Video & Transcript : 'Robert Roberson' :
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DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Legislative Oversight & Sunset
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Overmiller to provide public comments on HB 420.
- My name is Robert Overmiller, and I'll speak in support of this legislation so we can keep our massage
- My name is Robert Moller, and I support this legislation. Thank you. Thank you. Any online?
Committee:
Senate Legislative Oversight & Sunset
Summary:
The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from its April 22 and May 13 meetings, and then heard two bills. HB 420 would modernize massage therapy licensure by allowing the Board of Massage and Bodywork to decide which coursework may be completed in a hybrid format and which must remain in person, while also removing outdated references to a license type the board no longer issues. The sponsor said the change would improve access for students who cannot easily travel or stop working, while preserving public protection through board rules.
Public testimony on HB 420 was entirely supportive. Robert Overmiller spoke in favor, and Mackenzie Francis of Alpha School of Massage also supported the bill, citing workforce growth in massage therapy and arguing that hybrid education would expand access, especially for students entering the field later in life. No committee questions or objections were raised.
The committee then discussed HB 378, which would continue the Council of Corrections’ partnership with the Criminal Justice Council and avoid the sunset of that arrangement in 2026. Members noted the bill stemmed from a prior Joint Legislative Oversight effort to provide the council with staff support and training. Robert Overmiller again testified in support, and there was no opposition or further public comment. The meeting concluded after discussion of the two bills, with no votes recorded in the transcript.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Committee of Five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Robert
- The Committee of Five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Robert
- And whereas at Cape Henry Landing and Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, Reverend Robert Hunt and the original
Summary:
The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, including a reading of George Washington’s prayer in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The journal for Saturday, June 27, 2026, was postponed until printed. Representative Borowitz then spoke under House Rule 17 on America 250 and House Resolution 579, which designates a day of commemoration for America’s 250th birthday and celebrates the nation’s founding principles.
Borowitz’s remarks reviewed a long historical narrative emphasizing the role of religion and divine providence in American history, citing the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers, early colonial worship, the Pilgrims, the Great Awakenings, presidential prayers and proclamations, the Aitken Bible, Capitol church services, the Civil War, World War II, and later references such as the National Prayer Breakfast and Apollo-era Bibles. The resolution was described as reaffirming commitment to the Declaration’s principles, including rights endowed by the Creator and reliance on divine providence.
No vote was taken on the resolution during this session. At the end of the remarks, Representative Dockery moved to adjourn, and the House agreed by voice vote. The House adjourned until Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12 noon, unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 097 Apr 21st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Dalton, Peltnor, Rich, Roberts, Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan, Wallace, Weisman, and Zamora Wilson
- Peltnor<00:17:36.360><c> excused</c> Rich Rich Rich Roberts Roberts Roberts Rodriguez Rodriguez Rodriguez
- Senator Roberts moved Senate Bill 101 on third reading and final passage.
- Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senator Roberts. Thank you, Mr. President. I move the report.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Jan Iwasi, Iwasi, Iwasi, GM777<00:06:53.759><c> and</c><00:06:54.199><c> 778</c><00:06:55.199><c> Robert
- </c><00:06:55.720><c> Davis,</c> GM777 and 778 Robert Davis, GM777 and 778 Robert Davis, GM779,<00:06
- GM 777 and 778, Robert Bob Davis, on the School Facilities Authority, joined by his wife, Carol Davis
- Miss Jackson has been appointed to fill the vacancy of the Honorable Robert Kim, who retired last July
- </c><00:24:37.679><c> Kim</c> the vacancy of the Honorable Robert Kim the vacancy of the Honorable Robert
Summary:
The Senate convened with all 25 members present, approved the prior day’s journal, and heard several introductions, including visiting staff, guests, and Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was recognized for her work with the food bank and noted as acting governor that week. The chamber also received House communications returning several Senate concurrent resolutions adopted unamended, and one House-amended resolution, SCR 192, was taken up. Senator Wakai moved to disagree with the House amendments to SCR 192, the motion was seconded and carried, with conferees to be named later. Standing committee reports were then taken up, including reports 1931 to 1939 for one-day notice and report 1940 for adoption, which was adopted without objection.
The Senate then considered a series of advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with education-related appointments. Senators spoke in support of nominees to the Hawaii Teachers Standards Board, the State Board of Education, and the School Facilities Authority Board, while Senator Awa and others raised objections to several nominees, arguing that campaign donations by some appointees created the appearance of “pay to play.” Despite those objections, the nominations were ultimately confirmed. The chamber also confirmed Dwight Takamini as chair of the Hawaii Labor Relations Board after strong support from multiple senators who cited his labor, legislative, and public service background.
The Senate next confirmed Christine Sakuda as chief information officer for the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, with supporters emphasizing her IT leadership and public service and noting she is the first female and Native Hawaiian to hold the post. The chamber also confirmed Kahuanoi AD Jackson as judge of the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit and Sonia H. Toma as judge of the District Family Court of the Second Circuit, with senators highlighting their prosecutorial and public service experience and the favorable testimony received in committee. After these confirmations, senators introduced the new appointees and their families in the gallery.
Later, the Senate adopted additional standing committee reports on House concurrent resolutions and passed SB 849 HD2 on final reading, relating to wildlife conservation, by unanimous consent. The body also reconsidered and reversed earlier disagreement on House amendments to SB 116 and SB 946, agreeing that the amendments were technical and giving one-day notice for final reading. The meeting concluded with a late introduction of the Honokaʻa Jazz Band, which was praised for its national recognition and community service, and senators invited members to a later concert in the rotunda.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Committee of Five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Robert
- The Committee of Five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Robert
- And whereas at Cape Henry Landing and Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, Reverend Robert Hunt and the original
Summary:
The House convened at noon with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then postponed approval of the prior day’s journal. The main business was remarks by Representative Borowitz on House Resolution 579, marking America’s 250th anniversary and celebrating the nation’s founding principles. Her remarks emphasized the Declaration of Independence, natural rights, religious faith in American history, and a long list of historical examples she said reflected divine providence and the role of religion in public life.
No debate or vote on the resolution itself is shown in the transcript. After the remarks, the chair reminded members of the five-minute rule for speeches under House Rule 17. Representative Dockery then moved that the House adjourn until Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker.
The motion to adjourn was put to a voice vote and adopted, and the House adjourned accordingly.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs Apr 16th, 2026
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hicks, you're recognized to present the nomination of Robert W.
- You're recognized to present the nomination of Robert W.
- Move that Senator Kerry Hicks' nomination of Robert Allen will move to the full Senate. Thank you.
Bills:
HB3257
Committee:
Senate Veterans and Military Affairs
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met with a quorum and considered three nominations to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission and one bill. The committee heard presentations for Rick Munchler, Robert W. Allen Jr., and Matthew Dukes, each described as having extensive military, public service, and veterans’ advocacy backgrounds. In each case, senators moved do pass, there were no substantive questions or debate, and each nomination received unanimous 5-0 approval to advance to the full Senate for confirmation.
The committee also heard House Bill 3257, which would extend certain state benefits available to veterans who are 100% disabled due to a service-connected disability to veterans who are 100% disabled as a result of negligence or malpractice at a VA hospital under federal law. The author explained the bill would align state recognition and benefits with federal disability determinations in those cases, while noting the property tax exemption issue is constrained by the state constitution. After brief questions about the bill’s scope, the committee voted 5-0 to pass the measure to the full Senate.
At the close of the meeting, the chair noted another committee meeting would be needed the following week to consider additional Veterans Commission nominees, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 15th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Shortly after, she would travel to Mexico where she would meet her future husband, Robert Hayden, who
- Shortly after, she would travel to Mexico where she would meet her future husband, Robert Hayden, who
- Betty and Robert moved from San Francisco to Merced in 1980, where their daughters Emily and Margaret
- She was survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert, her daughter Emily, Emily's husband Oscar Sandoval
- adjourn in her memory, I know that her light and her joy will continue to shine, not just through Robert
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long Daily File with several major policy bills and multiple commemorative resolutions. The most debated measure was AB 379 on human trafficking and child exploitation. The bill was presented as a stronger, more comprehensive version that increases penalties for adults soliciting minors, adds a loitering offense tied to purchasing commercial sex, raises fines for businesses that facilitate trafficking, creates a Survivor Support Fund, and establishes grants for victim services and vertical prosecution. Several members spoke in support, while Assemblymember Sharp-Collins raised concerns that the loitering provision could be vague and disproportionately enforced against Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ people. The bill passed after debate, with the clerk reporting 72 noes and the measure still passing.
The Assembly also passed AB 1415, which expands the Office of Health Care Affordability’s authority to review more health systems, private equity and hedge fund acquisitions, and managed service organizations in order to better track cost drivers and medical debt. Other policy bills approved included AB 711 on coordinating court reporters for motion hearings, AB 1142 on horse event entry fees, AB 309 on preserving access to sterile syringes for HIV and hepatitis prevention, AB 358 on allowing victims to consent to searches of hidden surveillance devices like AirTags and spy cameras, AB 592 on outdoor dining for restaurants, AB 1341 on clarifying contractor licensing violations, AB 752 on easing child care center siting, AB 1166 on extending debt-settlement rules to commercial financing, AB 806 on mobile home resident cooling rights, AB 972 on explicit sex discrimination protections in higher education, AB 416 on emergency room 5150 authority, AB 632 on expedited collection of penalties for serious local code violations, AB 672 on PERB notification and intervention rights, AB 876 on CRNA scope of practice, and AB 760 on temporary mobile home housing after disasters. Most of these measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though AB 672 drew sharp opposition from Assemblymember DeMaio over concerns about PERB and state bureaucracy.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions recognizing May observances and public service groups. These included ACR 63 designating May as California Fairgrounds Appreciation Month, ACR 69 for California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month, ACR 76 for California Small Business Month, ACR 77 for Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month, HR 36 for Lung Cancer Action Week, HR 39 for National Public Works Week, and HR 41 for National Hospital Week. Members used the resolutions to highlight local institutions, public health, and community services, and each was adopted after co-author rolls and voice votes. The session ended after the Assembly completed the day’s file and moved through a series of routine procedural motions and adjournment-related business.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Roberts, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnut, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Smitherman, Mr. Stewart, >> Mr.
- Roberts, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Smitherman, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Stutts, Mr.
- Thank you, Senator Roberts. All right.
- </c><00:35:52.480><c> Thanks,</c><00:35:52.720><c> Senator</c><00:35:53.040><c> Roberts.
- Thanks, Senator Roberts. bill 59 passes. Thanks, Senator Roberts.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Early procedural motions were adopted without objection, including excusing absent senators, dispensing with the prior journal, and allowing bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate then took up several confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, unanimously confirming Ralph Foster, Andre Harrison, Katie Randall, Donna Jones, and Reetta McCannan to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies.
The chamber also received a favorable report on Senate Bill 174 from the Transportation and Energy Committee, and later adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed a series of measures, including SB 104, which requires training for members of certain boards, commissions, and councils under the sunset law but was amended to exclude county and municipal boards; HB 59, a cleanup bill concerning the Certified Public Accountants Board; SB 8, authorizing the Emergency Management Agency to spend public funds on public information; SB 66, changing University of Monavalo board terms and related requirements, with an amendment protecting certain trustees appointed before January 1, 2027; SB 168, codifying limits on a reading technique and emphasizing the science of reading; SB 149, creating a temporary teaching certificate pathway for qualified military veterans; SB 46, adding a special driver’s license designation for individuals with invisible disabilities; and SB 90, addressing seafood dealer licenses and support for domestic seafood producers. Local bills including SB 175 and HB 84, HB 200, HB 201, HB 184, HB 203, HB 204, HB 205, HB 133, HB 134, HB 193, and HB 112 also advanced or passed, with several county-specific measures receiving BR adoption, final passage, and in one case certification.
Near the end of the meeting, leadership and members discussed severe weather and contingency plans for the coming week. Budget hearings scheduled for Monday were canceled and moved to Thursday, with the Senate planning to meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. if weather permits, or Wednesday if necessary. The Senate also received several House messages referring local bills to committee. The session adjourned after a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m., with the journal left open to receive House messages.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 15th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Shortly after she would travel to Mexico where she would meet her future husband Robert Hayden who was
- the States she decided to go back to college and complete her bachelor's degree after her husband, Robert
- Betty and Robert moved from Francisco to Merced in 1980 where their daughters Emily and Margaret were
- She was survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert, her daughter, Emily, Emily's husband, Oscar Sandoval
- I adjourn in her memory I know that her light and her joy will continue to shine not just through Robert
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 072 Mar 27th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gonzales, Hendrickson, Juda, Kirkmyer, Kolker, Lindstedt, Listen, Marchman, Malika, Pelton, Rich, Roberts
- Rich, Roberts, Rodriguez, Simpson, Snyder, Sullivan. Sullivan, Wallace, Weissman, Zamora Wilson.
- Senate or House Bill 1253, House Bill 1145, House Bill 1187, and House Bill 1339 was added. >> Senator Roberts
- Senator<01:01:08.360><c> Roberts.</c> Senator Roberts. Senator Roberts.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Also in the front we will ask our Speaker Robert Rivas, Republican leader, Heath Flora, legislative,
- Speaker Robert Rivas, Republican leader Heath Flora, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Senator Akilah
- Escorted by Assembly Member McKenner is Robert Pullen Miles.
- Mayor Robert Pullen Miles was first elected to the Lawndale City Council in 2004, following his service
- Please welcome Robert Pullen Miles. Please welcome Robert Pullen Miles.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Gillis. Hi. Robert Gillis. Hi. Robert Gillis, Idaho Tough on Crime.
- Robert Gillis. Hi. Robert Gillis. Hi. Robert Gillis. Idaho tough on crime.
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jan 12th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- But y'all have got a great data system and, you know, a great CIO with Robert Magoo, and so are a lot
- And if you haven't talked with Robert McGue yet, he can explain to you about their integrated decision
- I'll tell you what I would do, and I know you, Robert, and the data office have done a lot of this: you
- And I would argue that there's probably not much that Mississippi Spark can do that Robert currently
- And I would argue that there's probably not much that Mississippi Spark can do that Robert currently
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Nick Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Career and Technical Education, on efforts to better align workforce, education, and human services programs. Moore argued that WIOA, Perkins, and ESSA were designed to function as an integrated talent system, but that federal and state bureaucracy has kept them siloed. He said the Department of Labor and OCTAE are working on more integrated state plan guidance, including a 2026 plan modification timeline, combined Perkins/WIOA plans, and greater use of labor market information to align training with in-demand jobs and Workforce Pell.
Moore emphasized reducing overhead, cross-training staff, using common intake and integrated case management, and focusing on the “shadow labor force” of people facing benefit cliffs, child care barriers, or other obstacles to work. He repeatedly urged states to use waivers and flexibility where possible, to consolidate or streamline local workforce structures, and to hold programs accountable through measures such as labor force participation, training-related employment, retention, and cost per successful outcome. Members asked about the balance between flexibility and accountability, the role of employers versus postsecondary institutions, rural “training deserts,” state waivers, and data systems such as Mississippi Spark and Arkansas Launch. Moore said states should use technology and integrated intake to co-enroll eligible participants in multiple programs and better match people to jobs.
In response to questions, Moore said some federal rules cannot be waived, but many reporting and administrative requirements can be streamlined, and he encouraged Arkansas to propose ideas for waivers or state-level integration. He also discussed the need for enhanced wage records and state longitudinal data systems to improve workforce planning and economic development. After Moore’s presentation, DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Director Jay Hill gave a brief update on reimbursement rates, saying the department had compiled more than 100 public comments, recommended holding the current rate, and was awaiting executive review; they estimated the process could take 30 to 60 days. The committee then adjourned, noting a later audit presentation scheduled for the afternoon.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert Pincus, representing the Sunshine State School Counseling Association, is a proponent of the bill
- Robert Pincus representing central is there public testimony on the bill?
- Robert Pincus, representing Sunshine State School Counseling Association, is a proponent of the bill,
- Taylor Masser Roberts, representing Florida State College at Jacksonville, waves in support.
- Taylor Massa Roberts, representing Florida State College at Jacksonville, waves in support.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School was presented as a cleanup bill responding to audit-related statutory updates; it would remove priority language, allow all Florida students and eligible overseas military dependents access, clarify teacher employment/retirement status, permit local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct support organizations. The bill drew support from Seminole State College and Florida Virtual School and was reported favorably 15-0.
HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Reps. Eskamani and Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and procedures to prevent and respond to elopement by students with autism or similar needs. Testimony from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and a student advocate emphasized safety risks and the need for clear school protocols. Members spoke strongly in support, and the bill passed unanimously 16-0. CS for CS for HB 753 on school counselors removed two certification barriers, kept the master’s degree requirement, and aligned evaluations with Florida school counseling standards; school counselor groups and several members argued it would help address counselor shortages and workload issues. It also passed unanimously 16-0.
The committee also approved CS for CS for HB 1253, which would let school-employed coaches use up to $15,000 per team per year of personal funds to support student-athletes with items like food, transportation, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an amendment requiring written parental consent. Several members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and guardrails, but the bill passed 17-0. PCS for CS for HB 833 on private school facilities would allow small private schools of 150 students or fewer to locate in commercial or mixed-use zoning without rezoning and to use certain existing buildings if fire and life-safety standards are met; members discussed traffic, school zones, and proximity to dispensaries, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS for HB 1325 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund clarified matching contributions, allowed use of funds for expansion or modernization of existing space, and permitted two-year awards; it passed 16-0. Finally, CS for HB 1437 on conversion charter schools created dispute-resolution options over facility maintenance and, via amendment, allowed capital outlay funding if the charter assumes full maintenance responsibility; despite some opposition, it passed 13-3. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day One - Wednesday, January 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so at this time I would like member Lane Roberts and member Jim Schulte to come down to the front
- Representative Roberts and I, although he is the oldest person on the floor, I have a There are four
- Representative Roberts and I, although he is the oldest person on the floor, I have a I have the distinction
- Representative Roberts and I, although he is the oldest person on the floor, I have a the oldest person
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amy of Chestnut Hill, the late John Tracy and his wife Peggy of Rockland, Janie of Weymouth, and Robert
- Amy, of Chestnut Hill, the late John Tracy and his wife Peggy of Rockland, Janie of Waymouth, and Robert
- Tracy and his wife, Peggy, of Rockland; Janie Tracy of Weymouth; and Robert Tracy and his wife, Christine
Summary:
The Senate took up several committee reports and House and Senate bills, including a proposal to repeal archaic law criminalizing pregnancy, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, and Senate bills designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which were advanced through procedural steps. The chamber also passed to be engrossed local and special legislation, including changes to the Tewksbury town charter, a Boston Police Department age-waiver bill for Lewis Cabral, a Nantucket charter bill making the county charter gender neutral, and a sick leave bank bill for Sally DeRosia of the Department of Correction.
The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning the taxation of certain foreign government pensions and referred it to the Committee on Revenue. In addition, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for a Warren election-validation bill. The chamber then considered final passage of several bills, including measures affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Historical Society of Sandwich and Cotuit, and the Salem licensing board compensation, all of which were enacted and sent to the Governor.
A separate election-validation bill for Bourne required a two-thirds vote and was enacted by standing vote, with two members in favor and none opposed. The session also included a motion to adjourn in memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli, which was adopted after a brief tribute and moment of silence. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next formal session.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Roberts, if you'd like to come up and address that, or if you have someone with you that
- Lane Roberts, District 161. Lane Roberts, District 161.
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
Summary:
The Committee on Financial Institutions met with a quorum present and moved into executive session to consider several bills. House Bill 2586 was approved unanimously, first as a do pass recommendation and then again by consent, with no opposition recorded.
House Bill 3107 was then considered amid ongoing negotiations with representatives of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. Members discussed that language changes were still being worked on, but the sponsor said he remained open to amendments. Representative Clemens expressed concern about moving the bill before the language was perfected and voted present; the bill nevertheless passed the committee 10-1 with 3 present.
The committee next took up House Bill 1870, adopting a House committee substitute after discussion focused on immunity language in debtor examinations and whether the bill could affect corporations. Representative Murray supported the substitute but shared concerns about the immunity wording. The substitute and the bill were both approved unanimously. Finally, House Bill 2412 was amended and substituted to clarify the definition of unauthorized individuals under federal immigration and employment law. Representative Clemens argued the bill would be detrimental to businesses and political in nature, and several members voted no, but the committee approved the House committee substitute 10-5. The meeting then adjourned.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Roberts, if you'd like to come up and address that, or if you have someone with you that
- Lane Roberts, District 161.
- Lane Roberts, District 161.
Committee:
House Financial Institutions
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Harrison, Vance Rley, Don Takaki, Jerry Agusa, Robert Fujioka.
- Harrison, Vance Rley, Don Takaki, Jerry Agusa, Robert Fujioka.
- Sawaii, the current president and CEO of Robert Sawaii and a board member.
- Jerry agusa agusa uh Robert Takaki Jerry agusa agusa uh Robert fujioka<00:37:23.280><c> fra</c><00:37
- :37:57.760><c> a</c> president CEO of Robert sawaii and a president CEO of Robert sawaii and a board<
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition.
Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Robert Farmer in support. Robert, are you present?
- Uh, Robert Benz. I'm a >> Sorry about that. Uh, Robert Benz.
- Okay, Robert Ben, please proceed on Zoom. >> Hello, Chair. Robert Benz.
- Okay, Robert Ben, please proceed on Zoom. >> Hello, Chair. Robert Benz.
- Okay, Robert Ben, please proceed on Zoom. >> Hello, Chair. Robert Benz.
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.