABLE, HARD-WORKING FAMILY MAN WHO LED THIS CHAMBER WITH GREAT DISTINCTION.

Bills: SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SR45, SR47, SR63, SR66, SR70, SR85, SCR14, SB10, SB11, SB10, SB11

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to be led today by Dr. Harry W.
• Harold Pope will lead the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, and the Salute to the New Mexico flag will be led
• today by Senator Angel Charley, and the Salute to the New Mexico flag to be led today by Senator Lanier

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from Minnesota, Ms.
• She led the amazing organization new mexowwomen.org.
• Frank's relentless advocacy has led to congressionally authorized studies and I-14's designation as a
• Women led this fight.
• <00:59:51.440> to contributions they've they've led to contributions they've they've led to

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Shre. >> Thank you, Mr.
• Judge Webster is the only person in history to have led both the FBI and the CIA.
• Newsom led the campaign against it at the ballot box.
• Newsom led the campaign against it at the ballot box.
• Nuome led the went to the ballot box.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one uh single email and its destruction one uh single email and its destruction uh<00:40:48.720> led
• court<00:40:50.560> case<00:40:51.040> that<00:40:51.359> basically uh led
• to a court case that basically uh led to a court case that basically had<00:40:51.839> the<00
• But then immediately Tina Liebling and Peggy Scott led in the House a bipartisan effort.
• in the House a bipartisan Scott led in the House a bipartisan effort.<01:42:10.159> So,<01:42

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike led efforts to advance culinary education in Hawaiʻi with the Culinary Institute of the Pacific
• educational institutions in Hawaii's educational landscape<00:03:52.799> Mike<00:03:53.079> LED
• c><00:03:53.319> efforts<00:03:53.640> to<00:03:53.840> advance landscape Mike LED
• efforts to advance landscape Mike LED efforts to advance culinary<00:03:54.680> education<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This led me to using violence to protect myself.
• I really appreciate this committee having led the effort to include incarcerated folks in testimony,
• I really appreciate this committee having led the effort to include incarcerated folks in testimony,
• I am testifying today as a member of Building Up People, Not Prisons, led by Families for Justice as
• This is about large amounts of dark money that influence policy in Washington and have somewhat led us

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what are the underlying issues that led to this consensus?
• First and foremost, educator wages are... ...underlying issues that led to this consensus.
• We must act to fill these gaps, just as this committee led last year and our legislature led in...
• This committee led, just as this committee led last year and our legislature led in passing the 2024
• These policies led to a faculty member in my department being able to get away with 30 years of sexual

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on employment rights legislation, especially the Protect Labor Act (H. 2086/S. 1327), which would create state-level labor protections if federal private-sector labor law is weakened or struck down, and would also add protections such as bans on captive audience meetings, virtual elections, stronger misclassification rules, and protections for health care workers and immigrant workers. Supporters from the AFL-CIO, nurses, SEIU, UAW, building trades, teachers, graduate workers, and policy groups argued that the bill is needed because of Trump administration actions, Project 2025, and threats to the NLRA and NLRB. They described the bill as a “trigger” law meant to preserve organizing and bargaining rights in Massachusetts if federal protections disappear or if the NLRB declines jurisdiction over certain workers. The committee also heard testimony on bills to restore a limited right to strike for certain public employees (H. 2078/S. 1311 or related filings). Supporters, including a representative, educators, and labor advocates, said the current ban on public employee strikes weakens good-faith bargaining and leaves workers without leverage to secure wages, staffing, and student supports. They argued that strikes are used as a last resort and that legalizing them under defined conditions would improve negotiations and better reflect the realities of recent teacher strikes in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Municipal Association opposed the strike bills, warning that public employee strikes are already prohibited by state law, that strikes disrupt students and communities, and that local governments face budget constraints under Proposition 2 1/2. The committee also took testimony on paid family and medical leave bills (S. 1351/H. 2110 and S. 1352), which would improve notice to workers, expand public reporting on claim denials and demographics, and fix a technical definition issue that has limited access for some covered contract workers. Witnesses from legal aid, policy organizations, and a small business owner said the changes would improve transparency, equity, and access to benefits without imposing major burdens on employers. Additional testimony supported a railroad sick leave bill and a private construction transparency bill, with Senator Keenan urging favorable action on both. No votes were taken during the hearing; members asked questions, and several witnesses and legislators requested favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• understanding the function of a critical CFTR protein and how it causes cystic fibrosis, which has led
• IN UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTION OF A CRITICAL CTFR PROTEIN AND HOW IT CAUSES CYSTIC FIBROSIS WHICH HAS LED
• LED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROBERTS.
• I am proud to have led 64 of my colleagues in urging the Secretary of Labor to reverse course.
• He led a life of service and building community.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have led in play-based learning in this state.
• it is.<00:24:15.120> And<00:24:15.279> we<00:24:15.600> have<00:24:15.760> led
• And we have led in play-based is.
• And we have led in play-based learning<00:24:17.039> in<00:24:17.279> this<00:24:17.440
• play, learning happens in many different ways, whether you're talking about exploration or student-led

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 578 met to reconcile differences in a bill concerning recess times for children and related early learning provisions. The Senate sponsor described two compromise amendments, both based on the Senate version, that would restore play-based learning through third grade and replace guided reading with interactive shared reading; the only difference between the two was whether recess would extend through fifth grade or eighth grade. The sponsor argued the changes were supported by studies, existing state investment in play-based learning, and examples from schools using recess to improve attendance and behavior. House members opposed the amendments, saying they were concerned about creating an expensive or unfunded mandate and about limiting local control over curriculum decisions. One House member said the state lacked enough fiscal support and implementation time for districts, and another said the proposal should perhaps be studied further before expanding it beyond kindergarten. Supporters countered that the state had already invested in training, that the proposal was a teaching method rather than a new curriculum, and that play-based learning and recess improve mental health, classroom behavior, and student engagement. The committee voted on the 2084S amendment, and it failed on a divided vote. After further discussion, the House reiterated that it would stick with its position and oppose the Senate amendments. The chair then stated that the committee was at an impasse and that the bill was effectively dead, with no further action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• professional and personal life has existed at the vital intersections of justice, care, and community-led
• 14.720> and intersections of justice, care, and intersections of justice, care, and community-led
• This path has community-led initiatives.
• In addition to that, I think just being involved and uplifting initiatives led by and for women in the
• In addition to that, I think just being involved and uplifting initiatives led by and for women in the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 572, the nomination of Kirsten Walker to the Commission on the Status of Women, and received testimony in strong support from representatives of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others. Walker described nearly a decade of community advocacy focused on women, gender-diverse people, homelessness, domestic violence, substance use, reproductive and gender-diverse health care, and support for criminalized communities. Members asked about the commission’s past work and future priorities, and Walker said it should continue supporting community initiatives, studies on violence, and women-led efforts. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent, with the measure adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee then considered Governor’s Message 685, the nomination of Arielle Castillo to the Board of Registration of the Island of Oahu. Testimony from supporters emphasized her civic engagement, volunteer work, and willingness to serve in uncompensated state work. Castillo said she had worked in local politics and voter engagement, including with Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, and explained her background in voter registration, election rules, and good-government efforts. Members questioned her on how she would handle close voting issues and whether her activism could affect her service; she said she would apply the law fairly, protect voting rights, and that her organization is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The committee again recommended advise and consent, and the nomination was adopted. Finally, the committee heard Governor’s Message 686, the nomination of Jonathan Simons to the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaii. Supporters described him as thoughtful and analytical, and Simons said he is a Hilo civil engineer with a strong interest in civics and good governance. He said his role on the board would be to protect the franchise by preventing improper disenfranchisement and ensuring votes are counted appropriately, citing his mother’s work enforcing the Voting Rights Act. Members asked whether he would apply election laws fairly and without partisan bias; he said he would. The committee voted advise and consent on GM 686 as well, and all three nominations were adopted before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had many patients have this... rod put into their tubes for birth control, and it led to unnecessary
• include during my time serving as the Director for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities where I led
• Traditionally, we have led the nation in this performance measure.
• legislature leading to the passage of the Accountability Bill which many of you here championed, which led
• I can assure you we have the report I mentioned that has those required elements that led us to make

Keywords: 999, senate, all