Transcript Highlights:

• under this section to the... ...prosecution under this section.
• Officer is basically immune to prosecution.
• Right, fundamentally and constitutionally, prosecutors don't prosecute people; prosecutors prosecute
• To that end, when we are prosecuting someone for...
• End, when we are prosecuting someone for violating a criminal offense, we generally try to apply the

Bills: HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• They're already doing a lot of this ag education in our rural and urban schools.
• This bill came through your Committee on Rural Issues.
• This bill came through your Committee on Rural Issues.
• Their public protection section prosecutes dozens of Missouri's most serious offenses every year.

Transcript Highlights:

• I prosecuted violent crimes for five years at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office and did
• Long wait times, difficulty finding specialists, and gaps in rural coverage affect quality of life and
• And psychologists, but very specifically for rural New Mexico, we need EMTs.
• But I will say that in the application we submitted for the Rural Health Committee, we did say that we

Bills: SB1 , SB3 , SB1 , SB3

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• I prosecuted violent crimes for five years at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office and did
• Long wait times, difficulty finding specialists, and gaps in rural coverage affect quality of life and
• But very specifically for rural New Mexico, we need EMTs.
• But I will say that in the application that we submitted for the Rural Health Committee, we did say that

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• support SB 655 because it protects the well-being and health of our most vulnerable residents and rural
• Brian Augusta on behalf of the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and how...
• Brian Augusta, on behalf of the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and Housing Now, in support
• In 2023, a church-based nonprofit in Santa Ana, Micah's Way, also faced penalties and criminal prosecution

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills and moved most of them forward. SB 655 (Stern) would establish a state policy that residential units should be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature, with supporters citing extreme heat deaths and the need for statewide guidance. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific temperature standard and possible impacts on the electric grid, but the bill passed the committee 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 634 (Perez), which would bar state and local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that punish people or organizations for providing basic survival services to unhoused people. Supporters, including people with lived experience and homelessness advocates, argued that criminalizing food, water, blankets, and outreach prolongs homelessness and harms vulnerable residents; opponents from some cities and counties warned about limits on local control. The bill passed 8-2. SB 772 (Cabaldon) would continue and expand the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program by better supporting walkability, transit, and climate-resilient infrastructure for infill housing; it passed 8-0. The committee also considered SB 838 (Dutraslo/DeRazzo), which would keep the Housing Accountability Act focused on housing by excluding transient lodging from housing streamlining protections. Supporters said some developers have used housing laws to fast-track hotel projects instead of homes, while opponents worried the bill could be too broad and limit mixed-use financing. After discussion about possible clarifying amendments, the bill passed 8-2 to Local Government. Several consent items—SB 484, SB 489, SB 686, and SB 724—also passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is Catalina Sanchez with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation to speak in support of
• She is Catalina Sanchez with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation to speak in support of
• Catalina Sanchez with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.
• Over the last year and a half, rural legal services programs have seen immigration cases that, under
• Over the last year and a half, rural legal services programs have seen immigration cases that, under

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• So all this does is allow the superintendent and the designate to have the opportunity to prosecute.
• will have the opportunity to prosecute this person without the driver having to do it.
• The driver can still prosecute, but with the designation by the superintendent, that person can do that

Bills: SB211 , SB241 , HB614

Committee: House Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, criminal enterprise, database, law enforcement, crime management, Alabama law, DUI, driving under the influence, drunk driving, license suspension, driver's license revocation, ignition interlock, interlock device, breathalyzer, alcohol offense, impaired driving

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Chief Civil Prosecuting Attorney for Canyon County.
• Boyd, who's the chief prosecuting attorney or the elected prosecuting attorney for Canyon County.
• question earlier, I hope that got answered, but sometimes the language that appears here was from the prosecuting

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.
• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• It was one of those rural communities.
• I think it's absurd they've not been able to prosecute them because of this gap in the law.

Summary: The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity. The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4. After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida.
• You've been mentioned for your family, but also what I've been mentioning is the rural communities.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• It was one of those rural communities.
• I think it's absurd they've not been able to prosecute them because of this gap in the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm asking you today to join me in the fight for a rural renaissance in Florida. Me.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• Never forget about the rural communities. So thank you for your leadership.
• It was one of those rural communities.
• I think it's absurd they've not been able to prosecute them because of this gap in the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• nature involving sexual intercourse, second degree sexual battery, oral sexual battery, or, when prosecuted
• under certain provisions, crime against nature prosecuted under certain provisions, molestation of a
• juvenile or a person with a mental disability prosecuted under certain provisions, aggravated crime
• The judge potentially could revoke their bond, but we can't prosecute them under 14:334 because it's
• provision of law mandates ignition interlock in your vehicle, you cannot circumvent it, and we can prosecute

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 25, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 884. The committee then took up HB 806, which strengthens Louisiana’s hit-and-run laws by adding rapid notification procedures through law enforcement systems and clarifying investigative protocols. Vice Chair LaFleur and several family members of hit-and-run victims testified in strong support, describing the bill as a needed accountability and public-safety measure; it was adopted as amended and reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 143, which raises the per diem paid to sheriffs for housing state inmates in parish jails from $26.39 to $29.39 to match current appropriations practice. Sheriffs and committee members emphasized that local jails are underfunded and provide important programming and cost savings to the state; the bill was reported favorably. The committee next approved several local or criminal justice measures. HB 93, which places the Lincoln Parish jury commission under the clerk or deputy clerk, was reported favorably without opposition. HB 166, which removes Vermilion Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, drew discussion about regional juvenile detention funding and representation, with members noting similar concerns from other parishes; it was reported favorably. HB 429, which adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism and expands protections for energy facilities, received support from industry groups and law enforcement, with one opposition card filed; it was amended and reported favorably. HB 231, creating the crime of intentional evasion of service of process for certain court orders, especially protective orders, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from the sponsor and support from domestic violence and women’s advocacy groups. The committee then advanced a package of bills by Chairwoman Villio aimed at protecting minors and addressing impaired driving. HB 58 and its companion constitutional amendment HB 51 would restrict post-conviction bail for offenders convicted of aggravated offenses against minors; the Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the measures, while the Southern Poverty Law Center opposed them, and both measures were reported favorably. HB 69 would make it a misdemeanor to tamper with or circumvent court-ordered ignition interlock requirements while on probation or otherwise required by law, and HB 82 would increase penalties for repeat DWI offenders with prior serious injury or death-related convictions; both were supported by prosecutors, police, sheriffs, and MADD, amended where needed, and reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing action on the listed bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• How often are these crimes being prosecuted now?
• And will this actually make it so that they're prosecuted more?
• However, I'm not sure about the prosecution rate." "Assembly Member, are you good?" "Okay.
• How often are these crimes being prosecuted now?
• And will this actually make it so that they're prosecuted more?

Bills: SB60 , SB85 , SB323

Committee: Assembly Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, at least it's creates a case that can be prosecuted.
• and not give us an explanation prosecute and not give us an explanation why. why. why.
• </c><03:22:22.319><c> And</c> going to prosecute. If not, why not? And going to prosecute.
• </c> &gt;&gt; No, we can't prosecute. &gt;&gt; No, we can't prosecute.
• </c> or not to prosecute any case. or not to prosecute any case. Understood. Understood.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm working with youth in local and rural communities in New Mexico, taking them to public spaces like
• I work with youth in local and rural communities in New Mexico, taking them to open spaces and public
• These are major employers for these small rural communities, like, as was stated earlier, so I won't
• I just feel it's going to really weaken these rural communities.
• respond to just one piece of that on the economics, I just want to say we share your concern about rural

Bills: SB100

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don’t know what a couple more FTEs will do if we’re not going to prosecute.
• So I don’t know what a couple more FTEs will do if we’re not going to prosecute.
• So I don’t know what a couple more FTEs will do if we’re not going to prosecute.
• So I don’t know what a couple more FTEs will do if we’re not going to prosecute.
• So I don’t know what a couple more FTEs will do if we’re not going to prosecute.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This helps stiffen the penalties for those who are extra difficult to prosecute because of the way gangs
• Thank you. ...and being able to not only defend your client, but kind of prosecute the other side and
• We already have laws that prosecute violence and terrorism.
• We already have laws that prosecute violence and terrorism.
• Florida already has more than adequate tools to prosecute actual criminal conduct, including violent

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which affect them statewide, even in rural communities. Yes, ma'am. Okay.
• Your rural counties?
• Are just as much of a challenge for a rural county jail as the 200 in the Harris County jail.
• We are county approaching. 400,000 in terms of our population, and we're both urban and rural.
• To come before you today to tell you the story of my county and rural counties like me.

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And I am a rural New Mexican, and rural New Mexicans deserve the same. ...physician-led organizations
• And I am a rural New Mexican, and rural New Mexicans deserve the same. Okay.
• And I am a rural New Mexican and rural New Mexican. is opposed to.
• And I am a rural New Mexican and rural New Mexicans deserve the same. Okay.
• I, of course, I'm in a rural town and Madam Chair and we don't, Of course, I'm in a rural town.

Bills: HB99 , HJR5 , HM39 , HB206 , HB213 , SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform measure. Sponsor Chair Chandler and Minority Leader Armstrong described months of stakeholder negotiations aimed at balancing patient compensation with concerns from physicians, hospitals, and insurers about litigation costs, punitive damages, and access to care. The committee substitute kept the existing monetary damage caps but changed several provisions, including definitions of “occurrence” and “value of medical care,” treatment of future medical expenses, a higher clear-and-convincing standard for punitive damages, a two-step process before punitive damages can be pled, and a lower punitive-damages cap for smaller providers versus a higher cap for large hospital systems. Supporters said the bill would help recruit and retain doctors and stabilize the malpractice market; opponents argued it weakens accountability, especially for corporate and out-of-state hospital systems, and several speakers urged a stronger amendment to preserve patient rights. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give the House Judiciary Committee substitute for HB 99 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Joint Resolution 5, which would amend the state constitution to allow legislative compensation. Sponsors and supporters said paying legislators would make service more accessible to working people, parents, rural residents, and others without independent wealth, and would broaden representation. Several advocacy groups and individual commenters backed the proposal, while members raised questions about the pay formula, with the resolution tying compensation to the state median income. Some members supported the idea but preferred a salary commission or a different mechanism. The committee approved HJR 5 on a 7-3 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing House Memorial 39, which calls for a task force to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits and report on backlog progress. Sponsor Rep. Ferrari and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs explained that a prior task force a decade ago found more than 5,000 untested kits and led to policy changes, including the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights and a statewide tracking system. The memorial is intended to reassess whether backlogs remain and recommend further fixes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in terms of prosecutions, has that been more prevalent since we've passed this legislation that you
• Little Rock, and they made the commitment that not only would we pursue these charges, but they would prosecute
• Unfortunately, it's a common tactic within law enforcement and prosecution for a lot of reasons where
• Now, some of the more serious issues obviously potentially have criminal ties, a criminal prosecution
• We usually let the criminal prosecution play out before we have that hearing.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE