Video & Transcript Research : 'speeding'
Page 77 of 207
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- Our industry moves at the speed of trust.
- Our industry moves at the speed of trust, and our users trust us with their most personal information
- They collect, you know, information like how many people are in the car with you, and the exact speed
- and such that you are—apologies—your speed, when you use the brakes, when you roll down your windows
- Speed, when you use the brakes, when you roll down your windows—sometimes even, like, these are very,
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information.
Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement.
Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- quality of the services to the students, faculty, staff, the stakeholders, improve accuracy, improve speed
- Improve speed, and number three, which I care deeply about, is drive down cost.
- I don't think it happens at the rate, at the speed, at the quality if you don't have sort of—I don't
- First, getting the programmers up to speed on what accessibility is. That's become a lot of work.
- First, getting the programmers up to speed on what accessibility is, what to look for, how to go, because
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- quality of the services to the students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders; improve accuracy, improve speed
- I don't think it happens at the rate, the speed, or the quality if you don't have sort of—I don't think
- cooperation and partnership I think is is maybe unique I don't think it happens at the rate at the speed
- First, getting the programmers up to speed on what accessibility is. That's become a lot of work.
- First, getting the programmers up to speed on what accessibility is, what to look for, how to go, because
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system.
Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education.
Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Interim Topics Meeting, March 3, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, yeah, we did have the bill about speeding up the permits, right?
- /c><00:42:59.800>
about Yeah, we did have the bill about Yeah, we did have the bill about speeding - <00:43:00.960>
up <00:43:01.080>the <00:43:01.200>permits, speeding up the permits - , speeding up the permits, right?
- Since it left the House chamber, or to catch our counterparts up to speed.
Summary:
The chairman opened by explaining that the committee would hear proposed interim topics and then rank them by written submissions rather than debating them one by one. The Public Service Commission presented two topics: an educational session on small water utilities, citing maintenance needs, water-quality compliance, and difficulty accessing capital, and a review of civil penalties for pipeline safety violations because Wyoming’s statutory penalties are far below federal levels and could affect compliance and funding.
Members and outside presenters then outlined a range of additional topics. Representative Campbell proposed work on fire protection districts and EMS districts, focusing on financial stability, mill levies, and possible county authority to combine districts and levies. He also raised public records at meetings, corporate filing fees, and fraudulent corporate filings. The Community College Commission proposed updating annexation statutes so communities can join community college districts more easily, especially where current mill-levy rules create funding issues. Senator Crago supported the fraudulent corporate filings topic and noted related technology-based solutions and overlap with blockchain issues.
Other proposals included CPA “Pathways” licensing changes to address a shortage of accountants, a review of public meetings and public records laws, continuation of the electricity study with emphasis on grid reliability and large-load capacity constraints, and a broader review of the public meetings and records act. Ashley Harpstreith of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities supported extending municipal audit deadlines and described a statewide shortage of auditors and CPAs. Healthy Wyoming proposed studying health coverage options for low-income working adults, including state-sponsored or cooperative models. Representative Chestek proposed making most nonpartisan county offices elected on a nonpartisan basis. No votes or final selections were taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and discussed whether topics should be assigned to this committee or another one.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, just getting caught up on speed here. Thank you.
- Some of these programs take two or three years to get them up to speed to be able to teach because these
- get<00:34:27.679>
them <00:34:27.760>up <00:34:27.919>to <00:34:28.079>speed - <00:34:28.159>
to <00:34:28.320>be <00:34:28.399>able years to get them up to speed - to be able years to get them up to speed to be able to<00:34:28.639>
teach <00:34:28.800>because
Summary:
The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally.
The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide.
No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force (11-4-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- has invested significantly in transportation capacity, allowing us to offer high-quality, low-cost, speed
- :10:36.800>
high <00:10:37.040>quality <00:10:37.920>lowcost <00:10:38.959>speed - <00:10:39.839>
and offer high quality lowcost speed and offer high quality lowcost speed and - Earlier this year, in 2025, we announced that Amazon hit its fastest Prime delivery speeds ever in the
Summary:
The task force met on November 4, 2025, approved the prior minutes without objection, and then heard a presentation from Amazon on its Kentucky aviation and logistics operations. Amazon described its statewide footprint, including its Boone County air hub at KCVG, its investment of more than $60 billion in Kentucky since 2010, about 20,000 jobs in the state, and its use of Amazon Air as a middle-mile network supported by third-party carriers. The company also highlighted small-business support, community relief efforts, and workforce development through Career Choice, including partnerships with Kentucky schools and aviation maintenance training.
Members asked about Amazon’s most in-demand workforce needs, future operational challenges, and whether autonomous vehicles are used on the KCVG ramp. Amazon said it would follow up on workforce-demand details, identified customer-driven innovation and culture as ongoing challenges, and said autonomous vehicles are in testing but are not part of regular KCVG operations. Amazon also emphasized sustainability efforts, including alternative aviation fuel, and said it wants to work with the legislature to expand AAF production and supply in Kentucky.
The task force then heard from Secretary Jeff Noel of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Matt Wingate on the state’s aviation economic development strategy. They said aviation and aerospace are central to Kentucky’s logistics and economic-development goals, with aerospace identified as the state’s top export and air cargo as a major strength. They discussed outreach to general aviation airports, support for local grant matching, airport funding projects, workforce and education partnerships, and efforts to market Kentucky at aviation trade shows such as Paris Air Show and MRO America. No formal votes or other actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 17th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So we We have high-speed internet now and recently started working with Starlink.
- That's where we also have high-speed internet for them.
- So we've provided a road for them and also the high-speed internet.
- There, where you come into the community, and with the speed limit, the slowing down of the speed limit
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- And I can tell you they've speeded it up quite a bit in terms of approval for tax stamps for suppressors
- And I can tell you they've speeded it up quite a bit in terms of approval for tax stamps for suppressors
- And I can tell you they've speeded it up quite a bit in terms of approval for tax stamps for suppressors
- And I can tell you they've speeded it up quite a bit in terms of approval for tax stamps for suppressors
- And I can tell you they've speeded it up quite a bit in terms of approval for tax stamps for suppressors
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative O'Driscoll said he would like to give a little background and bring the committee up to speed
- c><00:09:26.680>
committee <00:09:26.959>up <00:09:27.079>to <00:09:27.240>speed - appreciate the two days that we spent on this, the day that we were backgrounding to bring everybody up to speed
- appreciate the two days that we spent on this, the day that we were backgrounding to bring everybody up to speed
- appreciate the two days that we spent on this, the day that we were backgrounding to bring everybody up to speed
Bills:
HF837
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 4 Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, triggering a high-speed pursuit through Atoka County.
Bills:
HB4139, HB4143, HB4144, HB3974, HB3303, HB3790, HB3697, HB3262, HB4226, HB2936, HB3322, HB4296, HB3278, HB4202, HB3648, HB3500, HB3037, HB3428, HB3257, HB3432, HB3043, HB3044, HB3078, HB3940
Keywords:
home warranty, service contracts, transparency, insurance regulation, consumer protection, motor vehicles, traffic collisions, car accident, auto accident, crash report, collision report, property damage threshold, Department of Public Safety, DPS, law enforcement reports, insurance claims, financial responsibility, uninsured motorist, private property accidents, public roadway
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Taking a person's life should not be equal to speeding on the freeway.
- Proven safety interventions such as pedestrian crash avoidance systems, speed limiters, and car speed
- Proven safety interventions such as pedestrian crash avoidance systems, speed limiters, car speed warnings
- They did not make the laws, just like the CHP doesn't make the laws about speeding.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Debate on a bill to require athletic team designations based on biological sex at birth 4/7/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically
- Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically
- 05.680>
strength, relying on endurance, muscle strength, relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed - >
and <00:40:06.800>power, <00:40:07.200>males <00:40:07.600>typically speed - , and power, males typically speed, and power, males typically outperform<00:40:08.920>
females
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we're hoping this speeds up the process.
- So, we're hoping this speeds up the process.
- Um, are the systems that connect the panels to these railings rated for certain wind speeds?
- or<01:36:47.920>
um <01:36:48.080>because <01:36:48.239>that certain wind speeds - or um because that certain wind speeds or um because that would<01:36:48.560>
be <01:36:48.639
Keywords:
natural hair braiding, registration, Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Act, public health, sanitation, cumulative voting, associations, unit owners, board of directors, elections, Hawaii Revised Statutes, condominium, association meetings, electronic voting, proxy voting, mail voting, insurance, premium increase, policy cancellation, licensing
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 13, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- departments in order to make sure that we can have developers get through the process quicker and speed
- This will help speed up commerce.
- This will help speed<01:06:47.920>
up <01:06:48.160>commerce. - <01:06:48.559>
It <01:06:48.720>will <01:06:48.960>help speed up commerce. - It will help speed up commerce.
Bills:
SF0082
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (7-28-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- whether the chamber had a perspective on workforce shortages on the government side that could help speed
- local red tape that stands in the way of housing construction, reduce litigation risk, or otherwise speed
- reduce litigation risk or<00:53:07.200>
otherwise <00:53:08.079>uh <00:53:08.240>speed - ><00:53:08.480>
up <00:53:08.640>the <00:53:08.800>production or otherwise uh speed - up the production or otherwise uh speed up the production of<00:53:09.200>
housing.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:14
Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:01
Discussion of Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit 01:11:13
Adjournment 01:40:27, 958, all
Summary:
The Kentucky Housing Task Force met and heard first from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which presented findings from a housing study done with the Home Builders Association. The chamber said housing is now a major economic-development issue, citing survey results that 90% of community leaders said their region could not absorb a major job announcement and 66% said housing is holding back Kentucky’s economy. The chamber described Kentucky’s housing shortage, rising home prices, declining permits since 2008, and the need for more production to support growth. It urged policy changes including zoning and land-use reform, tax incentives, regional approaches, and especially a residential infrastructure fund modeled on Indiana’s low-interest loan program to help communities finance roads and other infrastructure needed for new housing. Members asked about the severity of the problem, workforce shortages in permitting and construction, the loan interest rate, repayment, and whether Kentucky could replicate Indiana’s results; the witness said the issue is a crisis and that the program would be a revolving public-private partnership, likely around 3% interest, with implementation details still to be worked out.
The Kentucky Bankers Association then testified that the housing gap is especially acute for households at 80% of area median income and below, which it said represents about 70% of Kentucky’s housing need. It emphasized that the shortage affects both urban and rural counties and pointed to examples such as Rowan County, where workers at major employers must commute long distances because local housing is unavailable or unaffordable. The bankers said high interest rates remain a major barrier and proposed a $20 million bank commitment for a revolving fund tied to tax credits to finance new housing, not refinances. They cited Hope of the Midwest as an example of a successful tax-credit housing model with a long track record and no defaults, and said the proposal would leverage public-private partnerships to create new units.
Committee members questioned how the proposed fund would compare with industrial revenue bonds and whether it could be structured like Kentucky’s tobacco settlement fund, with seed money, a review board, scoring criteria, and possible population thresholds to ensure smaller communities benefit. The bankers said the proposal would be another tool for cities and counties, specifically tied to residential infrastructure, and that larger cities should not be able to capture all of the resources. No formal votes or actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- that could be a serious safety concern, because I'm pretty sure that nobody would want a compromise speed
- It really is probably a dozen or two dozen things that will greatly impact the cost, the speed, and access
- impact<00:29:50.240>
the <00:29:50.480>cost <00:29:51.080>the <00:29:51.279>speed - ><00:29:51.919>
and <00:29:52.279>access <00:29:53.080>of impact the cost the speed - and access of impact the cost the speed and access of of<00:29:53.519>
housing <00:29:53.880><
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:17:15.040>
up <03:17:15.200>paper <03:17:15.600>return technology to speed - up paper return technology to speed up paper return processing.<03:17:17.200>
In <03:17:17.439 - It will increase the speed and the efficiency and the accuracy of processing.
- It's long past time that the IRS implements scanning technology to improve the speed and accuracy of
- It's long past time that the IRS implements scanning technology to improve the speed and accuracy of
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you know, she got a speed ticket to visit me, so I guess I sympathy, but the question is, you know
- And, of course, got a speeding ticket, you know, but all during the time home visit she didn't tell me
- So, you know, she got a speeding ticket to visit me, so I guess I sympathy, but the question is, you
- Speed ticket to visit me, so I guess I sympathy, but the question is, you know, and then will it also
- but it is good, you know, because even like yourself, the issue, you know, they get a ticket like speed
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (9-18-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- If you don't have a tag, the speed limit is 25 maximum for you on a state highway, you know.
- It's not designed for high-speed runs.
- limit is 25 don't have a tag, the speed limit is 25 maximum<01:15:52.880>
for <01:15:53.120>- <01:16:15.040>
It's not designed for high-speed runs.- It's not designed for high-speed runs.
- <01:16:15.040>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12
Approval of Minutes 00:02:25
Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48
Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58
Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56
Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members.
The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky.
Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It takes a while for a person to get up to speed with this job, and changing someone every two years
- > to<01:46:24.199>
get <01:46:24.360>up <01:46:24.520>to <01:46:24.679>speed - while for a person to get up to speed while for a person to get up to speed with<01:46:25.119>
- We'll also continue to look at what other states are doing in this area, as well as get up to speed on
- on what the federal uh get up to speed on what the federal uh authorities<03:13:55.600>
are <03
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.