Transcript Highlights:

• 1005 by Representative Muscarello is an act to amend Titles 9, 11, 15, 36, and 42 relative to the Office
• of State Public Defender to provide House Bill 15, relative to the Office of State Public Defender,
• House Bill 1157 continues: to create the Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank within the Office of the
• House Bill 1072 by Representative Bourriaque is an act in Titles 48 and 49 relative to the Office of
• Louisiana Highway Construction, to expand the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the office.

Bills: SR107, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR12, HB167, HB181, HB243, HB316, HB321, HB335, HB492, HB578, HB624, HB708, HB864, HB906, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1032, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1118, HB1157, HB1187, HB1189, HB1195, HB1198, HB1220, HB221, HCR58, SB283, SB338, SB488, SB520, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, SB68, SB76, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB318, SB162, SB382, SCR33, SCR30, SB112, SB194, SB307, SB341, SB346, SB363, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, SB513, SB408, SB131, SB145, SB333, SB464, SB466, SB500, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB312, SB319, SB323, SB369, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB501, HCR14, HB537, HB652, HB653, HB661, HB726, HB756, HB851, HB964, HB966, HB34, HB35, HB48, HB474, HB553, HB758, HB852, HB10, HB16, HB36, HB44, HB46, HB52, HB61, HB78, HB98, HB102, HB124, HB126, HB131, HB135, HB141, HB142, HB164, HB170, HB171, HB179, HB194, HB231, HB245, HB280, HB292, HB294, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB199, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB119, HB129, HB677, HB850

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a guest minister’s prayer and pledge, and then proceeded through the journal, legislative bureau report, and a large number of bills and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions and concurrent resolutions were introduced or laid over, including measures recognizing individuals and events, commemorating the YMCA’s 175th anniversary, and creating or referring study and memorial resolutions. The House also sent over multiple bills, which were introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, covering topics such as court filings, travel reimbursement, public assistance integrity, pregnancy and baby care data protections, alcohol permits, capital-case intellectual disability procedures, and pharmacy benefit manager transparency. The chamber then considered House-returned Senate bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment concerning Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction over attorney disciplinary matters, failed to receive the required votes on concurrence after a 24-10 vote, though the author gave notice. SB 76, dealing with child custody modification standards, was concurred in unanimously. SB 149, on general obligation bond bid requirements, had House amendments rejected and was sent to conference. SB 191, concerning ad valorem tax notice procedures, and SB 196, extending the appeal period for tax assessments, were both concurred in. SB 318, on publication of the tax exemption budget and local reporting, was also concurred in unanimously. The Senate also suspended the rules to recall HB 1017 from the Retirement Committee and recommit it to Judiciary A. During personal privilege remarks, members highlighted Disability Awareness Day, recognized a local award recipient, and provided an update and prayer request for Senator Selders following surgery. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment to reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• For this, we have Roth Puahala from the office of Senate President Ronald Kouchi. >> Oh >> [singing]
• come to the from Kauai, afraid to come to the Judiciary Committee or intimidated walking into her office
• good professional decision was for professional decision was for he or his good friend to leave the office
• or afternoon, it's 4:00 in the afternoon, I get a call from my son and he says, "I'm still in the office
• And she would give them to people that came and met her in her office.

Bills: HB1800, HB1860, HB2250, HB472, HB649, HB1391, HB1481, HB1509, HB1511, HB1515, HB1518, HB1541, HB1548, HB1576, HB1618, HB1642, HB1643, HB1661, HB1667, HB1678, HB1682, HB1688, HB1692, HB1707, HB1710, HB1711, HB1713, HB1718, HB1721, HB1728, HB1737, HB1740, HB1741, HB1785, HB1801, HB1802, HB1804, HB1810, HB1815, HB1824, HB1838, HB1839, HB1853, HB1854, HB1864, HB1870, HB1881, HB1888, HB1890, HB1891, HB1894, HB1920, HB1959, HB1960, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2023, HB2050, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2104, HB2137, HB2152, HB2158, HB2171, HB2207, HB2218, HB2246, HB2270, HB2271, HB2272, HB2279, HB2282, HB2289, HB2293, HB2297, HB2300, HB2309, HB2310, HB2314, HB2319, HB2329, HB2338, HB2339, HB2344, HB2361, HB2385, HB2395, HB2417, HB2429, HB2443, HB2452, HB2474, HB2475, HB2498, HB2505, HB2547, HB2576

Keywords: supplemental appropriations, state budget, Hawaii budget, biennial budget, capital improvement projects, CIP, general fund, special fund, green fee, special land and development fund, clean energy revolving loan fund, agricultural development revolving fund, community grants, nonprofit grants, Office of Community Services, housing, affordable housing, homelessness, health care, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• number of officers on duty.
• An officer, commission officer, who is not properly trained. That's why we pass this law.
• Auditor's Office.
• The Department of Commerce's Broadband Office and the Office of Equity within the Governor's Office play
• Again, the current structure is a co-lead between Washington State Broadband Office and the Office of

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• number of officers on duty.
• So it's available to the officers.
• ...for officers when they're, you know, covering the duty roster, especially if you have officers or
• Auditor's Office.
• The Department of Commerce's Broadband Office and the Office of Equity within the Governor's Office play

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication. The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work. The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• does. ...officers as chief legal officer, much of the data that the Attorney General’s office has is
• the office was.
• the office was.
• governor's office.
• that the office makes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the total 1,227 agencies, 542 of those have five or fewer peace officers. only one officer, and 331
• You'd have a police officer or several police officers on this committee.
• There are officers that didn't.
• And then, so the officer, the bad officer, will do something worse to make it worse, and then you get
• And as an administrator and a 32-year officer, we don't want bad officers either, right?

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agencies have only one officer.
• You know, you'd have a police officer or several police officers on this committee.
• Unlike the bad officer case.
• And as an administrator and, and a 32 year officer, um, we don't want bad officers either, right?
• I've been a sworn police officer for 18 years, uh, I worked for the Attorney General's office, worked

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you done a survey of the officers? I met an officer who had the 16-hour mandatory.
• I was a probation officer in the Inverness Probation Office at the time.
• officers have on a daily basis.
• officers have on a daily basis.
• officers like you pay other law enforcement officers.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if this behavior is deemed as noncompliant to an officer, the officer might use force, which will
• , amazing officers, already do.
• This bill recognizes juvenile probation officers, JPOs, as juvenile detention officers, JDOs, as officers
• This bill recognizes juvenile probation officers, JPO's, as juvenile detention officers, J.DOs, as officers
• It amends the staff. officers, JDOs, as officers under Florida law.

Bills: S0132, S0418, S0646, S0820, S1734

Keywords: voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously. Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the controversy has been, is a federal police officer or a peace officer?
• officers to pay up...
• I thought that impersonating police officers or law officers was a crime.
• officers in our...
• and the correction officers in our The officers and the correction officers in our systems, they need

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Law enforcement officers who use force constitutionally officers who use force constitutionally officers
• If a law enforcement officer intentionally uses enforcement officer intentionally uses enforcement officer
• , very good officers, very good officers, very good ones.
• But our officers have to escalate during that officers have to escalate during that officers have to
• And then it says every officer of a corporate says every officer of a corporate says every officer of

Bills: HB265, HB146, SB254, HB202, HB3, HB42, SB18

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, SB254, Alabama, statute of limitations, civil procedure, civil action, sex offense, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor rights, tolling, disability, minor plaintiff

Transcript Highlights:

• , amazing officers, already do.
• The second officer came and..."
• The second officer came in... The second officer came in, and again, I panicked.
• This bill recognizes juvenile probation officers, JPOs, as juvenile detention officers, JDOs, as officers
• Thank you. officers, JDOs, as officers under Florida law.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The officer had no recourse.
• The officer had no recourse.
• The officer had no recourse.
• officer wants to know that the officer officer wants to know that the officer wants<00:27:24.960
• 27 officers so there were 27 officers 27 officers so the<01:52:01.159> Chiefs<01:52:01.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the constitutional offices.
• office provides to other state agencies. office provides to other state agencies.
• office paid 23 of 41 invoices late. office paid 23 of 41 invoices late.
• constitutional offices. We do um uh constitutional offices.
• folks in the governor's office? folks in the governor's office?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the legislative auditor on a performance audit of the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office covering July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The audit reviewed receipts, inventory, payroll, and non-payroll expenditures and found 12 findings, concluding the office generally did not comply with the criteria tested because of internal control deficiencies. The auditor said four of five prior findings that remained relevant were not fully resolved, and that the problems were widespread across financial operations, creating opportunities for waste and fraud, though no evidence of wrongdoing or misuse of funds was found. The main findings involved weak segregation of duties, late vendor payments, inaccurate reimbursements and vendor payments, missing documentation, and poor receipt management. Auditors said one employee handled purchasing, receiving, payment processing, and inventory functions without adequate oversight; vendors were often paid late, resulting in more than $1,000 in late/reactivation fees; reimbursements and some state airplane payments contained errors; and many vendor payments, reimbursements, and purchasing card transactions lacked required support. The office also failed to collect about $12,000 for events at the governor’s residence, did not fully process several deposits, and lacked documentation for some billed or deposited amounts. Members reacted strongly to the repeated control failures and the lack of documentation, with several saying the issues were pervasive and concerning even if the dollar amounts were not large. Questions focused on whether the problems reflected different treatment of vendors versus employee expenses, whether restitution was being sought, and whether legislation was needed. The auditor responded that the state already has the necessary policies and procedures, and that the issue is implementation and oversight by the governor’s office, not new legislation. The auditor also said the governor’s office had been receptive and had begun taking steps to address the findings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as I'm sure you're aware, municipal offices are nonpartisan offices.
• for office.
• , run for office.'
• The district office policy...
• For the leadership offices, it would be the leader of that office.

Transcript Highlights:

• rather than a separate office.
• rather than a separate office.
• even<00:16:01.360> more office office actually even even more office office actually even
• offices right now within the Auditor's office.
• The auditor's office came in.

Keywords: 00:11 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:02 Discussion of 25RS SB 26 07:48 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 26 08:43 Discussion of 25RS SB 85 28:04 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 85 29:37 Discussion of 25RS HB 805 40:30 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 805 41:32 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 26, presented by Senator Brandon Storm, Family Court Judge Marcus Vanover, and Crystal Adams on behalf of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. The bill would ensure Kentucky complies with the ADA by prohibiting disability alone from being used to terminate adoption petitions, parental rights, or child-placement petitions. Testimony cited Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases involving parents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and national data showing high removal rates for parents with psychiatric, intellectual, or physical disabilities. The committee approved the bill 15-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 85 from Senator Steve Meredith and State Auditor Allison Ball, which continues the transition of the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the Auditor’s office. Testimony focused on completing the transfer by clarifying access to the ITWIST database, ensuring complaints go directly to the Ombudsman, adding whistleblower protections, and making the office a separate office within the Auditor’s office for efficiency. Members asked about the prior conflict of interest when the Ombudsman was housed within CHFS, the database access dispute and lawsuit, and whether the office still remained independent. The bill passed with favorable expression after some members voted pass. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 805, with Representative Nick Wilson and Representative Sarah Stalker explaining a committee substitute and amendment. The bill would set timelines for the Cabinet to physically locate children reported at immediate safety risk and require annual kinship-care reporting to be automatically provided to the legislature and posted publicly. Wilson said the bill also cleans up language from last year’s House Bill 271, including changing “threats” to “risks” in the safety-plan definition and other terminology fixes. The committee adopted the substitute and amendment and advanced the bill with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• They wouldn't be able to take office because the office wouldn't exist anymore.
• It's abolishing an office.
• As you say, there wouldn't be an office to take because the office wouldn't exist.
• Why did I run for this office? While in prison, Why did I run for this office?
• You didn't just run for office, you ran for this office.

Bills: SB256

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 256, which would combine the Orleans Parish clerks of criminal district court and civil district court into one office, with the bill taking effect upon gubernatorial signature. Senator Jay Morris said the change would align Orleans with other parishes, improve efficiency, and eventually help consolidate funding and operations, noting that Orleans is the only parish with two clerks and that the criminal side lacks the civil-side revenue streams used elsewhere. Committee members questioned the timing because the election for the next term had already been held and certified, and repeatedly raised concerns that the bill would effectively eliminate an office after voters had already chosen Calvin Duncan as criminal clerk. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill would be constitutional or fair if enacted before the new term began. Opponents argued it would disenfranchise voters, target Duncan personally, and set a dangerous precedent by abolishing an office after an election. Supporters and witnesses for Duncan said the bill was rushed, lacked a fiscal note, and would create confusion about staffing, records, training, and the transition between the two court systems. Several witnesses also argued that the criminal clerk’s office is essential to access to justice and that the data and efficiency rationale did not justify the timing or effect of the bill. Calvin Duncan testified that he ran to improve access to court records after his own wrongful conviction and incarceration, and said the bill sends the message that votes do not count. Other witnesses, including teachers, voters, attorneys, former officials, and advocacy representatives, echoed that the measure undermines democracy and appears aimed at preventing Duncan from taking office. Senator Morris denied personal targeting and said the bill was about abolishing an unnecessary office, but acknowledged litigation was likely. The committee also adopted a three-minute rule for testimony by a 10-3 vote, then began hearing public testimony, with the first witnesses overwhelmingly opposing the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every other prosecutor's office or law enforcement office in Minnesota has to disclose closed investigative
• influencing the work of that a office influencing the work of that a office and<00:01:30.600>
• or law enforcement prosecutor's office or law enforcement office<00:01:36.040> in<00:01:36.200
• is doing with that public office.
• going on in the office?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Majority Leader Harry Niska discussed House File 20, a bill he said would amend Minnesota’s Data Practices Act by adding the words “on individuals” to clarify that the private-data exemption applies only to information actually tied to an individual person. He argued the bill would overturn a 2022 Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Energy Policy Advocates v. Allison that, in his view, allowed the Attorney General’s office to withhold policymaking and closed investigative data even when no individual privacy interest was involved. Niska framed the measure as a transparency and democracy issue, saying the Attorney General’s office should not have a special secrecy privilege that other state agencies and prosecutors do not have. In response to questions, Niska said the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing concerns about the cost and burden of data practices requests and raising a broader question about whether some businesses might have privacy interests similar to individuals. Niska said the bill is not meant to eliminate legitimate privacy protections for actual individuals, including sensitive investigative information, but to prevent the office from using the private-data category to shield non-personal information. He also said the issue arose in part from information about outside influence on the Attorney General’s office, including funding for positions through NYU and the Bloomberg Foundation. Niska said the bill had been introduced by Republicans two years earlier but did not receive a hearing, and he expected it to come to the House floor because Republicans now control committees. He said Democrats were expected to vote as a bloc against it, and he suggested the vote would show where members stand on transparency. He also said other GOP priorities may move through committees and to the floor as they are ready, mentioning permitting reform, repeal of the nuclear moratorium, and an OIG-related bill, but he did not provide a detailed schedule. No vote on the bill was taken during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• When the officer goes to that second level and wins again, in order to make the officer whole, they're
• Officer says, I didn't do anything wrong. Officer prevails, and he's made whole.
• Officer says, I didn't do anything wrong. Officer prevails, and he's made whole.
• And if the determination is that the officer didn't do anything wrong, why should the officer not be
• And if the determination is that the officer didn't not do anything wrong, why should the officer not

Bills: SB1216, SB1391, SB1493, SB1520

Keywords: trauma, public safety, counseling, mental health, employee benefits, law enforcement, stress management, suicide prevention, workforce readiness, disciplinary action, appeals, termination, superior court, investigative process, reinstatement, immigration, data sharing, federal government, undocumented immigrants, visa overstays

Transcript Highlights:

• They wouldn't be able to take office because the office wouldn't exist anymore.
• It's abolishing an office.
• Why did I run for this office? While in prison, Why did I run for this office?
• You didn't just run for office; you ran for this office.
• You didn't just run for office, you ran for this office.

Bills: SB256

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding, 965, house, all