Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any nominations?
• >> I move to nominate Representative Ladd. >> I'll second that. >> Any further nominations?
• >> Am I able to nominate?
• Any<00:19:54.000><c> further</c><00:19:54.400><c> nominations?</c> Any further nominations?
• I nominate Representative Chair. Yeah. I nominate Representative Murray. Murray. Murray.

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I'm sure you're all familiar with this nomination process, vacancies happen on a very regular basis
• So we know that the nomination process starts with the county parties.
• There doesn't seem to be a process because there is no relevant party to start the nomination process
• I would suggest that if the Democratic and Republican parties both went through that nomination process
• I would suggest that if the Democratic and Republican parties both went through that nomination process

Bills: HB2356 , HB2574 , HB2572 , HB2460 , HJR4212 , HB2631 , HB2333 , HB2462 , HB2419 , HB2176 , HB2491

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: homicide, public records, transparency, law enforcement, victim rights, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, voting access, military voters, overseas voters, Native American voters, disabled voters, election reform, accessibility, ballot measures, vacancies, elected offices

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Executive Committee, to which the nomination of the Honorable Morgan T.
• At this time, I would like to bring forth the nomination of Christy N.
• Madam Reading Clerk, please read in the nomination of Christy N. Vitola.
• The nomination of Christy N. Vitola is declared confirmed by the Senate.
• The nomination of Christy N. Vitola is declared confirmed by the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:56:41.920><c> I</c> nominal cost if there is one. I nominal cost if there is one.
• of the transaction.
• </c> commercial transaction happens. commercial transaction happens.
• . transaction. transaction.
• . transaction. transaction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's message numbers 719 and 720 withdraw nominations to the School Facilities Authority, file
• and cler Governor's message numbers 719 and 720<00:02:10.440><c> withdraw</c><00:02:10.879><c> nominations
• </c><00:02:11.440><c> to</c><00:02:11.640><c> the</c><00:02:11.760><c> school</c> 720 withdraw nominations
• to the school 720 withdraw nominations to the school facilities<00:02:12.800><c> Authority</c><00:02

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Senator Parker for the nomination. Well, thank you Mr. President, members.
• I rise today with great honor to nominate...
• Senator [Parker](link from function call): I rise today with great honor to nominate Senator [Brandon
• And with that, I think I can speak for all the senators when I second the nomination of Senator Brandon
• I know the members are thankful that we had two nominations.

Bills: SCR7

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 191, Consumer Protection, Retail Transactions, Cash Payments.
• It adds impacted people to the parole commission nominating panel.
• The bill changes the way the parole commission is selected and establishes a nominating or screening
• ><01:19:58.600><c> establish</c><01:19:59.400><c> a</c><01:19:59.760><c> a</c><01:19:59.840><c> nominating
• </c><01:20:00.600><c> or</c> selected and establish a a nominating or selected and establish a a nominating

Transcript Highlights:

• Melgar, who was nominated by the Governor.
• Who was nominated by the Governor.
• Congratulations, Jesse, on this nomination.
• I am honored to move the nomination of Jesse Melgar and ask that we send his nomination to the full Senate
• I am honored to move the nomination of Jesse Melgar and ask that we send his nomination to the full Senate

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I have a nomination.
• I'd like to nominate Senator Barbara Favola, who has tremendous leadership in the commission.
• Madam Chair, I have a nomination. Yes, Delegate Hope.
• It's my privilege to nominate Delegate Laufer to be the vice chair.
• So with that, it's my privilege to nominate Delegate Laufer as vice chair.

Summary: The Virginia Disability Commission held its first meeting of the year on June 18, established a quorum, and introduced members. Senator Barbara Favola was elected chair and Delegate Amy Laufer was elected vice chair, both unanimously. The commission also reviewed and unanimously approved its electronic/remote participation policy, which mirrors last year’s policy and allows limited remote participation under Virginia FOIA rules. Staff then reviewed a package of 14 disability-related bills that passed last session and were signed into law. Topics included disabled veterans’ vehicle registration fee exemptions, open captioning requirements for movie theaters, guardianship/conservatorship order forwarding, service dog team definitions, education and transition planning for students with disabilities, Blue Envelope and driver communication training for law enforcement and driver education, deferred disposition and jury service protections, voting rights in guardianship cases, expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, continuation of a DD waiver eligibility change, and DMAS training authority for autism competency checklists. Members discussed implementation concerns, especially making the Blue Envelope/driver communication program more visible and considering a follow-up letter and DMV presentation. The commission then adopted its interim work plan unanimously, with discussion of possible presentations on DMAS and Medicaid waivers, DBHDS telehealth training implementation, SCHEV and VDOE transition planning, transition from institutions to community settings, criminal justice reform, transportation and parking accessibility, adult-sized changing tables, and school accessibility. Members also suggested adding EVV concerns, seclusion and restraint, rare disease issues, and insurance coverage problems for needed medications. Public commenters urged the commission to address burdensome EVV requirements for family caregivers, improve accessibility for local government meetings and documents, and explore a standardized credential/career pathway for direct support professionals. The chair said follow-up work would be assigned on EVV and implementation issues, and the meeting location would move to the Senate side of the Capitol going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I have a nomination.
• Madam Chair, I have a nomination. Yes, Delegate Hope.
• It is my privilege to nominate Delegate Laufer to be the vice chair.
• So with that, it is my privilege to nominate Delegate Laufer as vice chair.
• Okay, I don't see any ramblings about other nominations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But next up is Carolyn Cadarell for Office of Aging in support of your nomination.
• We stand in strong support of Raylene's nomination.
• So, you know, she'll be a great asset for the next four years if this nomination goes through.
• </c> support for you, your your nomination. support for you, your your nomination.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote. >> Okay, recommendation is to advise and consent on the nomination

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held a hearing on several Governor’s Message nominations. The chair opened with instructions about live streaming, testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening if technical problems occurred. One nomination, GM 542 for Jamie Gagnon to the West O‘ahu subarea of the Hawaii Health Planning Council, was initially deferred because he was not present and there was concern he may not have received notice; when recalled later in the hearing, he testified that he wanted to help address limited provider resources and improve coordination of care. The committee also heard from Christine Cabingao Ting Kang for GM 541, but she was not present and her nomination was deferred to Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 225. The committee then heard strong support testimony for GM 688, Raelynn Tenno for the Pa‘ala Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Tenno said she wanted another term because of her experience caring for elderly family members and her work on emergency preparedness for older adults and condominium/HOA communities. Supporters from the Office of Aging, the PABEA chair, the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and others praised her knowledge of housing, elder issues, and community service. GM 712, Kathleen Merriam for the State Council on Mental Health, also drew support; Merriam described over 40 years in mental health work, including managing a community mental health center in Kaneohe and supporting clubhouse programs. The committee also considered GM 560, Jeffrey Hicks for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council. Hicks said his career in justice and juvenile work motivated him to continue contributing to rehabilitation efforts for youth. The chair and members discussed the importance of prevention and rehabilitation in juvenile justice. After testimony, the committee moved to decision-making and voted to advise and consent on GM 542, GM 688, GM 712, and GM 560, while GM 541 was deferred to a later date and time. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nominations may not be received from the floor.
• </c><00:59:09.720><c> The</c> nomination a clarifying question?
• The nomination a clarifying question?
• I served on judicial nominating for 6 years.
• </c> nominating board. nominating board.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I think the process that we have to engage in is to nominate five more today.
• Mson Rodriguez, should we just open it up for nominations or conversation?
• The chair asked if there were further questions or nomination topics from members.
• So, nominated um if you &gt;&gt; All right.
• So, nominated uh to add to &gt;&gt; All right.

Summary: The Legislative Audit Commission Evaluation Subcommittee met on October 6, 2025, to choose additional program evaluation topics for the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mson Rodriguez explained that the commission had previously selected seven topics from an initial list of 11, with background papers already prepared on five of those items, and that the subcommittee was now being asked to select five more topics for background papers before narrowing the full set to four recommendations later in the fall or early spring. Members discussed several possible topics, especially emergency medical services, non-emergency medical transportation, MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, medical assistance fraud prevention, and U.S. Bank Stadium. David Kersner of OLA said emergency medical services and non-emergency medical transportation are distinct programs, and noted the EMS topic was evaluated in 2022 while non-emergency medical transportation had not been reviewed since 2011. Auditor Judy Randall said MinnesotaCare eligibility, child care assistance, and medical assistance fraud prevention are better suited to OLA’s financial audit division or special review unit rather than program evaluation, and that financial audits and special reviews do not require Legislative Audit Commission nomination. On process, Mson Rodriguez said the subcommittee had already met its minimum required selections under the commission’s policy and was free to choose additional topics. The discussion also covered whether to broaden the stadium topic beyond U.S. Bank Stadium; staff said the U.S. Bank financing structure alone would be a major undertaking, but they could help craft a future topic focused on maintenance across multiple facilities. No final vote or motion was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue nominations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further from the Governor: Conformity with law, I have the honor hereby to nominate.
• ; Senate Resolution 347, referred to Rules and Executive Nominations.
• Friday, June 26, Senate Resolution 345, referred to Rules and Executive Nominations; and Senate Resolution
• Senate Resolution 347 referred to rules and executive nominations. Friday, June 26th.
• Senate Resolution 345 referred to rules and executive nominations, and Senate Resolution 348 referred

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe this nomination is to change her seat from, I believe, large landowner to the Kona representative
• So we strongly recommend her to be nominated. Thank you.
• So we strongly recommend her to be nominated. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, next testifier.
• We are in strong support of this nomination for Kayla Curvelo, who has honorably served as a member of
• Leiloha Macouani, on behalf of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, is in strong support of this nomination

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on April 14, 2026, to consider GM 644, the nomination of Kayla Curvelo to the Hawaii Island Burial Council, shifting her seat from the at-large/large landowner position to the Kona representative seat. Testimony in support came from SHPD Administrator Jessica Pap, who said Curvelo has served faithfully and has strong ties to the Kona community, and from OHA’s Leiloha Macouani, who noted Curvelo has served on the council since 2021 and as chair since August 2025. Curvelo, appearing on Zoom, described her family’s deep roots in Kona and said her focus would be on supporting community and descendant voices in burial matters. In response to questions, she emphasized that burial council decisions should be handled case by case, especially in situations involving inadvertent discovery of iwi, preservation in place, or relocation. She said the council’s role is to listen to families, SHPD, and community needs, and to balance cultural practice, changing conditions, and respect for kupuna and ʻāina. Members asked about her vision for the council and whether iwi could be moved when necessary. Curvelo said relocation can be appropriate when done properly, but there is no single rule; each situation depends on the family, the site, and conditions such as coastal erosion or high surf. After discussion, the chair recommended advise and consent. The committee voted to adopt that recommendation, with Chair Richards, Vice Chair, Senator Kealoha, and Senator Dela Cruz voting aye; Senator Ihara was excused. The nomination was forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• it was seconded by Senator Lang due to the fact that Senator Makanki was not here to accept the nomination
• So if Senator Maki, you've been nominated, do you accept?
• </c><00:01:49.840><c> We</c><00:01:50.159><c> did</c><00:01:50.399><c> not</c> to accept the nomination
• We did not to accept the nomination. We did not vote<00:01:51.119><c> on</c><00:01:51.360><c> that.
• Senator M Senator Makanki,<00:01:54.479><c> you've</c><00:01:54.640><c> been</c><00:01:54.799><c> nominated

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee met to approve the February 24 minutes and complete committee organization by confirming Senator Maki as vice chair. The committee then considered several Department of Safety and Department of Transportation lease requests, along with an informational report from the New Hampshire Council on Resources and Development. The Department of Safety sought approval for a 15-year lease at 17 Freetown Road in Raymond to relocate DMV operations from Epping. The department said the move was needed because the Epping site had limited parking and inadequate interior space, and that the longer lease was justified by fit-up costs and the need to ensure ADA-compliant accessibility. Members asked about fit-up costs and future DMV space needs, and the request was approved. The Department of Transportation presented a lease for JCB LLC for a private, non-commercial dock and pedestrian at-grade crossing on the Concord-to-Lincoln railroad corridor in Belmont. Members discussed the private nature of the dock, the role of DEIS approval, and the annual lease fee, which was read into the record before the request was approved. The committee then approved a bundled request covering 18 similar dock and mooring lease renewals in Belmont, Meredith, and Laconia, with discussion focused on the renewal process, waiver of administrative fees, and the standardized lease costs. The Council on Resources and Development item was informational only and required no action. The committee set its next meeting for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rule three deals with the nomination of new candidates.
• Candidates recommended by the RCAC are automatically nominated.
• </c><00:02:02.399><c> additional</c> automatically nominated additional automatically nominated additional
• </c> invite all of the arak nominated invite all of the arak nominated students<00:05:05.840><c> to</
• </c><00:05:14.360><c> for</c><00:05:14.639><c> further</c> any nominations for further any nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee members, honored to carry the nomination of Brentla for the forensic review board.
• I Will remind the nominee that even though the governor has made the nomination, you would not be considered
• I would appreciate the nomination. I would also like to apologize for my tardiness.
• one more time that we're sorry we're late and thankful for an opportunity to carry such a great nomination
• I'll just remind again that although the governor has appointed you, this nomination would not have come

Bills: HB3045

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: accident response, motor vehicle, law enforcement, fire department, fee prohibition

Transcript Highlights:

• On page one, Governor's Message No. 684 transmits the nomination of Stephanie RS Char as judge for the
• Governor's message number 684<00:04:24.400><c> transmits</c><00:04:24.880><c> the</c><00:04:25.120><c> nomination
• </c><00:04:25.520><c> of</c> 684 transmits the nomination of 684 transmits the nomination of Stephanie

Bills: SB2042 , SB2892 , SB1163 , SB2076 , SB2116 , SB2122 , SB99 , SB2088 , SB2114 , SB2117 , SB2118 , SB2245 , SB2386 , SB2079 , SB2043 , SB2155 , SB2268 , SB2932 , SB3240

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides for the nominating petition for presidential candidates. Thank you. Rep.
• It makes the nominating petitions for PPP, which have always been in the law.
• when we changed nominating petitions for closed party primaries and made all these changes about nominating
• petitions, we did not change them for the nominating petitions for the PPP.
• And so this just makes the nominating petitions for PPP consistent with the nominating petitions for

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on April 23 and advanced several bills dealing with judicial vacancies, travel reimbursement, election administration, public records, and board transparency. Senate Bill 397 by Chairman Reese was reported favorably without objection; it allows the Supreme Court to reappoint a retiring judge on an ad hoc basis to finish cases or provide urgent coverage, while not changing other laws that prevent a judge from returning to the same seat after retiring or resigning. House Bill 398 by Representative Zerang was reported as amended after the committee adopted a new amendment removing lodging from the bill, leaving only meal reimbursement limits tied to the federal GSA rate. House Bill 1201 by Representative Ilk was also reported favorably; it would create per diem pay for legislators doing legislative business outside session and raise statewide elected officials’ salaries using a formula tied to university president pay. The committee deferred Senate Bill 41, which would have extended the deadline for public bodies to publish open-meeting minutes from 20 to 45 days, after the author said he wanted more time to work with opponents. Senate Bill 289 by Senator Abraham, which would have created public-records exceptions for certain university searches, research, and donor information, drew substantial questioning and testimony from the press and members; after amendments narrowed the scope, the committee ultimately held the bill for further work rather than voting it out. Senate Bill 47 by Senator Mizell, as amended, was reported favorably; it requires public boards and commissions to provide contact information, including at least two contacts, a mailing address, email addresses, a website if available, and a phone number, without requiring public funds for member phones. On election-related bills, Senate Bill 248 by Chairman Miller was reported favorably as amended. It allows precincts with fewer than 20 eligible voters to be consolidated with another precinct at the same polling place when both use the same ballot, with Secretary of State Landry saying it would preserve voter privacy, reduce costs, and be seamless for voters. Senate Bill 210 by Senator Klein-Peter was also reported favorably; it increases the number of election commissioners allowed in closed party primaries to match staffing needs created by the new system. Senate Bill 106 by Senator Klein-Peter, which makes certain crime-scene photos, audio/video recordings, and digital images nonpublic except by court order or clerk access, was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 8 yeas and 2 nays. House Bill 906 by Representative Billings was reported favorably as amended; the amendments let party state central committees decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in party primaries, require notice to the Department of State, and make participation rules consistent across the party’s related races, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. The committee also deferred Senate Bills 218 and 220 to the following week before adjourning.