Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll create a debate, a database for the use by mass fatality operations response teams.
• Is there a definition that exists out there of what a mass fatality?
• Things that Fit in this bucket, managing a massive fatality event, right?
• Which deals with the integration of mass fatality operations.
• Mass fatality responses to active shootings in schools.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, House Bill 1 requires DSHS and TDEM to create a Mass Fatality Operations Rapid Response Team
• Is there a definition that exists out there of what mass fatality operations is?
• I think section 4 of HB1 addresses that to some degree as it relates to the Mass Fatality Operational
• The mass fatality operations, a rapid response team from the JPs.
• Things that fit in this bucket, managing a mass fatality event.

Bills: HB2, HB1, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, studies have shown that wearing helmets reduces fatalities or major injuries by 37%.
• Studies have shown that wearing helmets reduces fatalities or major injuries by 37%.
• In 2022, we had 37 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, and in 2023, 42% of the drivers involved in fatal
• In 2023, 42% of the drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
• You know, nationally almost nearly half of all fatalities, speed is always a major contributor.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for and becomes a fatal shooting, everyone's a winner.
• Non-fatal shooting clearance rates in Minneapolis were just 23%.
• But the reason this is so important to me... including the non-fatal shooting piece including the non-fatal
• Non-fatal shooting clearance rates in Minneapolis were just 23%.
• </c> times where we did not solve non-fatal times where we did not solve non-fatal shootings<00:41:16.240

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, sadly, Florida led the nation for the number of fatal child drownings: 119 deaths in 2025.
• Florida also has the highest fatal drowning rate.
• According to DCF, Florida did break our own previous record with fatal child drownings last year.
• That was, again, 119 fatal child drownings in Florida.
• That was, again, 119 fatal child drownings in Florida.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public testimony on concerns about changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver, including warnings that HIV patients could lose access to medications and that direct support providers need a rate increase. Senators discussed possible alternatives such as medically needy coverage and FQHC/340B access, and a witness urged the legislature to delay implementation of the HIV-related changes and restore funding. Another witness asked for support for a modest increase for iBudget direct care providers. The committee then considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 428, by Sen. Yarborough, expands the state swimming voucher program from ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 to align with drowning-prevention guidance; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 68, by Sen. Harrell, requires hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House version was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1718, by Sen. Grall, makes the Step Into Success foster youth pilot permanent, adjusts visitor/background screening rules for out-of-home placements, and modifies stipend provisions; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 606, by Sen. Smith, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires hospitals and birthing centers to keep compliance records. CS/CS/SB 96, by Sen. Sharief, expands eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process, and the bill passed. CS/SB 340, by Sen. Harrell, requires nursing education to include a human trafficking course before licensure, and CS/SB 1480, by Sen. Burton, creates a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in areas of critical need if federal designations change; both were reported favorably. The committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, the bill strengthens the child fatality review program by changing the office chairs from the
• adds the Department of Early Education to this team so that we have another perspective on when a fatality
• Lastly, the bill strengthens the child fatality review program by changing the office chairs from the
• So I'm here this afternoon to speak on Amendment Number 17, which addresses the Child Fatality Review
• Amendment Number 17, which addresses the Child Fatality Review Team.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters. The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth. The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• potholes, debris, and other hazards, are estimated to be a contributing factor in about one-third of fatal
• Just in the last three years, there have been five work fatalities. California's highways.
• Just in the last three years, there have been five work fatalities and 19 serious injuries as a result
• Over the past five years, California has suffered over 600 fatal crashes within active work zones, 1,600
• Encouraging Caltrans to act more quickly to rising traffic fatalities... ...particularly for our most

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, four fatalities have occurred since 2017.
• </c><01:59:00.800><c> In</c> where we've had many fatalities. In where we've had many fatalities.
• Sadly, last December, we had a fatality at this intersection.
• Sadly, last December, we had a fatality at this intersection.
• </c> Sadly, last December, we had a fatality Sadly, last December, we had a fatality at<02:02:20.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our fatality and injury statistics show the results.
• We noticed that the teen fatality rate kept climbing.
• So last year in Missouri, traffic fatalities were down 5%, which was the third year in a row in which
• Last year, 142 of these fatalities, or about 16%, involved a driver under the age of 21.
• When you talk about accidents involving fatalities of less than 21, has that average been going down,

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, sadly, Florida led the nation for the number of fatal child drownings: 119 deaths in 2025.
• Florida also has the highest fatal drowning rate.
• According to DCF, Florida did break our own previous record with fatal child drownings last year.
• That was, again, 119 fatal child drownings in Florida.
• That was, again, 119 fatal child drownings in Florida.

Bills: S0068, S0096, S0340, S0428, S0606, S1480, S7018

Keywords: pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, veterans, dental care, healthcare, grant program, income assistance, human trafficking, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health, licensure by examination, nursing education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment first on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver. Testimony on the HIV program warned that proposed Department of Health changes could disrupt care for thousands of clients, create confusion, and force people off life-saving medications; a senator suggested affected clients explore medically needy and FQHC/340B options. Testimony on iBudget urged support for a roughly 7% rate adjustment for direct support professionals, citing rising costs and the need to sustain the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then considered several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 and was reported favorably. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1718 lengthened the time an adult may stay in an out-of-home placement before being treated as a visitor, reduced background screening burdens for foster families, made the Step Into Success program permanent, and created a best-practices program; it was also reported favorably. The committee next approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires related compliance records, and SB 96, which expands the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the bill’s specific $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing education to include a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, and SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain area-of-critical-need health care providers if federal designations change, both of which were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after all bills passed their roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vehicle towing workers face a fatality vehicle towing workers face a fatality risk<00:31:09.360>
• </c> They found that the national fatality They found that the national fatality rates<00:31:59.440><
• </c> occupational motor vehicle fatalities occupational motor vehicle fatalities were<00:32:15.679><c
• Thank you. with police officers and fat fatalities with police officers and fat fatalities with<00:40
• </c> fatality, but it needs to be addressed. fatality, but it needs to be addressed.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Youth fatalities rose over 233%.
• How many incidents a year are we looking at for fatalities or, actually, collisions of fatalities in
• ><c> do</c><01:51:59.520><c> you</c> collisions of fatalities in the H do you collisions of fatalities
• , not just motor vehicle fatalities but motorcycle fatalities that we're seeing nationally and here in
• , not just motor vehicle fatalities but motorcycle fatalities that we're seeing nationally and here in

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, Florida led the nation for the number of fatal child drownings: 119 fatal child drownings
• in Florida in 2020. 119 fatal child drownings in Florida in 2025, senators.
• Sixty-eight percent of those 119 fatal child drownings in Florida last year were children between the
• That was 81 children between the ages of zero and three who fatally drowned.
• One in four of the total 119 who fatally drowned last year—one in four were autistic.

Bills: S0032, S0068, S0210, S0246, S0340, S0418, S0428, S0606, S0628, S1028, S1734

Keywords: injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and reported a series of bills favorably, covering health care, public safety, insurance, coastal resilience, juvenile justice, drowning prevention, transportation designations, and beach management. Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 68, requiring hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, designated pediatric readiness personnel, and participation in a national readiness assessment; it passed. Harrell also presented CS/SB 340, requiring nursing students to complete two hours of human trafficking identification training before licensure; it also passed. Senator Sharif’s CS/SB 32 and SB 210, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and the related public records bill, were both reported favorably. Senator Garcia’s CS/CS/SB 302 on nature-based coastal resiliency, Senator Jones’s SB 418 on law enforcement interaction with individuals with autism and the Blue Envelope Program, and Senator Martin’s CS/SB 1734 updating juvenile probation and detention officer definitions and related cost-share language were also approved. The committee then took up several drowning-prevention measures. CS/SB 606 by Senator Smith would add drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials and direct the Department of Health to create standardized materials; an amendment removed a records-retention requirement, and the bill passed. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand the state swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; it received strong support from advocates, including a young swim instructor and autism advocates, and passed. The committee also approved CS/SB 246, a specialty license plate bill that was amended to include the UFC plate and a First Responders’ Resiliency Foundation plate, and CS/SB 1028, which revises Citizens Property Insurance and clearinghouse procedures to prioritize admitted carriers and prohibit public funds for the clearinghouse; that bill drew discussion about market competition, Citizens’ exposure, and potential impacts on policyholders. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 628, designating a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, and CS/SB 636 on beach management, which would create a proactive pathway for coastal communities to obtain erosion-related designations and align with federal programs. Beach industry testimony supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about perpetual easements and funding shortfalls. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• NIOSH that says that the cost of 2016, this is information from 10 years ago, the cost to pay out fatal
• cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers.
• cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers.
• To pay out fatal cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers exceeds half a million dollars.
• So paying out a non-fatal case versus paying out a fatal case is over half a million dollars, per NIOSH

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee began by rolling House Bill 132 at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without quorum as a subcommittee until additional members arrived. House Bill 285, as amended, was heard first. The bill was described as a cleanup measure to clarify New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption, including that it applies to a veteran’s primary residence and how it works for properties with multiple owners. Testimony from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services supported the bill, saying it would reduce confusion for assessors and help veterans access the exemption. One member raised broader concerns about housing insecurity among unhoused and renting veterans and asked for interim data on how many veterans would actually benefit, but the committee noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 285 as amended with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 128, which updates the state’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding the list of covered cancers and related conditions, aligning the state law with newer research and recent federal changes, and standardizing the employment period to five years. The sponsor and supporters said the bill reflects current science, removes outdated age limits for some cancers, and makes it easier for firefighters to receive workers’ compensation without having to prove causation case by case. Firefighters and union representatives gave emotional testimony about personal cancer diagnoses and the burden of fighting insurers while undergoing treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Administration, labor groups, and trial lawyers all supported the measure. Committee members asked about the federal model, the five-year threshold, the impact on rural jurisdictions, and why women’s cancers were not previously included; witnesses explained that the changes reflect updated data and the underrepresentation of women in the fire service. Dr. Dan Wu, speaking online, said firefighter cancer is an epidemic and argued the science supports the bill. The committee then adopted the motion and passed HB 128 with a do pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• from NIOSH that says that the cost of 2016—this is information from 10 years ago—the cost to pay out fatal
• cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers...
• cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers...
• To pay out fatal cases versus non-fatal cases across several cancers exceeds half a million dollars.
• So paying out a non-fatal case versus paying out a fatal case is over half a million dollars per NIOSH

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee met and first announced that House Bill 132 would be rolled at the sponsor’s request because amendment language was still being worked on. The committee then proceeded without full quorum for part of the meeting and moved to House Bill 285, which concerns New Mexico’s disabled veterans property tax exemption. The sponsor and administration explained that the amended bill is a technical cleanup intended to clarify that the exemption applies to a veteran’s primary residence, address multiple-owner situations, and remove duplicative statutory language. Support came from New Mexico counties, the Tax and Revenue Department, and the Department of Veterans Services, all saying the bill would improve uniform administration without changing the substance of the exemption. Members also discussed broader concerns about veteran housing and homelessness, though the sponsor noted those issues were outside the bill’s scope. After quorum was established, the committee formally adopted the amendment to HB 285 and then passed the bill as amended on a do pass motion. Members asked about protest timelines and how the clarification would help veterans who are waiting on certification; the sponsor explained that the bill preserves the ability to protest within existing timeframes and gives veterans additional time to secure certification. The committee then took up House Bill 128, which updates New Mexico’s occupational disease and disablement law for firefighters by expanding presumptive cancer coverage and aligning the state list with newer research and federal changes. Testimony in support came from firefighters, labor groups, workers’ compensation officials, and medical experts, who described occupational cancer as a major cause of firefighter deaths and said the bill would reduce the burden on sick firefighters by presuming coverage rather than forcing them to prove causation. Members also raised questions about women firefighters, the five-year employment baseline, and fiscal impact, and the bill sponsor and Dr. Wu explained that the five-year standard reflects federal compromise and current data limitations. The committee then approved HB 128 on a do pass motion and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fire and water are both equally fatal if your equipment and training are not adequate.
• I am forced to think how many near-misses there must have been before there were two fatalities.
• The industry did not become dangerous once there were two fatalities; it has been dangerous, and fatalities
• Fire and water are both equally fatal if your equipment and training are not adequate.
• The industry did not become dangerous once there were two fatalities; it has been dangerous, and fatalities

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• reduction in underground mine accident reduction in underground mine accident and<00:04:54.639><c> fatalities
• </c><00:04:55.639><c> so</c><00:04:55.919><c> those</c> and fatalities so those and fatalities so those
• in</c><00:15:42.160><c> uh</c><00:15:42.600><c> 2023</c><00:15:43.560><c> and</c> We had our last fatality
• We had never gone a year without a fatality, and now we've gone 34 months, all of 2023, all of 2024,
• So in that same time frame, Virginia had two fatalities. West Virginia had eight fatalities.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet 18:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home. The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year. Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were 17,745 fatal and serious injury crashes in California in 2024, and California's rate of fatal
• Over half of those fatalities were right here in California.
• O'Dowd, you mentioned, and I didn't catch it, Tesla had a certain amount of fatalities.
• In absolute count, it is the majority of Level 2 fatalities are attributable to Tesla. Okay.
• In absolute count, it is the majority of level two fatalities are attributable to Tesla. Okay.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing really a rise in fatal and serious injury crashes across the network.
• Paul alone, we've had 74 fatal injury crashes and 282 serious injury crashes.
• So that's 15 fatal injury crashes and 7 life-altering crashes per year.
• I'm surprised that you have so many fatals in the City of St. Paul.
• We also know that our pedestrians and bikes are overrepresented in our fatal and serious injuries.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here is DUIs cause more car fatalities. here is DUIs cause more car fatalities.
• </c> just involved in a fatal just involved in a fatal accident accident accident and<00:58:59.280><c
• Fatalities are going up. I know that.
• Fatalities are going up. I know that.
• </c> it had an increase of 77 fatal crashes. it had an increase of 77 fatal crashes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all