Transcript Highlights:

• attorneys with criminal prosecution and appeals at their request.
• The Attorney General's office may take over any criminal prosecution.
• County attorneys with criminal prosecution.
• Criminal prosecutions, particularly for homicide, are expensive.
• But invariably, you're going to get people who you've got to prosecute.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:01.480> decis regardless of prosecution decis regardless of prosecution decis regardless
• > May regardless of prosecution decisions May regardless of prosecution decisions May discourage
• than I have prosecuted non-citizens for violent crimes.
• than I have prosecuted non-citizens for violent crimes.
• <01:05:12.400> be Attorney elects not to prosecute be Attorney elects not to prosecute be

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• There would be no civil action by the family because as long as you don't prosecute somebody.
• So the prosecution, the people, by deciding to prosecute, you're forcing a retail establishment, a small
• business owner to decide whether to cooperate with a prosecution for fear of not being able to bring
• Charges are brought by the government, by the people, in order to prosecute somebody who they believe
• why you have, you can actually bring a civil claim against somebody as opposed to having somebody prosecuted

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on March 18 for its third meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly reporting them to the floor. Early measures included a bill by Senator Gernardis on releasing certain claims by employees, a bill by Senator Brooke barring people convicted of elder abuse from inheriting from the elder’s estate, and a bill by Senator Mayer requiring the Chief Administrator to report court data, including information on town and village courts. Members also advanced a bill on notice requirements for self-storage lien enforcement and a bill by Senator Sepulveda concerning mercantile establishments and collections after a finding of not guilty in a larceny case. The elder-abuse inheritance bill drew supportive comments, with one member noting a related gap in the law involving parental abandonment and inheritance rights. The most extended discussion centered on the mercantile-establishment bill, where some members raised concerns that a criminal acquittal or dismissal on technical grounds could unfairly limit a business’s ability to pursue civil recovery, while supporters argued that a not-guilty finding should prevent further collection efforts tied to the alleged crime. After debate, the bill was moved and reported to the floor, with at least one member voting no or without recommendation. The committee also advanced a bill on judicial staffing levels, with no substantive discussion noted. Later, the committee approved a bill prohibiting undisclosed reporting of mediation and court-annexed alternative dispute resolution proceedings, and a broad bill by Senator Sepúlveda replacing references to paternity and affiliation with parentage across multiple laws. Most measures were reported to the floor, and one bill on court data reporting was sent to finance. The meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, we assist other law prosecute.
• I think prosecute wherever it comes.
• And so, that's why we're asking for it. prosecute under the medical assistance prosecute under the medical
• We prosecuted under theft fraud statute.
• two different Medicaid prosecutions. two different Medicaid prosecutions.

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And, honestly, it's a very hard one to prosecute.
• The agency cannot sue nor prosecute crimes. It regulates by policy and it licenses.
• That does not mean that they can't be prosecuted if they are failing to... ...exercise the care that
• My point is, people can still, even if they're veterinarians, be prosecuted if they're going outside
• Would it be easier to prosecute while still capturing the same people and not getting people that we

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when supported by case law, prosecutes lawyers.
• We prosecute lawyers for misconduct, and we also prosecute non-lawyers when they engage in the unlicensed
• So every penny that goes into prosecuting both the lawyers and non-lawyers engaged in the unlicensed
• If there is serious misconduct, it will be fully investigated and prosecuted.
• If there is serious misconduct, it will be fully investigated and prosecuted.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present. The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording. The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.

Transcript Highlights:

• And referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General's office.
• It's also been referred to the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office.
• This report has been filed with the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office.
• This finding has been referred to the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office.
• This finding has been referred to the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office.

Summary: The committee approved the February 12 minutes and received updates on delinquent municipal water and sewer reports for 2022 and 2023, noting continued progress toward compliance and reinstatement of turnback funds for several cities. It also deferred several matters to the June 4 meeting, including Fargo’s municipal accounting noncompliance report, Jericho’s street-fund misuse issue, Biggers and Holly Grove deferred reports, and a group of private water and sewer reports lacking proper responses. Members then heard and filed a detailed report on the City of Strong, which involved repeat findings on undeposited receipts, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, late payroll tax payments, accounting control problems, and fund balance issues. Mayor Darrell Howell described corrective steps, including new internal controls, outside CPA assistance, repayment of misapplied funds, budget amendments, and efforts to address the findings; the committee commended the city’s efforts and filed the report. The committee also filed reports on Thornton Waterworks, Calhoun County, Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, Camden, Johnson County, and Sparkman, while deferring several private water reports and other unresolved items. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District and other regional solid waste districts. The audit found issues in Pulaski County involving unapproved payroll items, missing credit card documentation, unapproved contracts, vehicle and cell phone documentation problems, lack of competitive bidding, and weak internal controls; members questioned the district’s practices and deferred the report to June while requesting district representatives appear. The committee also reviewed a statewide report on six regional solid waste management districts, with findings in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Benton counties and no findings in three others; that report was likewise deferred for Pulaski County questions. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion with Cross County Rural Water System about overdue audit posting, water quality problems, grant-funded improvements, board notice practices, and the broader challenges facing rural water systems, after which the committee filed the report and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• identifying and location information of current state attorney's office or office of statewide prosecution
• This bill is supported by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, and it is a response to multiple
• have Barney Bishop, Florida Smart Justice Alliance, waving in support, and Ron LaFace, Florida Prosecuting
• Failure to prosecute despite undeniable evidence.
• They are prosecuted.

Bills: S0212, S0656, S0682, S0810, S0812, S0890, S0892, S0900, S0928, S1084, S1284

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's getting into the prosecutor; I believe that's for prosecuting attorneys.
• So obviously we can't prosecute. ...sexual content is? Was that their intent?
• So this does more the prosecution, but there needs to be some kind of education.
• And there's the concern that we're allowing too big of a window before we prosecute.
• Enticement is really hard to prosecute in Missouri and very hard to prosecute.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We prosecuted 100% of those that came across our desk, and we prosecuted them as felonies.
• And obviously, that comes to us, and we prosecute those.
• Where would your office do the follow-up prosecution?
• He gets to decide who prosecutes in his district.
• We are happy to help support them in their prosecution.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this information, they cannot prosecute the guilty nor exonerate the innocent.
• Does that create any kind of barrier to investigation or prosecution?
• The prosecution? They're receiving the notice. So this is from the labs.
• We actually don't get anything until the prosecution gives us stuff.
• He'd already prosecuted this perpetrator before.

Bills: SB456, SB826, SB872, SB957, SB993, SB1660, SB2017, SB2611, SB2785, SB2794, SB442

Keywords: human organs, criminal penalties, physician license, medical ethics, illegal trade, SB 826, Texas, DWI, driving while intoxicated, intoxicated driving, school crossing zone, school zone, reduced speed limit, traffic safety, child safety, pedestrian safety, felony DWI, state jail felony, Penal Code Section 49.04, Transportation Code Section 541.302

Transcript Highlights:

• Victims Division, I also oversee our criminal prosecutions.
• Our criminal prosecutions and our criminal appeals division are both growing.
• And then we have Ms. from the State Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Good morning.
• They don't have an, obviously, your office has been involved in the prosecution.
• by the Special Prosecution Unit.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the division chief of the Animal Cruelty Division and Community Prosecution unit and have been a
• Um, right now, uh, they've been limited to prosecuting this as a simple misdemeanor, which You know,
• The agency does not have authority or jurisdiction to pursue nor prosecute crimes.
• A defense to prosecution for alleged alleged criminal negligence occurring under the duties performed
• I, I wasn't placed in fear until after the shot happened, and that doesn't help the prosecution.

Transcript Highlights:

• trafficking by providing comprehensive services, investigating traffickers and solicitors, and prosecuting
• And prosecuting offenders.
• Through the prosecution of the trafficker.
• So from the moment we identify them all the way through to the prosecution and after, we have some of
• It will review and possibly recommend changes in the investigation and prosecution of crimes involving

Bills: HCR3028

Keywords: human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it. The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• is being there and they're prosecuting is being there and they're prosecuting under<00:39:06.640
• I can tell you I've prosecuted in Mobile. I can tell you I've prosecuted in Baldwin County.
• I've prosecuted in Tuscaloosa County, but I can tell you I've prosecuted in Mobile.
• I've prosecuted in Tuscaloosa County, but I can tell you I've prosecuted in Mobile.
• I've prosecuted in Tuscaloosa County, but I can tell you I've prosecuted in Mobile.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about the way we approach prosecution about the way we approach prosecution from<00:26:05.360>
• <00:51:26.559> that problems in criminal prosecution that problems in criminal prosecution
• , the middle of a criminal prosecution, the middle of a criminal prosecution, you<01:04:44.720>
• I have prosecuted only as experience.
• c><01:05:31.200> of prosecuted for the delivery of prosecuted for the delivery of methamphetamine

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Prosecuting parents does not prevent youth crime.
• of Prosecuting Attorneys.
• petition a court to certify... ...of prosecuting attorneys.
• I wanted to address to prosecute juveniles as an adult or prosecute a parent or a guardian who is doing
• What is stopping prosecution right now today from happening?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These charges are not being prosecuted.
• These charges are not being prosecuted.
• It gets prosecuted, sent to court for prosecution.
• > court<00:21:12.080> for gets prosecuted, sent to court for gets prosecuted, sent to court
• That case gets dismissed prosecution.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the 91 current reports reviewed, eight were referred to prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general
• This finding has been referred to the prosecuting attorney and the attorney general, as well as certified
• This finding has been referred to the prosecuting attorney and the attorney general, as well as certified
• Is prosecution being pursued now? Yes. Well, I won't say prosecution is being pursued.
• Prosecution being pursued now? Well, I won't say prosecution is being pursued.

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee approved the February 13 minutes and then heard several committee reports. The executive committee report noted that audit and special reports were scheduled for presentation, one requested report remained outstanding, and staff was asked to review selected Benton County circuit court case transfers. The committee also received and adopted reports from the counties and municipalities committee, the education committee, and the state agencies committee. Those reports covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, education audit reports, and state agency findings such as duplicate vendor payments, collateral issues, record-keeping problems, and vehicle log deficiencies. In each case, the committee voted to file or adopt the reports, with some reports deferred for follow-up or for officials to appear at a later meeting. A major portion of the meeting focused on the City of Pine Bluff’s 2024 financial audit. Auditors said the city received a clean opinion overall, but management letter findings identified serious issues in the mayor’s office, Parks and Recreation, and the finance department. The Parks and Recreation finding involved $179,629 in manual receipts that could not be traced to city deposits, missing receipts from several facilities, $48,415 in unallowable purchases, $13,000 in questionable purchases, altered invoices, unapproved vendors, and missing equipment; those matters were referred to the prosecuting attorney, attorney general, Governmental Bonding Board, and Arkansas State Police. The finance finding cited weak cash-receipting and bank-reconciliation procedures and late or missing deposits. City officials, including the mayor, finance director, and parks director, testified that the problems predated the current administration and said they had taken corrective steps. They described hiring a forensic audit firm, creating or updating standard operating procedures, improving receipting and deposit processes, adding procurement oversight, and moving Parks and Recreation to electronic or system-based receipting. Committee members questioned the officials about oversight, nonprofit relationships, and whether theft or system failures were to blame. After discussion, the committee voted to file the Pine Bluff report. The next meeting was announced for June 4-5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. as predicates for prosecuting organized criminal activity.
• These exams are crucial for justice and providing evidence for prosecution.
• The body passed the continuous sexual abuse of a child prosecution.
• Are you going to be able to prosecute them all?
• And so using that definition will not allow us to prosecute the case.

Bills: HB316, HB353, HB 1160, HB1414, HB1422, HB1443, HB1713, HB1789, HB1902, HB2073, HB2666, HB2695, HB316

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations