Video & Transcript Research : 'nomination'
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OK
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to start with the posture of executive nominations.
- Bobby Raines for nomination for the Polygraph Examiner's Board.
- If you favor the nomination, you will vote aye. If you oppose the nomination, you will vote nay.
- Member, today is my honor to carry the nomination of Mr.
- I declare the nomination for Mr. Richardson to have advanced to the full Senate.
Bills:
HB2299, HB2939, HB2941, HB2960, HB3062, HB3087, HB3114, HB3244, HB3262, HB3304, HB3345, HB3386, HB3431, HB3498, HB3581, HB3645, HB3648, HB3764, HB3852, HB3974, HB4141, HB4144, HB4227, HB4237, HB4343, HB4425
Keywords:
Article V, convention, amendments, criminal penalties, legislative authority, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, firearm liability, tort reform, manufacturers
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a good number of executive nominations to go through this morning.
- You are here because you have been nominated by Governor Stitt.
- That's a nomination from Pro Tempore Paxton, the second from Senator Rossino.
- I appreciate Governor's nomination.
- considering my nomination this morning.
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 9th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President, why do we have a judicial nominating commission. Thank you for the question.
- The history of the judicial nominating commission was back in 1967.
- Since that time in 1967, how has the judicial nominating commission been altered?
- HJR1024 removes key safeguards in the Judicial Nominating Commission.
- nominating commission.
Bills:
HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530, HB3940, HB3078, HB3043, HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246, SJR49, HB3281, HB4319, HJR1086, HJR1024, HJR1087
Keywords:
HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Transportation and Corporations - 06/03/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We vote on these four nominations one by one. Okay, we vote on these four nominations one by one.
- This nomination moves to the floor of the Senate.
- This nomination moves to the Senate floor.
- This nomination moves to the floor.
- This nomination moves to the floor. This nomination moves to the floor. Opposed, without rec.
Summary:
The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas.
Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers.
At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:24.320>
Do to testify on this nomination? Okay. Do to testify on this nomination? - of this nomination. Thank you very much. of this nomination. Thank you very much.
- Mary Ye nomination. Thank you very much. Mary Ye in<00:16:53.360>
support. - Would you like to make a statement about your nomination?
- <00:46:41.200>
Governor's following nominations. Governor's following nominations.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held a confirmation hearing on a long list of nominees to state boards and commissions. Early nominees included David Padilla to the State Boxing Commission, Steven Pine to the Board of Dentistry, Deborah McMmen to the Board of Acupuncture, Tiffany Lyn Hmel and Gabriel Aay to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Nathan Eslin to the Cable Advisory Committee, John Takitani and Tony Lao to the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, John Arbles to the State Board of Public Accountancy, and later nominees to the Board of Psychology, Board of Pharmacy, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Board of Chiropractic, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Private Detectives and Guards, and the Real Estate Commission. Most nominations were for terms expiring in 2027, 2028, or 2029, with one Real Estate Commission term expiring in 2026.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. DCCA and the relevant boards or commissions generally stood on written testimony supporting each nominee, and many individual supporters also testified, including professional associations, industry representatives, and community members. Several nominees briefly addressed the committee, expressing appreciation and interest in continuing or beginning service. The committee asked a few questions on some nominations, especially about the Real Estate Commission and the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, where members discussed condominium-related complaints, association practices, and whether the board could do more to assist security personnel; the nominee said staffing and authority limits constrained additional training or oversight. For the Real Estate Commission, members also asked about broader housing and market conditions, and the nominee said inventory shortages and housing supply issues remained a major concern.
No opposition testimony or contentious votes were described in the transcript. The chair repeatedly asked whether there were questions or additional testimony, and after each nominee the committee generally moved on without objection. The hearing was focused on receiving testimony and evaluating the nominees for later confirmation rather than taking final action during the meeting.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jul 11 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The following nominations, beginning with Thomas J.
- The clerk will read the nominations. The clerk will read the nominations.
- The following nominations, beginning with Thomas J.
- The ayes have it, and the nominations will be returned to the governor.
- The ayes have it, and the nominations will be returned to the governor.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine administrative business, including approval of the June 1, 2026 journal and several leave requests. The chamber then took up a series of bills and committee referrals, with House Bill 1042 initially sent to Appropriations and later re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations after committee action. Several other measures were either passed, held over in their order, or re-referred, including House Bills 36 and 513 to Appropriations and various Senate and House bills set aside for later consideration.
The most substantive floor debate centered on House Bill 96, where Senator Yaw offered Amendment A4096 to clarify the legal effect of historic tax sales of unseated lands. The amendment would treat certain historic tax-sale deeds as conveying full fee simple ownership, including severed subsurface rights, unless those rights were separately assessed, and would require documentary proof for claims of redemption. The amendment passed 36-14. The Senate also adopted Amendment A4183 to House Bill 1862 after a ruling that Senator Rothman had no conflict of interest and was required to vote; that amendment passed 46-4. Later, Amendment A4173 to House Bill 2559 was adopted 49-1, and House Bill 2559 then passed as amended.
Several bills received final passage by unanimous 50-0 votes, including House Bills 482, 1102, 1830, 1860, and 2426, while House Bill 1862 and House Bill 96 were advanced as amended. The Senate also returned a slate of gubernatorial nominations to the governor on motion of the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, arguing the budget should not ignore low-wage workers. The session also included recognition remarks for Ed Sheehan’s retirement and a submission to the record on the Treaty of Paris. The Senate then recessed until July 12, 2026, at noon, and several bills were signed in the presence of the Senate before recess.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're grateful for the executive nominations of those willing to serve.
- We will now move to the tier two executive nominations.
- Clerk will read the nominations.
- Madam President, that concludes the tier two nominations. That concludes the executive nominations.
- I declare the executive nominations to have been confirmed.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 6 January, 2026; 12:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll now open the nomination for sergeant at arms.
- Jimmy Jordan as and my honor to nominate Jimmy Jordan as sergeant-at-arms.
- >> I second the nomination. >> I second the nomination.
- nominations be closed. nominations be closed.
- ><00:10:41.320>
and <00:10:41.440>Jimmy the nomination be closed and Jimmy the nomination
Summary:
The Mississippi Senate convened on January 6, 2026, with a quorum present and opened the session with an invocation by Pastor Jonathan Vasquez and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then administered the oath of office to newly elected and reelected senators, reaffirming their constitutional duties. After that, the Senate organized for the session by nominating and electing Jimmy Jordan as sergeant-at-arms by acclamation, followed by his oath of office.
The Senate also recognized several guests and pages, including senior pages Caleb Bierman and Walter Townsend, Dr. Catherine Penhal as doctor of the day, Gerald Mumford, Jackson Mayor John Horhn, Jean Frazier, Mayor Uta Peterson, and Angela Simpson. Members offered multiple announcements and adjournment-in-memory requests honoring several deceased individuals and family members, including Ronnie Massey, Kathy Luke, Jimmy Alexander, Matt McElhaney, Sandra Farr Aiken, Amy Nixon Jackson, Robert L. Bobby Butler, John Buckman, Bonnie L. Monroe, Louis Smith, Davis Gray, David Wayne McClendon, Wells Warren McClendon, Shepherd Thomas McClendon, Yancey Burns, Dorothy Shackelford Stanfill, and Buddy Hollowell.
The Senate also announced committee meetings: Public Health would meet after adjournment, Appropriations would meet 10 minutes after recess in Room 216, and Education would meet 5 minutes after Appropriations in Room 216. Finally, Senator Blackwell moved that the Senate stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal reflecting adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning; the motion passed and the Senate recessed.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Preston Griffith, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary, and Dario Gil, of New York, to be Under Secretary for Science, both of the Department of Energy. Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the committee's fourth nomination hearing in the 119th Congress.
- Dario Gil, nominated to be Undersecretary of the Department of Energy for Science.
- Dario Gil, nominated to serve as Undersecretary of Energy .
- The committee meets this morning to consider the nominations of Mr.
- he's nominated to a position like this.
Keywords:
nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation
Summary:
The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business. Apr 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we'll consider a Coast Guard promotion, two consequential nominations, and 16 bills.
- All told, the nominations and bills we're voting on today represent a bipartisan vision for a secure,
- On the nominations, I plan to support Ms. Trustee's nomination.
- The motion is agreed to and the nominations are ordered to be reported favorably.
- The motion is agreed to and the nomination is ordered to be reported favorably.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 22 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolution No. 339 referred to Rules and Executive Nominations.
- for Major General; Colonel Jonathan Lloyd, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel Randy Lutz, nominated
- , nominated for Brigadier General.
- for Major General; Colonel Jonathan Lloyd, nominated for Brigadier General; Colonel Randy Lutz, nominated
- , nominated for Brigadier General.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer by Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received gubernatorial communications and a long list of newly referred Senate and House bills and resolutions. The chamber approved the April 22, 2026 journal by a 49-0 vote. Senators also introduced guests, including a high school senior advisory council visiting with Senator Malone and a young guest welcomed by Senator Costa.
On the floor, several bills were taken up and either set aside or advanced. Senate Bill 1377 and Senate Bill 482 were re-referred to Appropriations, Senate Bill 906 was re-referred to Rules and Executive Nominations, and Senate Bills 1133, 1334, and 1368 were also sent to Appropriations. Senator Dush requested a conflict-of-interest ruling on an amendment to Senate Bill 469; the chair ruled no conflict existed and required him to vote, and the amendment was adopted. The Senate also took Senate Bill 127 from the table and placed it on the calendar.
The Senate then considered Supplemental Calendar Number One. Senate Bill 362 received a technical amendment and was advanced; Senate Bill 1183 passed 50-0; Senate Bill 1352, which would allow qualifying substance use disorder treatment providers to receive two-year licenses, passed 45-5 after supportive remarks from Senators Brooks, Tartaglione, and Street; and House Bill 1877, codifying the Pennsylvania seal of biliteracy, passed 50-0 after Senator Lindsey Williams described its student-led origins. The session ended with committee announcements for the next day and Senator Tartaglione’s petition urging a floor vote on the House-passed minimum wage bill, House Bill 2189.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This classification is nominally sensitive.
- This classification is nominally sensitive.
- is likely is nominally sensitive. is likely is nominally sensitive.
- Kīauea is not nominally sensitive. It's the opposite of nominally sensitive.
- <00:38:48.880>
sensitive we all agree to be nominally sensitive we all agree to be nominally
Bills:
HB2611, HB2102, HB1710, HB1868, HB1920, HB1812, HB1733, HB1715, HB1723, HB1724, HB1727, HB1711
Keywords:
HB2611, Hawaii antitrust, rental housing, rent price-fixing, algorithmic pricing, algorithmic rent-setting, property management software, pricing algorithms, rent coordination, price-fixing, collusion, cartel, multifamily housing, landlord software, occupancy levels, lease terms, Attorney General, public education program, consumer protection, housing affordability
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent.
The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HWN, HWN DEFER Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, this is the April 10th 1 p.m. agenda for the 5GM nominations.
- <00:02:54.080>
That's nomination. Thank you. Thank you. That's nomination. Thank you. - and happily support her nomination. and happily support her nomination.
- 19:15.200>
and Congratulations on your nomination and Congratulations on your nomination and thank - <00:43:54.240>
for GM773, she silos being nominated for GM773, she silos being nominated for
Summary:
The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard nominations for several members of the Burial Council and the Hawaiian Homes Commission. For Burial Council nominations, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division testified in support of Leimana Abunes, Cyrus Sito, Chantel Freeman, and Chadley Shiml Fenig, emphasizing their genealogical ties, cultural knowledge, experience with iwi kupuna, and commitment to preservation and reinterment. Each nominee also briefly introduced themselves and described their background and motivation to serve. Committee members said they had favorable conversations with the nominees and indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda.
The committee then took up Governor’s Message 773, Shaylin Ornellas, for the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony in support was strong, including 45 written supports and no opposition, along with oral testimony from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and community supporters. Supporters highlighted Ornellas’ education, real estate and development experience, public service, and connection to Kauaʻi and homestead communities. Ornellas said she was answering a call to serve and discussed her background and commitment to the community.
Members questioned Ornellas closely about Act 279, the DHHL waitlist, beneficiary consultation, housing options, and the department’s “paper lease” practice. She said Act 279 was intended to help reduce the waitlist, supported broader housing options and beneficiary input, and acknowledged limited familiarity with the technical details of paper leases. One senator raised concerns that paper leases may not guarantee actual lots and urged further research. The discussion also touched on policy issues such as beneficiaries maintaining their waitlist positions after declining offers or taking rentals, with committee members noting these are commission policy choices rather than statutory mandates.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Nominations are now in order for judges of the judicial circuit.
- Are there further nominations? The chair hears none.
- Nominations are now in order for judges of the general district court.
- Are there further nominations? The chair hears none.
- Are there further nominations? The chair hears none.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Retirement and Government Resources REVISED Apr 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Retirement and Government Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Hines, you are recognized. to explain the nomination or introduce the nomination of Marc Wood
- Thank you for that answer and appreciate the fact that you're here for a nomination.
- I declare the nomination to have passed and moved to the full floor. Congratulations.
- I declare the nomination to have passed and moved to the full floor. Congratulations.
- Concludes if we find more exact nominations, we'll be back.
Bills:
HB1170
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Nomination packets include a nomination letter describing how the activities of the individual or group
- <00:07:45.639>
are university after nominations are university after nominations are received - <00:08:28.800>
was process when only one nomination was process when only one nomination was - police brutality award nomination police brutality award nomination documented<00:08:43.560>
- I would nominate you because I...
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard an overview from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement on its community engagement awards program. Amber Cameron explained that the office supports partnerships across the university’s campuses and that nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards were evaluated by faculty and staff selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall application quality. She said the community partner award was based only on the nomination materials and described the award process, including that nominations could come from individuals, grassroots groups, or organizations and that the award carried a $5,000 prize.
The main discussion focused on the 2024 community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality. Cameron said the nomination documented a long-standing relationship with the university through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, including work in 130 course offerings over 24 years across 17 academic departments and participation by about 1,000 students. She cited examples from the nomination such as student research and policy work that contributed to Travis’s Law. Committee members questioned the organization’s age, its letterhead and public activism, the meaning of its relationship with the university, and whether the work was appropriate for an award. Cameron responded that the award did not require formal tax status and that her office facilitated the process rather than judging the organization’s broader views.
Members also asked for additional information on the vetting process, the courses involved, the award funding source, the ceremony, and related materials. Cameron said the awards were funded through OMN funding, that the program was being sunset and replaced with a new internal engaged-scholar awards structure, and that she would follow up on requests for documents, speaking notes, and other details. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee moved on after the testimony and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/26/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >
if nomination nominating hearing because if nomination nominating hearing because if they<00 - Tammy is a nurse nomination today.
- Katsuda's nomination.
- Katsuda's<00:29:53.120>
nomination. - Um, his years of Katsuda's nomination.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations, primarily to the State Rehabilitation Council, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA), the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Center for Nursing Advisory Board. Nominees included Patrick Gartside, Judith Daniels, James Montgomery (not present), Christine Park, Tammy Napoleon, Scott Spelina, Roy Katsuda, and Dr. Sylvia Rom. Each nominee described their background and why they wanted to serve, with recurring themes of disability advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, nursing workforce development, elder issues, and LGBTQ+ health and community support. Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Aging representatives generally testified in strong support of the nominees and emphasized their qualifications and relevance to the boards’ missions.
Members and agency witnesses also discussed substantive policy issues during the nominations. For PABEA nominee Scott Spelina, the committee asked about a bill involving strict liability and elder abuse-related criminal penalties; Spelina supported the approach, saying it would be easier to enforce and better protect seniors. For other nominees, testimony highlighted the need for stronger rehabilitation services, qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors, adult education partnerships, and nursing recruitment and retention, especially on Kauaʻi. Dr. Sylvia Rom’s nomination drew broad support from commission members and community supporters, with testimony focusing on LGBTQ+ health, gender-expansive youth, and intersectional advocacy.
No final votes were taken during the hearing. The chair repeatedly stated that decision-making would be deferred until later in the calendar, and in some cases until the nominee was present or quorum was available. One nomination, James Montgomery, was skipped because he was not present on Zoom, and Kevin Nakamura’s nomination was also deferred to a later date. The committee accepted written and oral testimony and generally moved through the nominations without questions from members.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- [applause] Are there any further nominations? Chair hearing none. The nominations are closed.
- Are there any further nominations? Are there any further nominations?
- We are ready to hear nominations.
- <00:21:30.400>
The nominations? The chair hearing none. The nominations? - Your nomination.
Summary:
The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer.
Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders.
The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 18 March, 2026; 1:30 PM
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to Nomination 51 and 52.
- <00:10:43.400>
and that's why I'm happy to be nominated and that's why I'm happy to be nominated - right, uh and this is Senate nomination right, uh and this is Senate nomination number<00:14:12.200
- uh Senate nomination number 53 and 54. uh Senate nomination number 53 and 54.
- nomination number 89, uh Mr. Ray. nomination number 89, uh Mr. Ray.
Summary:
The Wildlife, Fisheries Committee met to consider several Senate nominations to the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund board. The nominees included Richard Webster, Peyton Locky, Josh Ragio, and reappointee Van Ray. Each nominee briefly described his background and connection to the outdoors, conservation, or related business experience. Committee members repeatedly emphasized that the board should focus on projects that improve public access and advance conservation, while also considering projects across all regions of Mississippi, including north Mississippi.
Members also raised concerns about the use of trust fund money for land purchases, noting that buying land can remove property from county tax rolls. Several senators urged the nominees to favor projects that maximize public benefit, avoid overemphasis on city parks or ball fields, and consider leasing land instead of purchasing it when possible. The nominees generally agreed that projects should be judged on merit, public access, and conservation value. One nominee, Webster, was reminded to file a statement of economic interest with the Mississippi Ethics Commission before floor consideration.
The committee voted to advise and consent on Senate Nominations 2, 51 and 52, 53 and 54, and 89, moving all of them to the floor. The votes were taken by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Van Ray also discussed the committee’s earlier work creating procedures for the program and said the board had already supported many projects statewide, with a moratorium on land purchases currently in place.