Transcript Highlights:

• Will the joint committees on public safety and military affairs and transportation and cultural and arts
• </c><00:24:45.919><c> It's</c> discussion of public safety. It's discussion of public safety.
• The Department of Public Safety or Department of Public Safety and Corrections and Rehabilitation is
• Department of Public Safety or Department of Public Safety or Corrections<00:31:10.159><c> and</c><00
• </c> would could reduce safety nationwide. would could reduce safety nationwide.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can actually have an impact on community safety, school safety, within places of worship.
• , school safety, uh community safety, school safety, uh within<00:51:05.440><c> places</c><00:51:05.840
• If you say that you care about community safety, school safety, if you are listening, you cannot do that
• That you care about community safety, school safety, if you are listening, you cannot do that without
• </c> Getting a handle on community safety. Getting a handle on community safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• lifecycle management, small bridge and culvert modernization, climate resiliency, and multimodal safety
• assets that are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, yet they are critical to public safety
• Finally, this bill includes $185 million for projects that directly reduce congestion and improve safety
• The $185 million for congestion and safety improvements could be on state highways.
• We characterize across the state where these hotspots are for both safety and congestion.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit. Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• F4 is a letter from the Public Safety Division of Emergency Management.
• G6 is Public Safety Division of State Police. This is for $12.475 million.
• This is Public Safety, Emergency Management with Department of Health.
• This is Public Safety, Emergency Management with Department of Health.
• This is Public Safety, Emergency Management with Department of Health.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a series of appropriation requests and contract reviews across multiple sections. In Section B, members approved temporary appropriations for the Court of Appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics, and Insurance-related payments and refunds. Section C ARPA requests from DHS were approved to return unused federal funds. Section D infrastructure-related appropriations, including wildfire preparedness, broadband BEAD funding, forestry support, recycling, and oil and gas sample preservation, were approved after questions about broadband audit controls and performance safeguards. Section E DHS reallocations were approved, including large transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical to private and public nursing home lines, along with smaller transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services; members asked about the source and purpose of the medical services transfer. Sections F and G were reviewed, covering cash fund requests, federal grants, and miscellaneous grants, including community college storm repairs, corrections commissary and maintenance, 911 enhancements, maternal health, disability determinations, state police equipment, digital newspaper archiving, and CDL data improvements. In Section H, the committee reviewed pay plan appropriations and performance fund transfers tied to the new Class and Comp pay plan. Section I reviewed three methods of finance for UA Little Rock, UAMS, and the University of Arkansas system. In Section J, the committee reviewed discretionary grants, including a $1.4 million HIV services grant and nine tobacco prevention subgrants through UAPB. Members questioned the effectiveness, metrics, and addresses of some tobacco-cessation arts-based grantees, especially Arts Absolutely Inc.; after discussion, Representative Kavanaugh moved to expunge the vote on J2 and refer it back for review at a later ALC meeting, and that motion passed. J3, a Department of Energy and Environment grant for propane safety training and e-waste recycling services, was then reviewed. The committee also reviewed contracts in Section K. K-1 ratified emergency management nuclear planning work performed during a transition between agencies. K-2 construction contracts included architectural and engineering services for corrections, National Park College signage, a Razorback Road parking facility, and UAMS cyclotron installation. K-3 intergovernmental contracts covered health, education, autism waiver, stroke, newborn screening, Medicaid evidence review, and radiation testing services. K-4 out-of-state contracts included staffing, IT, tobacco prevention, audit, marketing, planetarium, recruitment, and janitorial services; Senator Irvin noted one contract appeared to belong in the out-of-state list rather than intergovernmental. K-5 in-state contracts covered staffing, cleaning, re-entry and treatment services, foster care and disability services, hearing officers, asbestos abatement, campus IT support, and janitorial work. The meeting ended after a brief personal update from Senator Irvin about tornado damage in Stone County and thanks to members for their concern, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and the safety he helped
• His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and the safety he helped preserve.
• Lane pushed his friend to safety but lost his battle in the current and was pulled under and drowned.
• Lane pushed his friend to safety but lost his battle in the current and was pulled under and drowned.
• Feasibility and public safety implications of permitting certain active-duty military personnel without

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Monday, April 27, and took up a series of Senate bills and resolutions, most of them memorial highway designations or prestige license plate measures. The committee first adopted amendments and reported Senate Bill 122, which directs the Department of Transportation and Development to plan, maintain, and report on bridge conditions statewide, with a focus on proactive bridge maintenance and public reporting. Members also reported favorably SCR 6 supporting an LNG facility at Port Fourchon, SCR 18 directing a study of commercial driver licensing privileges compared with neighboring states, and SB 50 naming the Bayou DeLarge Basque Bridge as the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge. The committee then approved several memorial and honorary measures, including SB 70 for Officer Mark Brock Memorial Highway, SB 96 creating a Fallen Heroes prestige license plate, SB 460 naming a highway for Hayden Lane Mangum, SB 24 designating Interstate 49 as the Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway, SB 101 naming highways for Daniel Edward Didillo and Bill Blue Evans, SB 160 naming the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, SB 418 naming the Dick and Jacques Schuford Memorial Highway, SB 114 creating a prestige plate for the Foundation for Moral Law, SB 103 and SB 159 naming Franklin Parish highways, SB 412 naming a portion of Highway 13 for Roy Chaffin, SB 182 naming a highway for Mayor Billy Cobb, SB 104 naming the Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway, and SB 2 naming the Falcons Band Highway. Most of these items were reported favorably without objection after brief testimony from authors, family members, or supporters. One measure drew more discussion: SB 19, which changes the name and design of the state employee retired prestige license plate and redirects proceeds to a private nonprofit associated with retired state employees. Representative Schlegelhorn objected, but after testimony that the organization is a tax-exempt nonprofit funding scholarships and that no money had previously gone to LASERS from the plate, the committee adopted a motion to report the bill favorably by a 13-1 vote. The committee also adopted amendments to HCR 69, which urges DOTD to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish with attention to drainage, flood risk, and evacuation resilience, and then reported it favorably. HCR 63, creating a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel can operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without civilian licenses, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after the agenda was cleared and a motion to adjourn was made.

Transcript Highlights:

• from restaurants, with tight... ...to be taken out, taken away from restaurants, with tight public safety
• When permit enforcement becomes a financial and litigation liability, worker safety, public safety, and
• Half of our Muslim students feel a fundamental lack of safety and belonging in their schools.
• Half of our Muslim students feel fundamental lack of safety. identity.
• Half of our Muslim students feel a fundamental lack of safety and a belonging in their schools.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on alcohol licensing, billboard maintenance, equity planning, and recognition of Eid as a state holiday. AB 2663 by Assembly Member Rogers would extend the sunset on the “Cocktails to Go” program for restaurants; supporters from the California Restaurant Association and the Distilled Spirits Council said it has been successful and should continue, while one member raised concerns about beach communities and open-container enforcement. The bill was amended to add an urgency clause so the sunset would not lapse on New Year’s Eve, and it passed the committee. AB 2099 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays, including replacement or reinforcement of structural components. Supporters said the bill would provide clarity and consistency for the industry and state agencies, while opponents from Humboldt County and environmental groups argued it could weaken local enforcement, make nonconforming billboards effectively permanent, and increase public-safety and environmental concerns. The measure passed to Appropriations. AB 2731 by Assembly Member Addis would authorize 12 additional alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County, split between Watsonville and southern county communities; local officials said the current cap is inequitable and forces businesses onto an expensive secondary market. The bill was amended to limit issuance to no more than five licenses per year and passed to Appropriations. AB 2017 by Assembly Member Haney would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays and provide excused absences for students observing them. Support came from Muslim community organizations, public employees, and advocates who said the bill would improve inclusion and help students and workers observe their faith without penalty. Several committee members spoke in favor and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed to the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement. AB 1823 by Assembly Member Jackson would require state agencies to incorporate racial equity into strategic plans and conduct racial equity analyses before budgets or regulations are implemented. Supporters said it would make equity efforts more durable and accountable, while some members opposed it; the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills, and the meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• tightened up early in the program. to be taken out, taken away from restaurants with tight public safety
• When permit enforcement becomes a financial and litigation liability, worker safety, public safety, and
• And I've looked at the potential amendment. safety, and environmental protection suffer.
• Half of our Muslim students feel a fundamental lack of safety. Identity.
• Half of our Muslim students feel a fundamental lack of safety and belonging in their schools.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• And our group is pro-regulation and patient safety.
• We are held to rigorous standards, education, accountability, and patient safety.
• Safety is not determined by title. It is determined by competency, training, and accountability.
• The goal is patient safety, and the focus should remain on enforcing existing regulations, addressing
• unlicensed or unsafe practices, and supporting patient safety.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on four bills: H. 5013 and S. 2928, which would establish a three-year celiac disease screening pilot program for children during routine cholesterol/lipid screening around ages 8 to 12; H. 5087, regulating the operation of medical spas; and H. 5115, establishing statewide food truck regulations, though the hearing focused almost entirely on the celiac and medical spa bills. Committee chairs outlined three-minute testimony limits and noted members present in person and online. Supporters of the celiac screening bills, including Rep. Badger, Sen. Lovely, patients, clinicians, and researchers, described long delays in diagnosis, the lack of a cure beyond a gluten-free diet, and the potential for early screening to prevent years of damage, missed school and work, and long-term complications. Testifiers said celiac disease is common but frequently undiagnosed, that a simple blood test can identify many cases, and that a pilot would help assess feasibility, cost, accuracy, and family acceptance. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposal includes education and support for families after diagnosis, and some cited international screening efforts, especially in Italy, as evidence that population screening can work. Testimony on H. 5087 was largely opposed by medical spa owners, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and a plastic surgeon. Witnesses argued the bill is outdated, duplicative of existing Massachusetts licensing and public health rules, and inconsistent with current scopes of practice and team-based care. They said the proposal could restrict access, burden small and women-owned practices, and fail to address the real issues of training, compliance, and patient safety. Some said they support regulation in principle but want the bill revised to reflect current law and modern practice. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, including about celiac testing methods and the relationship between the medical spa bill and current state law, but no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• have in there because we don't want our medical staff to have to go to work and worry about their safety
• have in there because we don't want our medical staff to have to go to work and worry about their safety
• have in there because we don't want our medical staff to have to go to work and worry about their safety
• have in there because we don't want our medical staff to have to go to work and worry about their safety
• </c><00:05:05.600><c> deserve</c> who ensure safety deserve who ensure safety deserve effect<00:05:07.199

Transcript Highlights:

• ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH HIGH QUALITY EFFECTIVE SERVICE FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES DELIVERED BY WORLD
• PUBLIC SAFETY, BUILDING A STRONGER SAFER FLORIDA BY GIVING WORLD CLASS HELP TO KIDS.
• HOUSING FOR CARING YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND OUR PUBLIC SAFETY THREAT.
• EITHER THEY ARE PUBLIC SAFETY THREAT OR THEY ARE WAITING TO BE SENT TO A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY.
• PUBLIC SAFETY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Krell's bill, Assembly Bill 379, without the Public Safety Committee's amendment.
• It's from the Public Safety Committee.
• believe we can deliver a product that truly does ensure that California continues to care for the safety
• I couldn't believe that the California Assembly Public Safety Committee killed that bill.
• I can understand that being the chair of public safety comes with the territory.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute for Senate Bill 1602 will address safety concerns for children, staff, and visitors at
• This change addresses a growing concern regarding the safety of school-based law enforcement officers
• , particularly school resource officers (SROs), who are tasked with ensuring the safety of students,
• Higher clearance rates enhance both public safety and community trust in law enforcement for victims
• Safety. And with that, Mr.

Bills: SB614 , SB872 , SB1199 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1573 , SB1588 , SB1602 , SB1660 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1833 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2146 , SB2177 , SB2373 , SB2460 , SB2785

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Professional school counselors have a critical role in campus safety, in students' mental health, and
• of a moving vehicle in front of the Okay home and security committee on Homeland security, public safety
• to the... to the dissemination of criminal history record information by the Department of Public Safety
• The Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs, HB 1372 by Raymond relating to
• HB 1376 by Verdell relating to the authority of Public Safety Director of the Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><02:35:57.840><c> student</c><02:35:58.319><c> safety,</c> around public safety, student safety,
• around public safety, student safety, mental<02:35:59.760><c> health,</c><02:36:01.120><c> um</c><02
• </c><03:11:46.399><c> committee</c> judiciary and public safety committee judiciary and public safety
• </c><03:24:48.000><c> and</c> authority regarding public safety and authority regarding public safety
• </c> Uh this bill creates um also some safety Uh this bill creates um also some safety and<03:40:25.840

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's not just a local issue, but it's a safety issue. It's a safety issue. It's a money issue.
• It's a, you know, if you're grabbing stuff and there's needles and everything, so it's a safety issue
• So, it's not just a local issue, but it's a safety issue. It's a money issue.
• </c><00:03:26.720><c> Not</c> everything, so it's a safety issue.
• Not everything, so it's a safety issue.

Summary: The committee took up House File 4017, with Representative Johnson presenting a delete-everything amendment that substantially changed the bill from a regulatory approach to a study. Johnson explained that the issue involves improper disposal of medical waste by hospitals and surgery centers, including items such as blood, gauze, syringes, and body parts, which he said has been occurring statewide despite an existing separation law dating back to 1989. He described the problem as a safety, operational, and cost issue for waste facilities and workers, saying facilities have had to shut down, bring in cleanup crews, and investigate incidents when contaminated waste is found in general trash. Johnson said prior efforts to address the problem with hospitals and other locations had only temporary success, and that the amended bill would instead create a study to determine why the violations are happening, how widespread they are, and who needs education. The chair noted the amendment was a compromise that could move forward now, even if it was not a complete solution. No member questions were raised. The committee adopted the DE1 amendment by voice vote, then renewed the motion to refer House File 4017 as amended to the general register. That motion passed by voice vote, and the bill advanced. Johnson thanked the co-authors and others who worked on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• my pleasure to present SB 1299, the State Fire Marshal Fire Suppression, Education, and Training Safety
• bill will ensure that only properly trained and certified professionals perform this critical life safety
• This not only threatens the health and safety...
• This not only threatens the health and safety and the life safety of occupants, but it also leads to
• A lot of the time, even though we have public safety officers around in the neighborhood, you need a

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard several bills focused on emergency response, fire safety, and school threat prevention. SB 904 would codify and expand the coordinated permitting and rebuilding response used after major wildfire disasters, with the author saying it would standardize agency coordination without eliminating protections. Climate Action California opposed the bill, raising concerns about streamlining and permitting. SB 1299 would create a clearer statutory framework for State Fire Marshal certification, training, and enforcement for fire sprinkler fitters; supporters, including the Sprinkler Fitters Association and State Building Trades, said it would ensure qualified installation of critical life-safety systems, while no opposition was presented. SB 1181 would create a limited pilot allowing schools to communicate with regional threat assessment centers when there is a credible safety concern, with the author and supporters describing it as a privacy-protected way to connect warning signs and prevent violence; committee members generally supported the concept and discussed fusion centers, social media threats, and recent incidents. The committee also took up a consent calendar. After recesses to establish quorum and repeated calls for absent members, the committee voted to move all measures forward. SB 1299 was approved on a 9-0 vote to the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement. SB 904 was approved 9-0 to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. SB 1181 was approved 9-0 to the Senate Committee on Education. The consent calendar items were also approved 9-0. All measures were left on call briefly for absent members before the final votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• my pleasure to present SB 1299, the State Fire Marshal Fire Suppression, Education, and Training Safety
• This not only threatens the health and safety...
• This not only threatens the health and safety and the life safety of occupants, but it also leads to
• Pointed out that the court found that the program itself was very important to fire life safety, but
• A lot of the time, even though we have public safety officers around in the neighborhood, you need a

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• This is important for our community, for public safety, and for the safety of caregivers and individuals
• This is important for our community, for public safety, and for the safety of caregivers and individuals
• I don't believe that the statutory interpretation was as a result of any sort of health, safety, or any
• I don't believe that the statutory interpretation was as a result of any sort of health, safety, or any
• I don't believe that the statutory interpretation was as a result of any sort of health, safety, or any

Bills: SB1023 , SB1145 , SB1242 , SB1247

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: optometrists, eye exams, eyeglass prescriptions, healthcare, vision care, behavior analysis, licensing, psychologist examiners, state regulations, committee authority, mental health, court-ordered treatment, outpatient treatment, audiovisual technology, secure facilities, evaluations, guardian powers, patient rights, assisted living, occupants

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would allow small apartment buildings to use a single stairway under strict safety conditions
• This bill would allow small apartment buildings to use a single stairway under strict safety conditions
• It does not eliminate safety standards; it layers multiple safety standards beyond the baseline.
• Single-stair apartment buildings have a strong safety record in the United States and internationally
• I don't know if they'll come in full support, but my hope is that when we added some of those safety

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• not have a current medical screening examination or review pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety
• Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the rules promulgated pursuant to that act following participation
• HB 132 is about fairness, support for public safety personnel, and modernizing our workers' compensation
• The life expectancy for people in these public safety jobs is much shorter than for other people.
• we know commonly exposes our officers and across the board all of our law enforcement and public safety

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up its only bill, House Bill 132, which would create workers’ compensation presumptions for police officers for certain conditions, including noise-induced hearing loss/tinnitus, PTSD, and heart injury or stroke occurring within 24 hours of responding to or returning from a call or emergency. The sponsor described the bill as a bipartisan effort developed with input from workers’ compensation officials, PERA, and the Albuquerque Police Department, aimed at easing the burden on officers to prove causation while still allowing employers to rebut claims. An amendment was adopted first, refining definitions and adding language that preserves an officer’s ability to prove causation even when the presumption does not apply, and tying the heart/stroke presumption to the existence of a physical training program and medical screening requirements. Supporters included representatives of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, the Workers’ Compensation Administration, New Mexico State Police, AFSCME/NMFL, and a workers’ compensation attorney. They argued the bill recognizes the cumulative physical and psychological toll of law enforcement, could improve treatment and retention, and would reduce disputes over causation while remaining balanced. One supporter asked the sponsor to consider changing the 20-year requirement tied to PTSD coverage so officers in smaller departments could access benefits earlier. Committee discussion focused on the amendment’s physical training and medical screening condition for the heart/stroke presumption, with questions about whether all departments have such programs and whether the language could limit coverage. Workers’ compensation staff testified that, from 2016 through 2025, there were 75 statewide claims potentially covered by the bill’s provisions before amendment, including about 20 hearing-loss claims, 11 heart-related claims, and about 44 mental-injury claims. A medical witness said research supports a correlation between law enforcement work and these conditions, though no New Mexico-specific study was available yet. After discussion, the committee voted to give House Bill 132, as amended, a do-pass recommendation, with no opposition recorded.