Video & Transcript : 'West Virginia' :

Page 69 of 438
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Mar 9th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Dennis Cuay-West Romero with the California Primary Care Association, a statewide association that represents
  • My name is Virginia, and I'm a promotor of salud with the Binational Center for the Indigenous Guatemalan
  • My name is Virginia, and I'm a promotor of salud with the Binational Center for the Indigenous Guatemalan
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 and related federal actions on Covered California, Medi-Cal, and immigrant access to care. The chair framed the discussion around three main issues: expected losses in marketplace coverage as enhanced federal premium subsidies expire, new federal work and renewal requirements that would add administrative burden to Medi-Cal, and the loss of eligibility for certain lawfully present immigrants. Covered California testified that H.R. 1 and new federal rules, combined with the end of enhanced premium tax credits, are driving higher premiums, lower new enrollment, and more cancellations, especially among middle-income, Latino, and Black enrollees. The agency said California’s $190 million state subsidy program is helping lower-income enrollees but cannot replace the lost federal assistance, and it noted that roughly 120,000 lawfully present immigrants in Covered California will lose federal tax credits in 2027. On Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services said H.R. 1 will require work and community engagement verification, six-month renewals for certain adults, and other changes that the department expects will reduce enrollment substantially. DHCS estimated 233,000 members could lose coverage by June 2027 from the work requirement and 289,000 from six-month renewals, with losses rising much higher by 2028; it also said it is using automation, outreach, clinic navigators, coverage ambassadors, community health workers, and street medicine providers to reduce procedural disenrollments. The department described a two-phase outreach plan and said it is working with counties on implementation, while the Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget maintains $190 million for the state subsidy program and does not propose additional changes at this time. The LAO said its independent forecast is somewhat higher than the administration’s, estimating about 2.1 million fewer Medi-Cal enrollees by June 2028, and urged the Legislature to review county administrative workload and readiness. Public testimony and member comments focused on the human and fiscal consequences of coverage losses. A representative from the Sacramento Native American Health Center warned that reduced reimbursement and coverage losses would destabilize community health centers, increase uncompensated care, and worsen outcomes by pushing patients into emergency care. Members raised concerns about paperwork burdens, county capacity, outreach effectiveness, and whether the state should do more to preserve coverage, including possible modeling of additional H-CARF spending and support for middle-income consumers and immigrant enrollees. The hearing did not take any votes or formal actions, but it ended with public comment and continued discussion of implementation and budget options.
NY
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 04/21/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia
  • MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, VIRGINIA
  • arbitration proposals, specifically Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Nevada, and West
  • Virginia, and I'm wondering if that was a consideration for...
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, October 6, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hereby appoint the honorable Virginia Foxx to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Committee on the Census Jul 7th, 2026

Senate Committee on the Census

Transcript Highlights:
  • so critical for states that five states in 1980—Georgia, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia—contracted
  • So states are, you know, since Calais, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware have both enacted state voting
Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census
Summary: The Senate Committee on the Census held a hearing on July 7, 2026 focused on how the census defines and tabulates race and ethnicity for redistricting. The sole witness, Professor Jeffrey Weiss, reviewed the history of Public Law 94-171, the Voting Rights Act, and Census Bureau race categories, explaining how block-level census data has been central to one-person, one-vote compliance and to enforcing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. He described the evolution from separate race and Hispanic-origin tabulations to multiracial reporting, the addition of voting-age and citizen voting-age data, and the increasing complexity created by coalition districts and multiracial populations. A major theme was uncertainty about Census 2030. Weiss said the federal government is considering changes to race and ethnicity questions, possible elimination of the MENA category, reduced multiracial detail, and discontinuation of differential privacy, while also discussing a possible citizenship question and other procedural changes coming through the Commerce Department rather than the Census Bureau. He warned that these shifts, combined with staffing cuts, reduced outreach, and scaled-back testing, could affect the availability and granularity of redistricting data and may trigger litigation. Committee members pressed him on the Biden-era revisions, the Trump administration’s current actions, and whether future data might have to be reported at a higher geographic level if block-level privacy protections are removed. Weiss also summarized Supreme Court redistricting doctrine, describing the move from Baker v. Carr and Reynolds v. Sims to the Gingles framework, then to later decisions limiting race-conscious districting, including Shelby County, Rucho, and the recent Louisiana v. Calais decision. He said Calais significantly narrowed federal Section 2 protections but does not directly preempt state voting rights acts, which he noted are being adopted in several states and may still allow coalition-based protections. The hearing ended after questions from the chair and vice chair, with no votes or formal committee actions taken, and the committee adjourned.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Committee on the Census Jul 7th, 2026

Senate Committee on the Census

Transcript Highlights:
  • so critical for states that five states in 1980—Georgia, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia—contracted
  • So states are, you know, since Calais, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware have both enacted state voting
Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • Followed by the state of Virginia, and just last year the state of New York has passed this.
  • important the state of indiana was the first state to pass this into law followed by the state of virginia
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions. Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval. Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/17/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas the construction of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Arizona, SSN-803, in Groton
  • And whereas the USS Arizona, SSN-803, equipped with cutting-edge stealth capabilities and the Virginia
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the pledge, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including the Dr. of the Day, Korean community guests, students, local officials, and a proclamation honoring the future USS Arizona SSN-803 and the USS Arizona Legacy Foundation. The chamber also announced committee assignments and took up several procedural motions, including reconsideration motions on HB 4027 and HB 2444, both of which were granted and returned to third reading. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on Calendar Numbers One and Two. In Committee of the Whole, HB 4034, dealing with CTE-related issues, was amended and reported do pass after debate over concerns from Tempe Union High School District and EVIT, with supporters saying the bill clarified statute and reduced future disputes. HB 2444 was amended and reported do pass. HB 2992, a pilot program related to sexual abuse prevention, drew opposition over concerns about opt-out instruction, pilot status, and classroom burdens, but it passed Committee of the Whole on a 31-21 division vote after amendments. HB 4027, involving highway naming, was amended and reported do pass despite objections that the amendment still appeared to elevate Charlie Kirk over the existing Ed Pastor designation. On third reading, HB 293 passed 31-22 and HB 2502 passed 37-16. HB 2229, relating to maternal services and funding for pregnancy resource centers, generated extensive debate over abortion-related implications and was defeated 26-27, though a motion to reconsider later succeeded 27-21. HB 2533 failed on reconsideration, while HB 2750 passed 44-9 and HB 2999, a special taxing districts bill tied to housing affordability, passed 32-21 after supporters argued it would lower financing costs and help build more affordable homes. H.C.M. 2009, urging federal action to streamline access to minerals on federal land withdrawals, passed 31-22. The House adjourned until the next day after additional announcements and personal privilege remarks, including a proclamation for Sleep Apnea Awareness Month and a call for more efficient floor action.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/17/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas the construction of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Arizona, SSN-803, in Groton
  • And whereas the USS Arizona, SSN-803, equipped with cutting-edge stealth capabilities and the Virginia
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Agriculture & Natural Resources

FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Garcia Companies has been in existence since 1952, started in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and very quickly
Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first considered the appointment of Joshua Kellam to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellam described his background with Garcia Companies, emphasized his conservation interests and land stewardship work, and addressed concerns about his development ties, the commission’s composition, the recent black bear hunt vote, and a prior Yes on 2 campaign supported by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Supporters said he is a conservation-minded landowner and good steward of large acreage, while opponents argued the commission is already overrepresented by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend his confirmation, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no and the rest of the members present voting yes. The committee then received an FWC implementation update on recently enacted boating and waterways legislation. FWC staff reviewed five laws: the Boater Freedom Act (SB 1388), Vessel Accountability (SB 164), Lucy’s Law/Boating Safety (HB 289), Disposition of Migrant Vessels (SB 830), and Water Access Facilities (HB 735). The presentation covered new rules on vessel stops, safety decals, Springs Protection Zones, derelict and at-risk vessel enforcement, long-term anchoring permits, tougher boating penalties, removal of migrant vessels, and grants for boating access infrastructure. Staff said rulemaking and officer training were underway, with some provisions already effective and others scheduled to take effect later in 2025 or January 2026. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and the new Springs Protection Zone standard. FWC explained that responsible owners must reimburse removal costs and can lose vessel registration privileges if they do not pay. On Springs Protection Zones, staff said the new law raises the threshold from any harm to significant harm and requires vessel activity to be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make that determination. Senator Smith questioned whether the higher standard makes protections harder to establish and asked about Silver Glen Springs; FWC said that proposal was paused and would be revisited under the new criteria. The committee took no further action and adjourned after the presentation.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Mar 4th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it was said to you, in Norfolk, Virginia, our nation's great place where the Navy is, 1,500 feet
  • Virginia, our nation's great place where the Navy is, 1,500 feet is all they use, and that's high risk
Committee: Senate Transportation
Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and agency priorities. SB 44, as amended, increased penalties for operating a vehicle with unauthorized red or blue lights and for obscuring a license plate, including new penalties for using, possessing, manufacturing, or selling license-plate obscuring devices. The sponsor and supporting law enforcement witnesses said the bill addresses widespread plate obstruction and enforcement problems; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 654, designating a railroad overpass in Starke as the Heroes Memorial Overpass, and SB 620, creating a Miami-Dade College specialty license plate with proceeds supporting scholarships and limited administrative/marketing costs. The committee then considered SB 594, which would allow Florida deep-water ports to seek Fish and Wildlife Commission approval for no-anchoring/no-mooring buffer zones adjacent to port channels and turning basins. An amendment clarified the application process, review timeline, rulemaking, and enforcement. Port representatives supported the bill as a way to protect channels and commerce, while several boating and cruising advocates opposed it, arguing the 5,000-foot buffer was excessive, could create safety issues, and would displace anchored vessels without adequate alternative dockage. Despite the opposition, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on its 2025 legislative priorities, including stricter proof-of-address and identification requirements for vehicle registration, changes to tank vehicle and IFTA rules, a higher crash-report damage threshold, and electronic notice options. Secretary Perdue then outlined FDOT priorities focused on workforce development, research, rural road funding, small business participation, consistent traffic-control standards, modal infrastructure, transit accountability, spaceport support, advanced air mobility, and shifting some power-consumption revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund to offset electric vehicle impacts. No votes were taken on the agency priorities, and the meeting adjourned after members recorded additional affirmative votes on SB 44 and SB 654.
MD
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 2/4/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the 1920s, James Trotman moved to Baltimore from Norfolk, Virginia, to escape workplace discrimination
  • Baltimore 1920s, James Trotman moved to Baltimore from<00:36:51.280><c> Norfick,</c><00:36:51.760><c> Virginia
  • </c><00:36:52.320><c> to</c><00:36:52.560><c> escape</c> from Norfick, Virginia to escape from Norfick
  • , Virginia to escape workplace<00:36:53.599><c> discrimination</c><00:36:54.240><c> at</c><00:36:54.480
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Children and Family Law (01/27/2026)

Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • my research, I found that Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia
  • Minnesota, New Jersey,<00:59:41.400><c> Rhode</c><00:59:41.680><c> Island,</c><00:59:42.240><c> Virginia
  • ,</c> Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Washington, Washington
Committee: House Children and Family Law
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Hearing Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services and Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I am joined by Virginia Early to assist in any questions at the appropriate time. Thank you.
  • I'm joined by Virginia Early to assist in answering questions at the appropriate time.
  • Virginia Early, with the Early Education Division at CDE, on behalf of State Superintendent of Public
  • I have with me Virginia Early to answer questions at the appropriate time. Thank you very much.
Summary: The joint hearing focused on California’s child care, preschool, and transitional kindergarten oversight, with chairs emphasizing the state’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care and the need to break down silos between programs. CDSS and CDE reported progress toward the plan’s goals, including universal access to TK for all four-year-olds next school year, expanded access for low-income three-year-olds, and more children with disabilities being served in state preschool. They also noted ongoing work on quality rating/review reform, funding structure changes, and the need to address rates, workforce shortages, and federal uncertainty around Head Start. Testimony from advocacy groups and providers largely supported expanding access while simplifying the system. Children Now, Every Child California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that California still has uneven access, especially for infants, toddlers, and three-year-olds, and urged investments in mixed delivery, inclusion, full-day options, and a cost-of-care rate methodology. Every Child California recommended consolidating part-day and full-day contracts, streamlining eligibility priorities, making the two-year-old option permanent, and funding staffing incentives. Parent testimony highlighted how child care gaps and county-to-county transfer delays can disrupt work, safety, and children’s stability, and providers described low reimbursement rates, the need for health and retirement benefits, and support for delinking subsidy rates from private pay. The second panel addressed universal transitional kindergarten. The Learning Policy Institute reported rapid TK expansion, with most districts now offering TK, but said access still depends on facilities, staffing, and whether programs are available at all school sites. The Department of Finance said the governor’s budget would fully implement TK by adding funding for all eligible four-year-olds and lowering the adult-to-child ratio from 12:1 to 10:1. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the administration’s enrollment and cost assumptions were optimistic and estimated lower TK enrollment growth and lower costs for the ratio change. CDE supported the expansion and urged continued funding for UPK coordinators, teacher development, and mixed-delivery planning grants. Members questioned facilities shortages, staffing competition, and how to ensure TK expansion does not displace CSPP or Head Start classrooms. No formal votes or actions were taken in the hearing.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 9/15/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Virginia does have a fee based on miles per gallon, and some states charge different fees for new EVs
  • Utah, Virginia, and Hawaii also have these road user charge programs. Hawaii's is mandatory.
  • Utah and Virginia are voluntary. Hawaii's is mandatory. Utah and Virginia are voluntary.
  • The Utah and Virginia<01:02:28.880><c> are</c><01:02:29.119><c> voluntary.
  • Um they use a Virginia are voluntary.
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (01/20/2026)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • other states that have already passed similar laws to require the use of available alternatives: Virginia
  • other states that have already passed similar laws to require the use of available alternatives: Virginia
  • Virginia, New Jersey, New alternatives.
  • Virginia, New Jersey, New York,<02:15:59.199><c> and</c><02:15:59.520><c> California,</c><02:16:00.800
  • ,</c> York, Louisiana, New Jersey, Virginia, York, Louisiana, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland,<02:16:09.199
Committee: Senate Commerce
NM
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:32 am

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • prioritize affordability in all the states where these kinds of bills have passed recently, Colorado, Virginia
  • prioritize affordability in all the states where these kinds of bills have passed recently, Colorado, Virginia
  • Colorado, Virginia, and a number of others.
Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Jan 26th, 2026

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • evaluation, give them an instrument which has been found across the country and in different states—Virginia
  • evaluation, give them an instrument which has been found across the country and a different, you know, Virginia
  • , for example, has found problems with the forensic country and a different, you know, Virginia, for
Committee: Senate Criminal Justice
Summary: The committee heard and approved several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646 would allow drug-testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect adulterants in drugs; it passed unanimously after testimony from the sponsor and supporters describing overdose deaths and the value of early warning. SB 442 would extend the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, with prosecutors and law enforcement supporting the change because of encryption, device backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence; it also passed unanimously. SB 418 would require autism-related law enforcement training and create a Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it passed unanimously after supportive testimony from law enforcement and disability advocates. SB 132 would create a statewide database and instructions to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights; it passed unanimously, with discussion about simplifying access to records and eligibility information. SB 748 would require sentencing score sheets to include notice about voting-rights restoration and ensure defendants receive a copy; it passed unanimously. SB 1734 would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extend related training, certification, and benefits; it passed unanimously. SB 1660 would designate June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month; it passed unanimously. SB 1742, as amended by a delete-all amendment, would replace an older offense with a new crime of indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor; the amendment and bill passed unanimously. SB 1750 would expand and tighten career offender registration requirements, and SB 1332, a similar career-offender registration bill later corrected on the agenda, also passed unanimously after a question about empirical evidence for registry effectiveness. Both bills were supported by FDLE and sheriffs' groups. The most extensive debate centered on SB 1326, which would eliminate Florida’s traditional insanity defense and replace it with a defense based on lack of culpable mental state caused by mental disease or defect, while also changing competency and sentencing provisions. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the public from violent offenders with serious mental illness and to close gaps that can leave dangerous people under-supervised. Opponents, including criminal defense advocates and some senators, warned that the bill could leave acquitted defendants without treatment, reduce judicial discretion, raise reliability and cost concerns over malingering assessments, and potentially worsen public safety by pushing more mentally ill people into prison without adequate care. Despite those objections, the bill passed on a divided vote. Near the end of the meeting, the chair also corrected an earlier mix-up and moved SB 1750 to the next committee hearing after a motion to reconsider, while SB 1332 was taken up and reported favorably.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the nominations of Dean Sauer, of Missouri, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Harmeet Dhillon, of California, and Aaron Reitz, of Texas, both to be an Assistant Attorney General, all of the Department of Justice. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:15 am

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm told, and then went to law school at the University of Virginia.
  • the age of 16, she was attending Dartmouth College, followed by law school at the University of Virginia
  • Stephen at Virginia Law School? I did, Senator. I think it was my first year. Yeah. He's brilliant.
Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion
Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HHS, HHS, Public Hearings 03-18-2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of my career was at George Mason University in Virginia.
  • Mason Most of my career was at George Mason University<00:13:08.880><c> in</c><00:13:09.000><c> Virginia
  • </c> University in Virginia. University in Virginia.
  • Amber King, LeadingAge Pacific West in support.
Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.