Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, staff, please open the vote. Any members wishing to change a vote? Close the vote.
• Seeing none, please open the vote. Anybody wishing to change a Vote. I got Ley with i.
• Close the vote and declare the vote zero nay, chairman sey, and zero nay.
• If not, staff, please open the vote. Turneri Lay.
• Anyone wishing to change your vote, close the vote and declare the vote. Zero nay.

Bills: HB3724 , HB3392 , HB3466 , HB4060

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: high-demand facilities, electric utilities, public infrastructure, water management, taxpayer-funded subsidies, decommissioning plans, local control, citizen initiative, referendum, electric utility, large load customers, infrastructure, utility planning, electricity rates, cost allocation, data centers, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, ratepayer protection, HB3466

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, yes, this is only the first stop, and we can have a roll call vote, please. Haney, aye.
• Oh, you're already doing the vote that you're doing it. I'm a no. I'm sorry. No. Not a problem.
• We have a vote change from not voting to a no, and Ches from not voting to a no. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Wilson, your vote on SB 522? No. No. Assembly Member Wilson, no. Thank you.
• Assembly Member Weeks, your vote on SB 522? Assembly Member Weeks, your vote on SB 522 is aye.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee met to consider SB 522 (Wahab) on a vote-only agenda item. The chair noted that testimony on the bill had already been taken at a prior hearing and invited written testimony for the record. A quorum was established, and Assembly Member Kalra moved, with Assembly Member Garcia seconding, to do pass the bill to the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. During the roll call, members cast a mix of aye, no, and not voting votes, with some votes later changed on call. The bill’s supporters and opponents were not discussed in detail during this meeting, since no new testimony was heard. After the remaining members voted, the committee reported SB 522 out to Judiciary by a 7-5 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I respectfully ask for an aye vote when appropriate.
• Now voting. Laird, aye. 4 to 0, that bill is out. Now voting. Laird, aye. 4 to 0, that bill is out.
• Did I vote on that one? Number 5? Yes. Okay.
• Did I vote on that one? Number 5? Yes. Okay.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on AB 262, which would direct the new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to study the needs of pregnant people experiencing homelessness and evaluate a voluntary “Pink Alert” notification system. Supporters, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a mutual-aid volunteer, said the bill would help identify gaps in housing and prenatal services for a highly vulnerable population. Members generally supported the study concept, though one senator cautioned that the “Pink Alert” name could imply a missing-person alert. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and placed on call. Members then heard AB 673, creating the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students not in a parent or guardian’s custody. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and advocates said the bill would help connect youth to housing, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and mental health services, while opponents raised concerns about duplication with existing school and county services and staffing shortages. The author and supporters argued the program would fill gaps for youth who often fall through existing systems. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and was held on call. The committee also approved AB 1575, which updates the Lanterman Act to replace the term “consumer” with person-first language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AB 2510, which would expand CalWORKs family reunification aid so families do not lose support when only some children are removed from the home. AB 1688, requiring broader notice when abuse or neglect is alleged in foster placements so attorneys for other children in the placement can check on their safety, also passed to Appropriations. AB 2304, “Gabriel’s Law,” requiring a child in immediate medical need to be seen by a medical professional and clarifying penalties for falsifying child welfare records, passed to Public Safety after testimony from the author, Gabriel Fernandez’s aunt, prosecutors, and a dependency lawyer who opposed parts of the penalty language. The committee then heard AB 1746 on faster county processing of CalWORKs child care requests, with support from the author, advocates, and county welfare directors who said they were still working on amendments; it was moved to Appropriations and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Early voting provides more opportunities and days for people... and vote?
• Early voting provides more opportunities and days for people to vote.
• So more people early vote now, around, I think, 30% of people early vote.
• Because if all five of them vote one way, then we know how they voted.
• Because if all five of them vote one way, then we know how they voted.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 350, which would extend the grade levels at Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade. The sponsor and several members emphasized the school’s importance to Terrebonne Parish, French immersion, and school choice. An amendment was adopted making the bill subject to appropriation, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Members then approved House Bill 749, which authorizes the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority to contract with a program manager for certain savings programs, including ABLE, START, and START K-12, in response to a prior cyber incident and to improve security and customer service. An amendment simplified the bill’s effective-date language so provisions would take effect upon execution of the contract. The bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced House Bill 979 to increase the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000. Testimony from the governor’s office said the increase could be covered within existing appropriations and that the amount was consistent with inflation since the benefit was last set. The bill was reported favorably. Later, House Bill 42 creating a phased retirement option for public post-secondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System was reported favorably, and House Bill 205 to allow local clerks of court to supplement election commissioner pay by up to $100 per election was also reported favorably after extensive testimony about staffing shortages and stagnant pay. The committee additionally reported favorably House Bill 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, and House Bill 324 on judicial salaries, after amending it to remove future COLA provisions and leave only the permanent stipend increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, a vote for the Speed Act is a vote for affordability.
• </c> to vote for my amendment and I yield. to vote for my amendment and I yield.
• </c> urgent no vote, and yield back. urgent no vote, and yield back.
• Request a recorded vote.
• It's an easy vote. And I urge fail them. It's an easy vote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But on the other hand, I feel unprepared today to vote.
• or a non-voting member.
• How strong a vote is that going to be?
• But I think saying nobody actually recommended that it be a voting or non-voting member, in my view.
• Well, we're not voting.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to review its draft final report on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with most of the discussion focused on whether recommendations required unanimous consensus and how to handle disagreements in the report. Members agreed that consensus meant no stated opposition, and several participants argued that unresolved issues should still be described in the report rather than omitted. The chairs said the report would include agreed-upon recommendations, note areas without consensus, and preserve written comments or dissent letters submitted by members. The draft report’s findings and slides were reviewed charge by charge, including CCRC definitions, financial condition, entrance fee refunds, regulatory oversight, advertising practices, and closure/change-of-ownership procedures. Members suggested several factual and wording edits, including clarifying financial data sources, correcting a presenter’s name, refining language about entrance fee use and refund timing, and revising statements about Attorney General authority and CCRC advertising. There was also discussion about the need to distinguish nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs and to better explain how different care levels and licensing structures are described. On recommendations, the commission kept the proposal to advance the disclosure bill (S. 478) and update the consumer guide, but removed a recommendation for annual open board meetings after objections that it was inadequate. The group spent considerable time debating whether to recommend resident representation on CCRC boards, timely refund requirements for entrance fees, and possible state registration or definition changes for CCRCs, but no consensus was reached on those items. The chairs said the final report would be completed by the statutory August 1 deadline, with final written comments due before then and the report and meeting materials posted on the legislature website.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alaineeee is not voting. Connolly, aye. Jeff Gonzalez, not voting. Irwin, aye. Ransom, aye.
• We have seven votes.
• Hadwick not voting. The bill is out with five votes. It goes to housing.
• This bill has eight votes, and it's... Hadwick, aye. This bill has eight votes and it's out.
• Great, that bill has eight votes and it's out. That bill has eight votes, and it's out.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met and heard a full agenda of bills, beginning with AB 1674, which would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program and require grocery-store capacity to be preserved or mitigated in certain housing developments. The author and local residents from Sunnyvale testified in support, describing the loss of neighborhood grocery stores and the impact on seniors and low-income families. Business and building groups opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could add costs and create housing barriers, especially in Section 3. The committee discussed rural and urban food-access differences, and the bill passed the committee 5-0 and was re-referred to Housing and Community Development, with members noting continued work on amendments. The committee then approved several consent items and heard AB 2264, which would allow district agricultural associations to use fairgrounds property for affordable housing by extending lease terms from 55 to 99 years. Supporters said it would unlock underused public land without displacing neighborhoods, and the bill passed to Housing and Community Development. AB 269, the “Fair Act,” would provide a targeted sales and use tax exemption to spur development projects on fairgrounds; it drew broad support from members and fair association testimony and passed to Revenue and Taxation. AB 2143, which would prohibit online marketplaces from accepting payment for noxious weeds shipped into California, received strong support from academic and agricultural witnesses and passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also heard AB 1731, creating the California Healthy Food Procurement Fund and an approved-vendor program to connect schools with California farmers. School nutrition, farm, and food-policy advocates supported the bill as a way to reduce procurement barriers and expand local food in school meals; it passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1848 would raise seed-law fees to fund inspection and enforcement of California’s seed regulations; the California Seed Association supported the increase, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The meeting concluded with roll calls on absent members and adjournment at 2:53 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alanis, not voting. Connolly, aye. Jeff Gonzalez, not voting. Irwin, aye. Ransom, aye.
• We have seven votes.
• I just respectfully appreciate an aye vote. Great.
• Hadwick not voting. The bill is out with five votes. It goes to housing.
• Great, that bill has eight votes and it's out. That bill has eight votes, and it's out.

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 70 passes with 17 favorable votes and one pass vote.
• Senate Bill 85 received 18 yay votes, zero no votes, and passes with favorable expressions.
• votes.
• Senate Bill 226 passes with 19 yes votes, zero no votes.
• </c> votes, zero no votes. votes, zero no votes.

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: Consideration of SB 70 00:03:41 Consideration of SB 85 00:13:04 Consideration of SB 29 00:16:56 Consideration of SB 226 00:23:09, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will you please call the roll on HB 223 and announce the vote? 17 yeas, 4 nays.
• And announce the vote. And announce the vote. 14 yeas, 5 nays.
• I thank you for voting. Yes. Thank you.
• Please vote today to advance HB 693 to the House floor. Thank you.
• There's much in this bill to I recommend a no vote for it today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Braun, how do you vote? Senator Braun votes aye. Senator Braun votes aye. Mr.
• Please vote yes.
• Senator Wilson, Claire, how do you vote? Senator Wilson votes aye. Mr.
• Senator Braun, how do you vote? Senator Braun votes aye. Mr.
• Senator Christian votes aye. Senator McKeown, how do you vote? Senator McCune votes aye. Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, the pledge, prayer, and recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Gramath Center. Members then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and resolutions, including Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected to represent Washington in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution was adopted unanimously, and the band and its supporters were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments to major health agencies. Ryan Moran was confirmed as Director of the Health Care Authority by a 49-0 vote, with supporters citing his Medicaid and health system experience and ability to provide stable leadership. Dennis Worsham was also confirmed as Secretary of Health by a 49-0 vote, with senators highlighting his long public health career, statewide outreach, and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. On legislation, the Senate passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding Court of Appeals bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments, and Senate Bill 5831, creating the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act. Senate Bill 6188, which expands Labor and Industries’ authority to update asbestos training and certification rules, passed 38-19 after an amendment to limit the bill to federal standards was rejected. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, concerning access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, passed 32-17 after several Republican amendments were defeated. The Senate also passed In Gross Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality and Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties in exclusive private listings. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5840, adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines, passed 46-3. After completing the day’s business, the Senate recessed for caucus and lunch until 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and vice chair voting aye. Representative Kahaloa, aye. Representative Kush, aye.
• Are there any reservations or no votes? Seeing none, the chair's recommendation has been adopted.
• Are there any reservations or no votes? Seeing none, the chair's recommendation has been adopted.
• Are there any reservations or no votes? Chair, your recommendation has been adopted. Thank you.
• Are there any reservations or no votes?

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the vote was 110.
• I will vote no.
• I will vote no. And bill falls short. I will vote no.
• </c> that's why I voted no. that's why I voted no.
• Members, please listen to the results of your vote. Those voting yes, 87. Those voting no, 44.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just trying to vote I or vote nay.
• Vote for this.
• Vote for this.
• Vote for this.
• Vote for this.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, CS for SB 536 is reported favorably.
• I respectfully ask you to vote no on SB 1632 or amend it to require me Respectfully, I ask you to vote
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I've voted for other public records in the past, but I will vote out of committee today.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, CS for SB 536 is reported favorably.
• I respectfully ask you to vote no on SB 1632 or amend it to require me Respectfully, I ask you to vote
• Please vote no.
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I've voted for other public records bills in the past, but I will vote out of committee today.

Bills: S0500 , S0536 , S0762 , S1582 , S1632 , S1634 , S1742 , S1750 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: security detail, protective detail, candidate protection, election security, statewide office, governor, lieutenant governor, cabinet officer, nominee, officer-elect, FDLE, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, primary election, general election, canvassing commission, political party, minor party, campaign safety, election protection, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Any voting with reservations? present. Any voting with reservations?
• Any voting with reservations? Any no votes?
• Any voting with members present. Any voting with reservations?
• Any voting with members present. Any voting with reservations?
• Any voting with reservations? Any no votes? Measure is adopted.

Bills: SB2341 , SB2306 , SB2782 , SB2161 , SB17 , SB2358 , SB2367 , SB2240 , SB2547 , SB2401 , SB3031 , SB1406 , SB521 , SB3247 , SB1654 , SB1112 , SB1301 , SB2443 , SB2996

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Keywords: historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees, bureau of conveyances, land court, transaction fees, public services, cost recovery, notary public, fraud, real property, Bureau of Conveyances, title recording, property rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to hunting, trespass enforcement, conservation banking, coral reef resilience, and search and rescue. SB 2130 would require DLNR to increase the percentage of public land acreage designated for public hunting areas; DLNR offered comments, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council expressed concern, and a Game Management Advisory Commission member urged adequate funding for both study and maintenance of any expanded hunting areas. SB 2128 would require forfeiture to the state of firearms or motor vehicles used in hunting trespass on private land; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the bill, and another signer testified without additional detail. The committee also heard SB 3053, which appropriates funds to DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources for mangrove removal and shoreline/stream maintenance in the Westlock and Middleock shorelines and watersheds. DLNR supported the measure and noted staff involved in mangrove removal work; no other testimony was offered. On SB 20005, which authorizes conservation banks for compensatory mitigation in habitat conservation plans and incidental take licenses, DLNR supported the bill but said a House measure, HB 1802, would place key safeguards in statute rather than administrative rules. Earthjustice opposed SB 20005 for lacking statutory safeguards and said it would support incorporating the House language, while CARES supported the bill as a modernization that could reduce permit processing time and provide more predictable costs. A lengthy discussion followed on SB 3201, which would direct DLNR to prioritize coral reef resilience and set performance targets for coral cover and herbivore biomass. DLNR said it supported the intent but wanted more flexibility because outside factors such as climate and emissions policy affect reef conditions; the Nature Conservancy shared that concern and asked for more flexible language. For the bill, For the Fishes strongly supported stronger protections and suggested adding abundance as a metric, while NOAA and DLNR discussed the difficulty of setting universal benchmarks because reef conditions vary by location. Randy Kosaki and CARES supported the bill, emphasizing coral decline and the need for measurable goals, while committee members asked about restoration projects, benchmarks, and whether the bill’s deadlines were meant to require a plan rather than immediate achievement. Finally, the committee took up SB 2937, which would create a search and rescue card program and special fund to reimburse state, county, and volunteer search-and-rescue operations. DLNR’s wildlife division said it stood on its written testimony, and the Hawaii SAR Alliance supported the concept but said Hawaii first needs a stronger search-and-rescue framework, including a state coordinator, before implementing such a program. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voice vote. All those &gt;&gt; We have a second. Voice vote.
• Um, and since we've gone to electronic voting, the PTA still does put the votes out or put the election
• Um, I'm going to vote I. And there's some reasons I'm going to vote I.
• Um, I'm going to vote I. &gt;&gt; Please proceed. Um, I'm going to vote I.
• So I vote I because I that council.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would have to be voted upon by both the House and the Senate by a two-thirds vote.
• And so in that bill that a number of you voted for and did pass, a vote of the people...
• That a number of you voted for and did pass, a vote of the people, provides for the additional five members
• A two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate.
• Vote as a human being. Please, I beg you, vote for SB 1, 2, 3. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on Senate Bill 123, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative process for removing judges for cause. Senator Morris said the bill was needed because of uncertainty in the current Constitution about whether impeachment applies to judges, given the Judiciary Commission’s role in judicial discipline. He argued the measure would provide a clearer, higher-threshold accountability mechanism, and the committee adopted a technical amendment renumbering provisions and later clarified that the bill uses a majority vote in the House and two-thirds in the Senate, consistent with impeachment-style thresholds. Much of the hearing centered on testimony from Anna Carter and her family, who supported the bill after the murder of Jacob Carter in New Orleans. They described his death and other cases they said showed judges releasing dangerous offenders despite repeated violations, missed electronic-monitoring check-ins, and other warning signs. They argued the bill would create a last-resort accountability tool when judicial decisions or supervision failures lead to preventable harm. Several committee members expressed sympathy and said the testimony highlighted serious problems in the justice system, though some also suggested the bill should address district attorneys, electronic-monitoring oversight, or broader systemic issues. Opposition came from members who warned the proposal was overly broad, could become a political tool, and might conflict with existing constitutional provisions governing impeachment and judicial discipline. They argued the Judiciary Commission and Supreme Court already provide a disciplinary framework and that the bill could chill judicial independence or create due-process concerns. The ACLU’s Sarah Whittington also opposed the bill, noting technical inconsistencies in the draft, questioning why impeachment had not been tried first, and arguing the measure singled out judicial discretion while leaving other elected officials’ discretion untouched. The committee took no final vote on the bill during the hearing, but did adopt the technical amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting on GM 763.
• Vice chair for the vote. hearing? None. Vice chair for the vote.
• Um, voting on GM 680. Chair's Okay. Um, voting on GM 680.
• Voting on GM686. the consent. Okay. Voting on GM686.
• Voting<00:43:36.079><c> on</c> Voting on Voting on GM763.<00:43:37.920><c> Seeing</c><00:43:38.240><c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard nominations for several members of the Burial Council and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. For Burial Council nominations, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division testified in support of Leimana Abunes, Cyrus Sito, Chantel Freeman, and Chadley Shiml Fenig, emphasizing their genealogical ties, cultural knowledge, experience with iwi kupuna, and commitment to preservation and reinterment. Each nominee also briefly introduced themselves and described their background and motivation to serve. Committee members said they had favorable conversations with the nominees and indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 773, Shaylin Ornellas, for the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony in support was strong, including 45 written supports and no opposition, along with oral testimony from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and community supporters. Supporters highlighted Ornellas’ education, real estate and development experience, public service, and connection to Kauaʻi and homestead communities. Ornellas said she was answering a call to serve and discussed her background and commitment to the community. Members questioned Ornellas closely about Act 279, the DHHL waitlist, beneficiary consultation, housing options, and the department’s “paper lease” practice. She said Act 279 was intended to help reduce the waitlist, supported broader housing options and beneficiary input, and acknowledged limited familiarity with the technical details of paper leases. One senator raised concerns that paper leases may not guarantee actual lots and urged further research. The discussion also touched on policy issues such as beneficiaries maintaining their waitlist positions after declining offers or taking rentals, with committee members noting these are commission policy choices rather than statutory mandates.