Buckbee Testifies on Multiple Public Safety Initiatives

HARTFORD – The legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee held a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 11, on several pieces of legislation. State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) testified on five separate pieces of legislation. Three are aimed at curbing the opioid crisis, one is intended to provide firefighters an exemption on personal income, and one to update the state’s regulations on video visual effects.

The committee heard 27 bill proposals during today’s hearing. “This is perhaps the widest scope of legislation I have testified on,” explained Buckbee. “The public hearing process is critically important to shepherding legislation through the process. I was proud to continue my advocacy efforts in regard to the opioid crisis and providing better means to combat it. Additionally, providing some financial relief to first responders and updating antiquated regulations are beneficial for all state residents.” 

Addressing Opioids

 Buckbee began his testimony by outlining the importance of continuing to pass legislation that supports those struggling with addiction. The set of laws discussed at Thursday’s hearing are the first of many opioid-related items to be considered this session.

Buckbee has placed an emphasis on providing as many options to those seeking help, and to law enforcement so that they can provide the guidance that so many people in crisis are in need of. The collective passage of these laws will strengthen the community’s safety net, and ability to respond to incidences of opioid abuse and misuse.

It should also be noted that Public Safety Chairwoman Maria Horn (D-64) recognized New Milford’s leadership on this issue. “I thank you for all of your work, particularly the mental health and opioid issue. I look forward to working with you as the committee process moves forward,” Horn said in her concluding remarks to Buckbee.

Buckbee’s opioid-related bill proposals heard today include:

• Proposed H.B. No. 5723 AN ACT CONCERNING POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO OPIOID ANTAGONISTS SUCH AS NARCAN.

• Proposed H.B. No. 5078 AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF TECHNOLOGY THAT POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL MAY USE WHEN RESPONDING TO OPIOID OVERDOSES.

• Proposed H.B. No. 5162 AN ACT CREATING A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE DIVISION OF STATE POLICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES REGARDING CARE OF PEOPLE ADDICTED TO OPIOIDS

Firefighter and EMS Tax Exemption

 Often, volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are paid a stipend. If passed, this new law would exempt from the personal income tax any stipend paid by a municipality, a volunteer fire department of the municipality or a volunteer ambulance association of the municipality, to a volunteer firefighter or volunteer ambulance member. This provides some financial relief to the men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Visual Effects

 As technology improves, so do visual effects. There was good reason for concern of smoke bombs in previous years, but there are now products available that allow audio and visual technicians to safely emulate explosions. This will allow videographers and photographers throughout the state to become more creative and compete with the standards of the current market.

To watch Buckbee’s testimony, you can click here.

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