Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 04/20/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm joined here by Senator Martin, or ranking member, as well as Senator Helming, Senator Zellnor, Senator
- Senator Martin seconded, from Senator Jackson. Any negative votes?
- Senate bill number 7933A by Senator Cooney. Next bill, please.
- Okay, Senator Martin and Senator Walsick in the negative.
- That's Senator Helming. And Senator... Got Senator Walsick in the negative.
Summary:
The Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met in Albany and considered a series of housing and homeownership bills. Early actions included reporting S.852 (Homebuyer Renovation Property Tax Exemption Act) to Finance, S.955 on smart access systems to Internet and Technology, and S.7933A on registrations of residential mortgages in default. The committee also advanced S.8675, the CAREforce First-Time Homebuyers Act, after a lengthy discussion about whether the bill inappropriately targets a specific workforce; supporters said it addresses a documented shortage of human services workers and includes existing SONYMA income eligibility, while opponents raised concerns about favoring one occupation over others. The bill was reported with some members in the negative and others voting to advance without recommendation.
Members then reported S.9650, which would prohibit landlords from including incorrect rent decontrol information in certain leases and standardize notices for Affordable New York Housing Program units, and S.9679, which would codify the Block-by-Block Home Ownership Program in state law. Both had prior Senate history and drew some negative or AWR votes. The committee also discussed and advanced S.9742, which would allow residential units in multiple dwellings to omit openable windows if they meet ASHRAE ventilation standards; supporters said the change is needed to facilitate office-to-residential conversions, while members raised questions about maintenance, egress, and the bill’s limited application to localities under the multiple dwelling law.
Finally, the committee reported S.989, establishing the vacant rental improvement program, after noting it had previously passed the Senate and was being reintroduced. Throughout the meeting, several bills were described as reintroductions or prior Senate measures, and multiple motions were made to report bills either to Finance, the floor, or another committee, with several members voting in the negative or to advance without recommendation on selected measures.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 04/20/26
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Pappas. Thank you, Senator Rest. Senator Pappas.
- Senator Thank you, Senator Maye Quade. Senator Pappas. Pappas. Pappas.
- Thank you, Senator Kunesh. Senator Rest. Yes, I do believe >> Senator Kunesh.
- Thank you, Senator Kunesh. Senator Rest. Yes, I do believe >> Senator Kunesh.
- Thank you, Senator Kunesh. Senator Rest. Yes, I do believe >> Senator Kunesh.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Social Services - 04/20/2026
Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We have in person Senator Cleare, Senator Kavanagh, Senator Weik, and our ranking member, Senator Murray
- Motion by Senator Kavanagh. Second Senator Cleare. All in favor? Aye.
- Motion by Senator Cleare and Senator Kavanagh. All in favor?
- Senator Murray and Senator Weik are in the negative.
- Motion, Senator Murray, and second by Senator Cleare. All in favor? Aye.
Summary:
The Social Services Committee met on April 20 with Senators Cleare, Kavanagh, Weik, and Murray present. The committee considered five bills, all of which were reported to the calendar. Senator Kavanagh introduced S.913, which would remove the requirement that a court proceeding be initiated before someone can qualify for rent arrears grants and ongoing rental assistance; members supported it as a way to avoid unnecessary eviction proceedings. S.2022 by Senator Cooney, which exempts certain income when determining eligibility for public assistance, was also reported without objection.
The committee then discussed S.5807A by Senator Sepulveda, requiring EBT-related websites and mobile apps to be available in the 12 most common non-English languages. Several members supported the language-access goal but raised concerns that the bill could distract from or delay implementation of chip technology for EBT cards and fraud prevention; Senators Murray and Weik voted no, while the bill was still reported with concerns to be conveyed to the sponsor. S.7612 by Senator Martinez, establishing statewide co-shelter toolkits, was described as helping domestic violence survivors keep pets safe and together with victims, and it was reported unanimously.
Finally, S.8045 by Senator Bino, requiring the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to provide materials on removing accounts from smart home systems, was reported unanimously. Members noted concerns about tracking devices and smart-home-related safety issues in domestic violence cases. No other actions were taken beyond motions, seconding, and reporting each bill to the calendar.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- We begin with Senate Print 657, by Senator Harckham. Enacted by Senator D'Abel, Senator Fernandez.
- Senator Fernandez. All in favor of Senator Fernandez. All in favor.
- Bill is reported. 85-12, Senator Krueger. Enacted by Senator Harckham. All in favor of post.
- Moved by Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Liu. Seconded by Senator Liu. Second by Senator Liu.
Summary:
The committee took up several Senate bills and reported them favorably. Senate Print 657, sponsored by Senator Harckham and enacted by Senator D’Abel and Senator Fernandez, was approved and reported. Senate bill 85-12, by Senator Krueger and enacted by Senator Harckham, was also reported. Senate bill 9963, by Senator Serrano, an appropriations measure, was moved by Senator Myrie and seconded by Senator Liu, then reported to the floor.
The discussion was brief and procedural, with no substantive testimony or debate recorded in the excerpt. The chair indicated that one additional item would be taken up momentarily, but no further action appears in the provided transcript.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/20/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 450, Senate Print 2224B. >> Wait a second. >> Senator Gianaris.
- Print 2078, Senator Mayer, an act to amend the Labor Law. >> Lay aside. >> Senate Print 1116, Senator
- >> CALENDAR 186, SENATE PRINT 114 SENATOR CLEARE, AN ACT TO >> Senator Gianaris. >> Mr.
- Senator Liu. >> Mr.
- >> CALENDAR 654, SENATE PRINT Calendar 654, Senate Print 2078, Senator Mayer, an act to amend the
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship.
The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Moved by Senator Skoufis, seconded by Senator Fernandez and Sanders.
- Moved by Senator Fernandez, seconded by Senator Cooney and Sanders.
- Moved by Senator Cooney, seconded by Senator Skoufis and Dado.
- Senator Helming moves the bill. Senator Helming. Move the bill.
- Senator Fernandez moves the bill. Seconded by Senator Sanders.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Insurance met and considered a long agenda of bills focused on health coverage, insurance regulation, and related consumer protections. Measures discussed included coverage for infant formula, restrictions on step therapy for serious mental health conditions, physical and occupational therapy services, outpatient substance use disorder treatment without pre-authorization, mortgage guarantee insurance, patient navigation services, specialized dental benefit plan information, firefighter medical exams, the Strength and Homes Program, accident prevention course instruction, early egg and peanut allergy coverage, speech therapy for stuttering, dog-breed-related insurance restrictions, insurer advertising requirements, prescription drug substitution during shortages, and notice of long-term care rate increases. Members also discussed the rationale for some bills, including concerns about outdated advertising rules and the importance of allergy-related coverage for children.
Most bills were moved favorably, with several reported to the floor and others referred onward to the Finance Committee, Substance Use Disorder Committee, or Transportation Committee. Notable referrals included the infant formula, patient navigation, allergy coverage, stuttering therapy, and drug shortage substitution bills to Finance; the substance use disorder bill to the Substance Use Disorder Committee; and the accident prevention course bill to Transportation. Bills on mental health step therapy, mortgage guarantee insurance, specialized dental plan information, firefighter exams, dog breed restrictions, and insurer advertising requirements were reported to the floor.
The committee also took recorded votes, with some members noted as without recommendation or without recusal on certain bills, and Senator Helming recorded in the negative on the long-term care rate increase notice bill. Overall, the meeting concluded with all agenda items acted on and no bill defeated outright.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to start with Senator Pappas and Senate File 4075, and I will ask Senate Counsel, Ms.
- Senator<00:04:32.360>
Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt. - c> I<00:23:18.840>
and think Senator Putnam and Senator I and think Senator Putnam and Senator - Senator<00:23:37.720>
Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt. - Howe<00:24:21.600>
and Putnam, Senator I, Senator Howe and Putnam, Senator I, Senator Howe
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Dibble. Same Thank you, Senator Dziedzic.
- Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Dibble. Same Thank you, Senator Dziedzic.
- Thank you, Senator Senator Clark.
- Senator<00:42:05.440>
Nelson. Senator Nelson. Senator Nelson. - Okay, Senator. Senator Johnson Stewart. Okay, Senator. Senator Johnson Stewart.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I impose a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call. Senator Murphy. Mr.
- Senator<00:50:32.680>
Bar. Senator Bar. Senator Bar. - Senator<01:35:39.480>
Latz. Senator Latz. Senator Latz. - to thank my Senate co-authors, Senator Lang, Senator Rarick, Senator McEwen, and Senator Matthews, and
- Senator Carlson votes I. Senator Rest votes I. Senator Putnam votes I. Senator Latz votes I.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:09:12.000>
Pratt. Senator Pratt. Senator Pratt. - Senator<00:14:18.160>
Friends Senator Friends Senator Friends Senator<00:14:20.079>Friends - Senator Marty: No. Senator Franzen: No. Senator Pratt: Yes. Senator Champion: No.
- Senator Draheim: Yes. Senator Howe: I. Senator Jasinski: I. Senator Johnson: Yes.
- Senator Mohamed: Yes. Senator Murphy: No. Senator Pappas: No. Senator Wiklund: No.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Photos from the Minnesota Senate - Volume 7, 2026 Apr 18th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we also have Senator Kanuha, but we lost Senator Keohokalole.
- Or state does Or Senate doesn't need.
- Senator Favela. Any NWRs are no's of the Senator Favela.
- send a draft one only excuse Senator send a draft one only excuse Senator Favela.<00:12:50.040><
- <00:13:06.600>
Any Senator Favela. All members present. Any Senator Favela.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met on April 17, 2026, and heard testimony on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 18 would request the Department of Health to convene a hospice working group; the Department testified in opposition, saying its enforcement role created a conflict of interest and that the work exceeded its compliance-focused scope. The measure’s introducer proposed amendments to have a legislator, rather than DOH, chair the group and to remove a date restriction on hospices. The committee later recommended HCR 18 be passed with amendments.
HCR 32 sought a plan to increase access to the Hawaii State Hospital for certain mentally ill criminal defendants. The Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration and the governor’s office indicated support or willingness to work on the issue, while the ACLU provided comments and OHA supported the measure. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HCR 35, on an audit of the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, drew broad support from medical, patient advocacy, and professional organizations, and a surgical oncologist testified in favor, emphasizing the importance of biomarker testing for cancer treatment. The committee recommended passage as is.
HCR 105 asked the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to compile recommended safe patient staffing ratios and maintain a repository; the Center said it had already begun the work and was happy to continue, and the committee adopted an amendment changing the focus from “ratios” to “strategies and ratios” before recommending passage. HCR 173 urged Maui Health to work with stakeholders to establish a full-time medical residency program on Maui; testimony supported the idea as a way to formalize and expand an existing informal program and improve local health care access, including maternity care. The committee recommended HCR 173 pass with technical amendments. All recommendations were adopted without objection, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Ihara is excused. Senator Moriwaki is also excused. Senator Fevella? >> Aye.
Summary:
The Senate Labor and Technology Committee met on April 17, 2026, and considered HCR 112, which asks the Department of Human Resources Development to work with state departments, agencies, and labor organizations to complete a comprehensive review of classification and compensation systems for civil service positions. DHRD, represented by Malia Donlon on behalf of Director Chiba, testified in support, and HGEA also supported the measure. No opposition was noted.
The committee initially recessed to obtain a quorum before taking action. After reconvening, the chair recommended passing HCR 112 unamended. The committee voted to adopt the recommendation, with the chair, Vice Chair Lamosao, and Senator Fevella voting aye; Senators Ihara and Moriwaki were excused. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Go ahead, Senator Gabbard.
- Go ahead, Senator one? Yeah, I got one. Go ahead, Senator Gabbard. Gabbard. Gabbard.
- Senator Chang. Aye. Senator San Buenaventura is excused. And Senator Auwae. Aye.
- If not, Senator<00:09:48.800>
Gabbard. - On GM 778, Chair's Senator Gabbard.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee held a Governor’s Message hearing on two nominations. For GM 750, Tracy Fujita was nominated to the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation for a term ending June 30, 2030. Testimony in support came from several officials and commission members, including the Deputy Attorney General, Maui Behavioral Health Resources CEO Nicole Hokoana, Maui Council Chair Alice Lee, and Uniform Law Commission members. Fujita said her county-level legislative law background at the Department of Corporation Counsel and Office of Council Services would help her serve, and she expressed particular interest in health care legislation. For GM 778, Jessica Schafer was nominated to the Commission on the Status of Women for a term ending June 30, 2030. Support testimony came from Commission Executive Director Yasmin Chaney and multiple others. Schafer said her background includes prosecuting domestic violence cases, working in a human trafficking clinic, investigating sexual misconduct in higher education, and leading gender-based violence programming at the University of Hawaii; she said she is especially interested in sexual and gender-based violence issues but is open to broader commission work.
After questioning, the committee moved to decision-making on both nominations. The chair recommended advise and consent for each, and the committee adopted both measures without any no votes or reservations. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Fukunaga, thank you. And good afternoon, Senator Hashimoto. >> Some good.
- >> thank you, Senator Kona. >> thank you, Senator Kona.
- Senator Kim. >> Yes.
- >> Senator<02:34:11.359>
Kani, >> Senator Kani, >> Senator Kani, >> I< - >> Senator<02:40:35.600>
Kedani. >> Senator Kedani. >> Senator Kedani.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Election Protection / Shutting Down Scam PACs / A New Senator Shares His Priorities Apr 17th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- How Senator Michael Holmstrom's past led him to the Senate and possibly to your door.
- Senator, welcome back to Senate Spotlight. Thank you so much for having me back.
Senate Senator, welcome back to Senate Senator, welcome back to Senate Spotlight.<00:01:43.960- Senator Bonnie Westlin hopes to stop that harm with Senate File 1851.
- Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight. Senator, welcome to Senate Spotlight.
Summary:
The program focused heavily on election policy and campaign finance. Senator Liz Boldon discussed the federal SAVE Act, saying it would require in-person proof of citizenship to register, limit online and mail registration, and require qualifying photo ID to vote. She argued the measure would create barriers for eligible voters, especially people without passports, women who have changed names, and mail voters, and said there is little evidence of non-citizen voting to justify the bill. The segment also noted Minnesota’s high turnout in 2024 and framed the issue as one of access and disenfranchisement.
Boldon also outlined her Minnesota bill, Senate File 4147, aimed at reducing dark money in elections by limiting corporate spending and increasing transparency. She cited the growth in outside spending since Citizens United, said Minnesotans want to know who is influencing elections, and described the bill as a novel approach that could face constitutional challenges. She said the measure had already moved through three committees and might not affect the upcoming election season even if enacted.
The program then highlighted Senate File 5050, the Republican-backed Save Minnesota Act, which would require qualifying photo ID at the polls and during early and absentee voting, allow provisional ballots when voters cannot prove identity, citizenship, or residence, create free state-issued voter ID cards, and direct officials to remove non-citizens from voter rolls. It also covered Senate File 1851, a bipartisan bill by Senator Bonnie Westlin to ban scam PACs and allow victims, the Attorney General, and others to sue fraudsters; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill and could take effect in August if passed.
The final portion introduced newly seated Senator Michael Holmstrom, who won a special election after the death of Senator Bruce Anderson. Holmstrom described his long involvement in Republican and pro-life politics, his work on campaigns and door-knocking, his small-business background, and the personal experiences that shaped his views. The segment also noted that all state Senate seats will be on the ballot in November, listed several senators not seeking reelection, and gave the candidate filing window as May 19 through June 2.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, EIG-HOU Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Elefante, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. Senator Fevella is excused.
- Senator Elefante? Senator Rhodes? >> Senator Favela is excused. Chair recommendation is adopted.
- Senator DeCoite? Vice Chair votes aye. Senator DeCoite? Aye. Aye. Aye.
- Senator Elefante?<00:34:02.800>
Senator <00:34:03.040>Rhodes? Elefante? - Senator Rhodes? Elefante? Senator Rhodes?
Summary:
The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused.
The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS DEFER, HHS DEFER Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I agree, Senator.
- >> Senator. >> Senator. >> Senator.
- Only excused Senator Favela. Senator Dela Cruz votes no. All other members present.
- Senator Dela Cruz votes no. All other Senator Dela Cruz votes no.
- Only excused Senator Favela. consent. Only excused Senator Favela.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to advisory boards and councils. Early in the meeting, members heard testimony in support of Miriam Chang for the Health Planning Council Windward O‘ahu subarea, with supporters highlighting her long medical practice on the Windward side, work at Ko‘olau Health Center, and community involvement. Chang said she wanted to help improve health, especially in rural areas. The committee also heard support for Terrilyn Luke’s nomination to the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; the Center for Nursing director and nursing organizations backed her, and Luke said she would bring a front-line nursing perspective, focus on workforce conditions, retention, and collaboration, and help address tensions between the Center and nursing labor groups. The committee then heard support for Valerie Rose’s nomination to the Language Access Advisory Council; Rose briefly noted her prior work in the Chronic Disease Branch and Bilingual Health Aide Section.
The committee also took up nominations in a later agenda segment. James Montgomery was heard for the State Rehabilitation Council and described his interest in serving based on a family experience with disability and his work in talent management, saying he wanted to help people with disabilities gain opportunities. Kevin Nakamura was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and said his 30-plus years of wastewater experience would help ensure operators are properly trained and certified to protect resources and the environment. Pina Lemusu was heard for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; she said her long career with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and personal experience with disability would help her contribute to the council. Additional testimony in support came from the State DD Council and Voc Rehab representatives.
The committee voted to recommend advise and consent on the nominations it considered, including Miriam Chang, Terrilyn Luke, Valerie Rose, James Montgomery, Kevin Nakamura, and Pina Lemusu. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though Senator Dela Cruz voted no on some of the later nominations. The meeting also briefly noted another nomination, Olivia Kim, which was recalled and advanced with an advise-and-consent recommendation before adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:36:58.600>
Lamasao. Senator Lamasao. Senator Lamasao. >> Aye. >> Aye. - Senator<00:37:00.920>
McKelvey. Senator McKelvey. Senator McKelvey. - Senator<01:31:01.360>
Lee. Senator Lee. Senator Lee. Uh<01:31:02.440>thanks. - Senator LeMahieu. Aye. also votes aye. Senator LeMahieu. Aye. Senator<01:45:16.800>
McKelvey. - Senator McKelvey. Yes. Senator Awana. Aye. Aye. Aye.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas.
The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente.
In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Budget Commission Apr 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Berman? Here. Senator Boyd? Here. Senator Brodeur? Senator Harrell? Here.
- Senator Passidomo? Senator Rousseau? Here. Representative ... Senator Rousseau? Yeah.
- Senator Burman first and then Senator Rusan. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Chair.
- Senator Berman. Senator Boyd. Yes. Senator Brodeur. Senator Harrell. Senator Harrell. Yes.
- Senator Berman. Senator Boyd. Yes. Senator Broder. Senator Harold. Senator Harrell. Yes.