Transcript Highlights:

• And the remaining positions were associated with legislation that was chaptered.
• And the remaining positions were associated with legislation that was chaptered.
• And the remaining positions were associated with legislation that was chaptered in recent years in 2022
• And the remaining positions were associated with legislation that was chaptered in recent years, in 2022
• The JLBC also took a look, as noted earlier, at the positions associated with recently chaptered legislation

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss budget issues related to vacant positions across several natural resources and environmental departments, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance explained the administration’s proposal to eliminate about 6,000 vacant positions statewide, including roughly 293 positions in the departments before the committee, as a way to capture salary savings and reduce flexible funding tied up in vacancies. The LAO recommended retaining special-funded positions, while noting that eliminating General Fund positions would reduce savings. Finance argued that vacancy levels have remained steady statewide, that departments need flexibility to manage operations and hard-to-fill jobs, and that some vacant positions can be reclassified to higher-priority work. Members raised concerns that many of the proposed eliminations would affect core public-safety, permitting, and environmental-protection functions. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said the cuts would affect permitting, environmental protection, and law enforcement, while State Parks said its proposed ranger reductions were chosen from historically vacant, hard-to-fill positions and would still leave many vacancies to fill through the academy. The Coastal Commission said its positions supported sea-level rise planning under SB 272. The Department of Pesticide Regulation and DTSC said the reductions would affect multiple program areas, though Finance said the special funds involved were not in structural deficit and the cuts could help avoid future fee increases. The State Water Resources Control Board said its proposed reductions were spread across programs, with public-health functions protected as much as possible. The committee then heard an overview from the State Water Resources Control Board on its responsibilities for water quality, water rights, drinking water, and funding for water infrastructure. Chair Joaquin Esquivel described ongoing work on the Bay-Delta Plan update, the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes voluntary agreements, and the need to actively administer water rights. Members also discussed the board’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, which narrowed federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The board requested $2.6 million and 12 permanent positions to address resulting permitting and enforcement gaps; the LAO said the request met its high bar for new proposals and was supported by the board’s data and reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Harbormaster personnel operate under the authority granted by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 102,
• and Chapter 90B.
• Colby was a member of our local fraternish chapter, which is a group of boys and men, boys and mentors
• His table leader at the fraternish chapter noted that Colby, yes, was a quiet boy, but always engaged
• glorious state constitution, the oldest democratic constitution in the world, and it has, at its core, Chapter

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The hearing covered several public safety bills and related testimony. On S. 2681, “Colby’s Law,” which would establish safety standards for BMX/motocross tracks, the committee heard emotional testimony from the family of a teen killed at a track and from advocates who said minimum standards are needed for barriers, medical staff, emergency planning, insurance, and oversight. A track owner and rider also testified that safety is important but argued the bill was incomplete and should better distinguish between BMX and motocross and include more specific equipment and weather-related rules. On S. 2680, a bill to expand emergency planning around aging nuclear plants and high-level nuclear waste sites, supporters from Cape Cod, medical groups, and anti-nuclear organizations urged a 50-mile emergency planning radius and stronger state preparedness, citing risks from long-term waste storage and inadequate federal oversight. The committee also heard testimony on a Barnstable home rule petition to allow certain emergency response vehicles to use red lights, with the town supporting the change to improve response times on the water. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on H. 5158, the Protect Act, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. County sheriffs testified about how ICE notifications and detainers work in practice, distinguishing between criminal warrants and civil immigration requests to notify, and describing their discretion when people are released on bail or at the end of a sentence. Sheriffs said they generally notify ICE when requested, especially in cases involving serious charges, but emphasized the need to balance public safety, victim notification, and due process. Committee members pressed them on the impact of ICE pickups at courthouses and jails, and several lawmakers and witnesses argued that pretrial detainees taken by ICE can disrupt prosecutions and deny victims their day in court. Supporters of the Protect Act included labor, education, health care, and immigrant advocacy groups. They said immigrants and mixed-status families are living in fear of routine interactions with police, schools, courts, and hospitals, and urged the committee to ban 287(g) agreements, prohibit law enforcement from asking about immigration status or providing operational assistance to ICE, and add stronger protections for sensitive locations such as schools and health care facilities. Medical witnesses described patients and families avoiding care because of ICE presence, and educators said students are missing school out of fear. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and indicated it would continue receiving written testimony before taking action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also adds exceptions from Chapter 267.0722 and Chapter 267.074 to explicitly protect Black History
• Also, Chapters 265 and 267 are very helpful for that.
• Also, I don't know... ...Chapter 265 and 267 are very helpful for that.
• You'll find that in Chapters 265 and 267. You will also find it in the analysis.
• And I am actually working with my Senate counterpart to bring in some other language, again from Chapter

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first heard CS/HB 1263 on insurance regulation. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen the Office of Insurance Regulation’s tools to oversee property and auto insurance markets, including market conduct and solvency exams, mitigation discounts, storage of mitigation inspection forms, and clearer oversight of pharmacy benefit managers. An amendment narrowing fingerprinting requirements was adopted, and the bill passed favorably after supportive testimony from OIR and others. Members then considered CS/HB 527, which would require a qualified human review before an insurance claim can be denied or reduced when artificial intelligence is used in the process. After an amendment removing the word “algorithm” was adopted, insurers and trade groups testified in opposition, arguing current law already covers claims handling and that the bill could create duplicative work and slow innovation. Supporters, including a consumer and labor representative, said human judgment is needed to protect claimants. The bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/HB 637 on farm equipment “lemon law” rights, with an amendment clarifying consumer definitions, refund rights, repair-period extensions, and a July 1, 2026 effective date. CS/HB 107 on data centers also passed after an amendment narrowing the five-mile siting restriction to data centers over 50 megawatts and adding noise-study requirements; business groups supported a framework but opposed the NDA ban and siting limits, while several members raised competitiveness and local-impact concerns. Later, the committee passed CS/HB 1291 on NICA funding and solvency, CS/HB 185 on a sales tax exemption for home-hardening products, CS/HB 425 on historic African-American cemetery preservation, CS/CS/CS/HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, CS/CS/CS/HB 657 on community associations and HOA/condo reforms, and CS/CS/HB 1221, the DFS package. The final major item discussed was CS/HB 1001 on local government DEI restrictions, which drew extensive questioning about definitions, exceptions, cultural and religious observances, advisory councils, and contracting rules; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s final disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director for Sierra Club's Grand Canyon Chapter, and we are opposed to HB 2331.
• I'm the Director of Grassroots Operations for Americans for Prosperity Arizona chapter, here in support
• Madam Chair, members, Sandy Barr, and the director for CR Club's Grin Kenyan chapter, and we are opposed
• Madam Chair, Representatives, Sandy Byer, and the director for Sierra Club's Green Canyon chapter, which
• is the Arizona chapter, and we are opposed to House Bill 2955.

Bills: HB2014 , HB2113 , HB2145 , HB2331 , HB2340 , HB2389 , HB2400 , HB2401 , HB2428 , HB2494 , HB2696 , HB2756 , HB2795 , HB2955 , HCM2008

Committee: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Keywords: air emissions, fuel blends, environmental quality, feasibility study, Arizona Department of Agriculture, utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, fuel reformulation, gasoline standards, environmental regulations, ethanol supply, Air Quality, energy reliability, electric service providers, reliable resources, public power entity

Transcript Highlights:

• We have different chapters throughout the state we're highlighting today: the YMCA of Central New Mexico
• And in fact, the first time I was introduced... ...chapters throughout the state we're highlighting today
• The Santa Fe chapter of New Mexico Delta Kappa Gamma is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2026—90 years
• The Santa Fe chapter of New Mexico Delta Kappa Gamma is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2026. 90 years
• of New Mexico's first child advocate, pursuant to the Office of the Child Advocate Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of the Texas Immigration Law Council and American Immigration Lawyers Association, Texas chapter
• Chapter 12 of the BISOG Code, uh, is the chapter that provides for the Attorney General to be able to
• This bill amends Chapter 12 to allow court review of requests for documents as required by the Supreme
• Chapter 15 of the Business Organizations code, for example, allows the AG to demand both documents and
• Chapter 15 also has other important protections like allowing the requiring the AG to provide the reasons

Bills: HB 256 , HB 1308 , HB 1554 , HB 1743 , HB 2308 , HB 2351 , HB 2858 , HB 3676 , HB 3784 , HB 4312 , HB 4552 , HB 4823 , HB 4852 , HB 5007 , HB 5010 , HB 5520 , HB 5524 , HCR 19

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Flanagan on behalf of the Recycled Materials Association, West Coast chapter. Same thing.
• Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
• Also representing the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, California Society of
• in the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, California Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Terrell, the Director of Government Relations for the American Institute of Architects California Chapter

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:32:06.159><c> is</c><00:32:06.240><c> somewhat</c><00:32:06.559><c> of</c><00:32:06.640><c> a
• ><c> had</c><00:32:08.480><c> I</c><00:32:08.799><c> had</c><00:32:08.960><c> an</c><00:32:09.120><c>
• colleges</c><00:32:14.159><c> and</c><00:32:14.399><c> so</c><00:32:14.640><c> as</c><00:32:14.799><c
• ><c> something</c><00:32:23.519><c> they</c><00:32:23.760><c> moved</c><00:32:23.919><c> to</c><00:32
• :32:13.040><c> to</c><01:32:13.199><c> be</c><01:32:13.360><c> like</c><01:32:13.840><c> to</c><01:32

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:32:03.760><c> when</c><00:32:04.000><c> when</c><00:32:04.799><c> instructors</c><00:32:05.760>
• </c><00:32:08.720><c> the</c><00:32:09.120><c> course</c><00:32:09.360><c> that</c><00:32:09.600><c>
• So she made<00:32:18.720><c> up</c><00:32:18.960><c> some</c><00:32:19.279><c> rules</c><00:32:19.919
• And those classes<00:32:41.760><c> were</c><00:32:41.919><c> taught</c><00:32:42.480><c> by</c><00:32
• one</c><00:32:45.039><c> of</c><00:32:45.120><c> the</c><00:32:45.279><c> three</c><00:32:45.519><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> is</c><00:32:05.559><c> it</c><00:32:05.880><c> not</c><00:32:06.120><c> the</c><00:32:06.320><c
• 32:07.919><c> the</c><00:32:08.080><c> study</c><00:32:08.360><c> it</c><00:32:08.480><c> is</c><00:32
• ><00:32:29.279><c> method</c><00:32:29.559><c> to</c><00:32:29.679><c> be</c><00:32:29.799><c> an</c>
• reflection<00:32:30.960><c> of</c><00:32:31.080><c> an</c><00:32:31.279><c> entire</c><00:32:31.760>
• the surface<00:32:32.799><c> needs</c><00:32:33.039><c> to</c><00:32:33.200><c> be</c><00:32:33.760>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:27.360><c> This</c><00:32:27.519><c> has</c><00:32:27.679><c> been</c><00:32:27.760><c> a<
• , but the<00:32:31.039><c> the</c><00:32:31.679><c> outcome</c><00:32:32.159><c> of</c><00:32:32.640>
• ><c> legal</c><00:32:41.840><c> use</c><00:32:42.000><c> of</c><00:32:42.159><c> it</c><00:32:42.480>
• ><c> um</c><00:32:44.559><c> within</c><00:32:44.880><c> the</c><00:32:44.960><c> confines</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:46.720><c> We</c><00:32:46.960><c> need</c><00:32:47.039><c> to</c><00:32:47.120><c> find<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> they</c><00:32:05.200><c> need</c><00:32:05.440><c> a</c><00:32:05.679><c> lot</c><00:32:05.840><
• </c><00:32:11.120><c> rate</c><00:32:11.440><c> tool</c><00:32:12.000><c> and</c><00:32:12.240><c> we
• both</c><00:32:13.039><c> of</c><00:32:13.200><c> those</c><00:32:13.519><c> to</c><00:32:13.760><c>
• .<00:32:14.720><c> The</c><00:32:14.960><c> case</c><00:32:15.120><c> manager</c><00:32:15.440><c> is
• We<00:32:18.080><c> give</c><00:32:18.240><c> it</c><00:32:18.399><c> to</c><00:32:18.559><c> them.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Health and Family Services committee heard an informational presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults, often with serious mental illness, who do not meet nursing home criteria but need structured supervision, medication assistance, meals, and daily support. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and are supported largely through state supplementation payments and residents’ SSI income. The presenters argued that the current reimbursement rate of about $50.70 per day is no longer sufficient to cover staffing, food, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other costs, and said the sector has shrunk significantly over time. They cited figures showing a decline from 64 to 34 homes serving the seriously mentally ill since 2002, with 30 closures over 23 years, and said the loss of beds contributes to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer psychiatric stays. They also gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before being successfully placed in personal care homes, which they said can prevent more costly institutional care. Committee members asked about staffing credentials, fraud controls, referral processes, and how reimbursement works in other states. The presenters said Kentucky does not require licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use certified medication technicians or an LPN, and they described a county case-manager-based assessment process used to set individualized rates in other states such as Minnesota. Members expressed support for the work but emphasized the need for documentation of savings and budget offsets. The presenters said they are seeking an incremental reimbursement increase over two years, roughly 25% to 50% in the first year and another 50% after that, and urged the committee to support the homes to prevent further closures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prevail<00:32:08.799><c> and</c><00:32:09.000><c> roll</c><00:32:09.200><c> call</c><00:32:09.399><c
• ><c> to</c><00:32:17.639><c> wrap</c><00:32:17.880><c> up</c><00:32:18.000><c> your</c><00:32:18.080>
• c><00:32:21.000><c> uh</c><00:32:21.360><c> thank</c><00:32:21.519><c> you</c><00:32:21.639><c> Mr</c
• :26.080><c> to</c><00:32:26.279><c> want</c><00:32:26.399><c> to</c><00:32:26.519><c> work</c><00:32:
• c> as</c><00:32:28.440><c> they</c><00:32:28.600><c> make</c><00:32:28.880><c> their</c><00:32:29.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:00.720><c> recommends</c><00:32:01.039><c> the</c><00:32:01.200><c> following.
• House<00:32:01.840><c> Bill</c><00:32:02.080><c> 1029</c><00:32:02.720><c> be</c><00:32:02.880><c> referred
• on appropriations and House<00:32:05.679><c> Bill</c><00:32:05.840><c> 1090</c><00:32:06.320><c> be<
• ><c> amended</c><00:32:07.679><c> before</c><00:32:07.679><c> beer</c><00:32:08.000><c> the</c><00:32
• :08.320><c> the</c><00:32:08.480><c> whole</c><00:32:08.640><c> with</c><00:32:08.799><c> favorable</

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> of</c><00:32:06.440><c> of</c><00:32:06.760><c> doing</c><00:32:07.000><c> a</c><00:32:07.120><c
• hadn't</c><00:32:13.279><c> broken</c><00:32:13.600><c> the</c> law<00:32:16.840><c> great</c><00:32
• follow uh we don't<00:32:19.200><c> let</c><00:32:19.559><c> too</c><00:32:19.760><c> many</c><00:32
• :20.240><c> but</c><00:32:20.799><c> uh</c><00:32:21.039><c> we'll</c><00:32:21.279><c> let</c><00:32
• :32:36.080><c> Mr</c><01:32:36.560><c> yeah</c><01:32:36.639><c> I</c><01:32:36.719><c> was</c><01:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 242, a liquor bill concerning brew pub licenses. Testimony from the New Hampshire Beer Distributors Association, the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, and the Liquor Commission explained that the bill is intended to correct a clerical error from the prior session and restore the agreed-upon language. The bill would allow a brew pub, within the existing 2,500-barrel limit, to self-distribute its own product to one authorized on- or off-premise license; otherwise it must use wholesale distribution. Witnesses said the measure is a narrow fix specific to brew pubs and does not affect other manufacturing licenses. No opposition was raised during the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after no committee questions remained. The committee then heard House Bill 81, which would allow patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restaurant restrooms. The sponsor argued the current prohibition is outdated and can create safety risks by forcing people to set drinks down, citing concerns about drink tampering and a personal story about a friend who was drugged and assaulted after leaving a drink unattended. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would increase liability for restaurants, how enforcement would work, and whether the current law is aimed at preventing underage handoffs or drink spiking. The sponsor said the bill would be permissive for establishments, not mandatory, and that liability would still depend on overservice and Liquor Commission investigations. The New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association testified in opposition, saying the bill could raise liability and create concerns about underage consumption in bathrooms. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting the bill would move on to further committee/subcommittee consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:00.720><c> And</c><00:32:00.880><c> I</c><00:32:01.120><c> think</c><00:32:01.279><c> that</c
• c> is</c><00:32:17.120><c> a</c><00:32:17.279><c> concern</c><00:32:17.600><c> for</c><00:32:17.840><
• as</c><00:32:18.880><c> as</c><00:32:19.200><c> a</c><00:32:19.360><c> as</c><00:32:19.600><c> a</c><
• c><00:32:21.279><c> a</c><00:32:21.519><c> voter</c><00:32:21.760><c> in</c><00:32:22.000><c> this</c
• :32:23.600><c> that</c><00:32:23.840><c> we</c><00:32:24.080><c> are</c><00:32:24.159><c> putting</c>

Bills: HB268 , SB279 , SB304 , SB303 , SB298 , HB268 , SB279 , SB304 , SB303 , SB298

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: lottery winnings, lottery prize, state lottery, income tax exemption, tax exemption, gambling, games of chance, prize proceeds, Alabama Department of Revenue, state income tax, tax relief, winnings, jackpot, lotto, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building

Transcript Highlights:

• :32:20.360><c> question</c><00:32:20.559><c> I</c><00:32:20.720><c> have</c><00:32:20.919><c> is</c><
• you<00:32:21.639><c> have</c><00:32:21.880><c> sort</c><00:32:22.000><c> of</c><00:32:22.120><c> a</
• ><c> now</c><00:32:34.519><c> and</c><00:32:34.919><c> when</c><00:32:35.080><c> I</c><00:32:35.200><
• :32:38.720><c> do</c><00:32:38.919><c> the</c><00:32:39.080><c> work</c><00:32:39.279><c> in</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:42.159><c> know</c><00:32:42.360><c> we're</c><00:32:42.639><c> going</c><00:32:42.880><c>

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; And<00:32:43.039><c> uh</c><00:32:43.200><c> Chair</c><00:32:43.840><c> D</c><00:32:44.080><
• Do<00:32:53.360><c> I</c><00:32:53.600><c> hear</c><00:32:53.840><c> a</c><00:32:54.159><c> new</c><00
• &gt;&gt; Yes.<00:32:57.519><c> Thank</c><00:32:57.679><c> you,</c><00:32:57.840><c> Madam</c><00:32:58.159
• ><c> by</c><03:32:01.680><c> faith</c><03:32:02.479><c> and</c><03:32:03.279><c> to</c><03:32:03.520>
• <03:32:08.080><c> dysphoria</c><03:32:08.640><c> in</c><03:32:09.120><c> minors</c><03:32:09.600><c>

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:19.120><c> council</c><00:32:19.440><c> for</c><00:32:19.679><c> a</c><00:32:19.760><c> term</
• Seeing<00:32:29.440><c> none,</c><00:32:29.760><c> vice</c><00:32:30.080><c> chair</c><00:32:30.320><
• </c><00:32:38.080><c> Are</c><00:32:38.159><c> there</c><00:32:38.320><c> any</c><00:32:38.880><c> Oh
• Noticing<00:32:41.600><c> the</c><00:32:41.840><c> presence</c><00:32:42.159><c> of</c><00:32:42.320>
• </c><00:32:46.240><c> Are</c><00:32:46.399><c> any</c><00:32:46.640><c> WRs</c><00:32:47.120><c> or</

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations, primarily to the State Rehabilitation Council, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA), the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Center for Nursing Advisory Board. Nominees included Patrick Gartside, Judith Daniels, James Montgomery (not present), Christine Park, Tammy Napoleon, Scott Spelina, Roy Katsuda, and Dr. Sylvia Rom. Each nominee described their background and why they wanted to serve, with recurring themes of disability advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, nursing workforce development, elder issues, and LGBTQ+ health and community support. Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Aging representatives generally testified in strong support of the nominees and emphasized their qualifications and relevance to the boards’ missions. Members and agency witnesses also discussed substantive policy issues during the nominations. For PABEA nominee Scott Spelina, the committee asked about a bill involving strict liability and elder abuse-related criminal penalties; Spelina supported the approach, saying it would be easier to enforce and better protect seniors. For other nominees, testimony highlighted the need for stronger rehabilitation services, qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors, adult education partnerships, and nursing recruitment and retention, especially on Kauaʻi. Dr. Sylvia Rom’s nomination drew broad support from commission members and community supporters, with testimony focusing on LGBTQ+ health, gender-expansive youth, and intersectional advocacy. No final votes were taken during the hearing. The chair repeatedly stated that decision-making would be deferred until later in the calendar, and in some cases until the nominee was present or quorum was available. One nomination, James Montgomery, was skipped because he was not present on Zoom, and Kevin Nakamura’s nomination was also deferred to a later date. The committee accepted written and oral testimony and generally moved through the nominations without questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:27.039><c> So,</c><00:32:27.440><c> I</c><00:32:27.679><c> would</c><00:32:27.840><c> need</c
• ><00:32:28.000><c> to</c><00:32:28.159><c> look</c><00:32:28.320><c> at</c><00:32:28.480><c> the</c>
• :32:39.840><c> general's</c><00:32:40.320><c> office,</c><00:32:41.279><c> uh</c><00:32:41.440><c> Tom
• 32:50.720><c> 27</c><00:32:51.679><c> is</c><00:32:52.159><c> 26</c><00:32:52.840><c> million</c><00:
• Um that<00:32:55.679><c> number</c><00:32:55.919><c> is</c><00:32:56.159><c> rising</c><00:32:56.640>

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all