Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:48.000><c> uh</c><00:20:48.240><c> punish</c> immigrants community as punish uh punish immigrants
• community as punish uh punish workers<00:20:49.120><c> who</c><00:20:49.360><c> already</c><00:20:49.840
• These laws only punish workers and families who rely on money transfers.
• These laws<00:22:00.559><c> only</c><00:22:00.880><c> push</c><00:22:01.280><c> punish</c><00:22:02.240
• ><c> workers</c> laws only push punish workers laws only push punish workers where<00:22:04.640><c> families

Bills: HB585

Keywords: Washington County, circuit clerk, compensation, county government, local legislation, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only exceptions are capital crimes, those punishable by death.
• In Florida, the legislature has enacted the punishment code.
• We have to go by what the sentencing structure is, which is now the punishment code.
• He scores out on the Punishment Code score sheet for 24 months.
• He scores out on the Punishment Code score sheet for 24 months.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements. State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1751, an act amending Section 13-757 of the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to capital punishment
• Senate bill 1751 in act amending section 13 757 57 a Arizona advice statutes relating to capital punishment
• or say that it meets the requirements of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment
• I believe that none of them can, and that's just one reason why it is time to abolish capital punishment
• And that's just one reason why it is time to abolish capital punishment. I vote no.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution, which says, yeah, you get punished for what you do, but we don't stop treating you like
• </c><00:12:17.360><c> what</c> which says yeah you get punished what which says yeah you get punished
• a tiny segment of people s SP2 punishes a tiny segment of people for<00:21:55.679><c> little</c><00:
• laws that implicate eth punishment laws that implicate eth Amendment<00:23:18.320><c> claims</c><00:
• Being denied my medically necessary care was a far worse punishment than the one I received from the

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:08 SB 169: 00:01:07 SB 02: 00:05:56 Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:19:22, 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 169, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s authority to use administrative subpoenas in child exploitation investigations. Senator Danny Carroll and Attorney General’s office staff said the bill updates existing law to reflect modern online platforms, adding social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services so investigators can obtain limited account-holder information tied to online child exploitation cases. Members raised no opposition, and the committee approved SB 169 17-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2, which would prohibit the use of public funds for certain cosmetic or elective procedures in correctional facilities, including gender-affirming surgeries, and would also affect some hormone-related treatment. Senator Mike Wilson and supporters said the bill was intended to stop such procedures from being authorized by memo rather than regulation and to ensure taxpayer money is not used for elective care. Several members asked whether any such surgeries had occurred in Kentucky; Wilson said none had been approved, and he emphasized the bill was about public funding, not general medical care. Supporters argued the state should not pay for elective procedures, while opponents said the bill targeted a tiny population and could create constitutional problems. Opponents included incarcerated and advocacy voices, a psychologist, and legal advocates, who said gender-affirming care is medically necessary for some patients, that withholding it can cause serious mental health harm, and that similar restrictions have faced court challenges. One speaker described personal harm from being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated. Another warned the bill could violate the Eighth Amendment and lead to costly litigation. After debate, the committee moved to vote on SB 2, with members giving explanations both for and against, but the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what you're doing is, is you're punishing the local law enforcement for federal.
• This system is not a criminal punishment tool. It is a public safety monitoring system.
• This system is not a criminal punishment tool. It is a public safety monitoring system.
• Studies have shown that increased punishment has little or no deterrent effect.
• Well, that's part of the punishment.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Decades of research show that increasing punishment does not deter crime.
• I have worked and lived in facilities where the air did not cool you; it punished you.
• the punishment, and deciding that was really hard to go three years without a license.
• Earlier in this session, a bill to increase punishment for repeat DUI offenders.
• And this is not driven, this piece of legislation, to try to punish. It's to try to help.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourth, Senate Bill 907 also targets repeat offenders by increasing punishment for hit-and-runs if the
• It also allows increased punishments for hit and run if the defendant has a prior DUI within 10 years
• If you’re driving drunk and you get into a crash, there’s an incentive to flee because the punishment
• If you have a prior DUI within 10 years, this will increase the punishment for hit and run.
• We should focus on treatment and punishment.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 907, which would strengthen California DUI laws in several ways, including mandatory Watson advisements when DUI charges are reduced, judicial discretion for consecutive sentences in cases with multiple victims, enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders and certain hit-and-run cases, and adding vehicular manslaughter offenses to the violent felony list. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, described the bill as a response to repeated, preventable tragedies and argued it would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about duplicative penalties, legal overreach, and the violent-felony and sentencing provisions. Committee members were divided but generally supportive of stronger DUI enforcement; the bill was moved out on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, with the three-strikes provision removed and the bill kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, aimed at online child exploitation and extortion networks. The bill would create a new offense for adults who recruit, direct, coerce, or use minors to harm or exploit other children, and it would also allow limited misdemeanor or felony charges for minors engaged in extreme coercive conduct, with diversion available for juveniles. Supporters, including sheriffs, district attorneys, and child-safety advocates, said the bill addresses a fast-growing cybercrime problem involving grooming, blackmail, self-harm, and organized online groups using minors as intermediaries. Opponents argued existing laws already cover much of the conduct and warned against criminalizing adolescent behavior, urging the Legislature instead to focus on platform accountability. The committee nevertheless advanced the bill on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, with members emphasizing the need to address evolving online harms. The committee also heard SB 1285, which would clarify that juvenile court dismissals under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 remain a broad “general dismissal” remedy, separate from record sealing, so that eligible youth can more fully avoid future collateral consequences. Supporters said the bill would restore the intended effect of prior juvenile justice reforms and help young people access employment, education, military service, and licensure without lingering barriers. There was no opposition after one group withdrew its objection, and the bill was moved to the floor on a do-pass motion. SB 1342 followed, a technical cleanup measure for automatic record clearance laws that would prevent outdated pending charges from blocking relief, require local court records to match DOJ updates, and create a way for people to obtain written proof of clearance; it also advanced to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1330 was heard to extend existing assault-and-battery protections for certain workers to utility workers; supporters described rising assaults and even shootings against crews, while one utility worker opposed the bill as only increasing penalties after the fact rather than preventing attacks. The bill was moved out on a do-pass motion and left on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill says that taking the life of law enforcement officers deserves the second most severe punishment
• doubt if the elements are harder to prove than something below it, when it results in the same punishment
• terms, a prosecutor would assume the burden of proving a tougher case if it results in the same punishment
• whether the solution is to take anything that's charged and effectively result in the exact same punishment
• We'll get more punishment than if I intended.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including the Challenger Learning Center, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, school students, and other local officials and organizations. Members also offered remarks about President Allbritton’s recovery and upcoming events, including State of Black Florida Week and a future executive appointments calendar. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers. The bill clarifies that resistance to an officer with violence is not justified when the officer is performing official duties, removes language stating an officer is not justified in using force if the arrest or duty is unlawful and known to be unlawful, and adds mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Senators offered competing views: supporters said the bill corrects a verdict-form and charging problem exposed in the Officer Jason Rainer case and honors his family, while opponents argued it removes civilian protections, expands police authority, and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. Two amendments were offered and withdrawn, and the bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed a series of bills, mostly on public records and regulatory topics. SB 168 expanded public nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increased penalties; SB 288 narrowed statutory ambiguity affecting rural electric cooperatives; SB 292 and SB 298 created or extended public-records protections for appellate court clerks and victims of dating violence in the Address Confidentiality Program; SB 296 created the HAVEN initiative to study a secure alert system for domestic violence victims and expanded confidentiality protections; SB 364 modernized CPA licensure pathways; SB 386 created protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserved exemptions for emergency shelter information, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit records, Public Service Commission and Gaming Commission proceedings, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigatory records, social media platform investigations, and certain economic development loan-program financial records. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, and the Senate waived rules so all bills passed that day could be immediately certified to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill says that taking the life of law enforcement officers deserves the second most severe punishment
• five jury options ranked by severity and the fifth option would result in life in prison, what punishment
• solution is to take just anything that's charged and just effectively result in the exact same punishment
• court's not going to give us a piece of paper that doesn't rank in severity what the severity of punishment
• We'll get more punishment than if I intended.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including the Challenger Learning Center, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, Zeta Phi Beta, Pine Forest High School students, and others. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and upcoming caucus and appointment announcements. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which increases penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and other personnel, including making manslaughter of an officer punishable by mandatory life imprisonment without release and clarifying resistance to officers. Senator Leek described the bill as a compromise intended to honor Officer Jason Rainer, while Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered and then withdrew amendments. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s impact on self-defense, officer conduct, jury instructions, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language regarding unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and strengthens protections for officers; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives; SB 292 and SB 298 creating public records protections for appellate clerks and dating-violence victims; SB 296 establishing the HAVEN alert platform study and expanding address confidentiality protections for domestic violence victims; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions, including SB 7000, SB 7202, SB 706, SB 708, SB 7012, SB 7014, and SB 7016. Most passed with little or no opposition, though some of the public-records measures drew a few nays. At the end, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify passed bills to the House and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So by increasing the level of punishment, prosecutors then have 90 days to be able ready for trial rather
• US port of entry, then they can be charged and they're subject to this enhanced punishment. which raises
• more time it provides a more appropriate punishment, in my view, for what they've done in relation to
• All those things are determinative. of what the punishment for that crime would be if found guilty.
• the consequences if you get a prosecutor who's a little overzealous, who may use that in a way to punish

Bills: HB214, HB626, HB647, HB658, HB668, HB674, HB908, HB214

Keywords: firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, Texas criminal procedure, federal law enforcement, state arrest authority, search and seizure, felony offenses, federal air marshal, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Defense police, military police, Homeland Security, Public Safety, veterans affairs, federal officers, joint law enforcement authority

Transcript Highlights:

• been taken session after session, and it has thankfully failed session after session because it punishes
• It does not punish the root causes of these issues.
• This measure wouldn't punish the abandonment, it wouldn't punish cruelty, it only punishes people who
• But we cannot solve this problem alone, and we cannot solve it through punishment of compassion.
• </c> through punishment of compassion. through punishment of compassion.

Bills: SCR120, SCR71, SCR164, SCR41

Keywords: rangelands, pastoralists, pastoralism, ranching, ranchers, paniolo, livestock, grazing, grasslands, land management, conservation, sustainable agriculture, agriculture, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, Hawaii counties, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the punishment is mathematically less than 2 years for a full sentence, even less if they
• impose punitive conditions on facilities that is supposed to provide care and rehabilitation, not punishment
• Turning treatment into punishment is not not only inhumane. undermines the legal and medical basis of
• These individuals are often not mentally capable of responding to punishment in the traditional sense
• And that's not justice, it's punishment beyond what law already imposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.
• A second-degree felony is punishable...
• A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.
• A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• It is an added level of punishment. The Wi-Fi can go out in a hurricane or thunderstorm.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Greg Chafwin: Alan Josephson had to endure years of litigation after his state university punished him
• The state should not punish doctors simply because they exercise their free speech rights.
• Senator, to the extent that what they're saying is their free speech, yes, it means they can't be punished
• And I've seen them punish that in hindsight doctors that really were doing some pretty good stuff.
• Yeah, that the hospital should not be allowed to punish or retaliate against that doctor in that situation

Bills: SB 240, SB 1183, SB 1184, SB 1577, SB 2043, SB 2051, SCR 42, SJR 68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• If you set fire to a T-shirt that you own, why is it, why should that be punished greater if your goal
• Why are we going to punish that more?
• greater if your goal if that punished greater if your goal if that t-shirt<00:14:43.920><c> says</c>
• </c> amendment rights we're going to punish amendment rights we're going to punish you<00:17:40.559><
• </c><01:31:46.280><c> as</c> accountability but actual punishment as accountability but actual punishment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• tracking device or application on another person's property without that person's consent a crime, punishable
• tracking device or application on another person's property without that person's consent is a crime, punishable
• create a crime of aggravated installation or use of tracking devices or tracking applications, punishable
• A third-degree felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.
• A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition. The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill isn't about unfair or unjust punishment.
• Chair, to your question, it's not about unfair or unjust punishment.
• Evidence indicates increasing criminal punishment fails to deter crime.
• That the severity of punishment does not generally have an increased effect on deterrence.
• punishment itself.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what you're doing is, is you're punishing the local law enforcement for federal.
• This system is not a criminal punishment tool. It is a public safety monitoring system.
• This system is not a criminal punishment tool. It is a public safety monitoring system.
• Studies have shown... ...that increased punishment has little or no deterrent effect.
• Well, that's part of the punishment.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It punishes working people.
• approach, but it also carries the same core principle that our policy should support work and not punish
• It is about rewarding work and not punishing it, and it is about making a smarter investment that saves
• It's time we stop punishing CalWORKs working families.
• Collins laid out, it actually contradicts the efforts that are being put in place that would then punish

Summary: The Assembly Human Services Committee heard a lengthy agenda focused largely on CalWORKs, child care access, early childhood supports, and family stability. Measures discussed included AB 1655, which would protect CalWORKs benefits for families when a child or family member is temporarily absent due to immigration detention; AB 1746, which would require counties to give CalWORKs applicants the actual child care request form and respond within 10 days; and AB 1755, which would repeal the CalWORKs 100-hour work penalty for two-parent families. Supporters across these bills emphasized reducing poverty, preventing administrative barriers, and avoiding punishments that can destabilize working families. No opposition witnesses appeared on these items. All three bills were moved forward on party-line or near-unanimous votes, with committee amendments accepted where noted. The committee also heard AB 2072, creating a state contingency fund to keep CalFresh and WIC benefits flowing during a federal shutdown, with support from the California Retailers Association and anti-poverty groups; AB 2429, which would make targeted changes to the early childhood mental health consultation model by making one screener optional and reducing required observations; AB 1969, the "It Takes a Village Act," establishing a grant program for cradle-to-career place-based partnerships; and AB 2092, giving the Department of Social Services lead authority over an early childhood integrated data system and creating an interagency governance structure. Testimony on these bills stressed the need for coordinated services, better data, and more flexible implementation. Each advanced out of committee, with AB 1969 receiving the most discussion and a split vote before later being finalized on the record. Two additional bills addressed county administration and emergency aid. AB 2278 would authorize a Contra Costa County pilot to test technology to speed IHSS eligibility and reassessments amid heavy caseloads and penalties, while AB 2567 would let counties issue emergency CalWORKs aid without first requiring applicants to apply for all other potentially available income sources. Both were presented as ways to reduce delays and help families in crisis faster. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing several other measures. At the end of the hearing, the committee returned to open votes and finalized the roll on all items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not changing any of the statute on the charges and the punishment, just modeling the language to
• It's going to be the same punishment.
• It's the same punishment.
• I guess you could lower the punishment.
• , let off with less punishment.

Bills: SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, SB1456, Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, sunset extension, sunset law, breath alcohol testing, DUI, DWI, drunk driving, drug testing, chemical testing, field sobriety, roadside screening, blood test, saliva test

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1226 by Senator Rader, which would add property damage to the state’s leaving-the-scene statute so a driver who damages property and leaves would be treated similarly to a vehicle accident. After brief questions about whether the driver would need to wait for law enforcement or the property owner, the bill advanced unanimously, 6-0. Several sunset-extension bills from Senator Burstrom were then considered. Senate Bill 1456 would extend the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2036 and passed 6-1. Senate Bill 1462 would extend the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force to 2036; members questioned whether a task force created in 2023 needed such a long extension, but it still passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1463 would extend the Polygraph Examiners Board to 2036 and passed 8-1, with some members again objecting to the 10-year sunset length. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1980 by Senator Logan, which updates larceny and forgery language to cover gift cards, gift certificates, and redemption information when possessed or used with intent to defraud. Members pressed the author on whether the offense would be a misdemeanor or felony and on the bill’s scope, but the measure passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1479 by Senator Stewart, dealing with release of crime- and collision-scene information by first responders, was amended to strike the title after concerns about scope and private entities; it then passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1608 by Senator Frick, as amended, would make school location and employer information searchable in sex offender and violent offender registries, and it passed 6-2. Finally, Senate Bill 1923 by Senator Murdoch would prohibit inmates from accessing social media, prompted by a constituent’s concerns about inmates contacting victims’ families through contraband cell phones. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing DOC policies and whether it should address tablets as well; an amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 7-1. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 1612 and concluded its Public Safety agenda for the week.