Transcript Highlights:

• Officer Elmstrand, Officer Ruge, and Firefighter Finseth knew the risk of their calling.
• Officer Elmstrand, Officer Ruge, and Firefighter Finseth made their lives a testament to the strength
• Officer Elmstrand, Officer Ruge, and Firefighter Finseth knew the risk of their calling.
• <c> and</c> own officer elstad officer rugi and own officer elstad officer rugi and firefighter<00:10
• <c> and</c> ones officer elstad officer rugi and ones officer elstad officer rugi and firefighter<00:

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> described this is a police officer described this is a police officer beating<00:13:53.560><c> a
• <01:03:08.000><c> be</c><01:03:08.240><c> charged</c> officers be charged officers be charged now<01:
• </c> standard for law enforcement officers standard for law enforcement officers must<01:03:37.680><c
• </c> narrative referring to police officers narrative referring to police officers as as as murderers
• officers and breed distrust.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the authority to direct that officer. the authority to direct that officer.
• to not enforce this, to create a police officer-on-law-enforcement officer issue.
• </c> and federal law enforcement officers. and federal law enforcement officers.
• </c> an officer should not be published. an officer should not be published.
• </c><02:33:08.880><c> mandated,</c> office, the office of sheriff mandated, office, the office of sheriff

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Office of Inspector General. Office of Inspector General.
• </c> AG's office. AG's office.
• </c><00:58:47.560><c> Um</c> failure of the office. Um failure of the office.
• </c><01:11:48.160><c> Um</c> Attorney General's office. Um Attorney General's office.
• The Mufuku office or in Medicaid fraud control control control office office office the<01:29:26.600

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:05.119><c> um</c> to hear two reports from our office um to hear two reports from our office
• </c><00:03:27.680><c> does</c> expenditures and so the office does expenditures and so the office does
• </c> million in federal grants um the office million in federal grants um the office does<00:03:47.799
• As a constitutional office, they are not required to follow the Department of Administration Office of
• , the Attorney General’s Office, and the State Auditor’s office.

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• I know police officers, certainly the Portsmouth police officers, don't try and intimidate people into
• I know police officers, certainly the Portsmouth police officers, don't try and intimidate people into
• </c><01:28:03.520><c> I</c> Marramac County Attorney's Office. I Marramac County Attorney's Office.
• </c> police officer does what's appropriate. police officer does what's appropriate.
• </c><02:33:42.479><c> then</c><02:33:42.800><c> he</c> officer Lewis and officer Dohy then he officer

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• but also by the Office of the Attorney General.
• We will come and bring your office a lot of numbers.
• that had the same address. a commercial post office or, you know, a commercial store that has post offices
• They took pictures of the post office boxes.
• It's got our software on there in the office.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this office to do its job effectively. this office to do its job effectively.
• </c><00:08:13.919><c> and</c> per year to build out the um office and per year to build out the um office
• </c><00:48:50.240><c> I</c> offices to receive those reports. I offices to receive those reports.
• </c> idea of standing up a a brand new office idea of standing up a a brand new office um<00:58:41.280
• </c> general's office. general's office. &gt;&gt; Mr.<01:11:42.400><c> Sure.</c> &gt;&gt; Mr. Sure.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is guidance that's put forth to the commanding officers that the commanding officers must follow
• When a state or local officer violates your constitutional rights, you can sue that officer in federal
• When a state or local officer violates your constitutional rights, you can sue that officer in federal
• Peace Officers, and the other police officer associations listed in the analysis, all in opposition.
• If you were to exclude state and federal officers, I, state and local officers, I submit that anyone

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• With this new updated language, the current peace officers that are currently with the Office of Investigations
• But no, this office is already going on right now. It's not a new one.
• I didn't realize that there was currently an Office of Special Investigations.
• Because if you're coming across as a strong officer, police officer, public safety, then you may or..
• . ...as a strong officer, police officer, public safety, then you may or may not pick up on everything

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Running for office is a very intentional act.
• I, personally, don't think they should be running for office or hold elected office because, at the end
• I just really want to thank the office.
• AB 2281 would also strengthen the Office of Election Cybersecurity by authorizing the office to consult
• That we can't prosecute federal officers. We don't have jurisdiction over federal officers.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• This office responded to over 2,500 requests last year.
• This office responded to over 2,500 requests last year.
• The size of these offices varies by district.
• This office works hand in hand with the court assistance office, and parents may utilize both of these
• offices as they prepare their filings.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Office of Special Education. Thank you.
• That is, we are under the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services within The Office of
• We're here to strongly support the Office of Education, the Office of Special Education bill, because
• With the establishment of the Office of Special Education, our hope is that the office and PED will focus
• I support the office, the creation of the Office of Special Education, because it provides oversight

Bills: SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83 , HB40 , HB100 , HJR1 , SB64 , SB19 , SB44 , SB83

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• with regards to holding and running for elected office.
• Whether they hold an elected office or an appointed office makes no difference.
• I don't have an office because where would this home base be?
• first and then only from the office. office could they get mileage reimbursement.
• That office is two hours away from their house.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• Neal, please correct me if I'm wrong, but the office in Shreveport is already a service fee office, correct
• And because the OMV office is a service tag agency.
• Keith Neal, Commissioner, Office of Motor Vehicles.
• What are the current duties of the Office of Multimodal?
• But it's been housed underneath the governor's office.

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several transportation-related bills. HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds would support the Pentagon, was reported favorably without objection. HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of US 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, was also reported favorably without objection after brief remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy and a moment of silence. The committee then considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates fees public license tag agents may charge. After testimony from the Louisiana Public Tag Agent Association and Commissioner Keith Neal, Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exclude Shreveport from the fee increase; the committee rejected that amendment on a 13-2 vote, and the bill itself was then reported favorably on a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove language narrowing eligibility to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, clarifying statutory references related to operating a motor vehicle under the influence, was amended technically and reported favorably without objection. Later, HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, was amended to include leased vehicles and an effective date. Testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney described toll costs tied to the Belle Chasse bridge, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade, creating a homeschool pride specialty license plate, was reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and the intended recipient organization. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce, was amended to clarify administrative placement and terminology and then reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you're aware, that Office of Efficiency is going to move into the Inspector General's office, and
• In my office that I inherited. I got you.
• not been renewed in that office. ...legislative auditor's office last year that have not been renewed
• in that office.
• Office of Technology Services, and again, a small decrease to the Office of Risk Management.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, also a union officer with our local, been doing that for 17 years, as well as a state officer with
• to officers.
• </c><00:44:59.880><c> and</c> the murders of our peace officers and the murders of our peace officers
• <00:45:16.920><c> a</c> officers a officers a 475<00:45:18.960><c> per</c><00:45:19.400><c> increase<
• </c><00:46:30.599><c> has</c> the tragic loss of those officers has the tragic loss of those officers

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• who are certified to carry firearms under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.
• So I want to continue to allow specially commissioned officers for that purpose.
• So I want to continue to allow specially commissioned officers for that purpose.
• office, for their office that they are trying to fill. ...their office that they are trying to fill.
• elective office.

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the smaller agencies that maybe have 35 sworn officers or less have an officer full-time just
• taking care of public records requests, so we're taking an officer, a licensed officer, Just taking
• officers.
• It's not just officers; it's the certified officer series, as well as classification staff, maintenance
• Officer Rayner instructed him to stay in the vehicle. Wallace refused and shoved Officer Rayner.

Bills: S0054 , S0156 , S0296 , S0298

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues. The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups. Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, assault of a peace officer is not a violent offense.
• We absolutely need more officers. I love getting the good member from the, I Need more officers.
• A limited authority Washington peace officer is a fully compensated officer of a limited authority Washington
• The Attorney General's office must represent a peace officer in any proceeding that arises from the officer's
• The Attorney General's office must represent a peace officer in any proceeding that arises from the officer's

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 29, 2026, and announced it would not hold executive session that day because of the large number of public hearing sign-ups; those executive sessions were pushed to the following Monday. The committee first heard House Bill 2558, relating to the mental health sentencing alternative (MHSA). Staff explained that the bill narrows eligibility to people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, adds restrictions for certain domestic violence and prior violent offense cases, requires more detailed DOC reports, lengthens some community custody terms, mandates regular progress hearings, and shifts assessment work to contracted providers. The sponsor said the bill is intended to refocus the program on people whose offenses are tied to serious mental illness and to reduce misuse in domestic violence and other violent cases. No public testimony was taken on HB 2558 that day, and the hearing was held open for later testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 2217, which would replace the current first-time offender waiver with a pretrial deferral option and a suspended sentence option for eligible first-time felony defendants. Supporters, including public defense, immigration advocates, judges, economists, and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, argued the bill would create a meaningful rehabilitation pathway, reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and avoid the long-term harm of an immediate felony conviction. They also said the deferred-adjudication structure could help immigrants avoid immigration consequences and would better incentivize restitution and compliance. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, and victim advocates, raised concerns about expanding eligibility to offenses such as assault 2 and robbery 2, the meaning of “violent offense,” the possibility of judicial diversion without prosecutor consent, and the impact on victims and public safety. After testimony, the sponsor said she would remove the bill’s strong presumption in favor of relief, and the committee closed the public hearing on HB 2217. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2641, the “ICE Out Act of 2026,” which would bar Washington law enforcement agencies from hiring people who were sworn ICE officers after January 20, 2025, with the restriction applying prospectively beginning October 1, 2026. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect communities and prevent hiring officers associated with federal immigration enforcement practices she described as harmful. The committee then heard House Bill 2648, which would require state and local officers who encounter suspected ICE employees conducting immigration enforcement to activate body and dash cameras, report the encounter, and document it, while providing state indemnification for officers acting in good faith. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect communities and officers; the Washington State Patrol said many of the practices already align with its policies. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs expressed concerns about added reporting requirements, possible effects on federal-local cooperation, and asked for changes to soften mandatory language and strengthen indemnification. The committee ended the hearing without further testimony and adjourned, noting executive sessions on about a dozen bills would occur the following week.