Transcript Highlights:

• And second, Minnesota used the principle of contributory negligence in evaluating a plaintiff's claim
• And second, Minnesota used the principle of contributory negligence in evaluating a plaintiff's claim
• And second, Minnesota used the principle of contributory negligence in evaluating a plaintiff's claim
• And second, Minnesota used the principle of contributory negligence in evaluating a plaintiff's claim
• evaluating a plaintiff's claim. So we evaluating a plaintiff's claim.

Bills: HF1027 , HF2226 , HF1916 , HF1915 , HF1567 , HF1986

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds

Bills: SB2138 , SB2054 , SB2987 , SB2908 , SB2702 , SB2924 , SB3248 , SB2635 , SB3127 , SB3001 , SB2294 , SB2037 , SB2797 , SB2765 , SB2961 , SB2210 , SB2948 , SB3108 , SB3240 , SB2045 , SB2675 , SB2338 , SB2451 , SB2552 , SB2553 , SB3089 , SB3176 , SB3285 , SB2234 , SB2219 , SB2312 , SB2336 , SB2343 , SB2849 , SB2928 , SB2930 , SB3332 , SB2927 , SB2983 , SB2906 , SB2353 , SB2848 , SB2340 , SB2845 , SB3246 , SB3077 , SB3254 , SB2934 , SB2571 , SB2248 , SB2471 , SB2298 , SB2413 , SB2425 , SB3045 , SB2843 , SB2595 , SB2907 , SB3204 , SB2311 , SB2532 , SB2528 , SB2313 , SB3300 , SB2530 , SB2693 , SB2010 , SB3156 , SB2697 , SB2991 , SB3153 , SB2812 , SB2527 , SB2376 , SB3081 , SB3218 , SB3219 , SB3333 , SB2232 , SB2192 , SB2378 , SB2070 , SB3011 , SB2676 , SB2957 , SB2434 , SB2673 , SB3301 , SB2247 , SB2453 , SB2457 , SB2075 , SB2811 , SB2601 , SB2258 , SB2612 , SB3263 , SB3261 , SB3334 , SB2613

Keywords: SB2138, Hawaii National Guard, state tuition assistance, STAP, graduate degree, graduate education, tuition assistance, University of Hawaii, UH, Department of Defense, adjutant general, enlisted personnel, warrant officers, company grade officers, military education, veterans benefits, higher education, state residency, professional development, retention

Transcript Highlights:

• She has already been evaluated by the VA, and she's already been verified by a California physician.
• not operating under Title 10 from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several veterans-related bills. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services groups, and local officials; there was no opposition, and the bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for veterans’ cemetery maintenance endowments, with the state matching private or local deposits up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. It drew support from veterans groups and county representatives and was also approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 1407, which would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse military retirement benefits from state income tax. The author and supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the workforce and economy. The bill received broad support from veterans organizations, county officials, and labor representatives, with no opposition, and was moved to Appropriations, with the roll held open and later completed. SB 1034 would streamline access to disabled veteran parking placards for veterans rated 100% permanent and total, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and other changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and ensure referrals to county veterans service officers. Both bills had support from veterans advocates and food banks, no opposition, and were approved to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, while preserving Title 10 activations and mutual aid arrangements. The author and the California Public Defenders Association framed it as a safeguard for state authority and civil rights; there was no opposition, and it was sent to Public Safety. After the main votes, the committee later completed the held rolls and reported the bills out, then adjourned after thanking veterans and attendees.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has already been evaluated by the VA, and she's already been verified by a California physician.
• not operating under Title 10 from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform

Summary: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard several veterans-related bills, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Support came from veterans organizations, county veterans services officers, and local government representatives; there was no opposition. The bill was moved to Appropriations and later recorded as passing 4-0. SB 1040 would create a state-local matching program for maintenance endowments for veterans’ cemeteries, with the state matching private or local contributions up to $250,000 per cemetery per year. Supporters emphasized the need for sustainable perpetual care funding for state and county cemeteries, and there was no opposition. SB 1407, the chair’s bill, would exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax; supporters argued it would help retain military retirees in California and support the economy, while members noted similar bills had previously stalled in Appropriations. SB 1034 would streamline disabled veteran parking placard eligibility for certain 100% permanent and total veterans, and SB 1201, the No Hungry Heroes Act, would seek federal waivers and related changes to protect vulnerable veterans from CalFresh/SNAP cuts and connect applicants to county veterans service officers. All of these bills received support from veterans groups and related organizations, with no opposition heard. SB 1354 would prohibit out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission, with supporters framing it as a safeguard for state authority and civil liberties. The committee asked about legal testing of the proposal, and the author said it had not yet been tested in court. After roll calls and a brief recess to regain members, the committee recorded 4-0 votes to pass the bills and consent calendar items, and the meeting adjourned after thanking veterans for their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has already been evaluated by the VA, and she's already been verified by a California physician.
• not operating under Title 10 from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires CalVet to evaluate each county's office to identify and implement the best setup for supporting
• Finally, AB 2219 requires CalVet and CACVSO to develop a service capacity and performance framework and

Summary: The Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard presentations on several bills, beginning without a quorum and later taking up the measures once a quorum was established. AB 2531 by Assemblymember Irwin would expand California’s uncompensated care grant program so veterans whose federal health coverage does not include abortion services can access abortion care, and would require CalVet to link to abortion.ca.gov. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, Equality California, and Reproductive Freedom for All California, said the bill responds to federal restrictions on VA abortion care; opposition from the California Family Council argued it used taxpayer dollars to promote abortion and raised concerns about incomplete information and fraud. Committee members also questioned the bill’s use of “self-identify” for veteran status and the funding structure, with the author indicating openness to looking at proof-of-veteran options. AB 2054 by Assemblymember Gibson would update California’s paid family leave rules so relatives of military service members can qualify when those members are activated for state emergencies, disaster response, or other domestic duties, not just overseas deployment. The Department of Defense sponsored the bill, and Navy Region Southwest testified in support, saying it would improve stability for military families and reflect modern service demands. Members praised the bill and noted recent National Guard deployments for fires as an example of the gap it addresses. AB 2219, the Faster Service for Veterans Act, by Chair Schiavo, would require county veterans service officer vacancies to be filled within 12 months, set accreditation timelines, expand training and public awareness, create a statewide work queue, improve data collection, and require periodic reporting and a unified satisfaction survey. The California Association of County Veterans Service Officers supported the bill, saying it would improve timeliness, accountability, and resource planning. After discussion, the committee voted to pass all of the bills and move them to the next committees: the consent calendar bills AB 1702, AB 1765, AB 2203, and AB 2467 were approved 8-0; AB 2054 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Insurance; AB 2219 passed 8-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations; and AB 2531 passed 6-2 and was re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• manuals, product specifications, documentation, and delivery of a sample meter-mounted device for evaluation
• utility to remove a customer-owned meter-mounted device that inhibits the utility's ability to safely perform

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Second Substitute House Bill 1906 concerning water systems, focusing on a striking amendment that would require more notice to customers and relevant entities before ownership changes, require certain planning documents to be submitted, and direct the UTC to consider cost of capital, external funding, rate smoothing, notice, and planning compliance when setting rates for private water companies. Testifiers from the Washington PUD Association, Northwest Natural, Thurston PUD, and Washington Water Service generally supported the bill, saying it would improve transparency for customers, help avoid failed systems ending up in receivership, and better inform customers about future costs; one senator asked about PFAS contamination, receivership, and the removal of a right of first refusal, and staff explained the bill’s intent was to improve front-end notice rather than change the back-end takeover process. The committee then moved into executive session and received briefings on several bills and proposed striking amendments, including measures on distributed energy resources (HB 2296), emerging large energy use facilities (HB 2115), AI disclosures (HB 1170), waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act (HB 2416), low-income energy assistance (HB 1903), environmentally sustainable urban design (HB 1742), and the Spark Act AI grant program (HB 1833). Members discussed issues such as utility worker installation authority, data center load and ratepayer protections, AI provenance and disclosure requirements, waste-to-energy allowance timing, reimbursement mechanics for energy assistance, and safeguards for an AI regulatory sandbox. The committee adopted striking amendments and passed HB 2296, HB 2115, HB 1170, HB 2416, HB 1906, HB 1903, and HB 1833 out of committee, generally with due-pass recommendations and referral to Ways and Means where applicable. The committee did not take action on HB 1742. The meeting concluded with members and staff offering personal thanks and farewell remarks to the chair, who was noted to be leaving the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• them out of needing to fundraise for those basic operations, but put them on a similar type of evaluation
• That's for operations of the African American Art Performing Arts Center.

Bills: HB97 , HB280 , HB183 , HB151 , HB202

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2, the General Appropriations Act, and reviewed the Senate Finance Committee substitute and amendments. Staff described the budget as balanced, with recurring growth of about 2.65% and reserves maintained at roughly 28% if the related disaster reform bill passes. Members discussed the bill’s major spending areas, including health care, child care, public safety, economic development, natural resources, and education, along with technical corrections, cleanup items, and where the public could find the revised bill online. There was also discussion of contingent appropriations that depend on other bills passing, and staff said a hot list of those items would be circulated. Several members asked about specific allocations, including university athletics and facilities funding for UNM and NMSU, tourism, the State Racing Commission, the Spaceport Authority, and school-related items. The committee also discussed reserve levels, oil and corporate income tax revenue assumptions, disaster and fire recovery funding, and concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse in emergency spending. Members raised questions about a Gallup DA funding issue, online school funding, and a personal care/health care item in the Health Care Authority budget. Staff clarified several line items and explained that some appropriations were tied to future legislation or temporary provisions. After debate, the committee adopted the Senate Finance Committee amendments and then voted on the committee report for House Bill 2. The motion to do pass House Bill 2 as amended passed 8-3. The chair noted that the committee would need to return later because of caucuses and the floor schedule, and staff thanked members for the process and preparation.

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is that, along with a performance-based code, another bill that I'm offering, future updates
• In evaluating applications and in awarding funds, the board would be required to give priority to applications

Bills: HB2273 , SB5188 , HB2353 , HB2420 , HB2470

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: embodied carbon, building materials, sustainability, construction, environment, broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, capital budget, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is that, along with a performance-based code, another bill that I'm offering, future updates
• In evaluating applications and in awarding funds, the board would be required to give priority to applications

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee held public hearings on several bills. On Substitute House Bill 2236, staff explained changes to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s authority, including allowing direct mortgage loans for multifamily housing, clarifying it is not a retail mortgage lender, extending bond counsel terms, removing a notice requirement before bond issuance, and repealing outdated statutory provisions. Representative Zahn and commission staff said the bill modernizes the agency and would help finance affordable housing without using state general funds. Testimony was generally supportive, with questions focused on higher interest rates, down payment assistance, and equity for borrowers of color; the commission said it works with banks, administers programs such as Covenant Home Ownership, and aims to support both homebuyers and developers. The chair then closed the hearing on SHB 2236. The committee next heard House Bill 2273 on reducing embodied carbon emissions in buildings and building materials. Staff described requirements for the State Building Code Council to adopt phased embodied-carbon standards for large projects, with reporting, a public database, and Commerce educational resources; the fiscal note showed operating and capital costs. Representative Duerr said the bill responds to rising energy demand and could help lower building costs while supporting innovation, including Washington wood products. Supportive testimony came from environmental justice advocates and an architect, who said embodied carbon reductions are already feasible and often cost-neutral. Opponents, including the Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes, argued the bill could raise costs, create sourcing and delay problems, and should not exempt schools. The hearing on HB 2273 was then closed. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5188, which would let the Public Works Board issue loans for broadband infrastructure repair and replacement. Staff said the bill expands the existing broadband service expansion program to cover repair and replacement of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure, with Commerce fiscal impacts noted. The Association of Washington Cities testified with concerns that the bill could signal further use of the Public Works Assistance Account, which has already seen sweeps and could affect future water, sewer, wastewater, and solid waste funding. A question from Representative Dye raised whether the program should instead be tied to the Curb Board; staff and the witness agreed to continue that discussion. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee took up House Bill 2353, House Bill 2420, and House Bill 2470. HB 2353, which raises the predesign threshold for capital construction projects from $10 million to $15 million and indexes it to inflation, was reported out of committee 18-0 with one excused. The committee then adopted and reported out the proposed substitute for HB 2420, which increases the small works roster contract limit and changes the effective date to January 1, 2027, also by an 18-0 vote with one excused. Staff also briefed members on a proposed substitute for HB 2470 concerning school construction assistance for on-base schools, but no vote was taken in the transcript. The chair announced another hearing and executive session for Friday and asked members to submit amendments by the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• interagency council, like one here, improve data collection and reporting mechanisms to gather program performance
• And one of which we honed down on is youth and young adults in that transitioning evaluation phase from

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and began with an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about every individual mattering and making a difference. Members introduced themselves and described their roles in disability services, workforce policy, accessibility, and advocacy. The committee then welcomed Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina from the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), who explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy support to help states improve disability employment outcomes. SEED presented seven broad policy areas where states are active: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health supports, stay-at-work/return-to-work programs, employer recruitment and accommodation supports, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer initiatives. They shared examples from other states, including scholarship and transition policies, peer support training, accommodation funds, procurement goals, and state hiring strategies. Members asked about SEED’s role in Massachusetts, digital accessibility, and the status of PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED’s role is policy-focused rather than implementation-focused, though it can connect Massachusetts with peer states and examples. The discussion then narrowed to two possible Massachusetts projects: developing a state-as-model-employer roadmap and creating a youth/young-adult employment and volunteer pipeline, especially for transition-age individuals. Members noted related state efforts, including the governor’s executive order reestablishing a disability policy subcommittee, the commission’s Meeting the Moment series, and the need to help people navigate upcoming work requirements and transition cliffs. SEED agreed to follow up with a questionnaire and draft briefs on Massachusetts analysis, career readiness, and state-as-model-employer policies, and the group planned an offline follow-up to define priorities and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are really just algorithms and systems, data that perform tasks that typically humans would do.
• So we intend to continue to work with the court to monitor, regulate, evaluate, and study AI, and hopefully

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 413, relating to attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs in family law cases. Representative Gottlieb explained that the bill and strike-all amendment were intended to promote fairness, create more uniformity across circuits, expand judicial discretion in awarding fees, and strengthen enforcement language. Members discussed how the amendment’s reference to good-faith settlement offers would apply only after trial in fee determinations, not during the trial itself. Jamie Epstein of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section supported the measure overall, saying it would improve consistency and deter bad-faith litigation, but noted concern about one paragraph creating a presumption of entitlement to fees in contempt actions. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then passed HB 413 favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. Chair Koster said the bill would provide needed clarification in family law practice and help parties litigate more professionally and amicably. After the vote, the committee heard a presentation from Florida Bar President Sayah Baker Barnes on the Florida Bar’s role and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Baker Barnes described the Florida Bar as an arm of the Florida Supreme Court responsible for regulating lawyers, protecting the public, handling discipline, reimbursing some victims of lawyer theft through the client security fund, and providing continuing legal education. She said AI use among lawyers has grown rapidly and that the Bar has created committees, guidance, and an ethics opinion to help lawyers use AI responsibly. She emphasized that lawyers remain responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated citations and work product, noted that Florida courts have already disciplined lawyers and a pro se litigant for fake AI-generated citations, and discussed confidentiality, privilege, and deepfake concerns. Members asked about protecting client information and finding best-practice resources, and she directed them to the Bar’s LegalFuel site and AI guidance materials. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had requested funding from the Legislature in order to evaluate what our space needs would be for
• those spaces, because the point of upgrading all the furniture is to provide adequate spaces for performing

Committee: House Facilities Review Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• disease, whatever we need to have the physician in control and be able to see that patient make the evaluation
• The private sector cannot before your of the private sector can perform them cheaper.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of evaluating the, the, the best performing asset of the last 10 years with a 60% Cer cumulative annualized

Bills: SB 21 , SB 72 , SB 140 , SB 262 , SB 370 , SB 372 , SB 495 , SB 627 , SB 703 , SB 764 , SB 842

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver, consumer rights, business regulations, refund policy, telephone solicitation, telemarketing, text message marketing, SMS marketing, robotext, spam text, consumer protection, deceptive trade practices, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code

Transcript Highlights:

• regulations about auditing on that side that make sure that the reason that they fell into those is re-evaluated
• Again, the PARA board hasn't taken an official stance on this legislation, but the analysis we have performed

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• At Safety Overprofit, we use a simple framework to evaluate proposed solutions.
• And then what do we expect this will do when it comes to changes in competency evaluations?
• And then what do we expect this will do when it comes to changes in competency evaluations?
• We expect more do when it comes to changes in competency evaluations. Do we expect more or less?
• And then the judge decides after amenability evaluations, testimony, he looks at seven factors.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At Safety Overprofit, we use a simple framework to evaluate proposed solutions.
• Madam Chair, Representative, again, knowing it's a case-by-case evaluation, yes, that, if you're inside
• And then what do we expect this will do when it comes to changes in competency evaluations?
• And then what do we expect this will do when it comes to changes in competency evaluations?
• And so we're trying to align that more with the I don't know. have on contract to evaluate them.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 306, which would prohibit facility fees on certain routine health care services, including preventive care, vaccinations, and telehealth, while preserving fees in inpatient, emergency, and some rural hospital settings. The sponsor and Health Care Authority said the bill is meant to reduce surprise billing, improve transparency, and lower costs for patients and premiums. The Hospital Association opposed the measure as a potential threat to hospital operations, while insurers, consumer advocates, and a private citizen supported it. Members asked about rural exemptions, which hospitals would be affected, uninsured patients, and whether premiums might fall. The committee approved HB 306 on a 5-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create statewide standards for battery-charged electric fences with alarm systems for commercial properties. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, provide uniform rules, and help businesses deter property crime. There was little opposition, and members focused mainly on signage requirements and the bill’s limited application to commercial, not residential, fencing. HB 166 was passed on a 4-0 vote. Next, the committee took up a proposed tax credit for gun safes tied to safe storage of firearms. Supporters argued it would encourage compliance with safe-storage laws and help people afford secure storage, but members raised concerns about the size of the credit, possible administrative complications, and whether it should be handled in tax committee instead. The sponsor agreed to roll the bill and work with stakeholders rather than move it forward immediately. The committee also heard Senate Bill 100, a committee substitute clarifying the definition of “dwelling” for burglary and aggravated burglary after a Supreme Court case involving a portal/porch area. Supporters, including law enforcement, business, and property-rights groups, said the bill would provide clarity and better reflect privacy expectations around enclosed spaces. The Public Defender and Criminal Defense Lawyers Association opposed it, arguing the law already distinguishes between trespass, attempted burglary, and burglary, and that the case was correctly handled under existing law. The committee passed SB 100 on a 6-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 196 and House Bill 197, both governor’s bills increasing penalties for firearm-related offenses. HB 196 would raise the penalty for receiving a stolen firearm from a fourth-degree to a third-degree felony, and HB 197 would do the same for larceny of a firearm. Opponents argued higher penalties would not deter crime and could increase incarceration, while supporters from state police and the Chamber of Commerce said the bills target stolen guns that fuel violent crime. HB 196 was tabled on a 3-2 vote after debate over deterrence and the narrow scope of the offense. HB 197 was then heard separately, with no opposition testimony, and members discussed how the higher penalty would work in practice; the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 197 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• different sites um it and uh evaluating different sites um it may<00:44:12.760><c> be</c><00:44:13.000
• the treatment of incarcerated evaluating the treatment of incarcerated people<01:49:44.239><c> relying
• </c><01:49:52.440><c> BAS</c> as well as on statistics performance BAS as well as on statistics performance
• What process did you go through for any kind of evaluation by the commission to make a recommendation
• Are you aware of how they went about evaluating the executive director in the New York office of police

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• license authority consistency measure to add standard language allowing certain license types to perform
• Um, but I think for certain as we evaluate the market, we're going to want to look at how many licenses
• Um, but I think for certain as we evaluate the market, we're going to want to look at how many licenses
• the market, we're going to want evaluate the market, we're going to want to<00:21:10.120><c> look</c
• Um, and so I think we'll want to evaluate the status of the market, the demand, and make those informed

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all