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GM 778

Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Commission on the Status of Women, Gubernatorial Nominee, JESSICA SHAFFER, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

2026 Regular Session

Governor nominates Jessica Shaffer for a fixed-term, Senate-confirmed seat on the Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women through June 30, 2030.

Confirmed. Ayes, 24. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara).
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · GM 778

Summary: GM 778 (Session 2026, Hawaii) – Gubernatorial Nomination for Commission on the Status of Women

Overview

  • Type of document: Executive request for the Senate to consider and confirm a gubernatorial nominee.
  • Nominee: Jessica Shaffer
  • Position: Commissioner on the Commission on the Status of Women
  • Expiration of term: June 30, 2030
  • Governor submitting: Josh Green, M.D.

Purpose and Intent

  • The Governor of Hawaii is submitting Jessica Shaffer’s name for confirmation to serve as a member of the Commission on the Status of Women. The action is part of the constitutional process for appointing commissioners, requiring Senate confirmation.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Appointment for a fixed term: If confirmed, Shaffer will serve a term that expires on June 30, 2030.
  • Scope of appointment: As a Commissioner on the Commission on the Status of Women, Shaffer would participate in duties related to advising on issues affecting women in Hawaii, contributing to policy recommendations, advocacy, and oversight relevant to gender equity and women’s rights within the state.
  • Confirmation process: The bill outlines the standard gubernatorial nomination and Senate confirmation pathway, including timelines for hearings and action.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Jessica Shaffer (nominee)
  • Governing body: Hawaii Senate (validation via confirmation)
  • Commission affected: Commission on the Status of Women
  • Broader impact: The status, rights, and welfare of women in Hawaii may be influenced through the commission’s work during Shaffer’s term.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Submission date: March 19, 2026
  • Reference to constitutional process: Article V, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution (mandatory confirmation path for gubernatorial appointments).
  • Committee action history:
    • Referred to the Joint Senate– Judiciary and Labor Committee (JDC) on March 20, 2026.
    • A public hearing is scheduled by the committee for April 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM (Room 016 and videoconference).
  • Current status (as of document): Awaiting Senate confirmation following the hearing.

Note on Limitations

  • The document provides the nomination and term expiration details but does not include biographical information about Jessica Shaffer or the qualifications/rationale for her nomination. Additional materials from the governor’s office or the committee hearing would provide background on Shaffer’s qualifications, policy priorities, and anticipated contributions to the Commission on the Status of Women.

If you’d like, I can add a section with placeholder questions to guide the committee’s evaluation (e.g., expertise in gender policy, advocacy experience, community engagement) or format this as a briefing note for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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