Video & Transcript : 'nominal transactions' :
Page 32 of 287
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Pro Tem, for that executive nomination. You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Franks, having received six ayes and zero nays, I do declare your nomination to go to the floor.
- We will now move to executive nomination: Julie Pittman.
- I'm honored to carry this nomination. She is a friend. She's General Counsel for St.
- Senator Albert, thank you for bringing this nomination.
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met to consider several executive nominations and a series of bills. The committee advanced Joel Franks to the Polygraph Examiner Board, Julie Pittman to a full term on the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Commission, and Justin Ferris to serve as Director of Corrections. Each nominee was introduced by a sponsoring senator, gave brief remarks, and was advanced on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls.
On legislation, the committee passed House Bill 4125, which would restore certain rights to nonviolent felons after completion of sentence and includes an expungement component; members focused heavily on whether the language could unintentionally allow firearm possession by people still on probation or deferred sentences, and the author said he would work with staff on clarifying language. House Bill 2951, as amended, renamed a correctional facility after Chief James Smith; House Bill 3082 barred sex offenders from serving as firefighters; and House Bill 4142 expanded the crime involving unlawful use of bombs or explosives to include conspiracy. All three advanced with little opposition.
The committee also passed House Bill 4106, which lowers the grand larceny threshold by $100 and adds an escalator for repeated thefts, though the author struck the title to continue working with the Attorney General’s office on retail theft issues. Members debated whether the change conflicted with the voter-approved theft threshold and whether it would meaningfully deter crime. House Bill 1752 exempted the Attorney General’s Office and the District Attorneys Council from the OMES vehicle requisition process and passed unanimously. House Bill 3268 made knowingly displaying a false or fictitious license plate a felony; members questioned its scope, including whether it could affect temporary tags or other situations, and it passed on a 5-3 vote.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I need nominations. Senator Womack, let me recognize you. Do you have a nomination?
- I'd like to nominate Representative Bacala for vice chair.
- Okay, members, we have a nomination of Representative Bacala to be the vice chair of the committee.
- Are there any other nominations? Seeing no other nominations, the nominations are closed.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay met on April 22 and first established a quorum, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and elected Representative Bacala as vice chair by acclamation after nomination by Senator Womack. The committee then took up a single substantive item: a waiver request from the City of Donaldsonville under a 2025 law allowing certain small municipalities to seek relief from the required local match for capital outlay projects.
Matt Baker of the Office of Facility Planning and Control said Donaldsonville met the eligibility criteria, including a population below the statutory threshold, and recommended approval of the waiver for Project 50-M68-25-01, the Stormwater Resilience Project, Planning and Construction, tied to about $1,222,500 in state funds. Mayor Leroy Sullivan testified that the city has a high poverty rate, has already made difficult financial adjustments to complete prior water and wastewater projects, and needs the waiver to address drainage problems in an area expected to see new development, including an RPCC Westside campus.
Senator Lambert moved to approve the waiver, and the committee approved it without objection. With no further business, Representative McFarland moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:18.399><c> from</c><00:11:18.720><c> you</c><00:11:19.120><c> is</c> taken for a transaction
- from you is taken for a transaction from you is reserved<00:11:19.839><c> in</c><00:11:20.079><c> your
- or nomination was a corrupt<01:18:50.560><c> practice.
- submitting nominations for appointments are<01:19:09.199><c> necessary</c><01:19:09.600><c> and</c><
- somebody to be um on the nominate somebody to be um on the primary<02:23:58.160><c> ballot.
Committee:
House Election Law
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Stone as nominated for the Environmental Advisory Council.
- Cedric Gates here in strong support of the nomination for Mr.
- I’m here in strong support of the nomination for Mr.
- I would also like to thank Chair, Governor Green, and his staff for nominating me.
- > of</c><00:43:37.680><c> the</c> nomin nomination for deputy of the nomin nomination for deputy of the
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes.
The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge.
Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources 2ND REVISED Apr 7th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We're gonna be in the posture of executive nominations.
- Has nominated you for this position.
- Just as a note, we are there are two nominations here.
- So I'm honored to carry his nomination. Thank you, Mr.
- Members, umm, carrying the secretary's nomination again.
Committee:
Senate Retirement and Government Resources
Keywords:
state government, vendor contracts, subcontracting, public database, contract assessment, transparency, retirement, law enforcement, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, school resource officers, public safety, public finance, contract management, service-driven contracts, state accounting, intangible assets, Oklahoma Police Pension, disability benefits, mental health, retirement system
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we are off to executive nominations. Today we have here the nominee for a seat on ABOR, Mr.
- James McCain is nominated to serve on ABOR as a member from a county with a population of 800,000 or
- So on the one hand, you are nominated by Democratic Governor Hobbs.
- I also appreciate the bipartisan support around this nomination. We have Gary Bay. Gary?
- Madam Vice Chair, would you move the executive nomination?
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes without objection and then held an executive nomination hearing for James McCain to the Arizona Board of Regents. McCain described his military background, education at Arizona State University, and interest in serving rural, tribal, and veteran communities. Senators from both parties praised his service and bipartisan support, and the committee voted 7-0 to recommend his confirmation to the full Senate.
The committee then considered SB 1026, which limits how often alternative education programs and schools in good standing must recertify and allows ADE or the State Board of Education to require certain student-population and compliance showings. After adopting a committee amendment, the bill received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation, with some members objecting that the bill reduced accountability and did not clearly define good standing. SB 1126, which requires schools to provide information to DCS caseworkers during abuse or neglect investigations and bars schools from preventing employees from speaking with DCS, passed 7-0. SB 1143, requiring schools and LEAs to submit CRDC information and directing ADE to publish an annual school safety report, also passed 4-3 after testimony that the bill was redundant and burdensome.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1166, which expands high school equivalency preparation instruction through accommodation schools from only 12th grade to grades 10 through 12 for students at least 16 years old. The sponsor said the bill simply broadens access to the program, while some members questioned whether it could encourage students to pursue a GED earlier than intended. The bill received a 5-2 do-pass recommendation, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So we encourage you to support her nomination and see her through.
- So we encourage you to support her nomination and see her through.
- So we encourage you to support her nomination and see her through.
- So I encourage everybody to support her nomination and pass her through.
- </c><00:09:13.120><c> and</c> everybody to support her nomination and everybody to support her nomination
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
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.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- 2 The Texas Senate Committee on Nominations will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
- We just call for the nominations and we'll get your signatures in writing.
- Good morning, Madam Chairman, Senators of the nomination committee.
- The nominations will be left... ending before the committee.
- Hearing none... the Committee on Nominations upon motion by Vice Chair Hagenbueh.
Committee:
Senate Nominations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Opening Day of the Ninety-fourth Session of the Minnesota Legislature 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Nominations are in order. I call on the representative from Candy Ohigh, Representative Baker.
- [Music] Speaker, are there any seconds to the nomination?
- Speaker, are there any seconds to the nomination? I recognize the representative from District 78.
- If not, I declare nominations closed.
- The nominated candidate for Speaker of the House, Representative Lisa Demuth, will now have the clerk
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.
- Transmit nominations<00:01:21.200><c> to</c><00:01:21.439><c> various</c><00:01:21.840><c> boards</c>
- <00:01:22.159><c> and</c> nominations to various boards and nominations to various boards and commissions
- I'd like to say that we from the Hawaii Island and in Hilo, Miss Isha Rose Mata has been nominated and
- </c> Rose Mata has been is has been nominated Rose Mata has been is has been nominated and<00:04:09.680
US
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, everybody want to welcome all of you folks to the this hearing to consider the name nominations
- You're no stranger to the role you've been nominated to.
- Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to answering your questions today.
- I also want to thank President Trump for nominating me.
- I would also like to thank President Trump for the honor of this nomination.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a motion for the Horse Racing Commission executive nominations, as a committee that approves
- nominations made by the governor for the Horse Racing Commission.
- I greatly appreciate Senator Hall, my senator, for bringing this nomination to you today.
- I declare the nomination to have passed, and the nomination will proceed to the floor of the Senate.
- I declare the nomination to have passed, and the nomination will proceed to the floor of the Senate.
Bills:
SB1280 , SB1392 , SB1393 , SB1395 , SB1400 , SB1405 , SB1832 , SB1839 , SB1989 , SB2001 , SB2143
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Summary:
The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee took up a mix of tax policy, incentive, and administrative measures, beginning with an annual motion authorizing the chair to request OSBI background checks for any Horse Racing Commission nominees. The committee then passed Senate Bill 1839, as amended, to create a de minimis ad valorem tax exception for personal property valued at $5,000 or less per account. The committee also confirmed Daniel LaFortune to the Oklahoma Tax Commission by a 12-0 vote, with LaFortune emphasizing his IRS background and commitment to customer service and fairness.
Several other bills were approved, including Senate Bill 1280 to align the plugging fund sunset date in the tax code with another statute; Senate Bill 1832 to reauthorize income tax refund checkoffs for veterans programs; Senate Bill 2001 to freeze property taxes for three years for homeowners displaced by a turnpike or eminent domain, though members raised concerns about downsizing and future valuation; and Senate Bill 1405 to renew the wildlife diversity checkoff, with testimony clarifying it would fund non-game species rather than predator reintroduction. Senate Bill 1989 also passed, expanding the Oklahoma College Savings Plan to accept digital payment platforms such as Venmo and PayPal, with members discussing how deposits would be tracked.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2143, which would allow counties to use aerial or satellite imagery and fixed-wing aircraft for property assessment while excluding drones; supporters cited efficiency, safety, and accuracy, while opponents raised privacy, foreign-company, and taxpayer-frustration concerns. The bill passed 7-4. Senate Bill 1393, a housing redevelopment tax credit for vacant and abandoned properties, passed 8-3 after discussion about affordable housing requirements and project ranking. The committee also approved three Incentive Evaluation Commission recommendations: Senate Bill 1392 to increase the aerospace engineer employee tax credit, Senate Bill 1395 to limit carryforward of the new jobs tax credit to seven years, and Senate Bill 1400 to consolidate aircraft-related sales tax exemptions. The meeting adjourned after the chairman noted more bills would be heard at a later meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 9/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :10:26.560><c> Johnson</c> to nominate Senator Anne Johnson to nominate Senator Anne Johnson Stewart.
- </c> uh that nomination? uh that nomination?
- I will nominate second the nomination of Senator Stewart to be the chair. >> Commissioner. >> Yes.
- Any further discussion on the nomination or other nominations?
- </c> would um support his nomination. would um support his nomination.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 06/03/2026
Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
Transcript Highlights:
- of ...the nomination of Alexander Dockery to be a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of
- And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
- And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
- And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
- All those in favor of reporting this nomination to Finance? Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met to consider the nomination of Alexander Dockery to serve as a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of Correction (SCOC). Chair Julia Salazar introduced the nomination, noting that the role was created under recent prison reform legislation and that one commissioner must be a formerly incarcerated person. Dockery described his background as a justice-impacted individual who spent years incarcerated in New York, earned a master’s degree, and now works with justice-impacted people on reentry, housing, employment, and education. He said his lived experience and work in a youth detention setting would help him bring both an incarcerated-person and staff perspective to the commission.
Senators asked Dockery about why he wanted the position, how his experience would inform oversight, how to improve correctional conditions, how to reach young people before they enter the system, and how to support the Correctional Medical Review Board in investigating deaths in DOCS custody. Dockery emphasized rehabilitation, education, humane conditions, and collaboration with other commissioners and community networks. He said people with direct experience, including formerly incarcerated individuals and former gang members who have turned their lives around, should be brought back into facilities to speak with youth. On deaths in custody, he said existing reporting laws should be enforced and that timely information to families is important.
Several senators offered supportive comments, calling the nomination historic and stressing the importance of lived experience, credibility, and the responsibility of being the first formerly incarcerated commissioner. After discussion, the committee moved the nomination, with Senator Harckham making the motion and Senator Bailey and Senator Bullitt seconding. The committee voted to report the nomination to Finance, and the motion carried without opposition.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And there are 27 judicial nominating commissions in Florida, one for the Supreme Court, one for each
- The 3rd column shows whether the Judicial Nominating Commission for that respective care of court was
- The judicial nominating commissions were convened for 9 of those judgeships.
- And when the judicial nominating commission was convened, it was directed to focus on 2 of the 4.
- The judicial nominating commissions have convene for 15 of those judgeships.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider certain pending nominations. May 1st, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- You Good morning, on today's agenda, we have the nominations of Brett Shumate to serve as assistant attorney
- Chairman to nomination of Ed Martin in your opening remarks.
- My understanding is that the nomination of Ed Martin in your opening remarks is not going to be a good
- It's my understanding that we are not going to move forward on the Martin nomination.
- Chairman, thank you for taking my concerns with this nomination seriously. This man, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
committee meeting, nominations, Brett Shumate, John Eisenberg, Mr. Martin, Department of Justice, political bias, law enforcement
Summary:
The committee meeting was focused on the nominations of Brett Shumate and John Eisenberg for significant positions within the Department of Justice. Notable discussions arose over recent public disclosures that questioned the integrity of the nomination process, particularly surrounding Mr. Martin, a candidate whose past comments and associations have raised concerns among committee members. Tensions flared as members addressed potential biases and the implications of Martin’s statements regarding law enforcement and political groups. The meeting concluded with several committee members advocating for more thorough scrutiny of nominations to ensure the integrity of the process.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any nominations for... ...down in his role.
- I'll put my hand up for a co-chair if someone wants to nominate me.
- I nominate you.
- No, I think we're very fortunate to have you nominate yourself.
- I will happily nominate Rachel Caprilyan and Leo Sarkisian to be...
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved the prior November minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, noting 102 of 132 members responded. The report showed continued improvement in staffing: overall vacancy rates fell from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, with declines across programs such as adult long-term residential, community-based day supports, supported employment, and day rehabilitation. However, vacancies remain high, especially for licensed practical nurses and clinicians, and nearly 4,000 positions were still unfilled. Providers also reported that almost 1,800 people remain waiting for day services.
A major new focus in the survey was health insurance costs. Nearly 90% of respondents reported premium increases averaging 11%, and providers said those increases make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and hurt recruitment and retention. ADDP said the survey will be repeated in the fall and emphasized that while Chapter 257 investments appear to have helped reduce vacancies, rising insurance costs, immigration-related workforce pressures, and other affordability issues could threaten progress. Commissioners and presenters discussed the need to maintain gains, the importance of keeping the survey manageable while preserving historical comparisons, and the role of immigration and workforce policy in staffing stability.
The subcommittee then elected new co-chairs, unanimously approving Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian. Members discussed possible topics and speakers for the next meeting, including training and turnover, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, PCA training, and workforce models from other states. Several names and organizations were suggested for outreach, including Josh Cutler, Juan Vega, JVS, HSRI, and NASDDDS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there any nominations for... Down in his role.
- I'll put my hand up for a co-chair if someone wants to nominate me.
- I nominate you.
- No, I think we're very fortunate to have you nominate yourself.
- I will happily nominate Rachel Caprilyan and Leo Sarkisian to be...
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee of the Status of Persons with Disabilities met, approved prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) on its 2025 workforce metrics survey. ADDP described its membership and the survey’s scope, which covers community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries. The survey had strong participation, with 102 of 132 members responding, and this year included new questions on rising health insurance costs.
ADDP reported that workforce conditions have improved for a third consecutive year, with the overall vacancy rate falling from 19% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, and vacancy declines across several program areas. However, vacancies remain high in key roles such as licensed practical nurses and clinicians, nearly 4,000 positions remain unfilled, and about 1,800 people are still waiting for day services. Providers also reported major health insurance premium increases, which they said make it harder to offer competitive wages and benefits and affect recruitment and retention. Committee members discussed the impact of federal immigration policy, workforce shortages, and the need to maintain recent gains in staffing.
The subcommittee then elected Rachel Caprillion and Leo Sarkisian as co-chairs by vote. Members discussed possible topics and guests for the next meeting, including training, turnover, waiting lists, direct support professional pipelines, apprenticeships, and possible speakers from state agencies, advocacy organizations, other states, and workforce programs such as JVS. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Mon Jan 13, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we try to find the the the transactions we try to find the the the best<02:11:41.400><c> rate</c><02
- RFK Jr for the Secretary of nominated RFK Jr for the Secretary of health<04:45:58.798><c> and</c><04
- they don't transact within the state<05:42:38.280><c> accounting</c><05:42:38.798><c> system</c><05:
- </c><05:43:02.520><c> again</c> vendor so payroll is transacted again vendor so payroll is transacted
- </c> say in most instances we don't transact say in most instances we don't transact within<05:45:52.638
Summary:
The House Finance Committee held an informational briefing with the University of Hawaiʻi, led by new President Wendy Hensel and Vice President for Budget and Finance Calbert Young. Hensel outlined the university system’s scope, student demographics, research activity, and campus missions, emphasizing four strategic priorities: serving Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi, student success, workforce development, and economic diversification through innovation and research. She highlighted the system’s enrollment, research funding, and the roles of Mānoa, Hilo, West Oʻahu, the community colleges, and specialized institutions such as JABSOM and the Cancer Center.
Young then reviewed the budget request, focusing largely on making prior one-time appropriations permanent and supporting recurring needs. Items included funding for Mānoa athletics, the Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology, K-12 teacher education, Pamantasan Council support, Hilo programs, Windward’s mental health technician certificate, Maui’s practical nursing bridge program, and student support positions such as financial aid and admissions counselors. He also described workforce-related requests tied to nursing expansion at Mānoa and West Oʻahu, as well as facilities support at West Oʻahu.
A major portion of the testimony addressed the university’s two Kakaʻako medical facilities. Young explained that declining tobacco settlement and cigarette tax revenues are no longer sufficient to cover debt service for JABSOM and the Cancer Center, so the governor’s budget includes general fund support to supplement those obligations. He also described a regents-approved request not included in the governor’s proposal: expanding the Hawaiʻi Promise financial aid program to the four-year campuses, estimated at about $11–12 million. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 03:13 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Requesting confirmation by the Senate of the nominations mentioned therein, and reports the same back
- with recommendation that the Senate do advise and consent to all of the nominations listed above.
- I move that all nominations referred to in the foregoing report from the Committee on...
- I have declared that all the nominations referred...
- There being no further nominations, I declare the special order of business closed. Senator? We.
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of House amendments to enrolled bills and, in each case, accepted the amendments and passed the bills, often with effective dates set by separate motions. Measures approved included pay increases for the judiciary (SB 29), regulation of homemade food sales (SB 44), protections against financial exploitation of eligible adults (SB 617), involuntary hospitalization changes (SB 742), transfer of the court security fund (SB 952), asbestos and silica statute-of-limitations changes (SB 1008), cooperation with bordering states by law enforcement agencies (SB 723), birth certificate access for homeless minors (SB 947), personal income tax reduction (SB 392), criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults (SB 54), child abuse investigation technology and a caseworker aid pilot program (SB 228), value-based payment requirements (SB 231), workforce readiness and micro-credential provisions (SB 402), contractor license transfer rules for immediate family members (SB 553), refusal review hearings (SB 575), coal code modernization and minors protection (SB 686), lawful prescription of crystalline polymorph psilocybin under FDA recommendations (SB 906), penalties for disturbing religious worship (SB 1026), the Sustaining Opportunities for Academics and Rural Schools Act (SB 63), women’s collegiate sports protections (SB 502), and modernization funding for Workforce West Virginia (SB 153). Most of these bills passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 392 passed 31-2 on the first vote and was later reconsidered and passed again 32-2. Several bills were made effective from passage or on July 1, 2026.
The Senate also considered Senate Executive Message No. 4 from the Committee on Confirmations. The chamber confirmed all nominees except number 54 in one vote, then separately confirmed nominee 54 by a 30-3 vote. After the confirmation business, the Senate briefly recessed and later returned to additional floor business.
During the session, the majority leader also delivered remarks on affordability, citing prior tax reductions, a personal property tax rebate, elimination of state income tax on Social Security for seniors, and efforts to increase homestead exemptions. He urged the governor to explore ways to address rising gasoline prices. The remarks were entered into the journal by unanimous consent.