Transcript Highlights:

• Licensing and administrative procedures, Chair, Phelan, Vice Chair, Thompson, seniority appointments,

Transcript Highlights:

• Licensing and Administrative Procedures, Chair Phelan, Vice...

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Majority Leader Garcia, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some language on the commission.
• I should have just followed commission.
• Most of it's language on the commission.
• So that is what the bill does or the amendment. sections on the commission and the sections on the commission
• It has commission does not live forever.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:28.480><c> Director</c> Hawaii State Ethics Commission.
• Director Hawaii State Ethics Commission.
• </c> we have the campaign spending commission we have the campaign spending commission with<00:18:02.480
• </c><00:18:13.600><c> The</c> Campaign Spending Commission. The Campaign Spending Commission.
• 18:15.440><c> with</c><00:18:15.679><c> the</c> commission has strong concerns with the commission has

Bills: HB1805 , HB2110 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469

Committee: House Legislative Management

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:53.760><c> are</c> of this commission are of this commission are specifically<00:53:55.680
• 28.000><c> come</c> committee commission should come committee commission should come out<00:54:30.280
• :03:15.520><c> a</c><01:03:15.760><c> commission</c><01:03:17.039><c> um</c> committee but a commission
• </c> know, possibilities that the commission know, possibilities that the commission could<01:07:52.160
• </c> have heard here that the commission have heard here that the commission might<01:08:01.359><c> do

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with that being said, we're going to go ahead and call to order the Governor's Advisory and Review Commission
• The Governor's Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys, which is referred to as
• Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 16:53, the determination of the Commission as to the necessity
• Freel, is the history of this commission, the role of the commission...
• Freel, is the history of this commission, the role of the commission, and the approach we took in terms

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a formula that combines objective factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse coverage with subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach supported a statewide request of 120 to 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with the commission focusing on the higher end of that range in the report packet. Several district attorneys described staffing shortages and funding pressures in their districts. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said fast growth in St. Tammany, a long period without added warrants, and recent funding cuts had left his office under strain, especially with felony and sex crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office was significantly understaffed, could not fill all existing warrants because of salary and benefit costs, and was asking for 25 positions instead of the formula’s 23 due to a homicide backlog and difficulty recruiting lawyers at current pay levels. James Stewart of Caddo Parish said his office was losing attorneys to higher-paying public offices, handling a heavy homicide and felony trial load, and needed both more warrants and higher salaries to remain competitive. Commission members asked about split warrants and recruitment challenges. Moore said split warrants were not a major issue for his office, while Sims said his office had no split warrants. Daniels said the association wanted the commission to approve the requested positions and continue working with the legislature on funding. The commission then adopted a motion to recommend 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with members noting that the recommendation would not remove legislative discretion. The meeting then adjourned unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• with that being said, we're going to go ahead and call to order the Governor's Advisory and Review Commission
• The Governor's Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys, which is referred to as
• The determination of the Commission as to the necessity for each additional district attorney position
• Freel, is the history of this commission, the role of the commission...
• Freel, is the history of this commission, the role of the commission, and the approach we took in terms

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys’ Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a more objective formula for allocating warrants, based on factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse logistics, while also incorporating subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach suggested a statewide need of between 120 and 164 additional warrants, and emphasized that Louisiana’s crime rates and office workloads justify more staffing. Several district attorneys testified in support of additional positions and higher warrant funding. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said St. Tammany has grown rapidly, has not received an additional warrant in nearly 20 years, and faces major funding cuts and heavy felony and sex-crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office is significantly understaffed, has lost many lawyers to higher-paying public-sector jobs, and needs more assistants and a higher warrant amount to remain competitive; he asked for 25 additional positions and an increase in the warrant value from $50,000 to $60,000. James Stewart of the First Judicial District described similar recruitment and retention problems, high homicide and felony trial volumes, and rising office costs. Commission members asked about split warrants and whether offices still use them; the district attorneys said the practice is limited or not used in their offices, and that statewide usage was unclear. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendation for 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, based on the chart in the packet. The commission voted unanimously in favor, then adjourned. The action was described as a recommendation for legislative consideration rather than a final funding decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've served on the Human Rights Commission since 2008, so quite some time. And, Mr.
• And I think the role of the Human Rights Commission plays an...
• I'm just curious if, in your time on the commission, you have seen the types of...
• I appreciate that you've had the longevity on the commission.
• And I think the dedication that she has goes on to this commission, this Human Rights Commission currently

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session with member introductions, including the new committee secretary, Abby Rowe, and the pages. The pages also introduced themselves and answered questions from senators about their interests and experiences. The committee then moved to gubernatorial reappointments and appointments for several state boards and commissions. The first confirmation hearing was for Megan Ronk’s reappointment to the Commission on Human Rights. Ronk described her background in state government and Idaho Power, her long service on the commission since 2008, and the commission’s role in investigating discrimination complaints and often resolving cases through education or training when appropriate. Senators asked about due process, statutory authority, and the kinds of complaints the commission sees most often; Ronk said sex-based and sexual harassment claims remain common. Senator Harris praised her public service and dedication. The committee also heard from Salvador Cruz, nominated to the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Committee. Cruz outlined his background in banking, federal financial regulation, and the Idaho Department of Finance, and said he would apply the prudent investor rule to any investment decisions, including possible precious metals investments if authorized. In response to questions, he expressed concern about the national debt and its long-term economic effects. No votes were taken on the appointments; the chair said confirmations would be voted on at a later meeting. At the end of the meeting, Senator Den Hartog gave brief remarks about joining the committee and the importance of the issues it will handle this session. Senator Burns then reviewed the committee’s assigned administrative rules and asked members to contact the relevant agencies and begin scheduling meetings to work through those rules. The meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• He previously served on the commission between 1999 and 2007, and after a hiatus, he rejoined the commission
• Commission and with the Coastal Conservancy.
• There is another former chair of the commission that's not in the gallery.
• and in the leadership as chairman of the commission.
• and in the leadership as chairman of the commission.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing visitors, including Fresno State Ag Leadership students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, confirming Heather Lynn Gonzalez to the Court Reporters Board and reappointing Anacubas to the California Law Revision Commission and David Hübner to the same commission, each by 26-10 votes. The chamber then considered SCR 136, commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, environmental protection, habitat restoration, public trails, and climate resilience, while opponents argued the commission can override local control and hinder development and infrastructure. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day unanimously, with members discussing survivor support, consent, and the need for stronger protections and accountability. Additional resolutions and bills were approved, including SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement flexibility, SB 930 requiring end-to-end encryption for certain school exam proctoring services, SB 917 expanding farmers’ market sales opportunities for wineries, SB 1002 on continuity of telehealth care for eligible patients, SB 1036 clarifying mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SCR 131 calling for urgent action on unsheltered homelessness, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissal, SB 969 on remote developmental services, and SCR 157 honoring School Bus Driver’s Day. Most of these items passed unanimously, while SCR 131 passed 34-0 after debate over housing-first approaches, self-sufficiency, interim shelter, and coordination among state and local governments. The consent calendar was then approved, committee announcements were made, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, with the next floor session scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> immediately is and again the commission immediately is and again the commission is<00:53:53.720>
• </c><00:53:58.040><c> that</c> people on boards and commissions that people on boards and commissions
• </c><00:59:16.799><c> of</c> worked with boards and commissions of worked with boards and commissions
• ><c> show</c> people on the commission they don't show people on the commission they don't show up<01
• <01:00:23.680><c> we</c> commissions we commissions we have<01:00:25.400><c> overall</c><01:00:25.680

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, and co-chair of the Special Commission on Emerging Firearm
• First, I want to thank you for the work you've done on the commission.
• And my thoughts on this commission, at least my role on the commission, and I appreciate everybody else
• One question to the commission: I know Mr. Lazot owns a company that does this.
• the commission.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology met to review its work on intentional microstamping and personalized firearms and to discuss draft recommendations for a final report. The co-chairs summarized testimony received from manufacturers, advocates, law enforcement, and officials from New Jersey, New York, and California. For microstamping, the discussion focused on how the technology could help trace spent casings, its limits in forensic use, and concerns about wear, tampering, implementation costs, and whether it would burden lawful gun owners. For personalized firearms, members reviewed testimony about biometric smart guns, their current commercial availability, higher cost, and potential benefits for preventing accidental shootings and unauthorized use, especially involving children and suicide prevention. Commissioners expressed a range of views. Several supported microstamping as a crime-solving tool and endorsed a recommendation that the legislature direct a feasibility and viability study, set standards and training, fund implementation, and create penalties for tampering. Others opposed microstamping, arguing it has not worked in other states, may not reduce crime, and could impose costs on manufacturers and owners. On personalized firearms, most commissioners supported encouraging the technology, but there was disagreement over whether to create a temporary sales tax exemption; some favored an incentive to promote adoption, while others opposed any tax subsidy for firearms or questioned whether the data justified it. The co-chairs said they would draft a report reflecting the majority consensus and circulate it for review before a final vote at a later meeting, likely in July. The commission also discussed which executive branch agency should conduct the microstamping feasibility study, with the Attorney General’s office and EOPSS mentioned as possibilities. The meeting ended with agreement to reconvene for final votes on the report and recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to one of the warehouses that the Florida Gaming Control Commission has.
• There's a great partnership between the commission and the state license facilities.
• We've gone back and looked because the commission didn't exist in 2019.
• Currently, the Commission maintains...”
• But for the state-licensed slot machine facilities, that comes through the commission.

Summary: The Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee met to hear a panel on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gaming in Florida. The chair opened with a video showing seized machines at a Florida Gaming Control Commission warehouse and described the scale of illegal operations. Panelists included the commission’s executive director, local sheriffs and police officials, and state attorneys from several counties, who described widespread illegal slot-machine locations, often in strip malls or convenience-store-type settings, and said the machines are typically used in organized criminal activity rather than legitimate amusement gaming. Witnesses repeatedly said the current penalty structure is ineffective because possession and operation of illegal slot machines are generally second-degree misdemeanors, which they described as too minor to deter operators who can quickly reopen after paying fines or completing diversion. They said enforcement is resource-intensive, requiring undercover work, search warrants, machine seizure, storage, forensic review, and long prosecutions, often while the same operators reopen elsewhere. Several panelists cited associated crimes such as robberies, firearms offenses, prostitution, drug activity, human trafficking, and at least some homicides tied to illegal gaming locations. Members also asked about the difference between legal amusement devices and illegal slot machines, online gambling, illegal horse racing, local licensing and ordinances, and whether manufacturers or distributors could be pursued. The commission and prosecutors said legal slot machines are limited to specific regulated locations and that lawful amusement machines lack a material element of chance. They said many illegal machines are imported or reworked versions of gaming devices and that upstream accountability is difficult under current law. Panelists also discussed cooperation with licensed casinos, tribal gaming entities, and local governments, noting that some local ordinances have tried to permit or limit these businesses. The main policy takeaway from the panel was a call to increase penalties, likely to felony-level offenses, and to consider stronger forfeiture and enforcement tools. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the panelists.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think that the Federal Election Commission included pets.
• to penalties by the commission.
• ethics for the purposes of that subsection dealing with penalties by the Florida Commission.
• Carrie Stillman, I'm here on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.
• I'm here on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and took up two bills. First, it heard SB 72 by Senator Berman, which would allow candidates to use campaign funds for dependent child care expenses incurred while actively campaigning, with limits to prevent use for general family living costs and a requirement to keep records for at least three years. The League of Women Voters appeared in support, and Senator Rouson joked about whether the bill should also cover dependent pets. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. The committee then considered SB 348 by Chair Gaetz, dealing with ethics violations related to falsely claiming military rank or honors for material gain and with collection of delinquent ethics fines. Gaetz explained that the bill would make such false claims a violation of the Florida Code of Ethics and authorize penalties including censure, fines, and possible removal recommendations; it would also allow public employers to withhold pay to satisfy unpaid ethics penalties. Senator Bradley asked for clarification that “material gain” includes political and professional benefits, not just money, and the chair confirmed that it does. An amendment defining delinquent penalties as unpaid 90 days after imposition was adopted, and the Florida Commission on Ethics spoke in support of the bill’s salary-withholding provisions and expanded jurisdiction. Senator Collins, a veteran, strongly supported the anti-stolen-valor section. The committee then reported CS for SB 348 favorably and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a utility analyst at the Public Utilities Commission. I'm here on behalf of the commission.
• I'm here on behalf of the Commission I'm here on behalf of the commission<00:15:00.880><c> i</c><00:
• I believe the intent was to kind of PUC the commission, both the commission and maybe DOT, to support
• </c> intent was to kind of PUD the commission intent was to kind of PUD the commission both<00:16:42.399
• Hawaii Public Utilities Commission in support.

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the Commission on Teacher Credentialing here. Welcome.
• The commission to provide some input on this question.
• So I don't know if the commission wants to reply to that.
• "Any other thoughts from the Commission on this?"
• Commission has nothing to add. Okay. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who would be a part of that commission? And I think there's a couple of layers.
• What would be the process for how the commission interacts with your other state agencies?
• What would be the process for that commission... ...how the commission interacts with your other state
• What would be the process for that commission?
• how the commission interacts with your other state agencies.

Committee: House House Education

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to remove language requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. The sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office said the change would let school bond and mill levy questions appear on general election ballots, reduce the number of costly special elections, increase turnout, and address an outdated discriminatory provision dating to 1910. Testimony from the New Mexico School Board Association and school superintendents supported the resolution for its potential cost savings and faster access to local and state capital outlay funding. A committee member asked for clarification that school board member elections would remain on the regular local election cycle and nonpartisan. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the resolution on a due pass motion. The committee then heard House Memorial 30, which asks the Legislative Education Study Committee to study public education governance and convene a broad working group to review roles, responsibilities, statutes, and long-term planning across the education system. The sponsor and LESC staff said the memorial is intended to improve coherence, support long-term goals, and consider governance structures that could better align education policy across administrations, including lessons from the Martinez-Yazzie response and models from other states. Supporters from charter schools, Kids Can, the school board association, superintendents, and Teach Plus backed the study as a way to improve coordination and student outcomes. Several committee members raised concerns about who would be included in the process, emphasizing the need for meaningful participation by families, plaintiffs in the Martinez-Yazzie case, tribal leaders, and students with disabilities, as well as clear notice and access for working families. Members also asked about guardrails, accountability, and whether a future statewide education commission could dilute local or tribal voices. LESC staff said the memorial would allow the committee to define the study’s structure, composition, metrics, and potential recommendations, including whether any commission should be created by statute or another mechanism. There was no opposition, and the committee passed House Memorial 30 on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we have a new agency, well, new to us, I guess, the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission.
• Diana Fletcher, I am the administrator for the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission.
• I've been with the Commission for 17 years, and I've been the director for two.
• I'll also share with you that when the Commission was revamped from the Boxing Commission to the Athletic
• I'll also share with you that when the Commission was revamped from the Boxing Commission to the Athletic

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational budget presentation from Diana Fletcher, administrator of the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates amateur and professional combative sports and professional wrestling. Fletcher said the agency oversees licensing and event regulation for boxing, MMA, kickboxing, bare-knuckle fighting, slap fighting, and wrestling, with a focus on participant and public safety. She described recent changes including securing a standalone agency number, updating definitions and legal authority, moving away from cash/check processing to credit cards and online applications, and joining national regulatory organizations. She also said the commission is trying to attract major events such as UFC, WWE, and AEW, and noted the economic impact of 173 events last year, with more than $3 million in sales and significant hotel and job impact. Members asked about licensing requirements, whether events must be sanctioned, the legality of unsanctioned events, and how the commission handles enforcement. Fletcher explained that participants, judges, promoters, announcers, and others around the ring or cage must be licensed, and that unsanctioned events are illegal under state law; boxing is also federally regulated. She said the commission relies mainly on the Attorney General’s Office for legal enforcement and does not regulate high school sports, though it does regulate youth combat sports and youth kickboxing. Questions also focused on slap fighting, which Fletcher said is a real and dangerous sport that the commission has trained on in Las Vegas to prepare for regulation. On funding, Fletcher said the commission has historically received about $200,000, but is requesting a $300,000 supplemental appropriation this year and $500,000 recurring going forward. She said the agency needs funds for rent, IT, HR/payroll services through OMS, training, and one additional full-time employee, and that its revolving fund could be depleted without additional support. A committee member with boxing background endorsed the commission’s reputation and the need to restore it as a standalone agency. No vote was taken; the meeting ended after members thanked the presenters and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm also the House Chair of this commission.
• We'll make sure it gets out to all commission members.
• So the commission members received the xylazine commission brief and position statements this morning
• Last slide, I want to thank you to the commission for your time.
• That's certainly not lost on anyone on this commission.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh goals for the committee commission. uh goals for the committee commission.
• </c> Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission Governor<00:20:17.160>
• </c> candidates in the commission candidates in the commission participation<00:24:43.280><c> in</c><
• </c> Kaho'olawe Commission issues as well. Kaho'olawe Commission issues as well.
• </c> King Kamehameha Celebration Commission King Kamehameha Celebration Commission Governor<00:28:29.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition. In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable. The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.