Video & Transcript Research : 'prison replacement'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Protecting housing and redevelopment authority employees 3/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the assault results in demonstrable bodily harm, it becomes a felony, punishable up to two years in prison
Summary:
The committee heard House File 4141, which would amend Minnesota Statutes 609.2231 to add housing and redevelopment authority (HRA) employees and agents to the list of public employees receiving enhanced criminal penalties for assault while performing official duties. Representative Johnson said the bill does not create a new crime, but simply extends existing protections to HRA staff who work in high-contact, high-stress settings such as inspections, enforcement, benefit decisions, and evictions. Testifiers Melissa Taporn and Terry Smith, both representing Minnesota housing authorities/NARO, supported the bill and described numerous incidents of threats, assaults, and weapon-related confrontations involving HRA staff across the state, arguing the change is needed for worker safety, retention, and continued delivery of housing services.
Committee members expressed support for the proposal, with Vice Chair Dos saying it would create reasonable guardrails to help keep workers and residents safe. Discussion also noted that repeated or unsafe inspections can add costs back onto housing operations. The chair said the bill would likely be incorporated into the committee’s broader housing policy work with possible tweaks. No vote was taken; House File 4141 was laid over for possible inclusion.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/25/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a public servant, retiring after 33 years of service with the New York City Department of Health, Prison
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space.
The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration.
A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, more than 1,500 people in our prison system are just 17 years old.
Keywords:
juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- you bring it up, bringing all the cards to the table, is there, Representative Nelson mentioned the prison
Summary:
The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote.
The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program.
Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.
AL
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- takes that authority away and replaces takes that authority away and replaces it<01:21:53.199>
- However, there was an amendment on the other side of the wall, a replace-all amendment.
- However, there was an amendment on the other side of the wall, a replace-all amendment.
- Was that the ZG bill that that replaced Was that the ZG bill that that replaced it?
- The replacement of that was a drafting error.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 48 (3-17-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just last month, a man was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for interstate communication of a
- Just last month, a man was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for interstate communication of a
- Just last month, a man was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for interstate communication of a
- interstate<01:58:10.400>
communication <01:58:10.880>of <01:58:11.119>a prison - for interstate communication of a prison for interstate communication of a threat.<01:58:12.320>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- getting a decision or a vote, a choice to vote: employment, adult or child daycare, confinement, prison
- employment adult or child daycare employment adult or child daycare confinement<00:28:37.000>
prison - and I didn't know confinement prison and I didn't know about<00:28:38.840>
this <00:28:38.960> - In other words, replace the word State citizen with domicile and the solution would take a...
- the word State citizen words replace the word State citizen with with with domicile<01:58:29.360>
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We're happy to announce that we anticipate releasing the much-anticipated RFP for the replacement of
- We're happy to announce that we anticipate releasing the much-anticipated RFP for the replacement of
- No, you don't want a prison fence around the war memorial.
- about replacing the HR component, right?
- about replacing the HR component, right?
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees.
A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion.
Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so you mentioned prisons, and when I think of prisons, I think of a program called Choose Love.
- <01:38:24.440>
so <01:38:24.599>you <01:38:24.760>mentioned <01:38:25.239>prisons - ><01:38:26.040>
and <01:38:26.199>when <01:38:26.360>I okay so you mentioned prisons - and when I okay so you mentioned prisons and when I think<01:38:26.679>
of <01:38:26.880>Prisons - I think of a program think of Prisons I think of a program called<01:38:28.920>
Choose <01:38:
Summary:
The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health.
The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate.
Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- a pathological gambler, had a serious gambling problem, and was about to be sentenced to years in prison
- sentenced to to and was about to be sentenced to to years<00:40:24.400>
in <00:40:24.640>prison - <00:40:25.119>
embezzling <00:40:25.680>money <00:40:27.119>and years in prison - for embezzling money and years in prison for embezzling money and he<00:40:27.440>
had <00:40:
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- some of these issues years ago, but it was almost a pipeline to incarceration at that next level, a prison
- that<01:38:15.679>
next <01:38:16.000>level, <01:38:16.960>a <01:38:17.280>prison - ,<01:38:17.840>
you <01:38:18.000>know, that next level, a prison, you know, that next - level, a prison, you know, that<01:38:18.639>
there's <01:38:18.880>no <01:38:19.119>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we've all received testimony from the Office of Public Defender and the Community Alliance on Prisons
- Defender and the Community<00:30:49.640>
Alliance <00:30:50.000>on <00:30:50.120>Prisons - <00:30:51.120>
Did <00:30:51.240>you Community Alliance on Prisons. - Did you Community Alliance on Prisons.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared.
On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered.
The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system.
Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS, Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Community Alliance on Prisons in support.
- Um Um Um Community<01:33:15.840>
Alliance <01:33:16.200>on <01:33:16.320>Prisons - <01:33:16.920>
in Community Alliance on Prisons in Community Alliance on Prisons in support.<01
Summary:
The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections.
The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript.
The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 15, February 26, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But I also wanted to speak to one thing that this SIPA account does fund, and that is the prisons, $20
- :26.840>
the SIPA account does fund and that is the SIPA account does fund and that is the prisons - 22:28.480>
a <01:22:28.520>year, <01:22:28.840>and <01:22:28.960>that prisons - , 20 million a year, and that prisons, 20 million a year, and that account<01:22:29.360>
has <01
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- So, don't want our county clerks to do hard time in prison.
- <01:04:16.319>
hard <01:04:16.559>time <01:04:16.720>in <01:04:16.880>prison - <01:04:17.359>
So, <01:04:18.240>uh clerks to do hard time in prison. - So, uh clerks to do hard time in prison.
Keywords:
Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15
Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14
Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion.
Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that.
Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- care of a lot of their inmates and, you know, maybe getting some of these people out there on some prison
- :31:28.559>
at availability for this, but looking at availability for this, but looking at prison - 31:30.159>
kind <00:31:30.240>of <00:31:30.320>stuff <00:31:30.480>to prison - employment, that kind of stuff to prison employment, that kind of stuff to be<00:31:30.720>
able<
Summary:
The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association.
Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals.
The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans.
Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that Epstein died in a federal prison overseen by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice.
- <00:56:05.280>
in <00:56:05.440>a <00:56:05.599>federal <00:56:05.920>prison - that Epstein died in a federal prison that Epstein died in a federal prison overseen<00:56:07.839
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We also know that chronic absenteeism is directly linked to the school-to-prison pipeline.
- c><00:41:48.200>
the <00:41:48.319>school <00:41:48.640>the <00:41:48.800>prison - <00:41:49.160>
pipeline linked to the school the prison pipeline linked to the school the - prison pipeline when<00:41:50.119>
students <00:41:50.520>miss <00:41:50.760>school<
Keywords:
HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake
MN