Video & Transcript Research : 'replacement fees'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- fees that would increase this.
- transfer fees and exempt reporting<01:03:09.440>
advisor <01:03:09.880>fees <01:03:10.200 - so it's not all reporting advisor fees so it's not all licensing<01:03:11.160>
fees <01:03:11.440 - >
on then we would charge a nominal fee on then we would charge a nominal fee on narrowly<01:03 - >
that <01:03:31.680>are make sure that we have fees that are make sure that we have fees
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (5:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment replaces the House language with the Senate language from Senate Bill 198.
- The property owner agrees to pay all fees associated with connection The property is within a mile of
- The property owner agrees to pay all fees associated with connection The property is within a mile of
- The property owner agrees to pay all fees associated with connection Including fees for infrastructure
- Senate Bill 1594 would ensure veteran benefits accessed by a foster care agency are not used to replace
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm appointing Senator Finchem to the Committee on Rules to temporarily replace Senator Kavanagh for
- SB 1688, membership associates fees, schools. SB 1685, Arizona Latino Affairs Commission.
- SB 1688, membership associates, fees, disclosures. Government.
- SB 1701, attorney general counsel fees. SB 1702, qualified schools audit reporting requirements.
- SCR 1039, water withdrawal fees, state lands.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded roll call showing 30 members present, and approval of the previous journal. The President announced receipt of HB 2022 from the governor and made temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee. The chamber also received a large calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, water, public safety, marijuana, housing, taxation, and other topics.
A major presentation recognized licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery, who were invited to support SB 1178, a bill expanding their authority to administer certain intravenous legend drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The Senate then recessed to honor public safety personnel with a proclamation commending Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with several Cochise and Pinal County and Border Patrol personnel, for rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. The members applauded the honorees and took photos with them.
After returning to order, several senators used points of personal privilege to urge the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding requested by the Secretary of State for IT and election infrastructure needs, arguing the money was already available and necessary for secure 2026 elections. Another senator spoke about the need for long-term water planning and reduced groundwater reliance. Additional announcements covered caucus and committee meeting times, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a mental health advocacy group visiting the chamber.
No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- designated impact fee districts.
- designated impact fee districts.
- designated impact fee districts.
- designated impact fee districts.
- designated impact fee districts.
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi.
HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date.
HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- on the bottom of page 12 there is a fee on the bottom of page 12 there is a fee report.<00:26:56.320
- <00:27:02.400>
from generally funded through fees from generally funded through fees from - It's just a fee report. It does not set fees at this time. Thank you, Mr. President.
- It's just a fee report. It does not set fees at this time. Thank you, Mr.
- fees at this time. Thank you, Mr. fees at this time. Thank you, Mr. President. President.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- fees to pay off construction debt.
- but can't afford the full upfront entry fee.
- So if we did an apples-to-apples comparison of entry fees and monthly fees with existing buildings, of
- Thus, the higher entry fees, the much, much higher monthly fees because you are paying into what feels
- The entrance fee...
Summary:
The commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), beginning with a presentation from Two Life Communities on its Opus Newton model, which is opening in the fall. Two Life described Opus as a middle-income, modern CCRC built around affordability, care coordination in residents’ apartments rather than separate care buildings, and resident-driven community life. Commissioners asked about financing, home care arrangements, affordability, Medicaid/MassHealth access, and the role of resident councils versus board representation. Two Life said it wants to remain within the CCRC framework, but expressed concern about proposals that would require multiple discrete care levels, impose deadlines on entrance-fee refunds, or require resident board seats.
The commission then discussed possible recommendations. There was broad support for Senate Bill 478, which would require clearer disclosure of entrance-fee refund terms in a separate document for prospective residents. On refund timing, members were divided: some favored a one-year deadline or a deadline with waivers, while others opposed a fixed deadline because of financing risks and the potential impact on new development and current residents. Several members suggested keeping the status quo but adding better data collection and reporting on refund timing. On the CCRC definition and marketing, members debated whether the current statutory definition is too vague and whether the commission should recommend clearer standards or a certification-like process, while also noting resource limits for state oversight.
Members also discussed the Age CCRC Consumer Guide, with general agreement that it should be updated and made more useful to consumers, possibly with clearer questions to ask and more information about facilities, though some cautioned against adding subjective financial-risk statements that would be hard to administer. On resident representation, several commissioners strongly supported requiring resident voting members on boards, while providers argued that strong resident associations and regular meetings with boards may be preferable and that communities should retain flexibility. The meeting ended with a request for written comments by July 11, draft recommendations to be circulated July 18, and a possible final meeting on July 21, with the commission aiming to finish by August 1.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a tax or a fee.
- Uh, so the fee is there uh that pays for part of that cost.
- <01:20:36.640>
and aging and the cost of replacing and aging and the cost of replacing and - remaining, and without continued support, replacement is just not feasible.
- news is that the lead replacement news is that the lead replacement program<01:25:27.199>
works
Keywords:
groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- They only have to do a background fee.
- And so, the licensing fee portion goes back to the general fund, but the background fee, which is about
- We get forfeite fees each year need.
- These are non-refundable fees. notified. These are non-refundable fees.
- And so, the licensing fee portion them.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- For local jurisdictions through a 5% fee on prizes.
- For phase two to replace the legacy RTS system. Item two, Camp Humber Renewal Project.
- The program is funded by a portion of a $5 fee on auto insurance policies.
- Two new riders added. for the RTS replacement phase one project and two deleted riders related to.
- To replace the. Witnesses of the Charles Miller Charles Miller and and Bishop and Bishop.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Replaces disposal tag with carcass tag.
- Replaces<00:15:25.280>
disposal <00:15:25.960>tag <00:15:26.360>to <00:15:26.520> - Replaces disposal tag to carcass tag. Replaces disposal tag to carcass tag.
- that to say may have a $25 fee so that now it is 100% voluntary at all levels.
- stays<00:30:43.960>
local A $25 convenience fee stays local A $25 convenience fee stays local
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:30
HB 571 Discussion 01:29
HB 571 Roll Call Vote 04:02
HB 542 Discussion 06:01
HB 542 Roll Call Vote 10:21
HB 142 Discussion 13:30
HB 142 Roll Call Vote 22:47
HB 212 Discussion 24:00
HB 212 Roll Call Vote 25:40
HB 658 Discussion 27:01
HB 658 Roll Call Vote 32:02, 958, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- staffing and for associated litigation costs, as well as the foreign adversary technology rip-and-replace
- fund to replace technology produced by a foreign adversary from critical infrastructure.
- The Arizona Department of Homeland Security must administer the rip-and-replace fund and create a list
- ADOT for the creation of the bill and then there would be the usual specialty plate fee attached and
- the Commission would get I believe it's $17 that portion of the fee for anybody who chooses to go out
Keywords:
special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy, law enforcement recruitment, public safety, community policing, background investigation, psychological fitness
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met and approved several bills, beginning with SB 1107, which creates an alternative Arizona peace officer certification pathway for honorably discharged veterans who served as military police. The sponsor and a former military police officer testified that the bill would recognize existing training while still requiring Arizona-specific training, certification testing, background checks, and fitness standards. The committee adopted a clarifying amendment limiting the pathway to military police veterans and then passed the bill 7-0.
The committee then passed SB 1308, which creates a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office in the Attorney General’s Office and related funds to pursue consumer fraud claims involving technology from foreign adversaries and to help replace such technology in critical infrastructure. Supporters argued the bill would address both consumer fraud and national security risks tied to foreign-made technology in utilities, communications, and other infrastructure. The bill was approved 7-0. The committee also passed SB 1020, creating an Arizona Space Commission specialty license plate to support the commission’s work; supporters said it would raise voluntary revenue and promote Arizona’s growing space industry. That bill also passed 7-0.
SB 1160 was approved after amendment. The bill restricts drones near ticketed entertainment events, and the amendment expanded the restricted area from 400 feet to 5,280 feet. The sponsor, along with representatives from NASCAR and Live Nation, said the measure would close a public safety gap and protect large crowds from unauthorized drones. The committee passed the bill as amended 7-0. SB 1117 was also approved 7-0; it appropriates funds to DPS crime lab services for processing evidence from counties with populations under one million, with the sponsor saying it would help rural counties handle DNA and other evidence backlogs.
Finally, the committee passed SB 1216, which removes the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and expands eligibility to include crime scene and digital forensic technicians. Testimony from the Arizona Police Association supported making the counseling program permanent and extending it to additional employees exposed to traumatic material. The bill passed 7-0, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- CIVIL LAWSUIT AGAINST THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY THEY'RE PAYING TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LEGAL FEES
- IT'S ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 300 PROJECTS AND IT IS EVERYTHING FROM NEW CONSTRUCTION TO LIFETIME REPLACEMENT
- TO THINGS LIKE GENERATORS, AIR-CONDITIONERS, ROOFS, THINGS THAT NEED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED BUILDING
- ALL THE EQUIPMENT ORIGINALLY PUT IN THE BUILDING IN REPLACING ALL THE EQUIPMENT ORIGINALLY PUT IN THE
- FIRED, THEIR RELATIONSHIP TERMINATES THAT IT GIVES THEM AN OUT WITHOUT PAYING ANY KIND OF LEASE BREAK FEE
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, the bill requires the Superior Court to award injunctive relief and reasonable attorney's fees
- Injunctive relief and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party if the court finds a violation
- And compensation-wise, that does not replace many of the losses for the ranchers or even the livestock
- And compensation-wise, that does not replace many of the losses for the ranchers or even the livestock
- And compensation-wise, that does not replace many of the losses for the ranchers or even the livestock
Keywords:
cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting.
Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- to now just charge them a nominal fee to now just charge them a nominal fee for<00:08:53.120>
- President Obama gave us a replacement. President Obama gave us a replacement.
- With this toll increase, we will replace With this toll increase, we will replace the<00:56:04.480
- <01:54:52.080>
here Um, but there are two replacements here Um, but there are two replacements - look at what is the actual tax or fee look at what is the actual tax or fee increase<02:06:29.360
Summary:
The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department.
Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492.
The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So there is an existing charge today on customer bills, so this doesn't create a new fee.
- So it's the same fee on the bill; it's not changed.
- Replacing gas pipes is very expensive. You just heard $42 billion.
- So the DPU is moving gas companies towards effective replacement of the gas system.
- So the DPU is moving gas companies towards effective replacement of the gas system. Yay!
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes.
Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs.
Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described.
Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed positions will replace contracted project managers and transition the contract expenditures
- to make sure that all LEAs in the state can fund the necessary infrastructure to stand up the CYBHI fee
- the total grant funds for that program must be used by LEAs and county offices of education to make fee
- They are designed to complement, not replace, the broader behavioral health ecosystem, and they operate
- Source: the multi-payer fee schedule.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Interchange fees are fees that card acceptors pay to card Interchange fees are fees that card acceptors
- a network fee, or the processor's fee.
- Again, you know, fee after fee after fee—that's what we're being charged. When is enough enough?
- fees.
- fee-free.
Summary:
The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 407, which would expand the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. The author said the measure would increase flexibility and access to resources, and the bill was approved 7-0 and sent to the Committee on Local Government. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included AB 76, by a 7-0 vote.
A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on AB 1065, which would prohibit swipe fees on the sales tax portion of credit card transactions. Supporters, including small business owners, restaurant and grocery representatives, and a payments-policy expert, argued the bill would reduce costs for merchants and consumers and rein in dominant card networks. Opponents, including banks, credit unions, and payment industry groups, argued the bill is likely preempted by federal law, would be difficult to implement, and could disproportionately affect community banks and credit unions. After extensive questioning about preemption, fraud, implementation, and consumer impacts, the committee rejected the bill on a 6-0 vote, but then granted reconsideration by a 7-1 vote.
The committee then heard AB 1365, which would create the Cal Account Program, a zero-fee, zero-penalty state banking account for unbanked and underbanked Californians. Supporters said the program would help low-income households, survivors of abuse, and others facing barriers to traditional banking, while opponents from community banks and credit unions argued existing low-cost accounts and the Bank On program already address the need and raised concerns about cost, feasibility, and duplication. The bill advanced on a 6-0 vote and later received enough votes on the reopened roll to move forward to the Committee on Labor and Employment.
The committee also approved AB 1052, which would create a legal framework for digital assets and address unclaimed digital property and restrictions on public officials issuing or promoting digital assets, and AB 1180, which would create a pilot program for paying state fees with digital financial assets and require a report on broader adoption. Both bills passed with broad support after brief testimony and discussion. Final roll calls later confirmed AB 1052 and AB 1180, along with AB 407 and AB 1365, were moved out of committee.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Homeowners associations, um, don't want to increase the maintenance fees.
- They are more apt to pay a higher fee.
- Homeowners associations, um, don't want to increase the maintenance fees.
- , and then when it hits them that they have to redo all the windows, their roofs need to be replaced,
- Their roofs need to be replaced, etc.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions. Early nominees included Falleno Vital for the Boxing Commission, Rebecca Moore for the Board of Nursing, and Alexander Smith and Zachary Johnson for the Board of Public Accountancy. DCCA and board representatives testified in support of each, and the nominees who were present briefly described their qualifications and willingness to serve. The chair noted the unusually large volume of written testimony in support of the boxing nominee and emphasized that these are voluntary positions and nominees had already been vetted through questionnaires and resumes.
The committee then heard several nominations to the Hawaii Board of Optometry, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, and the Hawaii Medical Board. Ashley Porter and Katherine Mao spoke in support of their optometry nominations, Nathan Konishi supported his motor vehicle repair board nomination, and Gary Belchure discussed his reappointment to the medical board. A substantial portion of the discussion on the medical board focused on physician shortages, especially on the neighbor islands, and efforts to address them through the Interstate Medical Compact and pending legislation such as SB 1365. Board staff also discussed possible pathways for foreign medical graduates and the need for criminal background checks to fully participate in the compact.
The latter part of the hearing shifted to real estate commission nominations, including Audrey Abbe and Denise Lacosta. Testimony and member questions focused heavily on condominium governance, deferred maintenance, reserve studies, insurance costs, and the need for better education and oversight of volunteer board members and property managers. Both nominees said older buildings, rising insurance premiums, and lack of expertise among volunteer boards are major challenges, and they suggested more training, clearer guidance, stronger enforcement against unlicensed property management, and better access to qualified consultants and financing. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda nominee by nominee.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026 at 09:02 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, Representative, if I can go back to the fees question.
- And so, it wouldn't be the state paying those fees, but the people saying, "I want to enter into this
- Saying, if you don't work X amount of hours, we can just replace you.
- They need to do X, Y, or Z, or they can be replaced with traveling folks.
- We've lost the dentist, and we can't replace them. So where do those kids go?
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 21st, 2026
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, Representative, if I can go back to the fees question.
- That person that is under the compact pays the fee to the commission, so it wouldn't be the state paying
- Saying, "If you don't work X amount of hours, we can just replace you."
- They need to do X, Y, or Z, or they can be replaced with traveling folks.
- We've lost the dentist, and we can't replace them. So where do those kids go?