Transcript Highlights:

• They're in support.
• They are in support. Uh, Lou Erdishek from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support on Zoom.
• They're in support. We Advisory Council. They're in support.
• and support.
• </c> support. Thank you very much. support. Thank you very much.

Bills: HB1577 , HB1870

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee reconvened on March 19, 2026, for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week. It first took up HB 812 on agriculture, agreeing to move it forward with amendments and a Senate draft, and then HB 2388 on public notice, which was also passed with amendments after concerns about transparency and the need for local newspaper notice on Maui were discussed. HB 1414 on procurement and HB 2469 on a regular session review working group were both deferred to March 24 for further work with the author, while HB 322 on voter registration was deferred indefinitely in favor of a Senate vehicle. The committee then heard HB 1577, which would create a statewide emergency safety profile system pilot program and working group for 911. Testimony from disability advocates, emergency medical services, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing benefits for people without smartphones, better sharing of medical and emergency information, and improved response in the field. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the 911 Board already had the authority to implement the system without legislation, and the bill was not immediately acted on in the portion of the transcript provided. The final major item was HB 1870 on protected community locations. Testimony in support came from the University of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, immigrant-rights groups, public health advocates, and many individuals, while the Department of Education supported the measure but requested clarity on federal compliance and raised concerns about a 1,000-foot perimeter beyond campus. Supporters said the bill would protect sensitive locations and help immigrant families feel safe accessing schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on HB 1870 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I ask that you support this resolution. The resolution was adopted by vote.
• The baiting helps the young, the old, the disabled.
• The baiting helps the young, the old, the disabled. I think it eliminates that.
• It's called the official disability guidelines.
• ODG stands for official disability guidelines.

Bills: HR275 , HR276 , HR277 , HR278 , HR279 , HR280 , HR281 , HR282 , HR283 , HR284 , HCR112 , HCR113 , HR265 , HR266 , HR267 , HR268 , HR269 , HR270 , HR271 , HR272 , HR273 , HCR107 , HCR108 , HCR109 , HCR110 , HCR111 , SCR63 , SCR66 , SCR67 , SB414 , SB484 , SB513 , HR168 , HR174 , HR194 , HR216 , HR264 , HCR54 , HCR74 , HCR79 , HCR85 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR104 , SCR23 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR38 , HB75 , HB705 , SB54 , SB56 , SB72 , SB79 , SB97 , SB105 , SB123 , SB125 , SB129 , SB163 , SB171 , SB252 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB461 , SB466 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HR3 , HR197 , HR243 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , SCR24 , SCR35 , HCR6 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB39 , HB58 , HB112 , HB134 , HB155 , HB187 , HB287 , HB462 , HB782 , HB825 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB1200 , HB4 , HB623 , HB944 , HB986 , HB1098 , HB1222 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB34 , SB164 , SB172 , SB198 , SB208 , SB232 , SB281 , SB286 , SB317 , SB322 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB409 , SB417 , SB421 , SB430 , SB439 , SB447 , SB458 , SB510 , HB842 , HB633 , HB1191 , HB625 , HB1255 , HB251 , HB582 , HB646 , HB819 , HB998 , HB1257 , SB197 , SB436 , SB78 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , HB258 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we have a program for disabled vets that exempts a certain amount of their property value before
• Um, we have a program for disabled vets that exempts a certain amount of their property value before
• Um, we have a a program for disabled<00:04:58.960><c> vets</c><00:04:59.360><c> that</c><00:04:59.680
• I'm hoping there could be some bipartisan support on that. We remain hopeful on that.
• We remain hopeful on support on that.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it may even increase the number of permits by those being disabled. Yeah, I think so.
• . disabled. disabled.
• I certainly<00:11:18.800><c> support</c><00:11:19.040><c> this</c><00:11:19.360><c> legislation.
• </c><00:11:19.839><c> I</c> certainly support this legislation.
• I certainly support this legislation.

Bills: HB247 , HB317 , HB318 , HB253 , HB271 , HB135 , HB247 , HB317 , HB318 , HB253 , HB271 , HB135

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, age verification, parental consent, consumer protection, app store regulations, data privacy, Internet filters, digital safety, minors protection, civil liability, device manufacturers, obscenity, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Three, state support.
• Again, whole child supports.
• It ensures schools have training, resources, and supports for students with disabilities and provides
• We really need the public school support request that the department submitted on September 1st supported
• That is supporting The plan, as well as our currently per-funded projects related to efforts to support

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act define...
• , whether it's in school or a reading disability, or it could be some other form of disability.
• Whether it's a reading disability or it could be some other form of disability, and then that child can
• There are diagnostics that are used to determine if that disability actually exists and if the disability
• It's not always individuals or students with disabilities.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee first heard the Office of the Governor’s FY 2027 budget request from Adam Gresham. He explained the office’s staffing and noted a $500,000 core reduction, along with a reallocation of three positions and about $168,000 from the governor’s office to the mansion operating fund to better reflect where those employees work. Members asked about the National Guard emergency line, which Gresham said had already spent about $63,457 in FY 2026 and could be used again for disaster activations, though he did not expect to use the full $4 million. He also said the agricultural resiliency transfer fund had not been used and had no current transfer plans. Several members commented on the size of the governor’s cut and whether the judiciary and other offices were also being asked to reduce budgets. No votes were taken. The committee then moved to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Childhood and early childhood-related budget items. DESE staff described funding for the Office of Childhood, MoQPK child care provider grants, LEA pre-K grants, early childhood special education, Parents as Teachers, First Steps, preschool coordination, after-school programs, and child care subsidy. Members asked extensively about the MoQPK grants, including why Head Start providers were eligible, how curriculum approval works, and what safeguards exist against fraud or improper payments. DESE said it conducts physical inspections, desk reviews, payment-system checks, and investigations as needed, and that it had not had findings in this area. Some members questioned whether DESE or DSS was the right home for early childhood programs, while others defended the partnership and the role of early educators in identifying child needs. A major portion of the discussion focused on early childhood special education and the child care subsidy program. DESE explained that First Steps serves children birth to age three, while early childhood special education covers ages three to five and is driven by IEP eligibility; members asked for more data on diagnoses, trends, and how many children come off IEPs. The committee also discussed the child care subsidy budget and the governor’s proposed shift to paying providers based on authorization and at the beginning of the month. DESE said the change is being piloted, that a wait list is expected to begin around March 1, and that a May rollout is being considered, but only if software testing and fiscal projections show the system is sustainable. Members expressed frustration that promised changes had been delayed and that providers had been told different timelines, while DESE said the delay was driven by software issues, fiscal caution, and the need to avoid repeating prior payment problems. The hearing ended with the committee in recess before later resuming discussion of the subsidy program; no final votes or actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for clients with intellectual disabilities, behavioral health needs, physical disabilities, and the
• and this is for a professional medical consultant for disability case processing.
• This is Amendment 5 to an existing contract, and this is for support.
• This is Amendment 5 to an existing contract, and this is for support. Stofer, LC.
• Sergeant Corey Ray with the Air Support Unit.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee reviewed multiple methods of finance and construction items, including projects for Arkansas State University, Black River Technical College, UAMS, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and UCA. The UAPB Allied Health and Sciences Building appeared both as a method of finance and as an alternative delivery construction project, with East Harding Construction selected and AMR Architects as designer. Members approved the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, and several discretionary grants, including Department of Health grants for a heart attack center designation and community health worker training, and DHS grants related to homeless services, behavioral health transition support, and an enabling technology pilot. The committee then reviewed service contracts, including RFQs, construction-related contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and a large number of out-of-state and in-state contracts. Testimony focused heavily on DHS staffing and state hospital contracts, the Arkansas State Police seatbelt survey, AEDC’s lithium supply chain analysis, and Shared Administrative Services’ new SuccessFactors performance-management contract. Members asked detailed questions about contract nursing costs, turnover, hiring timelines, and whether some contracts were being renewed or amended beyond their original projected costs. DHS and Veterans Affairs officials explained staffing shortages, retention incentives, and the use of contract labor as a supplement to state employees. Several contracts drew scrutiny and were held for further review. Representative Wardlaw raised concerns about projected costs and repeated amendments on the Department of Education security contract and on DHS staffing contracts, arguing that some had exceeded their original projected totals. The committee voted to hold contracts 5, 7, and 8 until Friday, while adopting the remaining contracts. The meeting ended after informational reports on service contract amendments without material change, executed contracts, and emergency procurements were presented, with no further business before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking ahead, your support, your support, Ongoing support for an essential local workforce.
• We need the state's increased support.
• I'll be supporting the bill.
• Here are speaking in support of AB 939.
• I appreciate it, and I support it.

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking ahead, your support, your support, Ongoing support for an essential local workforce.
• We need the state's increased support.
• We're in support. Thank you. Good afternoon. Tim. Napa County, we're in support. Thank you.
• I'll be supporting the bill.
• I appreciate it, and I support it.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing met without a quorum at first and operated as a subcommittee, then later established a quorum and took up several housing-related bills. Early presentations included AB 2390, a cleanup bill on housing streamlining and project modifications, which was described as clarifying that minor and subsequent modifications are reviewed under the standards in effect when the original application was filed; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved on a due pass motion but held on call for absent members. AB 1890, which would increase state matching support for Napa County farmworker housing centers from $250,000 to $500,000 annually and extend the program through 2036, drew strong support from Napa County officials, the Farm Bureau, hospitals, and vintners, and was also moved to Appropriations and held on call. AB 956, an ADU bill allowing more flexibility in how accessory dwelling units are built and clarifying application of ADU law in common interest developments, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from the League of California Cities over density, infrastructure, and local control concerns; the committee discussed amendments to avoid triggering density bonus law, then passed the bill as amended to Local Government, with some members expressing reservations or abstaining. The consent calendar, including AB 739, AB 2162, AB 2320, and AB 2692, was also acted on and held on call for absent members. Later, the committee heard AB 939, which would remove a 180-day resale restriction for certain income-restricted ownership units when a nonprofit affordable housing organization is ready to buy and sell them to qualified low-income buyers. Supporters, including Habitat for Humanity and California YIMBY, said the bill would reduce vacancy, carrying costs, and delays in getting affordable homes to buyers; the California Association of Realtors opposed unless amended, arguing the bill could limit buyer choice, codify first-right-of-refusal provisions, and reduce wealth-building opportunities. Members questioned those concerns, and the author said amendments were being worked on; the bill was moved to Appropriations and held on call. AB 1165, the California Housing Justice Act, would require state housing agencies to develop a fiscal analysis and long-term financial plan for ending homelessness and addressing housing affordability; it received broad support from supportive housing, civil rights, and homelessness organizations, with no opposition filed, and was moved to Appropriations and held on call. AB 1184, an HOA transparency bill requiring more notice and access around litigation and recordings, was moved to Judiciary after discussion about whether it duplicated existing HOA law and whether the proposed amendments were too broad. AB 2035, a narrowly tailored bill for Laguna Woods Village to lower the vote threshold needed to petition a court to amend outdated CC&Rs, was supported as a one-time fix and moved to Judiciary. Finally, AB 1573, pulled from consent, would add survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to housing element target populations; supporters said these groups are overrepresented among people experiencing housing instability and should be explicitly included in local housing planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to say that I strongly support this bill, and I really encourage everyone to support this
• building operations, maintenance, and supportive services costs for permanent supportive housing projects
• , support services costs.
• This flexibility will allow these funds to be used to support existing permanent supportive housing projects
• We ask for your support. Thank you.

Summary: House Finance met on February 26 and heard several tax and housing-related bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6343 would extend the deadline to apply for a property tax exemption for improvements to single-family homes damaged by natural disasters, with sponsors citing recent flooding and the need to help displaced homeowners in multiple counties. Local officials from Kent and Algona testified in support, describing flood damage and ongoing recovery needs. The bill was heard but no vote was taken. Senate Bill 6347 would roll back the higher estate tax rates enacted in 2025, while leaving the higher exemption amount in place. Committee staff said the bill would reduce revenue to the Education Legacy Trust account by about $44.8 million starting in fiscal year 2027 and about $389.9 million over the 2027-29 biennium. Supporters argued the higher rates could harm family businesses and encourage wealthy residents to leave; opponents said the bill would mainly benefit very large estates and would worsen budget pressures by reducing funds for education and child care. Public testimony was mixed, and the bill was heard without action. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products stored in Washington for out-of-state sale until 2038. The sponsor and a logistics witness said the exemption helps farmers get products faster, supports regional distribution, and improves competitiveness; staff said the revenue impact would be small. Finally, Senate Bill 6114 would define “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes to make tax treatment of attached property clearer, and Senate Bill 6027 would broaden allowable uses of several local affordable housing funding sources, including rehabilitation and operations of existing housing, rental assistance in some counties, and expanded uses for Affordable Housing for All grants. Both of those bills drew support from state and local housing officials and advocates, and the committee adjourned after the hearings with no recorded votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I ask for your support, Mr. Chair.
• </c><00:10:17.760><c> creates</c> physically and mentally disabled creates physically and mentally disabled
• </c><00:14:16.519><c> of</c> Marshal I'm here in strong support of Marshal I'm here in strong support
• </c><00:21:13.679><c> house</c><00:21:14.039><c> file</c> strongly support house file strongly support
• I appreciate your support.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Abuse really have support.
• , or a lot of the veteran families that need support.
• California supports the rejection and appreciates your support of the rejection of the trigger language
• On Prop 4, we support restoring its intent to provide new funding, not backfill, and fully support Cal
• Lastly, we also support the $750 million area transit loan program and urge more support.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Hands-on support to transform systems and outcomes.
• I think our teachers felt more supported.
• I want to offer strong support for community schools because of their impact on students with disabilities
• And I just want to actually speak and support briefly, strong support of community schools because of
• their impact on students with disabilities.

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> community support services. community support services.
• /c><00:15:11.680><c> support</c> support and family peer support support and family peer support clarifying
• </c> housing support providers. housing support providers.
• </c> to fully support these programs. to fully support these programs.
• </c> up, please support House File 1674. up, please support House File 1674.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And through you to the members, I rise in support of Senate Bill 2561.
• I don't want to repeat too much of what has already been said, but I do echo their remarks and support
• The senator continues in support of the legislation and thanks the Senate President for making this a
• It will protect students with disabilities from discriminatory school discipline practices.
• She's also been a major proponent in... ...support of this legislation.

Summary: The Senate first debated and advanced Senate Bill 2561, an act to promote student learning and mental health, centered on a statewide bell-to-bell restriction on student cell phone use in schools. Supporters argued the bill would reduce distraction, improve academic performance and mental health, and encourage social interaction, while preserving flexibility for districts and exceptions for emergencies, special education, health needs, and instructional uses. Several senators emphasized local control and the need for public input, and a number of amendments were considered: some were withdrawn, some were rejected, and others were adopted, including an amendment requiring consistent and necessary exceptions and another requiring public hearings and local public input. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 38-2. The Senate also took up a conference committee report on a $259 million FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The report funded EMS costs, home care, the Healthy Incentives Program, DTA chip card technology, veterans benefits, the state police crime lab, the SSI state supplement, the Fair Housing Fund, and the National Guard, and included major indigent defense provisions: $40 million for 320 new CPCS staff attorneys, rate increases for private bar advocates, guardrails to reduce future work stoppages, and an independent review of the indigent defense system. Senators questioned the timing of the report, the inclusion of items not previously voted on by either branch, and the funding sources, including use of the transitional escrow fund and excess revenues. The report was accepted, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the supplemental budget was enacted. In addition, the Senate passed other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District and a municipal roads and bridges financing bill, both by roll call vote. The chamber also enacted a health care protections bill, and it concurred in referrals on a governor’s municipal empowerment legislation. The session included a brief memorial tribute and adjournment in memory of Harry C. Christensen.

Transcript Highlights:

• reform for medical debt and garnishment, making sure kids get treatment for their rare diseases, supporting
• We continue to underinvest in services for people with disabilities, balancing budgets on their backs
• Just again yesterday, there was no Republican support for protecting people from future ICE incursions
• ,</c><00:05:06.960><c> balancing</c> for people with disabilities, balancing for people with disabilities
• </c><00:05:23.960><c> for</c> there was no Republican support for there was no Republican support for

Transcript Highlights:

• And so as much as I support the policy in this difficult budget year, I cannot support this.
• As much as I support the policy in this difficult budget year, I cannot support this proviso that funds
• So I would urge the committee to support this amendment.
• This amendment would simply continue to support that work.
• . $14 million. $14 million to protect disabled children. $14 million. $14 million to protect disabled

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 83 relates to the developmental disabilities services payment reform implementation.
• <00:14:38.160><c> services</c><00:14:38.720><c> payment</c><00:14:39.199><c> reform</c> disabilities
• services payment reform disabilities services payment reform implementation.<00:14:41.279><c> The</c>
• for municipalities for include support for municipalities for extra<00:15:19.040><c> protection</c><
• So I hope you will support the against.

Transcript Highlights:

• Week in honor of those who had thought their courage deeds have lost their lives and have become disabled
• who night and day stand guard in the midst to protect us and urge all Minnesotans to recognize and support
• <00:09:49.120><c> and</c><00:09:49.360><c> have</c><00:09:49.600><c> become</c><00:09:50.000><c> disabled
• </c><00:09:50.640><c> in</c> their lives and have become disabled in their lives and have become disabled
• </c><00:11:22.240><c> peace</c> motans to recognize and support peace motans to recognize and support

Transcript Highlights:

• But this bill cannot address victim support.
• I'm here in support of House Bill 168.
• That step-down support gave me the strength.
• Please support House Bill 168 and give more women the opportunity to come home with the kind of support
• That support changed my life.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several criminal justice bills related to evidence, juror privacy, probation, and sex offender supervision. HB 95, by Rep. Lecombe, updates an older statute to allow electronic access to videotaped forensic interviews of protected persons for prosecutors, defense counsel, courts, and other authorized persons; it was reported favorably. HB 55, by Rep. Villio, prohibits public disclosure of juror identifying information such as names, addresses, and contact information; after testimony from District Attorney Tony Clayton about juror harassment and intimidation, the committee adopted a small amendment removing outdated language and reported the bill favorably with amendments. HB 125, by Rep. Horton, revises supervised release for certain sex offenders to address jurisdiction and notification issues, especially when violations occur outside Louisiana; after testimony from DOC and probation and parole officials and a witness describing victim-protection monitoring, it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 158, also by Rep. Horton, increases the maximum custodial treatment period for technical probation violations from 90 to 180 days, but witnesses raised concerns that the language was too broad and could impose extra jail time beyond treatment; the author agreed to work on clarifying language before floor debate, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 169, by Rep. Horton, makes probationers or parolees responsible for extradition costs if they are able to pay, and it was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 133, by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and treatment requirements for battery of a school teacher and related offenses. A large amendment package was adopted to add aggravated battery and second-degree battery involving students or school employees, define terms, require counseling and evaluations in certain juvenile cases, and adjust juvenile disposition provisions. Teachers and supporters testified about assaults in schools and the need to protect educators, while district attorneys warned that some of the amended language—especially the shift to “serious bodily injury” and some definitional changes—could make prosecutions harder or create unintended constitutional issues. Rep. Newell agreed to continue working with prosecutors to tighten the language before the bill reaches the floor, and HB 133 was reported favorably as amended. Later, the committee heard HB 821 by Rep. McFarland, which moves the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement; the change was described as largely administrative and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 399 by Rep. Zerang, which extends the terminally ill/incapacitated inmate release window from 60 to 120 days. Secretary Gary Westcott and DOC officials explained that the program is tightly vetted, applies to inmates who are truly at end of life, and includes victim notification and maximum supervision; supporters, including medical and faith-based witnesses, emphasized dignity, hospice care, and the practical need for more time to complete release planning. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 296 by Rep. Knox repeals the inactive Reentry Advisory Council and the Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act, and HB 168 by Rep. Freiburg creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees within six months of release; both were presented as public-safety and reentry measures, with strong support from reentry advocates, business groups, and faith-based organizations, and both were reported favorably.