Video & Transcript Research : 'Utilities Code Section 39.918'
Page 124 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/22/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- cost but it doesn't impact utilization. cost but it doesn't impact utilization.
- Um we included a factor for utilization Um we included a factor for utilization for<00:07:55.039
- Basically, the utilization of clients.
- <00:30:52.799>
do the challenges of each class code do the challenges of each class code do - service um section at section 24 which service um section at section 24 which creates<01:01:35.200
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:41:19.319>
704 currently found in section 704 currently found in section 704 442a<00:41 - <00:42:31.359>
Review note that the penal code Review note that the penal code Review Committee - This is a violation, a dual-role violation of the ethics code.
- just a small group who are utilizing just a small group who are utilizing those<01:42:12.400>
- <02:50:29.040>
relating delete entirely um the section relating delete entirely um the section
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study.
The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided.
The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions.
Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM
Highways and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- The color coding on the map is: the gold represents the long-distance network, the blue lines represent
- The color coding<00:02:01.840>
on <00:02:02.000>the <00:02:02.159>map <00:02:02.399 - >
is <00:02:02.960>uh <00:02:03.119>the <00:02:03.360>gold coding on the - map is uh the gold coding on the map is uh the gold represents<00:02:04.399>
the <00:02:04.560> - And what it says is section 209, did.
Summary:
Amtrak officials Todd Stenis and Jeff Mann briefed the committee on Amtrak service in Mississippi, with a focus on the new Mardi Gras state-supported route on the Gulf Coast. They reviewed Amtrak’s national structure, including the distinction between long-distance and state-supported service under PRIIA section 209, and noted that Mississippi is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the new Mardi Gras service. They said the Mardi Gras began service on August 18 and operates four trains a day between New Orleans and Mobile with Mississippi stops, supported by Mississippi, Louisiana, and Mobile.
The officials reported strong early performance for Mardi Gras, saying ridership had already exceeded 60,000 by the end of December against a 71,000 first-year projection, with about 435 passengers per day and a 64% average load factor. They also cited 86% on-time performance, a 94% customer satisfaction index, and average fares of $27 in coach and $66 in business class. They said the service is benefiting from strong demand, good coordination with host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, and planned capital improvements totaling more than $200 million that they said should reduce trip times by 30 to 40 minutes.
Committee members responded positively, with Senator Williams praising the train experience and another senator noting personal use of the Mardi Gras service. The presenters invited members to ride the train and described it as a state investment paying off across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. After the Amtrak presentation, the committee returned to business and took up one bill, 2019, which would delete the sunset on the provision directing the first $80 million of lottery proceeds to the state highway fund. Senator Blackmon asked for clarification, the chairman confirmed the bill would make the road funding provision permanent, and the committee approved the title and reported the bill out.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And then on page two, section two.
- So if you would go to the sections and start with Section number five, okay, the first two sections are
- But start with Section five. So Section five identifies $3,512,670 in one-time funding for SIFT.
- And if you look at the sections, it's talked about in section four.
- Section 5 is the motor carrier electronic permit fund transfer authorization. Section 6 is...
Summary:
The committee began with roll call and a brief update on remaining work, then took up Senate Bill 2213, the “science of math” bill. Members clarified that the appropriation for the program was not included in the DPI budget and would remain attached to the policy bill for now. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the bill a do pass recommendation, 21-2.
The committee next considered Senate Bills 2036 and 2037, both juvenile justice/Human Services bills involving mental health and criminal responsibility evaluations for minors. Testimony explained that the bills create new processes and require DHS to contract with specialized providers, with appropriations of $500,000 in 2036 and $300,000 in 2037. Members debated whether the funding should come from existing DHS resources or remain as separate appropriations, and whether the programs were one-time or ongoing. The committee adopted amendments on both bills and then recommended both do pass, with 2036 passing 14-6 and 2037 passing 17-4.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget. Representative Bosch outlined major themes in the budget, including migration from PeopleSoft and the mainframe, onboarding/off-boarding automation, double-counting of IT spending, and the transition of education technology from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Members also discussed a study amendment related to a statewide enterprise resource planning system, and added language on grant management and compliance management. The committee adopted the amendments and gave the budget a do pass recommendation, 20-0-3.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol budget. Representative Pyle explained the House changes, including shifting some one-time costs to the motor carrier electronic permit fund, funding for body armor, breath tests, road course resurfacing, fleet costs, handgun replacement, and carryover authority for federal technology funds. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the budget 21-0-2. The committee then began Senate Bill 2399, a Human Services bill on Medicaid reimbursement for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, but deferred action after testimony from a facility representative and committee discussion about therapeutic leave days, reimbursement rates, and whether a cap on reimbursable days should be set in statute or rule. The chair said the committee would seek more information from DHS and take the bill up the next day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4996 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a
- House Bill 4996 amends the Penal Code to increase the penalty for refusal to execute the release of a
- It is a bill that updates, clarifies, and improves the Estates Code, and I move suspension.
- Are we violating the spirit of the prohibition in the Texas Government Code of representing somebody
- And you mentioned Section 572.005, determination of substantial interest.
Summary:
The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills.
The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0.
Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them.
At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C County & Regional Government Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As a reminder to the committee and our visitors and witnesses today under House Rule 4, Section 13, House
- Currently, local government code mandates that counties manage surplus or salvage property, including
- to, uh, basically bypass the requirement to auction these, which, uh, chapter 263 local government code
- And that is designed precisely to prevent municipal utility districts represented by Mr.
- put us out of, um, The ability to utilize the current statute for charitable donations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The program utilizes state funds.
- the community um the program utilizes the community um the program utilizes State<00:03:59.200><
- <00:42:30.160>
to that the resources currently utilized to that the resources currently utilized - And that's reflected in sections two through N of the bill.
- <01:03:43.599>
two and that's reflected in sections two and that's reflected in sections two
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Another area: administrative code. Our new administrative code updates will go live April 1.
- The utility is about $70 a month per connection.
- gallon line softening we still utilize today.
- The most important section of the water of the Department of Utilities and Buildings is the water department
- This section has experienced less breaks.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- then you dip down to section 18. then you dip down to section 18.
- These are all under<01:04:40.160>
section under section under section two.<01:04:42.599>Um - part and the second part of section 18. part and the second part of section 18.
- Section 8 is very important.
- Section 8 is very on.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida Building Code.
- The Florida Building Code works.
- The Florida building code.
- “Coast and a lot of those older homes were built to either lower wind codes, no wind codes, and at sea
- And on to...” coast and a lot of those older homes were built to either lower wind codes, no wind codes
Summary:
The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work.
Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 3A, this is a summary of federal funds.
- Continuing with section 3. Item number 3.
- This concludes section three, turning to page fifteen. On page 15, page 15 includes section 3A.
- Moving now to section 3 on page 3.
- Section 4 is rider highlights.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- section they're under a different code section they're under a different code section that was part
- of the code deals with but you section of the code deals with but you section of the code deals with
- into this code section counties lumped into this code section counties lumped into this code section
- have a separate code section for have a separate code section for have a separate code section for nuisance
- their code section if they this under their code section if they this under their code section if they
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on S.F. 1832 - Jobs and Labor Omnibus - 05/14/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I should say sections 9 and 10 and then House sections 12 and 13.
- So Senate sections 9 and 10, House sections 12 and 13.
- And Commissioner Bliss and Bach, code on R86? Um and then yeah, Chair code on R86?
- code that we have adopted in Minnesota. code that we have adopted in Minnesota.
- Uh so, all the section would be section.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:39.519>
that of how funds should be utilized that of how funds should be utilized that - Kentucky utilize barcodes or QR codes Kentucky utilize barcodes or QR codes for<00:59:35.280>
- utilize a process called allow listing. utilize a process called allow listing.
- code to the public for public scrutiny. code to the public for public scrutiny.
- that source code. that source code.
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion.
Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that.
Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (02/04/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Darby said he found the language in section one and the relationship between section one
- I'm looking at your printout here, and section five says engineers can properly and safely utilize SPFS
- I'm looking at your printout here, and section five says engineers can properly and safely utilize SPFS
- I'm looking at your printout here, and section five says engineers can properly and safely utilize SPFS
- So, if we just change the building codes, Section five says engineers can properly and safely utilize
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 163FN, dealing with requiring current, verifiable evidence of a species’ presence before land-use restrictions are imposed for habitat protection. Members discussed an amendment that had been worked on with agencies and stakeholder groups. Fish and Game testified that, while the amendment improved the bill, the agency still opposed it because of concerns about citizen science, how the proposal would apply to public versus private property, and how the transition to DES would work. Representative Darby argued the amendment was ambiguous, lacked a full hearing, and did not clearly address record verification or private-property access issues. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, with a minority report noted.
The committee then moved to HB 1752FN, which would create a chain of custody for timber and carbon credits. Representative Davis presented an amendment saying it would help law enforcement investigate timber theft and add transparency to New Hampshire’s carbon registry by identifying buyers of carbon credits. Supporters said the change would impose little burden and align with practices in other states. Opponents, including Representative Darby, Representative Vale, and the state forester from DNCR, said the carbon market is complex, the amendment was not fully vetted, and a hearing with all stakeholders was needed; they also raised fiscal-note concerns. The amendment passed 8-7, and the committee then voted OTPA 8-7, again with a minority report.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on HB 1019, which would add an active water treatment professional to the state water well board. Representative Peter Petrino and Representative Wendy Thomas said the board should include expertise on contamination risks and treatment technologies, citing concerns about arsenic, radon, and PFAS in private wells. The chairman of the Water Well Board testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the board supports the general idea of licensing water filtration work but does not currently have authority or rules to oversee that field and believes the proposal would put “the cart before the horse.” Members questioned whether the board’s current mandate even covers filtration systems, and the discussion ended with those concerns unresolved.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 31st, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- No, there was a code red issued.
- But who issues the code red?
- The code red went out at 5.
- So going forward, under the Helping Him Search Code I believe it is safety codes.
- our websites, and we do Utilize code red, saved for imminent or level one threats.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 455 is legislation that seeks to amend and reenact two sections of the Code of Virginia relating
- Legislation amended and reenacted, section of the Virginia Code relating to the Prescription Drug Affordability
- We come to Senate Bill 518, legislation to amend and reenact three sections of the Code of Virginia relating
- They correct the code references to the code that gives those folks the authority to do that.
- that references other code sections to help get it into alignment with another bill that passed out
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , Section D, Chapter 2306 of the Government Code?”
- “Developments that receive financial assistance and, hopefully, you know this section, Section D, Chapter
- 2306 of the Government Code.”
- different section in the appellate code.
- section in the appellate code.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions.
The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment.
The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees.
On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are approximately 100 levies that can be utilized.
- This is what happens, potentially what will happen if EOR occurs utilizing CO2.
- I utilized the same pricing assumptions, that same pricing model.
- and 30 days in prison in Century Code already.
- allows, they have a $1,000 fine and 30 days in prison in Century Code already.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Criminal Justice Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 350 provides a definition of a victim consistent with Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution
- Currently, there is no tangible mechanism for victims of violence to utilize without risk of exposure
- This bill allows for a tangible mechanism for victims of violence to be able to utilize in their most
- But if they have that code, you know, for real, this person is really in dire trouble.
- This bill eliminates that section.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met with several members excused and first took up SB 350, which clarifies public records protections for crime victims and extends temporary confidentiality to law enforcement officers involved in use-of-force incidents for 72 hours, with a possible written extension up to 60 days. Senator Graal said the bill was intended to align with the Florida Constitution’s victim definition and to address privacy concerns without allowing indefinite withholding. Testimony from Marsy’s Law and the Florida PBA supported the measure, though there were questions about the 60-day period. The committee reported SB 350 favorably.
The committee then considered two domestic violence-related bills by Senator Berman. CS/SB 296, after a delete-all amendment, directs a study of a secure web-based alert platform that would give domestic violence victims a unique phone number and code-based emergency alert system, and it expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. Several speakers, including survivors and advocates, described the need for safer ways to seek help without alerting abusers. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 298 similarly expanded confidentiality protections for the Haven Coordinating Council records to cover dating violence victims, and it was also reported favorably.
Later, the committee heard SB 398, which updates Florida statutes by replacing the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” including conforming changes to the offense severity ranking chart. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which changes resisting-an-officer language, removes references to lawful or unlawful duty in favor of “any duties,” and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring a life sentence. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating a statutory protection against force when an officer knows an arrest is unlawful. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee approved SB 168 on public nuisances, which expands nuisance law to include gambling houses, increases penalties, allows attorney fees, and authorizes foreclosure for unpaid fees, and CS/SB 54, which after amendment focuses on medical examiner procedures and reporting related to violent offenders and toxicology/psychotropic drug review. Both bills were reported favorably. The meeting ended after members recorded additional affirmative votes and the committee adjourned.