Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:46.559> the see here in the maroon boxes the see here in the maroon boxes the timeline
• So the president is the one who decides on the plans, the black box plans, if you will, the variables
• The state appropriation, which is separated out here in the box in our model, is not allocated based
• out here in in the Box in our model<00:48:43.040> is<00:48:43.240> not<00:48:43.599>
• The Black Box again drives the process.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Number five is about the security of the ballot boxes inside the scanners at the polling places.
• And it states there that the procedures prescribed for the security of the ballot boxes.
• Um, which govern the use of sealed ballot boxes is 127. So let's go to that one.
• Boxes to the main polling place that are being delivered. You go to the last page.
• So, I do not want us going backwards in ballot box security. If you want to change the original...

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753, HB311

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Transcript Highlights:

• would be areas under there that boxes would be areas under there that would<00:58:26.119> would
• related to administering trusts fees related to safe<01:03:44.799> deposit<01:03:45.359> boxes
• <01:03:46.200> boxes<01:03:46.760> being<01:03:47.160> exempt safe deposit boxes
• boxes being exempt safe deposit boxes boxes being exempt and<01:03:48.039> I'm<01:03:48.200><
• rental that's worth 20 safe deposit box rental that's worth 20 or<01:09:48.719> so<01:09:48.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And box by box by box, you have the date of the accident, the average weekly wage, what the disputes
• And there are about two and a half pages of boxes that you check, whether it's indemnity benefits, a
• And that's where if you don't feel If you don't feel that checking the boxes is sufficient, you have
• It is a grant program that will provide assistance, short-term training, box.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an F-450 with a standard box on the back that we can use to take care of people.
• That box is nine years old. I got a quote to get that box remounted on a new chassis.
• So, a nine-year-old box on a new chassis was $230,000 when the original truck cost $160,000.
• In the sub, we added for 10,000 and under the ability, as you heard, you can buy the box, but you have
• to equip the box.

Bills: SB868, SB1337, SB1371, SB1377, SB1426, SB1620, SB2064, SB2065, SJR4, SJR 4

Keywords: SB 868, rural volunteer fire department assistance program, volunteer fire department assistance fund, Texas Government Code, wildfire, wildland fire, high-risk wildfire area, fire suppression, rural fire departments, volunteer firefighters, emergency response, public safety, grant allocation, appropriations, disaster preparedness, tax penalties, interest calculation, overpayment, tax law, refund process

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been kind of boxed in to, Okay, good morning. My name is Dan Freiberg.
• We've been kind of boxed in to, Maybe work for some, but not for others.
• We've been kind of boxed into very traditional treatment.
• For us to be boxed out of access is really difficult.
• or breakthrough medicine, but that's really. sort of outside the box or break through medicine, but

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies met to discuss psychedelic-assisted treatments for serious mental health conditions, with a focus on psilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and related compounds. The chair framed the issue as a clinical and access problem for veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD, depression, TBI, addiction, and suicidal ideation, emphasizing that these therapies are intended for supervised medical settings rather than take-home use. Members reviewed research claims and policy trends, including FDA breakthrough therapy designations, state-level psychedelic legislation, and the role of Arizona’s right-to-try law in expanding access once federal approval is in place. Testimony came from Alan Mullen, a retired Army Special Forces veteran, who described his PTSD/TBI history and said ibogaine treatment helped him confront trauma and showed promise in reducing symptoms under strict medical monitoring. Dr. Sue Cisley of Scottsdale Research Institute described ongoing FDA-controlled trials in Arizona, said current medications often fail high-need patients, and urged removal of research barriers and preparation for right-to-try and expanded access. Dan Freiberg of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona said firefighters face chronic exposure to trauma, often rely on alcohol or other coping mechanisms, and need effective alternatives beyond traditional therapy. Dr. Chung Trin discussed late-stage psychedelic trials, the FDA breakthrough pathway, safety oversight, and the need for state readiness when approvals occur. Committee members asked about how the treatments work, whether they require psychotherapy support, safety concerns including suicidality and black-market abuse, patenting and synthetic versus natural versions, and costs compared with ketamine and other treatments. Witnesses said the therapies are administered with extensive screening, monitoring, and integration support, and argued that addiction potential appears low under medical supervision. The discussion ended with interest in sending correspondence to federal officials to support right-to-try cooperation and in continuing the research and policy work; no formal vote or action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also known as a baby box as a legal form of surrender in the state of Florida.
• The boxes are located.
• I have real concerns about the use of these baby boxes.
• I am just worried about the the way the baby box surrender works. What if power goes out?
• We already have a baby box process in Florida.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Provided litter boxes? I'll read it to you again.
• that students are using litter boxes?
• It has been confirmed that students are using litter boxes.
• I've asked if there's an example of litter boxes being provided to students.
• boxes to literally roll out this bill to the public.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And it seems to me, I mean, when I saw what the Mifeprex thing is, it's a box that has the label
• Um, then you have a bottle or I guess in this case it is a box. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
• <00:20:52.480> It<00:20:52.799> seems box that has the label on it.
• It seems box that has the label on it.
• <00:22:19.039> Um case it is a it is a box. Um case it is a it is a box.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The HHS committee met in Room 224 and announced the hearing was being streamed live, with a one-minute limit on testimony. The chair explained that written testimony had already been reviewed and that speakers should either add new comments or stand on their written testimony. The committee first heard SB 2211, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including DHS, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the importance of maintaining SNAP-related food assistance and emergency food delivery, while Catholic Charities raised a question about whether the bill’s language would also reach food banks serving food-insecure households that are not on SNAP. No opposition was heard and the bill was moved on without questions from members. The committee then heard SB 2025, which would exempt actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses from jury duty. Testimony was broadly supportive from nursing and health organizations, including the Hawaii American Nurses Association, the Hawaii affiliate of the College of Nurse Midwives, the Hawaii State Board of Nursing, and others. One witness from Kaiser Permanente requested an amendment to include physician assistants, and a committee member asked the Board of Nursing to review that request. The bill otherwise drew no opposition and no further member questions. SB 2038, relating to medication labeling, drew the most extended discussion. The measure would change labeling requirements for certain abortion medications, and testimony was split between supporters who framed it as a privacy and access issue and opponents who raised patient safety, ethics, and transparency concerns. The Department of Health supported the intent but requested an amendment to allow quicker access to private information during investigations without a subpoena. The Board of Pharmacy said it supported the written comments but noted operational challenges and possible cost impacts, while Kaiser said compliance would likely require manual workarounds and could slow pharmacy processes. The chair and members questioned whether patients could simply remove labels themselves, but witnesses said there could still be safety and access issues if the patient is not the one receiving the prescription. The committee then moved on to SB 2050, relating to chiropractic, which received support from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, with no substantive opposition noted. The hearing later turned to SB 201, relating to insurance, which appeared to be a new mandated-benefit measure tied to infertility/IVF coverage. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission provided comments, while Hawaii Family Forum opposed the bill, arguing it went beyond medical infertility and raised ethical and public policy concerns. Kaiser and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans both asked for a study or audit, saying the measure could create new insurance mandates and increase costs for residents and employers. Private Work Hawaii strongly supported the bill as an equity issue. The committee noted there was no quorum for decision-making and deferred action on the measure to a later hearing, then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess they just check a box. >> Let’s just talk about people our age.
• I guess they just check a box. >> Let’s just talk about people our age.
• uh so so for guess they just check a box uh so so for let's<00:13:38.079> just<00:13:38.240><
• Like you know box was is that correct?
• because they didn't check the right box because they didn't check the right box because<00:21:27.200

Keywords: Elections - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 2:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 250, which would require disclosures for political advertisements that are generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence. Senator Blackman explained that the bill applies to video, image, and audio ads, with specific disclaimer requirements and exemptions for bona fide news coverage, documentaries, and certain distributors that require AI disclosure from submitters. Members asked about the bill’s scope, including that it would not cover written mailers. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient and do pass, and the bill was reported out. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2386, which would prohibit political candidates from using grand jury or jury proceedings as a captive audience for campaign activity. Senator Tate said the measure had been passed before and was intended to prevent politicizing trials. With no questions, the committee again voted title sufficient and do pass, and the bill was reported out. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2096 from the Secretary of State’s office, a technical elections bill establishing minimum cybersecurity standards for access to SIMS by election officials and clerks; counties would have to pass an assessment or use election support funds to fix deficiencies. That bill was likewise reported out on a title sufficient, do pass motion. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 2588, the Shield Act, which would require citizenship verification through the federal SAVE system for certain driver’s license or ID applicants who identify as noncitizens or do not provide verifiable information, and would also run the voter rolls through SAVE annually. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity and add confidence that voters are citizens, while Senator Blunt argued the bill could lead to unnecessary purges based on database mismatches and that existing systems already address the issue. The Secretary of State’s office said SAVE is used with safeguards, does not automatically remove voters, and that voters flagged in error can provide proof and remain eligible. Despite the debate, the committee voted title sufficient and do pass committee substitute, and the bill was reported out. Finally, the chairman began explaining Senate Bill 2558, a comprehensive campaign finance reform bill. He described provisions requiring candidates and committees to file statements of organization before accepting contributions or making expenditures, defining corporate contributions and coordinated expenditures, separating candidate committees from PACs, requiring more detailed reporting and electronic filing, setting rules for termination reports and anonymous contributions, and imposing tiered fines for violations. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its discussion or took final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask the members of this committee to think outside of the box.
• Data and experience have shown that steel and concrete boxes do not work, that these boxes are harmful
• individuals to tap into the vast network of rehabilitation resources outside the traditional prison box
• , which lowers the overall cost. ...outside the traditional prison box, which lowers the overall costs
• We cannot support building more boxes and then boxes inside of those boxes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations. A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry. The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morgan explained that the paper produced in Becker is used to produce boxes in a number of facilities
• He said that if you take the corrugated box out and put it at the end of your driveway in Minnesota,
• If you take the corrugated box out and put it at the end of your driveway in Minnesota, that box almost
• , that box almost certainly ends up back in Becker, Minnesota, and that it is a significant amount of
• Typically, the industry says about 90% of corrugated boxes are recycled.

Bills: HF4770

Keywords: biomass, anaerobic digester, renewable energy, sustainability, energy generation

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then took up House File 4770, as amended by an A1 technical amendment. The bill was presented as a proposal to help Liberty Diversified International and Liberty Paper in Becker plan for replacement steam and energy supply as the Shuro facility closure approaches in 2030. Testimony described Liberty Paper’s current closed-loop steam arrangement with Shuro, the need to study future fuel and technology options, and the potential use of anaerobic digestion, biomass, construction and demolition waste, and food waste to produce steam and possibly power. Members asked about feedstock availability, the need for a feasibility study, possible backup natural gas use, and whether waste heat or wastewater heat could be useful. The bill was laid over as amended. The committee then heard a presentation from CenterPoint Energy on Minnesota heating demand and electrification. CenterPoint staff said affordability and reliability are central concerns and outlined how the utility manages customer costs through energy efficiency, contracting, storage, peak shaving, and conservation. Dr. Joel Lynch presented research on peak heating with natural gas and the “missing piece” in Minnesota’s electrification puzzle, explaining that Minnesota’s cold climate makes winter heating demand especially challenging and that replacing natural gas would require substantial new electric capacity and renewable resources. He compared his work with prior national and state studies and said the analysis used Minnesota-specific gas throughput, COP assumptions across several electrification scenarios, and January renewable capacity data. Lynch summarized preliminary findings that Minnesota’s peak gas heating throughput could be up to 40 gigawatts, with electric resistance heating implying roughly 36 gigawatts of new demand, and lower but still substantial demand under heat-pump scenarios. The presentation was informational only; no vote was taken on the CenterPoint presentation. The meeting ended with House File 4770 laid over and the energy demand presentation continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see it was approved to purchase a truck and a vet box.
• <00:20:57.280> So<00:20:57.520> an<00:20:57.679> important truck and a vet box
• So an important truck and a vet box.
• with all the equipment on there vet box with all the equipment on there necessary<00:21:05.600> to
• in the hands of parents as we can, boxes in the hands of parents as we can, especially<00:32:21.039>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:08 Approval of Minutes 00:43 KOAP Report 00:59 KY Office of Drug Control Policy 23:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on September 18, 2025, approved the July 10 minutes, and received Brandon Reid’s monthly report on Kentucky agriculture development and finance activity for July and August. Reid emphasized the long-running structure created under House Bill 611 and Senate Bill 28, the role of county agriculture development councils in all 120 counties, and the importance of the program as a national model for supporting Kentucky agriculture. He also introduced new staff and interns, including a new loan programs manager, Rachel Coward, and project manager Kylie Davis. For July, the development board reported $3.4 million invested in agriculture and the finance corporation reported $3.1 million in loans. Highlights included 11 county council meetings, site visits, program reviews, and 18 project reports. July approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased farm animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, infrastructure loans, an agriculture processing loan, and beginning farmer loans. Staff also noted that all 120 counties had submitted their required five-year comprehensive plans on schedule. Bill McCloskey then highlighted several funded projects, including Dino’s Farm LLC in Jefferson County, which received support to purchase a meat processing facility and equipment, with the goal of creating market opportunities for goat, sheep, and cattle producers and establishing Kentucky’s first halal meat processing facility. Other projects included a veterinarian facility project to address large animal vet shortages and Grow Appalachia at Berea College, which provides technical assistance and market support for small-scale and eastern Kentucky producers. Members discussed the need for programs such as high tunnels and other small-scale opportunities in rural areas, and staff noted related resources such as CAPE and NRCS funding. For August, the board reported $500,000 in development board investments and just over $3 million in finance corporation loans, along with fewer staff activities than July but continued county council, site visit, and project review work. August approvals included county agriculture incentive programs, deceased animal removal programs, youth incentive programs, county/state projects, agriculture infrastructure loans, beginning farmer loans, and a horticulture incentives loan. Additional project updates included another veterinary equipment purchase, emergency safety equipment in Graves County, and a food safety and efficiency incentive for Jared Cornet.

Transcript Highlights:

• however we describe them that feet boxes however we describe them that would<00:30:43.200> resolve
• I don't know offhand<00:31:48.960> within<00:31:49.360> the<00:31:49.519> boxes<
• that we want to offhand within the boxes that we want to store<00:31:50.640> off<00:31:50.880
• We can kind of break down what those 20,000, you know, boxes that we're specifically talking about are
• <00:34:24.000> that<00:34:24.240> we're what those the boxes that we're what those

Keywords: 00:10 Call to order and Roll Call 01:06 Information Items and Introduction of Kentucky Court of Justice 03:02 Discussion of Interpreter State and National Contractor Rates 06:35 Discussion of Certifications 08:44 Discussion of AI use in Interpretation 13:56 Software Service Initiatives 16:47 Data Security and AV system Upgrades 24:38 Drug Court Issues 28:43 Discussion of Jefferson County Record Storage 35:33 Boyle County Courthouse Construction 39.26 KY State Police Driver Testing 45:22 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard a budget overview from the Kentucky Court of Justice focused on mandated services and several growth items in the judicial branch budget. Court officials said the requests were driven by legal and contractual obligations, including higher contractor rates for court interpreters and IT support, annual software-as-a-service costs, and upgrades to the court’s audiovisual record system (JAVS). They also discussed local facilities needs tied to Jefferson County lease space and the Boyle County Courthouse, though the bulk of the presentation centered on the court’s technology and service-delivery costs. Members asked detailed questions about interpreter services, including whether services are provided in person, by phone, or by Zoom, and whether Kentucky could train and certify more local interpreters instead of relying on contractors from around the country. Court officials said the certification process is rigorous, that the branch is working with the National Center for State Courts on an apprenticeship program, and that they believe Kentucky may have flexibility to develop state-level certification if it meets court needs. They also said they are exploring technology and AI tools for translation, but have not found a solution that reliably handles complex courtroom context. Representative Sharp asked whether cases had been delayed for lack of interpreters; officials said they could provide aggregated data later. The court also described its major IT modernization effort, including a statewide case management system, e-filing, and maintenance of many legacy applications. Officials said contractor rates need to be raised to compete for skilled labor during the implementation phase, but that those costs should decline once the new systems are fully built and only maintained. They explained that part of the request covers three SaaS initiatives: ongoing subscription costs for existing systems, annual fees for the CaseWorks system used in pretrial and specialty courts after federal grant funding ends, and adoption of DocuSign to streamline invoicing, procurement, and contract execution. In response to questions from Representative KC Carney, they said cybersecurity is taken seriously, that they recently conducted a tabletop exercise, and that some risk shifts to cloud vendors under contract, though no separate cybersecurity line item was included. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the JAVS audiovisual court-record system. Court officials said not all courtrooms are on the same version, and they want funding to bring all locations up to the current version and prepare for version 9, which they said would standardize the system statewide and support the official court record. When asked about costs, they said each upgrade can cost about $70,000 to $80,000 per system, that they aim to upgrade about 50 per year, and that the request reflects the need to keep pace with a four-year refresh cycle. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• at out of the box.
• Again, thinking out of the box, it’s another source of housing.
• As you can tell, I'm going to the box.
• We've thought outside the box to solve our housing shortage.
• We've thought outside the box priority.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for current law and the H949 boxes for current law and the H949 committee of, um, conference construct
• In that box, you can find a couple of different things.
• And in the box next to it, the excess spending threshold at 15.5% is $16,121.
• in the current funding formula, and in some cases it does actually affect who lands in the penalty box
• errors in the underlying formula, that will also affect who ends up in the excess spending penalty box

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SECOND BOX THERE IS THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR WAIVER SUBMISSION WAIVER SUBMISSIONS HAVE TO GO
• THE THIRD BOX REFERENCES OUTBOUND CALLS HERE COME BECAUSE THIS WAS AN EXPANSION FROM EXISTING STATEWIDE
• AN EXAMPLE OF THE POSTCARD MAILED OUT TO INDIVIDUALS ADVISING THEM, STAY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE BLUE BOX
• , THE GRAY BOX DOWN THERE ADVISING THEY WOULD BE RECEIVING A LETTER FORTHCOMING WITH THE BLUE STRIPE
• IN THE REASON THAT MATTERS IS BECAUSE WE MAY BOX UP OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICE DELIVERY MODELS INTO NEAT

Transcript Highlights:

• Thousands of firearms are stored in full glove box. Uh glove boxes are quite trivial to break into.
• glove box at a minimum.<00:04:20.239> That<00:04:20.400> was<00:04:20.560> that
• /c><00:04:35.680> quite<00:04:35.840> trivial<00:04:36.160> to box.
• Uh glove boxes are quite trivial to box.
• Uh glove boxes are quite trivial to break<00:04:36.560> into.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• lowered into is one of our standard waste boxes.
• Wasn't there a lot of old equipment, like boxes and stuff, that you thought...
• How many years have they been removing the glove boxes and replacing them with new glove boxes up there
• Glove boxes come in, glove boxes come out, depending on their mission needs, which do change.
• I wanted to address the issue regarding earthquakes and glove boxes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are partnering with, um, uh, I believe it's Creative Industries or HDC; it's in a box.
• > HDC<00:11:05.800> it's<00:11:06.000> in<00:11:06.120> a<00:11:06.279> box
• creative Industries or HDC it's in a box creative Industries or HDC it's in a box yeah<00:11:07.839
• <00:42:20.000> um<00:42:20.240> big<00:42:20.440> box replaced with the big
• box um big box replaced with the big box um big box stores<00:42:21.160> and<00:42:21.359>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.