Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Mexico to the Gulf of America? of Mexico to the Gulf of America?
• </c> history of it. history of it.
• </c> of what was to be over 250 years of of what was to be over 250 years of bondage<00:21:46.559><c>
• </c> changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to<00:21:58.720>
• the Gulf of Mexico or the Gulf of America or the Gulf of Cuba.

Transcript Highlights:

• The interesting thing, as you all know, with lead service lines is some of it's private property, right
• of Monday of last forgot to say uh as of Monday of last week,<00:42:32.600><c> uh</c><00:42:32.760><
• of uh Monday of that deadline, but as of uh Monday of last<00:42:44.160><c> week,</c><00:42:44.840><
• </c> of of drinking water professionals of of drinking water professionals uh<00:48:07.280><c> dedicated
• of order of priorities, In terms of kind of order of priorities, can<01:24:49.760><c> the</c><01:24:

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• of of the members of the Alliance of of the Therapy<00:09:21.200><c> Dogs.
• Um, I'm just going to read you a short statement and then I'm going to talk about aspects of this.
• Um, all of it is pertinent. Um, right now we're looking at this as being a financial burden.
• However, I have never felt the amount of support from a representative as a statement that he... ...and
• No, that's interesting. I mean, I guess I see those sort of as two buckets.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Marriages are falling apart because of financial stress and emotional stress, and there's so many other
• Marriages are falling apart because of financial stress and emotional stress, and there's so many other
• The application of the recommendations of ACIP are replaced with those of the Department of Health.
• She said preserving the financial efficacy and sustainability of the vaccine purchasing program is of
• tens of thousands of clients.

Bills: HB1496 , HB2182 , HB2196 , HB2242

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: patients' rights, healthcare information, medical confidentiality, health data security, healthcare access, abortion, medications, reproductive health, access, healthcare, PANDA, PANS, treatment access, mental health, legislation, preventive services, state authority, definitions clarification, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, next one, same Department of State. Had a lot of time, huh? Got a lot of time.
• Next one, same Department of State. Got a lot of time. Huh? Got a lot of time.
• One, it conflicts; it exempts our executives from conflict-of-interest laws, as well as we won't be able
• , and we've seen the effects of situations where the conflict of interest can occur, and sometimes...
• ...situations where the conflict of interest can occur and sometimes not benefit the residents of Newark

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• of veteran of the week, introduction of doctor and or nurse of the day, correction of previous day's
• Guys, members, this is just a humbling day, because if some of you have always made a statement, heard
• me say, make a statement... ...because if some of you have always made a statement, heard me say, make
• Let's give Sophie a round of applause. And all of these exceptional pages of the week.
• Let's give Sophie a round of applause and all of these exceptional pages of the week. Mr.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week First Sergeant Jeff Osterdock, Nurse of the Day Madison Lehman, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Jennifer Steber, and a large group of student pages and visitors. Members also made personal announcements and welcomed guests from schools and community groups. On the floor, the House considered and adopted Senate amendments to House Bill 1484, a schools measure, and passed it 96-1; the emergency clause also passed 96-1. The House then took up House Bill 1085 on contracts, which would standardize service warranty fees with a delayed phase-in schedule, adopted the Senate amendments, and passed the bill 8-1. The House also considered Senate Bill 133 on groundwater permits. After an amendment and debate, members discussed how the bill would apply to commercial water wells and how it would interact with marijuana-related licensing and notification to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The bill passed 85-12, and the emergency clause also passed by the same vote. The chamber then adjourned until February 24, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• of hearing as much from the public within the limits of our time.
• For authors here today, each member of presenting an opening statement and a closing statement, as we
• of faculty and students.
• Convening a work group is in the best interest of all parties involved, especially our students, to work
• education of our students, but in the very fabric of higher education and our society.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been to all kinds of trainings, all kinds of conferences, all kinds of just about everything.
• of Independent Nursing Schools, made up of a number of nursing schools.
• That’s a total of 63 schools. Twenty-three of those... That’s a total of 63 schools.
• items that could be incentives, that I was making a statement that the state of Florida would be supporting
• a financial line item to provide financial incentives.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require hospital emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, staff training, child-sized equipment and medications, a pediatric care coordinator, and participation in a national pediatric readiness assessment. The bill was reported favorably after no public opposition. CS/SB 1224, aligning Florida law with federal requirements for paramedics to administer controlled substances under physician or nurse practitioner direction, also drew supportive testimony from the Florida Fire Chiefs Association and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring coverage of continuous glucose monitors under both pharmacy and durable medical equipment benefits, was likewise reported favorably after brief support from AARP. The committee then considered CS/SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by defining certain conditions as chronic diseases, creating a statewide registry, and requiring screening and training in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Family members and blood clot advocates strongly supported the bill, but assisted living representatives objected to being included, arguing the bill would impose unrealistic medical expectations and liability on residential care facilities. Senators also raised concerns about the assisted living provisions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said more changes were likely later. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with recovery residences and treatment centers, was amended to reduce the number of active patients from 500 to 300 and then reported favorably after extensive debate over zoning, clustering, neighborhood impacts, and access to recovery housing. CS/SB 1050, which expands the developmental disabilities pilot program and creates an adult pathways waiver option, generated the most extensive testimony. Supporters said it would help reduce the long APD waitlist and expand services, while many families and advocates warned against managed care, citing provider shortages, weak oversight, and the importance of consumer-directed care. Committee members emphasized that participation is voluntary and that people can disenroll, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening and level-two screening requirements, and CS/SB 1578, expanding breast cancer screening coverage, were both reported favorably with little opposition. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations; after an amendment expanding the committee from three to five members, it was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1240, updating DCF substance abuse and mental health procedures including 988, methadone assessment, forensic evaluators, and Baker Act transfer timing, was amended and reported favorably after debate over transfer deadlines and facility responsibilities. Finally, the committee began hearing CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at improving Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates by tightening program standards, requiring exit exams and remediation, mandating reporting and inspections, and limiting accreditation extensions. A strike-all amendment was introduced that would also require certain low-performing programs to offer a three-month graduate preceptorship. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full debate and final action are completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise in support of this bill, and I'm interested in some of the conversation we've had today.
• ><c> the</c> and I'm I'm interested in some of the and I'm I'm interested in some of the conversation
• Think about what message adults are sending to all of our kids with that statement.
• Think about what message adults are sending to all of our kids with that statement.
• Think about what message adults are sending to all of our kids with that statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services officials have issued formal statements to health
• I won't go too much into kava in the interest of time.
• I won't go too much into kava in the interest of time.
• I won't go too much into kava in the interest of time.
• That would actually be an interesting question, which I hadn't thought of until this hearing.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• I really think this balances the interests of all the parties concerned.
• But one of the things I found very interesting when I got into the job, I knew a little about a group
• the things I found very Uh but one of the things I found very interesting<02:39:07.400><c> when</c><
• That, of course, is interesting, but it does lead you to wonder how much energy is really going to be
• is interesting, but it that of course is interesting, but it does<02:52:47.600><c> it</c><02:52:47.720

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil
• Matt Gilmore, Department of Health. Ashley Davis, Director, Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
• The protection of the public occurs through the licensure of qualified nurses, setting standards for
• that there's lots of people.
• of that fund balance for?

Committee: All ALC-OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The Occupational Licensing Review Subcommittee met to review two occupational licensing reports: the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. For nursing, board officials described the board’s history, scope, and licensure categories, noting it regulates about 72,000 nurses and oversees RNs, LPNs, advanced practice nurses, medication assistants, and a new dialysis patient care technician registry. Members asked about workforce shortages, complaint types, and the board’s finances; the board said Arkansas has enough licensed nurses overall but has vacancy issues in some areas, complaints commonly involve criminal backgrounds, fraud, misrepresentation, drug abuse, and misappropriation, and the average case length is 191 days though some cases remain open much longer while awaiting criminal adjudication. Officials also said they are working on efficiency improvements and have added help positions with Department of Health support. The report was accepted without objection. The committee then reviewed the soil classifier program, now housed under the Natural Resources Commission after the former board was abolished in 2023. Agriculture Department officials explained that soil classifiers are a small, specialized profession requiring a four-year degree with coursework in biological, earth, and soil sciences, and that the state currently has 29 registered soil classifiers. Members asked whether that number is sufficient, what the work involves, and how the program’s finances are used. Officials said the profession is mainly used for septic system design, wetland determinations, nutrient management, and other soil-related work, and that current staffing appears adequate. They also noted the program has about $20,000 in reserves, above the statutory three-year balance, and discussed possible uses such as training, curriculum upgrades, and expanded administrative funding. The report was also accepted without objection, and the meeting adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for February 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've done a lot of great work in this committee to try to address the ongoing challenges of affordability
• Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to grant registration statements filed by a
• Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to grant registration statements filed by a
• of that work.
• Along the lines of trying to streamline our process of providing housing and subsidies.

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development met to open the 2006 session and discussed the governor’s executive budget, housing affordability, housing supply, and barriers to construction. Chair Brian Kavanaugh emphasized efforts to lower barriers to building housing and expand rental assistance and SCRIE/DRIE-related eligibility, while Ranking Member Jack Martins called for rolling back regulations that impede housing production. Senator Helming stressed that, especially in upstate New York, lack of electrical capacity is a major obstacle to new housing and urged attention to utility infrastructure; the chair responded that the budget includes a $3.75 billion proposal for water and sewer capacity and noted that electrical transmission and generation issues fall outside the committee’s direct jurisdiction. The committee also noted a joint Senate-Assembly budget hearing on housing scheduled for February 25. The committee then took up a 10-bill agenda, largely consisting of measures previously reported by the committee and many of which had passed the Senate in prior sessions. Bills addressed tenant registration statements for LLCs (S.119), leasing to business and other entities (S.240), notice requirements for SCRIE/DRIE rent increase exemptions (S.561), housing production reporting to the Department of State (S.919A), creation of a New York Main Street Development Center (S.1851), retroactive benefit calculations for SCRIE/DRIE (S.2534), a common application and web portal for housing funding and incentives (S.2707), tenant access to complete rent histories (S.3569), continuation of SCRIE benefits after temporary income increases (S.4252), and eligibility requirements for disability rent increase exemptions (S.6510). Several members raised questions or comments on specific bills, including the absence of an Assembly sponsor on S.2707 and the need for technical alignment with Assembly versions. All ten bills were reported out of committee, with some advanced to the floor and others to the Finance Committee. Senator Walchick voted in the negative on several measures, while Senators Helming and Martins occasionally voted “without recommendation” on selected bills. No bill was defeated, and the meeting adjourned with notice that another housing committee meeting was expected the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• All in favor of approval of the minutes say aye. Any opposed? The minutes are approved.
• Next item is the consideration of authorization of expense reimbursement for official commission duties
• I'm not aware of the contract outside of us.
• Just wanted to give you a look at the scope of what would be involved with a number of funds.
• statement?

Committee: All CODE REVISION COMMISSION

Summary: The commission first approved the prior meeting minutes and then adopted the annual authorization for expense reimbursement for commissioners performing official duties under Arkansas Code 25-16-902. Members noted that legislative commissioners would not receive reimbursement for the meeting day if they were already in session and receiving legislative per diem. The commission then heard a LexisNexis proposal for pricing increases and replacement volumes for Arkansas Code publications. LexisNexis said the proposed increase was about 7 percent, citing higher costs and the producer price index, and recommended replacing three volumes in 2026 and four in 2027 based on supplement size and the age of the volumes. Members asked about public pricing, the basis for selecting replacement volumes, and whether a statewide contract for judicial legal research services might be possible; LexisNexis said it would connect the senator with its sales team. The commission approved the pricing and replacement volume proposal. Staff also provided an update on the codification project for state treasury funds. The project will move duplicative fund-creation language into Title 19 only, repeal duplicate provisions elsewhere in the code, and be presented later as a technical corrections bill. Members discussed whether any funds appeared obsolete and whether future legislation could eliminate unused funds, and staff said DFA maintains a list of obsolete funds that could be included in future cleanup work. The chair said the commission would likely meet again in the fall to consider technical corrections, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the interest of time, one of the questions that I had, which I hope you can follow up with me later
• So with that, just just a statement. as a state of emergency as a state of emergency that<00:52:32.880
• And one of the interest groups called a bunch of the magistrates and county judges, and probably within
• And one of the interest groups called a bunch of the magistrates and county judges, and probably within
• And one of the interest groups called a bunch of the magistrates and county judges, and probably within

Committee: Joint Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> influx of students or some adjustment of influx of students or some adjustment of the<00:05:27.440
• </c> So I want to kind of stay out of their So I want to kind of stay out of their lane.<00:07:01.759
• </c> have kind of picked up just because of have kind of picked up just because of the<00:07:44.960><
• </c> You see a count of of some 82 companies. You see a count of of some 82 companies.
• level of financial depth that you and the general contractor might have.

Summary: The committee received an informational presentation from the Kentucky Department of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission on school facilities funding. Staff explained the main funding sources used for school construction and renovation, including the mandatory “nickel” property tax levy, growth and equalized growth nickels, the equalized facility funding nickel, the Fort Knox/BRAC-related nickel for Hardin County, and the recallable nickel that districts can adopt locally. They also described the state equalization formula, noting that local construction costs have risen and that state support is formula-driven rather than a dollar-for-dollar match. The SFCC outlined how unmet facility need is calculated through district facility plans, which are developed locally with community, staff, and board input and then reviewed by KDE staff for consistency and reasonableness. The commission said it will update the statewide unmet need report this fall, adopt it in December, and provide the figure to the committee in January 2026. It reported that the statewide unmet facility need was about $7 billion in 2023, with about $951 million in local revenue available, and said its offers of assistance are paid as debt service over eight years. The commission also said the most recent legislative offer of assistance was its smallest since SFCC’s creation in 1985, and requested an additional $60 million for the next biennium. Members asked about how districts use nickel tax levies, who determines facility need, whether the process includes physical inspections, and how bonding capacity affects offers of assistance. Staff said nickel levies are generally adopted with regular tax rates, that facility need is locally developed but reviewed by KDE, and that KDE project managers and district-hired architects review plans on paper rather than through in-person inspections. They also explained that bonding capacity can affect a district’s ability to use or receive assistance. Questions were also raised about federal funds tied to earlier KIX grants and about districts with zero remaining offers of assistance; staff said most grant-funded projects are underway or complete, and that a zero balance means a district has spent its available assistance. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The board, in 2000, issued a statement of position which addressed what ultrasound is, and that is that
• If you look at the 2000 statement of position from the board that's included in this packet, then it
• And this isn't a question but a statement: I would think if I was part of the network of these clinics
• Coladas, the statement that he referenced from October 25th of 2020, I'm just going to read a piece of
• And, of course, we're interested in the associate degree pathway because of the lesser cost.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 611 by Rep. Freeman, which would require pregnancy-related service centers that provide health care services to be licensed or, as amended, to clearly disclose that they are not a licensed medical facility regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health. Rep. Freeman and supporting witnesses argued the bill was prompted by a legislative auditor report and concerns that some centers provide ultrasounds, STI testing, pregnancy tests, and related services without clear medical oversight. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners’ executive director testified that interpreting ultrasounds and performing certain tests can constitute the practice of medicine, while opponents argued the centers already operate under medical directors and that the disclosure requirement was unconstitutional under the NIFLA case. The committee adopted an amendment, but after debate on the amended bill, a motion to report favorably failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 902 by Rep. Marcelle, which directs the Louisiana Department of Health to develop trauma-informed training. Supporters said the bill grew out of a task force on student behavior, mental health, and discipline, and that educators need a more consistent, evidence-based trauma-informed curriculum than what is currently available online. Some members raised concerns about cost and whether the bill would mandate new school obligations, while a witness from the Louisiana Baptist Convention opposed the measure as mission creep and argued trauma-informed care is too specialized for general teacher training. Other members supported the bill as a way to help educators identify and respond to children facing trauma. The bill was amended with technical changes and then discussed further, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 902 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alabama consists of a rainbow of people, and each and every one of their voices ought to be heard.
• Alabama consists of a rainbow of people, and each and every one of their voices ought to be heard.
• of economic interest?
• of economic interest?
• of economic interest?

Transcript Highlights:

• of loss of federal funds or things of that nature.
• of false claims.
• level of analysis. ...clarity on this process and kind of the level of analysis that takes place when
• And having gone through all of those educational seminars, it's still kind of a bit of a disaster.
• The stakeholders, I'm one of them, and most of you know me, all of you know me.

Committee: Senate Housing & Land Use

Summary: The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated. The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training. Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to do to be one, you have to probably have some background or generational type of knowledge of,
• of, uh, type of, uh, knowledge of, uh, especially<00:03:56.200><c> on</c><00:03:56.520><c> on</c><00
• </c> of me working for Aloha. of me working for Aloha.
• </c> We are in strong support of Mr. Gomes. We are in strong support of Mr. Gomes.
• </c> In terms of engaging our community. In terms of engaging our community.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process. Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process. After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.