Video & Transcript Research : 'felony speeding'
Page 86 of 297
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- for theft right now it's $1,000 to become a felony, and if you moved to $1,500 or if you moved it to
- <00:22:13.720>
I <00:22:13.799>mean and what is considered a felony I mean and what - is considered a felony I mean would<00:22:14.360>
you <00:22:14.559>say <00:22:14.799>< - for theft right now it's $1,000 to become a felony, and if you moved to $1,500 or if you moved it to
- for theft right now it's for felonies for theft right now it's $1,000<00:22:49.400>
to <00:22:
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
- athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
- athletic or sporting events or competitions in a sport or similar activity in which physical strength, speed
- If I could follow up. physical strength, speed or endurance is physical strength, speed or endurance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Majority Leader Erin Murphy Media Availability - 04/16/26
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:14:19.240>
charged <00:14:19.520>with <00:14:19.680>two <00:14:19.880>felonies - <00:14:21.040>
in has been charged with two felonies in has been charged with two felonies
Summary:
A Senate DFL leader discussed the upcoming supplemental budget and said nearly half of it is being shaped by the federal budget bill passed last July, which he argued is driving hospital distress, higher county costs, and pressure on family budgets. He said the budget will focus on affordability, health care, and responding to federal actions, including an uncompensated care fund for hospitals in distress and possible one-time county technology upgrades to handle new Medicaid-related requirements. He estimated Senator Wiklund’s health and human services proposal includes about $50 million for those upgrades and said that item would likely be handled in an appropriation bill rather than a bonding bill.
The leader also said bonding is a top priority this year and that public asset maintenance remains important, including projects tied to sports and civic facilities. On HCMC and broader hospital funding, he said he is confident the Legislature will act, but wants to address the hospital within the context of the statewide hospital delivery system. He also said the Senate has not yet taken a position on a proposed tax related to fraud restitution, but emphasized support for fraud prevention, an independent inspector general, and more resources for the Attorney General.
School safety was another major topic. He said Senate Democrats plan to bring a comprehensive package to the floor that includes school safety funding, mental health care, and measures addressing weapons of war, and he expressed hope that some Republicans will support it. He said the Senate education finance bill already includes more school safety funding than the House GOP version, less funding for private school safety, and no weapons-of-war language, but that a broader package will come through the Finance Committee soon. He also said the Senate expects to take up a stand-alone building security package to cover ongoing screening and staffing costs, and he supported creating a special security response unit for threats against lawmakers.
Other issues mentioned included support for banning NDAs for local governments, continued attention to public safety and accountability in response to federal immigration enforcement actions, and interest in a bill affecting Minneapolis sports-related taxes and PGA funding, though he said those proposals are still being worked on and may not pass this year.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Mar 13th, 2026 at 04:04 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- It then creates three felony offenses.
- Finally, if two or more persons conspire to commit either of these offenses, they are guilty of a felony
- All the crimes carry a penalty of five to 15 years in a state correctional facility. ...of a felony.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment.
The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted.
Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Feb 9th, 2026 at 06:32 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- A local law enforcement agency shall notify a juvenile's district of a juvenile's felony arrest within
- student that shows up to school having been arrested or apprehended over the weekend for a violent felony
- Chairman, but looking at the whole legislation, it basically speaks to notifying the school of a felony
Summary:
The committee first took up a bill on computer science and CTE. Senator DeLano explained that it updates prior law requiring computer science to be incorporated into curriculum and Carnegie unit credit, and now allows artificial intelligence to be included as a component of a district’s computer science offerings. The committee asked no substantive questions, and the bill received a title sufficient, do pass recommendation by voice vote.
The next measure, Senate Bill 2244, would allow students in districts rated F for two consecutive years to transfer to another district or school, with the state covering transportation and related costs in addition to base student cost. Members raised concerns about the estimated fiscal impact, the authority of receiving districts to accept students, whether the bill should apply to individual schools within an F district, and whether a case-by-case or pilot approach would be better. The committee adopted a reverse repealer to keep the bill alive for further work, then voted title sufficient, do pass.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2235, which requires local law enforcement to notify a juvenile’s school district within 24 hours of a felony arrest. Senator Rhodes said the bill was prompted by school resource officers who wanted schools to know when a student had been arrested, especially after violent incidents, so schools could respond appropriately. Senators questioned whether the bill conflicts with youth court confidentiality and records laws, who exactly should receive the notice, and whether false arrests could harm students. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve communication and school safety, and the committee adopted a reverse repealer and then voted title sufficient, do pass. The chair announced the committee would meet again later that day and rise and report tomorrow.
CA
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee, First Extraordinary Session Jan 27th, 2025
Budget
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (10/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"
- Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"
- <00:26:36.159>
Um, <00:26:36.640>so ever been convicted of a felony? - Um, so ever been convicted of a felony?
- Um, so one of the questions is, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?"
Summary:
The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar.
Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- himself talked about the insane speed himself talked about the insane speed that<00:39:58.480>
- And when the governor stands up at a press conference and says speed to market was a big factor in a
- company deciding to locate in Mississippi, DEEQ is part of that speed to market, and we're very proud
- to market and DEEQ is part of that speed to market and and<00:59:54.000>
we're <00:59:54.240><- The felony really hurts. So then they don't work.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks present its FY27 budget request and discuss accomplishments from prior appropriations. The commissioner highlighted improved conservation officer retention after salary increases, continued training and wellness efforts, upgrades to state parks and cabins, expansion of tiny homes, fisheries stocking and youth fishing programs, ongoing chronic wasting disease testing, and the Museum of Natural Science’s recent accreditation. The agency said it wants to maintain parks and facilities so they do not deteriorate again, and it emphasized tourism and public access benefits.
Budget staff then outlined the request: $21.7 million in general funds, including increases for state parks, the museum, law enforcement, and chronic wasting disease; $23.2 million in state support capital and education funds; and $86.99 million in special funds authority. Major capital requests included $18.8 million for state parks projects at several parks, $1.25 million for law enforcement facilities, $2 million for Lake Lamar Bruce improvements, and $1.125 million for mobile teaching vans. Members asked for more detail on general fund increases, proof that law enforcement salary enhancements reached field agents, more information on the tiny home program and its return on investment, the source of motor vehicle funds, and a breakdown of requested pins and vacancies.
The committee also questioned the agency about chronic wasting disease, with the department saying the $400,000 request supports testing and research and that live testing is not yet reliable. Members raised concerns about prioritization of lake and park maintenance, especially Lake Claude Bennett, and whether the agency is too reactive rather than proactive in addressing deteriorating facilities. The department said funding limitations and federal restrictions on certain lake dollars drive its priorities, and that it focuses on the most-used parks and lakes. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- To protect the chain of custody of voted ballots, this bill will also make it a felony to violate existing
- state... ...of voted ballots, this bill will also make it a felony to violate existing state law and
Summary:
The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and accepted both Elections Committee amendments and additional committee amendments. The bill was presented as a response to alleged threats to California elections, including expanding existing protections against armed personnel at polling places to military personnel, strengthening penalties and civil remedies related to interference with election administration, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and restricting access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the measure was needed to protect voters from intimidation and election interference, especially in light of recent ballot seizures and broader concerns about federal and local law enforcement actions.
Supporters also included the League of Women Voters of California and Common Cause of California. Opposition came from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA, who argued the bill was vague, could interfere with lawful law enforcement investigations, and created civil and criminal exposure for officers acting under court orders or in election-related probes. They also raised concerns about conflicts with federal election oversight and the role of local officials in securing polling places. In closing, the author said investigations could still occur but ballots must remain with the registrar to preserve chain of custody.
The committee motioned SB 73 do pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 7-1, with Assembly Member Lackey voting no and Assembly Member Alonis not voting. The committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- Arkansas State Police and the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, Cothran was charged with felony
- Cothran was charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office on September 11 and resigned from
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Class 5 felony presumptive sentence is 1.5 years in prison, the Class 4 felony is two and a half
Summary:
The Rules Committee considered a series of bills, with the Rules attorney flagging constitutional or preemption concerns on several measures. HB 2060 would prohibit public educational institutions and universities from encouraging or facilitating abortions; the attorney noted Prop. 139’s new abortion-rights language could create a state constitutional issue, but the committee still recommended the bill 5-3. HB 2085 would ban gender transition procedures and also restrict referrals; the attorney said the procedure ban is supported by recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent, but the referral restriction raises possible First Amendment issues in light of a Ninth Circuit case, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2133 would impose age and consent verification requirements on commercial entities publishing sexual material online; the attorney warned it may be preempted by federal Section 230 law, but the committee recommended it 5-3. HB 2086, which would bar governmental entities from requiring masks or vaccinations, was flagged for Supremacy Clause and intergovernmental immunity concerns because it included the federal government, but was recommended 5-3 after the sponsor indicated an amendment was coming. HB 2279, dealing with liability limits for Grand Canyon river outfitters, raised anti-abrogation concerns because it would eliminate ordinary negligence claims; the sponsor said he would offer a floor amendment, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2364 would add criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs; the attorney said it likely conflicts with the new abortion-rights protections in Prop. 139, though the legal landscape is unsettled, and the committee recommended it 5-3.
The committee then took a mass motion covering many additional bills, resolutions, and memorials. The Rules attorney said the listed measures were generally constitutional and in proper form, with one update on HCR 2003, which would place a measure before voters affecting school sports participation and facilities use based on biological sex. The attorney said the issue is actively being litigated nationally and that a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision in similar Idaho and West Virginia cases could affect the measure’s legal status. The mass motion was approved unanimously, 8-0.
Throughout the meeting, members from the majority voted aye and minority members generally voted nay on the individual abortion-, gender-, and speech-related bills, often citing constitutional objections tied to Prop. 139, the First Amendment, or federal preemption. The meeting adjourned after the unanimous approval of the mass motion.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 02:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Disability, APD, provides care for those who have developmental disabilities who have been convicted of a felony
- DDDP program, persons are securely housed and provided training to return to the court to face their felony
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 2, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- actor, you know, who did the underlying behavior, they could potentially still bring a third-degree felony
- Is this bill specific to child pornography, or are there a multitude of felonies that it could apply
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered four bills and reported all of them favorably. HB 373, by Rep. Duggins, tolls the statute of limitations for the offense of knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse until law enforcement or another outside agency learns of the violation. Members raised concerns about fairness if the underlying abuse is time-barred while the reporter still faces prosecution, and the sponsor said he would discuss possible changes with his state attorney, but the bill was not amended and passed 13-0.
HB 359, by Rep. Anderson, extends the deadline for forensic examination of seized computers and electronic devices from 45 days to 365 days. Supporters from the Florida Prosecutors Association and state attorneys said modern devices are difficult and time-consuming to unlock and analyze, creating repeated requests to extend search deadlines and slowing investigations in cases involving child exploitation, homicide, and other crimes. The bill passed 13-0.
HB 703, by Rep. Gentry, preserves a public records exemption for information generated by a state attorney’s conviction integrity unit during reinvestigation of a claim of innocence, with supporters saying disclosure could reveal sensitive information such as alternate suspects, witnesses, or evidence and compromise the review. It passed 12-0. HB 4001, by Rep. Tant, caps inmate health care compensation in Jefferson County at 110% of the Medicare reimbursement rate to encourage preexisting provider contracts and prevent overbilling; it also passed 13-0. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We're getting ready to turn that into a felony.
- lot specifically in that manner and also raises the penalties from Mr, Maners or civil citation to felony
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- They're incarcerated for felony crimes in the state of New Hampshire, and they need appropriate diversional
- They're incarcerated for felony crimes in the state of New Hampshire, and they need appropriate diversional
- They're incarcerated for felony crimes in the state of New Hampshire, and they need appropriate diversional
- 58.719>
maybe uh invi has embied too much and maybe uh invi has embied too much and maybe speeding - It's just it's a it's a speeding.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 56 (3-31-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- time served for capital and the most time served for capital and the most violent<03:38:40.319>
felony - <03:38:42.080>
Second, <03:38:42.399>the violent felony convictions. - Second, the violent felony convictions.
- ,<03:38:52.720>
or <03:38:52.880>to class A, or class B felonies, or to class A, or - class B felonies, or to violent<03:38:53.359>
offenders <03:38:53.760>who <03:38:53.920
Keywords:
open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/14/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
- And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
- And with this bill, it would make that a felony to do that, and that's simply what the bill does.
- I can watch it online. >> [clears throat] But I do notice this creates felony penalties.
- I believe that's the type of penalty we've had, these felonies.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH/PBS Joint Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 8:50 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
- the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
- the ability for the Guard to do its job in a response, first-responder capacity, and the class C felony
- :13.040>
what <01:09:13.199>would <01:09:13.400>be <01:09:13.600>most felony - level is what would be most felony level is what would be most appropriate<01:09:14.440>
to <01
Summary:
At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote.
The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments.
The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments.
Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.