Transcript Highlights:

• However, we did not have members of the oyster industry, the crab industry, or the finfish industry.
• However, we did not have members of the oyster industry, the crab industry, or the finfish industry.
• And we do have a thriving oyster industry in St. Bernard.
• . guaranteed voice in a community with an oyster fishing industry.
• We have other industries that get water out of the lake.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and really try to develop a full perspective of the industry here.
• Idaho is very unique in terms of our role in the beef industry.
• Idaho is very unique in terms of our role in the beef industry.
• Idaho beef industry.
• beef industry.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee opened by welcoming a new page, Isabella Frasheiser of Weiser High School, who described her FFA, school leadership, and agricultural background. The committee then approved the February 10, 2026 minutes without objection. The main item was Senate Bill 1283, presented by Senator Todd Lakey. The bill would create a framework for small-scale direct-to-consumer agricultural and homemade food sales, including cottage foods, farm stands, cooperative markets, and certain meat sales, with labeling, recordkeeping, and educational-material requirements. Supporters from Farm Bureau, Fair Idaho, and producers argued it would reduce burdens, expand local food access, help small farms, and improve market opportunities. Food Northwest and health district representatives raised concerns about food safety, labeling, lack of competency testing, limited remediation options, and possible liability changes. After discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1283 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then received an Idaho Beef Council update from J.W. Wood and Jody Mink. They described the council’s checkoff-funded promotion, education, research, consumer outreach, BQA training, Spanish-language materials, a national “Prime Rib and Prom” campaign, and the Idaho Beef Counts food assistance program. No formal action was taken on that presentation, and the committee adjourned after concluding its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• that were really focused on addressing some of the issues that we've been seeing in the cannabis industry
• our constituents and industry leaders, you know, with diverse perspectives and try to get it right.
• So to all those that are owners of these industries, thank you for your commitment.
• That are owners of these industries.
• So we appreciate all of the community support when it comes to our cannabis industry as well.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: Legislative leaders from the House and Senate met in Springfield to announce and sign a conference report resolving differences between competing cannabis reform bills. Speakers described the agreement as the result of several years of work and praised the bipartisan, bicameral collaboration of committee chairs, minority members, and staff. They emphasized that the final package reflects input from industry stakeholders, communities, and legislators across the state, including Western Massachusetts. The conference report was presented as a broad modernization of Massachusetts cannabis law. Key provisions described included restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission to improve oversight and transparency, creating a portal to report illegal conduct, requiring updated reporting on public health, public safety, and tax impacts, and studying workplace safety standards. The bill also updates license caps and ownership rules, expands opportunities for social equity businesses, removes the medical vertical integration requirement, and revises purchase, possession, delivery, and advertising rules. Speakers also said the legislation addresses emerging issues such as hemp-derived products and aims to support a more stable and equitable market. Several members noted that the bill is not perfect but represents a meaningful compromise and a step forward for the industry and the Commonwealth. The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the conference report and a motion to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• that were really focused on addressing some of the issues that we've been seeing in the cannabis industry
• So to all those that are owners of these industries, thank you for your commitment.
• That are owners of these industries.
• So we appreciate all of the community support when it comes to our cannabis industry as well.
• So we appreciate all of the community support when it comes to our cannabis industry as well.

Summary: A bipartisan conference committee met in Springfield to announce and sign a final compromise report on major cannabis legislation. Speakers from both chambers said the bill reflects several years of work and multiple prior reform efforts, and they emphasized collaboration across the House and Senate, including input from leadership, committee members, staff, and stakeholders from across the state. The conference report was described as a modernization of Massachusetts cannabis law. Key provisions mentioned included restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission to improve oversight and transparency, creating a portal to report illegal conduct, requiring updated reporting on public health and tax impacts, studying workplace safety standards, adjusting license caps and ownership rules, removing the vertical integration requirement for medical operations, expanding opportunities for social equity businesses, updating purchase and possession limits, clarifying delivery rules, allowing more flexible advertising within regulated limits, and directing further study of hemp-derived products and cannabinoids. Members framed the agreement as a compromise intended to balance public safety, accountability, economic opportunity, and equitable access. Several speakers noted the importance of holding the signing in Western Massachusetts and said the legislation reflects concerns from communities and industry participants outside Boston. The committee then formally signed the report and moved to close the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:27:22.440><c> also</c> the visitor industry Market we are also the visitor industry Market we are
• Does the cruise industry—what can you kind of just briefly go over what the cruise industry currently
• </c> back to this cruise ship cruise industry back to this cruise ship cruise industry um<00:59:45.359
• </c> briefly go over what the cruise industry briefly go over what the cruise industry currently<00:59
• And I'm thinking it's not only in our industry, but other industries as well.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you that industry as well. Thank you.
• On the industry. Okay.
• On the on the industry. Okay. Correct. On the on the industry. Okay.
• So, we mirror that the alcohol industry.
• ,</c> opportunity to build on that industry, opportunity to build on that industry, and<00:18:49.600>

Committee: Senate Licensing & Occupations

Keywords: The livestream event for this meeting cut off shortly after the meeting began. This is the complete copy pulled from back ups., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:29.280><c> like</c> capital in intensive Industries like capital in intensive Industries like
• But discriminating against a particular industry, particularly an industry that puts Minnesota on a footing
• </c><00:08:16.199><c> often</c> view of the data center industry often view of the data center industry
• industry particularly an industry<00:09:17.839><c> that</c><00:09:18.000><c> puts</c><00:09:18.279><
• </c> like that is the part of the industry like that is the part of the industry that's<01:22:58.960>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It was all oil actual industry people from industry and legislators.
• I've been in this industry since. I mean, that's a huge benefit.
• I've been in this industry since I guess since the first time I was able to work, and I love the industry
• And our industry, I think, is top of the page when you look at industries in this state that can do that
• A coalition of states and industry, including API.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Industrial decarbonization.
• Industrial decarbonization.
• Industrial decarbonization.
• Industrial decarbonization.
• Industrial decarbonization.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with Partners from business and industry with Partners from business and industry and<01:10:30.120
• in</c><01:11:20.199><c> New</c> industry and tourism industry in New industry and tourism industry in
• , tourism industry, those kind of things, marine industry, the Lakes Region, Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam
• </c> know what's going on in their industry know what's going on in their industry last<01:12:52.679>
• </c><01:13:11.520><c> tourism</c> the hospitality industry tourism the hospitality industry tourism industry

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Public Higher Education Study Committee held an organizational meeting and received an update from the university and community college systems on implementation of recommendations from the governor’s higher education task force. The systems said the task force report contained about 40 recommendations, and they have focused first on operational items while continuing to work on larger policy issues, including better alignment of public higher education with workforce and economic development needs. The committee also discussed reporting requirements under the amended law and whether quarterly reports are required or whether annual updates are sufficient unless the committee requests more. A major topic was expanding Early College and dual-enrollment opportunities. The chancellors reported strong growth in Early College participation, significant student and family savings, and state scholarship support that they described as producing a strong return on investment. They said the goal is to build clearer pathways so students can earn college credit, reduce debt, and stay in New Hampshire for postsecondary education. They also noted ongoing work to simplify admissions and transfer processes, including about 100 transfer pathways between the systems, direct-admit efforts for community college and university students, and continued development of transfer equivalency tools. Members pressed the systems and the Department of Education on direct outreach to high school students, especially juniors, so students would know they are eligible for direct admission and other opportunities. The main obstacle discussed was access to student contact information, with officials saying the issue may involve contract limits with the College Board and possibly statutory constraints on sharing data. Department of Education staff said they are meeting with the systems and vendors to determine what changes are needed. Committee members urged faster action so students and families can receive letters or other notices about in-state options, affordability programs such as Granite Guarantee, and pathways to community college and university enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I make new people to the industry.
• Industry.
• So he’s like the old OG of the industry.
• </c><00:37:50.880><c> division</c> has assisted the plant industry division has assisted the plant industry
• </c><00:48:30.960><c> You</c> industry? Yes, I well understand it. You industry?

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes. The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge. Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Industries Day, Goodwill's Industries of New Mexico Day, and there is a certificate on that, Senator
• Today is Goodwill Industries of New Mexico Day, and we have a certificate, Mr.
• Recognition and acknowledgment to Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, whereas Goodwill Industries of New
• Arrange for home pickup of donations or make a purchase at a Goodwill Industries store that helps New
• Now, Goodwill Industries of New Mexico believes in a hand up, not a handout.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS A GROWING INDUSTRY. IT IS A GROWING SPORT AND THE BENEFITS FAR OUTWEIGH THE NEGATIVES.
• ANYWAY, THE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY IS TREMENDOUS.
• SOMEONE WHO HAS WORKED HIS ENTIRE CAREER NOT ONLY IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY BUT FOR SDOT, THIS IS
• THIS MEANS IN OUR INDUSTRY AS A DEMOGRAPHIC WE HAVE AN AGING WORKFORCE.
• THIS IS A CHALLENGE FOR US IN OUR INDUSTRY BUT ALSO IT IS A CHALLENGE WITHIN SDOT SPECIFICALLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE AGAIN WE ARE FOR GROUNDING THE INDUSTRY, A ROLE IN THIS ECONOMY.
• THERE AGAIN WE ARE FOR GROUNDING THE INDUSTRY, A ROLE IN THIS ECONOMY.
• TO PROMOTE INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND EMPLOYMENT IN A CERTAIN FIELD.
• GIVE MARINE ENERGY, AQUACULTURE AND ALL OF THE SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES.
• THE MARITIME INDUSTRY HERE IN FLORIDA. WE ARE READY TO SHINE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're going to do it, I'd say my bill has safeguards, but the trouble is the industry doesn't like
• doesn't like them because they industry doesn't like them because they don't<00:05:10.199><c> profit
• Well, their bill is to take all the tax money coming out of it and give it to the gambling industry,
• I think this industry needs to be held too. if you're a high school kid some of your if you're a high
• says this will displace the the industry says this will displace the illegal<00:09:10.360><c> Market

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's particularly the fossil fuel energy, fossil fuel industry we're talking about. Follow up.
• It simply protects this particular industry from this... Thank you. ...standards or best practices.
• It simply protects this particular industry from this kind of lawsuit. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• It's up to this legislature... ...to set the policies for any energy industry participant.
• I think everybody in this room knows how important this industry is to us.

Bills: SB1191 , SB1314 , SB1319 , SB1333 , SB1346 , SB1439 , SB1509 , SB1510 , SB1613

Committee: Senate Energy

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Summary: The Senate Energy Committee met and first laid over a couple of items before taking up a series of energy and water-related bills. Senate Bill 1333, presented by Sen. Hall, was framed as a symbolic reflection of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s budget request and the state’s estimated $24 billion water infrastructure need through 2030. Members asked about project prioritization, emergency needs, long-term funding, federal matching dollars, and whether some proposed spending would go to outreach or new programs rather than direct infrastructure. Supporters emphasized the statewide water crisis, rural and municipal needs, and the goal of building a comprehensive water package; the bill passed 11-0. Senate Bill 1191, presented by Sen. Daniels, would eliminate an unused board tied to the Low Carbon Energy Initiative; the deputy secretary testified the board was never actually founded and collected no research, and the bill passed 11-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1439, the Energy Security and Independence Act, also by Sen. Daniels, which would shield fossil fuel companies operating lawfully and within permits from certain climate-change and emissions-based lawsuits. Questions focused on why the bill applied only to fossil fuels, whether it could affect landowners’ rights or environmental standards, and whether it would create a lower regulatory bar in Oklahoma. The author said it was aimed at a specific category of litigation seen in other states and would not protect unlawful conduct; the bill passed 10-1. Senate Bill 1314, by Sen. Yek, would raise the cap on the well drillers and pump installers indemnity fund from $50,000 to $100,000 and increase the per-well cap from $10,000 to $25,000; members discussed how the fund works and its limited size, and it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1509, also by Sen. Yek, would update groundwater well spacing rules so the Water Resources Board could apply spacing requirements across all groundwater basins, not just those with maximum annual yield studies. The board said the bill is meant to protect existing commercial wells from encroachment, with exceptions if water cannot be found elsewhere on the property; it passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1319, presented by Sen. Hall, would allow the Corporation Commission to use plugging funds in rare cases where homes are affected by historic oil and gas activity or orphan wells; members raised concerns about caps, proof of contamination, remediation versus plugging, and whether landowners could present expert evidence. The author said the language was still being refined with the Commission, and the bill passed 10-0. Senate Bill 1346, by Vice Chair Woods, would direct the Water Resources Board to establish a water and wastewater infrastructure program with competitive loans for eligible entities; it was described as part of a broader effort to consolidate water measures into a comprehensive package and passed 9-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1613, which would let the LP Gas Administration buy, lease, and own its own vehicles instead of using the OMES fleet and would rename a miscellaneous permit as a food truck permit; it passed without debate. The meeting ended with adjournment and notice that there would be no committee meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• ProStart serves as a critical pipeline for this industry, providing students with industry-recognized
• ProStart serves as a critical pipeline for this industry, providing students with industry-recognized
• ProStart serves as a critical pipeline for this industry, providing students with industry-recognized
• ProStart serves as a critical pipeline for this industry, providing students with industry-recognized
• </c> are aligned with real-time industry are aligned with real-time industry needs<00:16:27.160><c> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:10.959><c> Please</c> Minnesota Forest Industries. Please Minnesota Forest Industries.
• </c> this legislation support SAF industry this legislation support SAF industry for<00:26:04.799><c>
• </c> utilizing the high level of industry utilizing the high level of industry specific<00:35:22.880>
• Um, and it's true that our industry.
• </c><00:50:52.400><c> to</c> encourage um private uh industry to encourage um private uh industry to

Bills: HF1669 , HF4709 , HF3531 , HF4048

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, electricity generation, property tax exemption, renewable energy, incentives, economic development, fuel delivery, tax exemption, retail transactions, diesel exhaust fluid, fuel lubricants, healthcare tax, gross receipts tax, hospitals, chiropractors, healthcare providers

Transcript Highlights:

• the Insurance Division and the captive insurance company about some revised language to allow the industry
• for this and acknowledge my mentor and former chair, Bob Her, is the one who brought the captive industry
• to continue to grow and the industry to continue to grow and the state<00:02:06.840><c> uh</c><00:02
• to Hawaii and maybe captive industry to Hawaii and maybe next<00:03:03.239><c> year</c><00:03:03.440
• thanks for keeping this B industry thanks for keeping this B moving<00:03:09.799><c> thank</c><00:03

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 1, 2025, for decision-making on two measures previously heard on January 14. For SB 146, relating to condominiums, the committee recommended passage with amendments. The amendments were described as incorporating Real Estate Commission language to clarify the bill and narrowing its scope to managing agents with budget and replacement reserve responsibilities and authority to communicate with unit owners, thereby excluding smaller associations. The committee also deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050 and made technical, non-substantive changes. The measure was adopted without objections. The committee also considered SB 1050, relating to insurance and captive insurance. Members described ongoing discussions between the Insurance Division and the captive insurance industry over revised language intended to support industry growth while preserving the state’s regulatory oversight and solvency protections. The committee noted receipt of compromise amendments developed after a week of negotiations and again deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050. A member thanked the chair and referenced the role of former chair Bob Her in bringing the captive industry to Hawaii, expressing support for continued momentum in the sector. For SB 1050, the committee recommended passage with amendments, with the chair voting aye and no reservations or objections from members present. Both measures were therefore adopted by the committee for recommendation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:37.280><c> Director</c> Labor Industrial Relations Director Labor Industrial Relations Director Mhai
• </c> industry back to where it needs to be. industry back to where it needs to be.
• So I the industry in the long run.
• Um definitely industry for 30 years.
• or boiler industry.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.