GM610 — Summary of Bill and Nomination Confirmation
Overview
- Bill: GM610
- Title: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Gubernatorial Nominee, Maria Cristina Valenzuela, for a term to expire 06-30-2028.
- Status: Confirmed by the Senate (Ayes 24, Noes 0, Excused 1). Introduced Jan 23, 2025.
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
- Governor’s transmittal: The Governor submitted Maria Cristina Valenzuela’s nomination for SCDD membership with a term ending June 30, 2028.
Purpose and Intent
- The bill serves to formally submit for Senate consideration and confirmation the Governor’s nomination of Maria Cristina Valenzuela to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
- The specified term for Valenzuela is four years, ending June 30, 2028.
Nominee and Term
- Nominee: Maria Cristina Valenzuela
- Position: Member, State Council on Developmental Disabilities
- Term expiration: June 30, 2028
- Context: The nomination is part of maintaining or replenishing the council’s membership.
Key Provisions and Changes
- Confirmation Process: The bill triggers the constitutional and legislative process for gubernatorial nominees to state boards/commissions, requiring Senate confirmation.
- Appointment Details: The Governor appoints Valenzuela, and the Senate provides advice and consent.
- Term Specifications: The appointment is for a fixed term ending June 30, 2028, after which reappointment or new nomination would be considered.
Procedural Timeline and Legislative Actions
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the Senate’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee; received.
- 2025-03-19: HHS scheduled public hearing for 03-24-25.
- 2025-03-24: HHS recommended Advise and Consent; votes: 4 Aye, 0 No, 1 Excused (Fevella).
- 2025-04-11: Reported from HHS with recommendation to Advise and Consent; One Day Notice issued for 04-14-25.
- 2025-04-14: Senate confirmed the nomination; Ayes 24, Noes 0, Excused 1 (Fevella).
Impact and Stakeholders
- Affected Parties: Maria Cristina Valenzuela (nominee), the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, service providers, and state agencies coordinating developmental disability policy and services.
- Systemic Effect: Appointment of Valenzuela contributes to the leadership and governance of the SCDD, influencing policy, advocacy, and program oversight related to developmental disabilities in Hawaii.
- Continuity: The June 30, 2028 expiration date establishes a defined term, after which reappointment or new nomination would occur.
Next Steps
- With Senate confirmation, Valenzuela serves as a member of the SCDD through June 30, 2028, subject to ongoing council and state-administration processes and potential future nominations for vacancies.
