Transcript Highlights:

• Just as a follow-up, one slide too late maybe, but what is the One slide too late, maybe, but what is
• We also converted a file storage room that we had.
• This has caused some issues with workflow lately.
• Some examples of the building maintenance issues that we've been dealing with lately besides the fire
• As of late, there's a lot of movement in this area, and it's an exciting time.

Summary: The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items. The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody knows I'm not shy to file a good public safety bill, and this is kind of a continuation of
• Everybody knows I'm not shy to file a good public safety bill, and this is kind of a continuation of
• And thank you for referencing the late Mayor Briggs.
• And thank you for referencing the late Mayor Briggs.
• But in my county specifically, I wasn't allowed to even file. So it's something that we need.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• good time credit again. credit, which I said I wasn't going to come back in this body and file good
• I filed the House version, and we had that presented in Judiciary.
• I filed the House version, and we had that presented in Judiciary.
• You basically, within 60 days, can file a motion to dismiss.
• I'm going to file one of these anti-SLAPP motions, and I'm going to try to get it dismissed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She says being accused of filing false claims can make it harder to get released on parole.
• There should never have been a complaint filed.
• And perhaps that's why the complaints came in late. But personally, I want to give value to them.
• I think in regard to the late and breaking piece, it's a folder full.
• But I also want to be clear that if a lawsuit is filed against me, if complaints are filed against me

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first established quorum and took up several routine items, including two governor’s appointments to the Court Reporters Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgments. Heather Lynn Gonzalez’s appointment was approved 3-1, Allison Salton-Sall’s appointment was approved 4-0, and the other routine items were approved 4-0. The committee then heard testimony on two Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both associate directors in the Division of Adult Institutions. Senators focused heavily on the California model, staff safety, prison violence, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and visitation. Ratliff and Tuggle said the California model is meant to balance rehabilitation with safety, that CDCR has improved communication and training, and that incidents such as the pepper-spray event at Central California Women’s Facility led to discipline, investigations, retraining, and policy review. They also described PREA reporting systems, anti-retaliation protections, statewide visiting meetings, and efforts to make visiting more family-centered and consistent. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, citing their work on rehabilitation, reentry, and sexual abuse response. The committee unanimously voted 4-0 to send both Ratliff and Tuggle to the Senate floor for confirmation. It then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, public safety, contraband, prison rape prevention, workplace culture, whistleblower retaliation, and repeated allegations in late-filed opposition letters. Johnson said parole risk is assessed through established scoring and supervision levels, that sex offenders are subject to GPS monitoring and treatment, and that operations use investigations, training, and collaboration with law enforcement to address contraband and misconduct. He emphasized rehabilitation, culture change, accountability, and his commitment to staff and public safety, while acknowledging criticism and the difficulty of leading a large institution. No vote on Johnson was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill we're hearing today is House File 1646.
• So once we buy a file from a hospital, we take everything that's in that file and we verify folks' income
• We also purchase files from the secondary market.
• This was House File 22,000. I'm sorry about that.
• Section 4 requires a private fund advisor to pay a $100 filing fee when filing an initial registration

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not forgive any prior failures to file annual reports or unpaid fees.
• The bill provides that failure to timely file a biennial report or maintain good standing revokes the
• It updates late fees and enforcement provisions to distinguish between annual and biennial filers.
• It does not forgive any prior failures to file annual reports or unpaid fees.
• The bill provides the failure to timely file a biennial report or maintain good standing, revokes the

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• members, as passed the House, House Bill 2016 removes the penalty due to the Department of Revenue for late
• filing tax returns if the tax return shows zero due.
• The Senate amended the bill by removing the late filing penalty exemption for transactional privilege
• The filing penalty exemption for transactional privilege tax taxpayers.
• Madam Whip, members, as passed the House, House Bill 2244 prescribes judicial actions relating to filed

Summary: The Republican caucus reviewed a long list of House bills with Senate amendments, mostly hearing brief staff summaries and sponsor comments on whether they concurred. Topics included tax filing penalties, water and court procedures, vaccination and mask rules, bullion investment, nursing care complaint timelines, privacy protections for property and voter records, medical-record access, professional licensing procedures, school and family law changes, public records access for legislators, AI procurement, fingerprint clearance for traffic survival school instructors, development fees, infrastructure districts, distracted driving penalties, health aide scope of practice, eviction record sealing, backyard structure rules in planned communities, inmate transition services, nuclear-ready community designation, DCS parent-rights notices, domestic-violence evidence standards, inmate mental health study committee, legislative subpoena enforcement, trade office oversight, public power reporting, Native American language proficiency, mental health judicial review timelines, mobile food vendor licensing, medical-intervention requirements in schools, and school board training and meeting transparency. In most cases, the sponsor or a representative indicated concurrence with the Senate amendments, and the caucus generally moved through the bills without extended debate. A few bills drew brief explanation from sponsors about the policy purpose, such as aligning nursing-facility oversight with federal requirements, improving access to medical records, clarifying rules for licensed health aides, and adjusting school-related provisions. Some bills were noted as being sent back to the Senate or otherwise set aside, including HB 2035 and HB 2249. No formal votes were taken in the transcript; the meeting functioned as a caucus review of Senate amendments and sponsor concurrence before floor action. The caucus concluded after HB 2380, with members thanked for attending.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ran a few minutes late, to use the word late loosely. Okay. Representative Muse, there you are.
• I know it's late. But what you have, I'm going to go in chronological order.
• And does the mere filing of an appeal constitute an affirmative defense? So, lots of questions.
• 00:45:56.079> constitute<00:45:56.560> an filing of an appeal constitute an filing of an
• We apologize for being a little late We apologize for being a little late today.<01:42:08.560>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's late. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
• So if you file, if the district decides to file a law... you know generally outside the bounds of whatever
• So if you file, if the district decides to file a law, A governing body.
• I know it's late, but I think it's so important.
• I recognize it's getting late, Superintendent.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Late-filed amendment barcode 821406 by Senator Osgood.
• Without objection, show the late-file amendment.
• It's never too late to be a dad. I love you. Thank you, Mr. President. Senator Simon.
• I didn't know to check whether people had already filed for the school board seat.
• And also, you know, I am not always, always here as late as Senator Rouson, or apparently always as late

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and recognitions, including a resolution honoring Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a special-order calendar with multiple bills, many of them paired with House companions and amended before final passage. Early action included adoption of a tax conformity bill tied to federal changes in the Internal Revenue Code, with a 34-0 vote. The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described provisions to strengthen fraud enforcement, impose work requirements for able-bodied adults, expand behavioral health services through a waiver, modernize Medicaid drug purchasing, and require a SNAP fraud-reduction plan and photo ID on EBT cards. Democrats offered amendments to delay work requirements until Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP users such as caregivers, seniors, disabled individuals, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators also questioned implementation details, exemptions, and potential effects on vulnerable populations. After debate, the bill was placed on the calendar for third reading. The Senate also passed bills on technology education and AI instruction, a public records exemption and related Parkinson’s Disease Registry measures, designation of the SS American Victory as the state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the sunset on legal tender recognition for gold and silver, public records protections for financial and digital-asset custodians, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, local government budget transparency, digital voyeurism, insurance customer representative licensing, and a medical freedom bill with amendments on vaccine-related materials and anti-kickback provisions. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though the public records bill for gold/silver custodians and the legal tender repeal drew a few dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the order of House File 1066, House File 1126, then House File 967, and 1669.
• Day here to testify on House File 1126 and House File 967. I just wanted to welcome them.
• I will move House File 1126. Are there any amendments on House File 1126?
• Next item: House File 967, and I will just take it from here. House File 967...
• So I will move House File 1669.

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• If you recall, you may not recall, but House Bill 169, for example, was kind of similar to Senate File
• It's all it really does is it just repeals what was implemented with Senate File 69, so the 25% exemption
• And if Senate File 69—maybe I shouldn't say it that way, I'm sorry—the previous 25% exemption, if they
• It was one of those I put this in a little late, and so, you know, everybody was scrambling pretty...
• those I put this in um a little late. those I put this in um a little late.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• It was earned through early mornings, late nights, discipline, and belief in one another.
• It was earned through early mornings,<00:27:49.760> late<00:27:50.000> nights,<00:27:50.640
• > discipline,<00:27:51.360> and mornings, late nights, discipline, and mornings, late nights
• I move the Senate stand in recess till 5:00 p.m. today or until the last committee report is filed, at
• at which point the journal will is filed at which point the journal will reflect<00:39:13.440> where

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Reverend Jerry Young of New Hope Baptist Church, and then took the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Mumford. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles, and there were no messages or petitions. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, a William Carey University student, a county sheriff, the senator’s wife, students and church members from New Hope Christian School and New Hope Baptist Church, physical therapists and assistants from the Mississippi chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, and former Senator Chris Massie. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution No. 2, which commended and congratulated the 2025 Jackson Academy Raider football team and head coach David Dugen for winning the MHSAA 4A Division I state championship. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after the title was read, and floor privileges were granted to the team. Coach Dugen addressed the Senate, thanking Senator Chassaniol, the school, families, coaches, and supporters, and describing the championship as the result of discipline, teamwork, and player leadership. The team presented a gift to Senator Chassaniol, and senators offered congratulations. During announcements, senators noted several upcoming committee meetings and events, including White Coat Day at the Capitol, the Mississippi Ambulance Alliance reception, an Empower Mississippi summit, and multiple appropriations and committee hearings. Several senators also requested that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including John Guthrie, Colonel Jean Smith, Regina Roberts, and Brenda Le. Later, Senator Michelle and Senator Blackwell were added as co-authors to SR 2 without objection. The President announced that more than 500 bills had been assigned, that the Senate would not meet on Friday, and that the body would still meet Monday afternoon despite possible winter weather. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• proceedings have been commenced or filed proceedings have been commenced or filed with<01:26:44.880
• fatal deaths that are being filed fatal deaths that are being filed electronically<03:39:42.880>
• <03:41:26.000> of allow for direct electronic filing of allow for direct electronic filing
• electronic filing will occur via that electronic filing will occur via the<03:41:43.040> hospitals
• right now we are already filing right now we are already filing electronically.<03:42:53.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• on House File 4896. on House File 4896. As<00:04:27.440> Ms.
• House File 4623. House File 4623.
• Next up, House File 2698. Thank you. Next up, House File 2698.
• She thanked the chair for hearing House File 4864. Next up was House File 1420.
• is House File 3478. is House File 3478.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will be taking up late-filed bills of various themes.
• going to turn the microphone over to him so he can share the purpose of the legislation that we've filed
• In late 2023, I completed the MTRS paperwork used to determine when a member could retire at 80%.
• It was filed by Senator Duna, but I also wanted to add my voice to it. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 20th hearing of the 194th General Court to consider late-filed bills, with testimony limited to three minutes and written testimony accepted by email or mail. The committee heard several retirement-related bills and requests for creditable service or retirement adjustments, including H5246 for Jason Mitrecy, who sought credit for prior Vermont correctional service toward his Massachusetts Probation Service retirement, and a Beverly police chief retirement bill supported by Rep. Hannah Bowman and Chief John Lachillard, who asked to remain in service a bit longer and noted the bill had been updated to include age and health-exam language. The committee also heard from Danny DeLorati, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Judges Conference, in support of H5359/S3800, which would allow judges to receive military creditable service under the same terms as other state employees. He explained that the State Retirement Board had previously denied such credit to judges under existing law, and argued the change would correct an inequity for veteran judges. Committee members generally expressed support, emphasizing the need to get the language right and noting the bill’s broad veteran coverage. Finally, Alex Seminello testified about a dispute with the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System over buying back eight years of Rhode Island service after MTRS had initially approved the transaction and accepted more than $100,000 in transferred funds. He said he retired based on that approval, later learned the credit would not be honored, and was left with a much lower pension than expected. Senator Montigny then spoke in strong support of the petition. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned the meeting at the end.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this here, the final bill we will consider is House File 270. >> Representative Dippel, can you
• House File 2770 be recommended to be House File 2770 be recommended to be placed<00:00:49.600> on<
• has an oral amendment for House File has an oral amendment for House File 2070. 2070. 2070.
• So now, Representative Depel has an oral amendment for House File 2070.
• <00:35:32.560> 2070 will be laying House File 2070 will be laying House File 2070 um<00:35

Bills: HF3521, HF1807, HF1270, HF2070, HF3136

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology analyzed 13,777 late-term abortions between
• There were a study analyzed 13,777 late-term abortions between 15 and 29.1. 13,777 late-term abortions
• These are late-term abortions performed in Canada.
• And what do we know about the situation of those children that were—had late-term abortions?
• My apologies to everyone for being late.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• worked on in the interim with our staff, and I was so pleased when Representative Noble had wanted to file
• The late Andrew Gibbs, a local businessman, was very essential.
• The late Andrew Gibbs, a local businessman, was very essential in the hospital district funding, raising
• Senator Parker, you're recognized for a motion. ...to file a new application.
• me really, you know, pled with me to say, let's do something before something happens and it's too late

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation, received a House message announcing passage of HB 74 creating the Puerto Verde Port Authority District, and heard a recognition from Senator Hancock about a weekend human trafficking operation in Fort Worth in which Unbound Now and the Fort Worth Police Department freed 19 victims. The Governor also submitted nominations to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. The chamber then repeatedly suspended rules to take up and pass a series of House bills and one House joint resolution, mostly by wide margins, along with several local and honorary designations. Among the substantive measures, the Senate passed HB 1244 on open-space appraisal after property transfers, HJR 99 and HB 1399 to exempt animal feed from ad valorem taxation, HB 166 expanding child/endangered-person protections to fentanyl-related conduct, HB 1672 speeding DMV enforcement against unsafe motor carriers, HB 2018 clarifying the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, HB 140 creating a DFPS advisory committee on child protective investigations, HB 467 providing for dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District, HB 2000 requiring sex-offender registration for child grooming, HB 331 creating presumptions for first responders who suffer heart attacks or strokes after strenuous shifts, HB 1089 creating the Gulf Coast Protection Account, HB 2730 limiting when appraisal districts may require new homestead exemption applications, HB 2723 easing cemetery tax-exemption procedures, HB 353 creating a trespass offense near schools and day care centers, and HB 3248 authorizing defense-based development authorities to employ and commission peace officers. Several of these bills drew brief explanations and, in some cases, questions from other senators about their scope and purpose. The Senate also passed numerous memorial highway and facility designations, including HB 767 for Paul P. Mendez, HB 1708 for Trooper Kevin Ramirez-Vasquez, HB 2415 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 for Army Specialist Joey Lenz, HB 2457 for the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2523 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2198 for Officer Jacob Candinoza, and HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. Other local or administrative measures included HB 3513 on the Moore County Juvenile Board and HB 3135 creating specialty plates for retired firefighters. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions and later moved through a large local calendar, including HCR 80, which designated Brenham as the ice cream capital of Texas. Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few votes on rule suspensions and final passage recorded small numbers of nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, but the filing deadline. So you have to file the appeal. Then how long are the briefs?
• but the but the but the filing deadline. but the but the but the filing deadline.
• <00:48:14.720> the So you have to you have to file the So you have to you have to file the
• c><00:48:50.720> a brief and then the appellant can file a brief and then the appellant can file
• filed should have been unconscionable. filed should have been unconscionable.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.