Health and Human Services Committee

May 19, 2025

Committee Chair: Sen. Brian Hardin | Bills Heard: 1 | Full Transcript (PDF)

Gubernatorial Appointment: Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Introduced by: Sen. Governor (appointment) | Testimony: 0 proponents, 0 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)

Audiologist Roy Christensen advanced for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission post without opposition. The 33-year Lincoln-based practitioner told the Health and Human Services Committee that the state agency needs urgent modernization, particularly in telecommunications technology.

Why it matters: The Commission serves Nebraska's deaf and hard of hearing population. Christensen's appointment could signal a shift toward modernizing outdated systems that haven't kept pace with smartphone-based communication tools.

What they're saying: - Christensen: "Technology has moved so rapidly today that this cell phone...takes the place of almost all the technology that's been used in the past for telecommunications for severely hard of hearing and deaf individuals." - He noted that TTY devices are obsolete and that modern hearing aids now feature noise-reduction apps and phone streaming capabilities. - Christensen observed that younger people increasingly embrace hearing technology, though many are damaging their hearing through exposure to loud sound systems.

By the numbers: Christensen has 33 years of audiology experience, with 28 of those years in Lincoln. Two current Commission board members are his patients.

What's next: No vote was taken during the hearing. The appointment appears to be moving forward without committee opposition.

Committee sentiment:   Supportive: Sen. Brian Hardin, Sen. Glen Meyer   Unclear: Sen. Dan Quick

Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.

Session Notes

Committee Chair Hardin reminded testifiers of procedural requirements: written position comments must be submitted by 8 a.m. the day of the hearing via the Legislature's website. Only those testifying in person will be included on the committee statement. Sen. Riepe was noted as having legal counsel present but needing to be in two places at once. No testifiers appeared in person, online, or submitted written positions for this appointment hearing.

Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.