Video & Transcript Research : 'settlements'
Page 31 of 113
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- If I had sued my traffickers and part of the settlement was placed in a care account for my mental...
- If I had sued my traffickers and part of the settlement was placed in a care account for my medical expenses
- where direct action is not otherwise authorized by law, at the time the judgment is entered or settlement
- of any party as a party defendant for the purposes of entering final judgment and enforcing the settlement
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended.
House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended.
The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no.
Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Fighting Fraud / Removing Barriers to Mental Health Services / Capital Investment Considerations May 18th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have the big GAC filters in our basement that were provided through funds from the 3M settlement
- 09.120>
3M were provided through funds from the 3M were provided through funds from the 3M settlement - 11.760>
so <00:21:12.000>we're <00:21:12.240>fortunate <00:21:12.640>in settlement - Um and so we're fortunate in settlement.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- returned: Senate File 3446, a bill for an act relating to claims against the state, providing for the settlement
- claims against the state providing for claims against the state providing for the<00:12:27.839>
settlement - <00:12:28.160>
of <00:12:28.320>certain <00:12:28.639>claims the settlement - of certain claims the settlement of certain claims appropriating<00:12:29.680>
money.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 4/8/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- immediate benefits might be establishing child support, public benefits, rent abatement, maybe a settlement
- public benefits, rent abatement,<00:21:32.080>
maybe <00:21:32.320>a <00:21:32.559>settlement - /c><00:21:33.360>
but <00:21:33.600>it <00:21:33.760>is abatement, maybe a settlement - , but it is abatement, maybe a settlement, but it is also<00:21:34.240>
includes <00:21:34.640>
Bills:
HF2300
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- a preference bill; it's a bill necessitated by actions of bankruptcy judges relative to opioid settlements
- one of the things that it did was break down the funds when funds came in as a result of opioid settlements
- that there'd be a number of opioid-related bankruptcies, and these are multi-state bankruptcies. settlements
- um and terms that those settlements um and terms that those judges<00:03:06.480>
may <00:03:06.680
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:15
HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30
HB 537 Vote 00:05:15
HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00
HB 695 Vote 00:23:15
HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40
HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late.
The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place.
Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- She has secured, first of its kind, an $11 million settlement from the Riverview Dairy, requiring 2,000
- She secured $1.1 billion in opioid settlements from Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Purdue Pharma
- Mays and her team won a $2.6 million settlement against Coulter Motors for deceptive pricing and charging
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring two Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel killed in a helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident in Flagstaff. Members also introduced numerous guests and Capitol Day visitors, including the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists, the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association, and organizations serving deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind Arizonans. A proclamation was read designating September 4 as Taekwondo Day in Arizona.
The chamber then processed a large number of bills through first reading, second reading, and Committee of the Whole. Measures receiving due-pass recommendations included HB 2075, HB 2120, HB 2155, HB 2328, HR 2004, HB 2051, HB 2072, HB 2178, HB 2203, HB 2395, HB 2010, HB 2043, HB 2108, HB 2135, and HB 2310. Several bills drew substantive debate, including HB 2051 and HB 2072 on lactation services and consultant certification for Medicaid reimbursement, HB 2203 on eliminating duplicative reporting requirements, HB 2395 on a voluntary mental health-related measure, and HB 2043, which sparked a sharp partisan exchange over whether it was a cleanup to felony-murder statutes or an anti-abortion/personhood measure.
On third reading, HB 2008, dealing with school libraries and public funding for library associations, passed 33-25 after debate over whether it would help keep ideology out of schools or further weaken library support. House Resolution 2004, a nonbinding resolution expressing disapproval of Attorney General Chris Mays’ public statements, also passed 33-25 after extensive floor debate over her comments, her record on law enforcement and consumer protection, and whether the resolution was appropriate. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred the passed measures for engrossing, and adjourned until Monday, February 9, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you're a FHA, anything... ...governed by FHFA or RESPA, the Real Estate Settlement.
- And so we increase the number of people who can keep a roof over their heads, improving settlement outcomes
- subsequently in a... ...conviction suit, forceful detainer suit, and so forth, and we negotiated a settlement
Keywords:
municipality, local government, Type A, Type B, Type C, change authority, emergency medical services, civil service status, municipal government, public safety, local government code, school funding, education, state budget, local control, equity, tenant legal services, eviction, low-income tenants, disability rights
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >> My understanding, if there have been settlements that have been entered into already under 661B.
- >> My understanding, if there have been settlements that have been entered into already under 661B.
- What I'm saying is there's settlements that have been entered into, and it's based on a consideration
- Um, currently the settlement conversations you're having with these four petitioners, is money coming
- Once you guys reach a settlement? >> I just know it goes on the ATG1. >> Okay.
Keywords:
students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript.
The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded.
House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- going through the proceedings of the actual eviction if there you're not able to reach any kind of settlement
- going through the proceedings of the actual eviction if there you're not able to reach any kind of settlement
- um<00:21:57.600>
any <00:21:57.919>kind <00:21:58.159>of <00:21:58.640>settlement - <00:21:59.440>
from um any kind of settlement from um any kind of settlement from mediation - past claims, and he reiterated the company's commitment to pay its $2 billion share of the global settlement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/17/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I can name a whole bunch of um laws that were the Department of Human Services, the Jensen Settlement
- And I can name a whole bunch of um laws that were the Department of Human Services, the Jensen Settlement
- And I can name a whole bunch of um laws that were the Department of Human Services, the Jensen Settlement
- Um, we won<01:08:45.839>
a <01:08:46.000>settlement <01:08:46.319>in <01:08:46.480 - in that case um proving won a settlement in that case um proving that<01:08:48.480>
the <01:08
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/17/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- with Gargar Family Services, and the settlement, interestingly, was rather than that the money go back
- with Gargar Family Services, and the settlement, interestingly, was rather than that the money go back
- with Gargar Family Services, and the settlement, interestingly, was rather than that the money go back
- with Gargar Family Services, and the settlement, interestingly, was rather than that the money go back
- with Gargar Family Services, and the settlement, interestingly, was rather than that the money go back
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 02/27/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- There's an odd strike in lines 6.9 to 6.10, and that refers to Tobacco settlements.
- well that leg that that law settlements well that leg that that law has<01:04:59.839>
been <01 - He claimed that he was able to negotiate a settlement with this lady, and she was initially asking for
- $20,000 for the settlement, and he talked her down to 15.
- that would kind of be settlements that would kind of be included<01:27:58.440>
in <01:27:58.560
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Before trial, the offender had his lawyer offer a settlement of $75,000.
- Before trial, the offender had his lawyer offer a settlement of $75,000.
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 1135, Bentley and Mason’s Law, which would require a person convicted of killing a parent or parents while driving drunk or otherwise under the influence to pay ongoing child support-like maintenance to the victim’s children until age 18, or 21 if in college. The sponsor explained the bill is modeled on child support procedures, with the amount determined by the court based on the offender’s finances and the children’s needs, and with a one-year delay after release from prison before payments begin. He also said the bill was designed to avoid duplicate recovery if the family pursues a civil case against an insurance company, and members raised questions about penalties for nonpayment, whether health care or FAFSA would be affected, and whether the bill should be strengthened with more enforcement teeth.
Public testimony was strongly supportive. A Tennessee mother, Brooke Stewart, described how her husband was killed by a drunk driver and how a court-awarded restitution order under Bentley’s Law is helping provide for her two daughters’ future education and needs. She said the offender had prior DUI-related arrests and that the law gave her family relief after a devastating loss. A representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving also supported the bill, said the measure is needed because Missouri families currently lack this protection, and urged the committee to pass it without amendment because the session was nearing its end. She noted the bill has been pursued for several years, has support from affected families, and is part of a broader effort to strengthen impaired-driving laws in Missouri.
Committee members generally expressed sympathy and support, with several saying the bill was good policy and asking about implementation details rather than opposing the concept. The sponsor indicated he was open to offline discussions about possible strengthening amendments, but MADD asked that the bill not be changed at this stage. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on Senate Bill 1135 was closed without any vote or other action taken in the transcript.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State - Tribal Relations Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's only one settlement agreement; there's still additional ones that are likely to come.
- And just to clarify, so that settlement is for public water systems.
- is for Public Water so that settlement is for Public Water Systems<05:00:00.558>
there's <05:00 - The PCB program came through as a result of a Monsanto lawsuit settlement.
- this state received lawsuit settlement this state received um<05:22:16.920>
approximately <05:
Summary:
The Department of Administrative Services presented an overview of its budget and operations, emphasizing that it is the lowest-spending agency in state government and that its general fund allocation has declined since 2019. Commissioner Arling House explained that DAS also handles back-office functions for several administratively attached boards, which has affected staffing and spending comparisons. He said the department’s current general fund spending is roughly split between retiree health and other operations, and that the presentation was based on adjusted authorized spending rather than the original budget figures.
A major portion of the meeting focused on retiree health benefits and the long-term effort to control costs. Deputy Commissioner Cassie Keane described how the state moved from a projected deficit in retiree health to savings through a series of changes, including higher premium contributions, co-pay adjustments, and shifting Medicare retirees into Medicare Advantage arrangements to capture federal reimbursement. She said the state has about 12,500 retirees and spouses on the plan, with roughly 10,906 Medicare retirees and 1,580 non-Medicare retirees, and that the savings have depended heavily on federal funding and procurement decisions. She also noted that Medicare retirees pay Part B premiums and that the state has grandfathered older retirees from some premium contributions.
Members asked about what the expenditures cover, why the state offers retiree health instead of simply giving retirees a payment to buy coverage themselves, and whether out-of-pocket costs changed under Medicare Advantage. Keane said the plan covers actual health claims or insurance premiums, that co-pays and maximum out-of-pocket limits remain in place, and that the state has no authority to change benefit details without legislative action. She explained that retiree health is a long-standing employee benefit that wraps around Medicare and is not collectively bargained in the usual sense, though its eligibility rules and cost-sharing have been tightened over time to better target the benefit to long-term state service.
The discussion also covered vendor performance problems. Keane said Anthem recently won the contract back from Aetna, but its pharmacy subsidiary, Caroline, caused serious service disruptions. DAS responded by withholding payments, assessing more than $2 million in performance guarantees, and hiring a third-party auditor to review the pharmacy processes. The current contract runs through the end of calendar year 2026, and officials said they are watching federal Medicare Advantage reimbursement changes closely because future savings are uncertain.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/01/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, we reached a historic total of $565 million in settlements with the opioid companies, and
- Additionally, we've also won more than $60 million for the state in our settlement with Juul and Altria
- historic 1999 tobacco settlement. historic 1999 tobacco settlement.
- in<00:33:57.519>
our 60 million for the state in our 60 million for the state in our settlement - This represents the largest per capita state settlement in the country with those defendants.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 14th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So if somebody complains and it's proven true, they're getting some kind of settlement through this process
- The thought process of adding that language was that if the homeowner did receive a settlement from their
- insurance company or another settlement of some sort, the amount of that settlement would have to go
- Or another settlement of some sort, the amount of that settlement would have to go back, equaling the
Bills:
HJR1088, HJR1090, HJR1091, HB1370, SB2154, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1099, HJR1100, HB3021, SB893, SB206, SB248, SB259, SB423, SB563, SB604, SB633, HJR1077, SB667, SB1224, SB1257, SB1264, SB1319, SB1360, SB1437, SB1531, SB1543, SB1806, HB3004, SB1572, HB4342, SB1618, SB2, SB237, SB1632, SB1687, SB1726, SB1859, SB1894, SB1461, HB4432, SB1948, SB1589, SJR52, SR46, HCR1030, SB2071, SB2182, SB1451
Keywords:
education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, Oklahoma Register, Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and recognition of two student pages before taking up a long agenda of House joint resolutions and bills, mostly related to administrative rules and agency approvals. The chamber advanced and passed H.J.R. 1088, 1090, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1099, and 1100, which approved permanent rules for education, energy and agriculture, business and commerce, building code, health-related agencies, general government agencies, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and OMES. Several senators criticized the process for moving rule resolutions quickly and without committee vetting, while supporters said the calendar delays required direct consideration. The Senate also adopted conference committee reports and passed SB 206, SB 248, and HB 3021, with HB 3021 making small changes to graduation requirements, including science/math course language, Oklahoma history flexibility for some military families, and personal financial literacy counting toward math in some cases.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1370, which was described by its author as repealing an automatic state trigger that would replace any federal gasoline tax if the federal government suspended it. Supporters argued the bill would prevent Oklahoma drivers from paying more if the federal gas tax were repealed and framed it as tax relief; opponents argued it could reduce highway and bridge funding and create a budget hole. The Senate suspended several rules to bring the bill up, but rejected a motion to suspend the fiscal-impact rule for a proposed amendment. After debate, the chamber passed the measure 41-7 and then approved it as an emergency measure.
The Senate also took up Senate Bill 893, a conference report dealing with foreign ownership near critical infrastructure and agricultural land. The bill would restrict certain foreign adversary ownership or leasing within 10 miles of critical infrastructure, add training zones and other protected areas, delay implementation until July 1, 2027, and create an enforcement process involving Attorney General review and whistleblower-style reporting. Senators raised concerns about enforcement, possible misuse, and profiling, while the author said the bill was aimed at national security and infrastructure protection. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. Later, the Senate received notice that the House was ready to convene in joint session, and the chamber briefly stood at ease before returning to continue its work.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 9:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- He argued that in 19 years we must electrify or be in violation of state law and the Navigant settlement
- He added that there is no legal requirement in state law or the Navigant settlement to tackle fuels for
- air travel to continents, and said the settlement specifically refers to interisland air travel, not
- Navigant requirement in state law or the Navigant requirement in state law or the Navigant settlement
- to tackle fuels for air settlement to tackle fuels for air travel<00:20:45.440>
to <00:20:45.600
Keywords:
clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean vehicles
Summary:
The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:15 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- c> organizations that was behind the organizations that was behind the Navahin<01:13:50.480>
settlement - <01:13:51.120>
because <01:13:51.360>the <01:13:51.600>Navahin Navahin settlement - because the Navahin Navahin settlement because the Navahin settlement<01:13:52.880>
is <01:13: - <01:13:54.719>
Uh <01:13:55.040>the settlement is court in force. - Uh the settlement is court in force.
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers.
The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts.
HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:24:36.479>
incentives therefore distorts settlement incentives therefore distorts settlement - And if our client says, ‘Yeah, I want to accept that settlement,’ um, I say, ‘Great.’
- <01:42:10.640>
And <01:42:10.800>the settlement." Um, I say, "Great." - And the settlement." Um, I say, "Great."
- It shortens time to get to settlement.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 1067-FN, which would formalize and expand mental health courts in New Hampshire and create a grant-based funding structure for them. Representative Mark Pearson, the prime sponsor, described the bill as a bipartisan, compassionate, and cost-effective approach that would connect people with mental illness to treatment and supervision instead of incarceration, while still holding them accountable. He said the proposal was developed with input from the judicial branch, law enforcement, corrections, mental health organizations, and others, and emphasized that local courts could tailor programs to their needs.
Committee members questioned the bill’s fiscal note, whether the legislature had previously studied the issue, how the program would be funded, and whether the bill should more explicitly address treatment, prevention, and data collection. Representative Buzz Sher, who helped develop the bill, explained how mental health courts work, including referral, clinical and public-safety assessments, case management, goal-setting, and graduation from the program. He said existing New Hampshire mental health courts are mostly partial and county-funded, and that the bill would formalize them, set standards, and allow grant funding. He also cited data from Georgia and New Hampshire suggesting significant savings from reduced incarceration and related costs.
Members also raised concerns about due process, whether people not formally charged could be swept into the system, and whether individuals with violent offenses or domestic violence histories could be diverted inappropriately. Sher responded that only people already in the criminal justice process are eligible and that courts use safety assessments to screen out most violent cases. The committee requested that Sher file supporting financial data from other jurisdictions, and he agreed to do so. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.