Video & Transcript Research : 'conditional release'

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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Consumer and Public Affairs Jan 29th, 2026 at 02:04 pm

House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And in cases involving felonies... ...the court may presume that release conditions are insufficient
  • So it ensures that when release conditions cannot reasonably protect our community, courts have the ability
  • Many times, the offenders that are released end up committing new offenses or absconding from conditions
  • And he was murdered violently by somebody who was released on pretrial conditions.
  • So the court is not required to presume that release conditions will not reasonably protect the safety
Keywords: 996, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (03/20/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have all these pre-trial conditions of release, and when they violate those conditions there's no
  • We have all these pre-trial conditions of release, and when they violate those conditions there's no
  • Keith Kavorkian was released twice in five hours, and both times released on PR bail.
  • He was once again released on PR bail just six days after being released on PR bail.
  • Castro was released on PR bail.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Room 224 Conference PM - 04-28-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're just waiting for Fin release. Yeah. WAM release? Yes. Okay.
  • So, Fin and WAM release, but I also understand memos have been sent to both.
  • We're just waiting for Fin release. Yeah. WAM release? Yes. Okay.
  • We're just waiting for Fin release. Yeah. WAM release? Yes. Okay.
  • We're just waiting for Fin release. Yeah. WAM release? Yes. Okay.
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Appropriations Jun 23rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I will vote to release, but only to release, and I am hopeful. Release, but only to release.
  • Assembly Committee Substitute 4013 is favorably released. Thank you. Next up is 8227. Released.
  • Assembly Bill 5114 is favorably released. Yes, vote. Assembly Bill 5114 is favorably released.
  • I'm going to vote to release it.
  • Assembly Bill 5223 is favorably released. Thank you. Assembly Bill 5223 is favorably released.
Keywords: 1146, all
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Room 224 Conference AM - 05-01-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • folks have WAM release.
  • believe you folks have WAM release. believe you folks have WAM release.
  • If not, we do have release, just confirming you have been released on this measure.
  • Yeah, release. point. Yeah, release.
  • Happy to say we have release. I just want to confirm you have been released.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Room 016 Conference AM - 04-28-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, actually, we just got final release on this one. Uh, do you have WAM release?
  • Do we have WAM release? We do. And we have fin release.
  • we have release on this? we have release on this? Okay. Okay. Okay.
  • sure if we have Wham or finance release. sure if we have Wham or finance release.
  • We have Wham release. We on our end. We have Wham release.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Motion to release by Rep. Griffith and seconded by Rep. Phillips. Rep.
  • we are preserving wetland condition through this process as well.
  • that we're preserving wetland condition through this process as well.
  • Having received the correct number of votes, the bill is released from committee.
  • Having received the correct number of votes, the bill is released from committee.
Bills: SB9
Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met to consider two Senate bills. SB 321, with Senate Amendment 1, would change community solar billing so subscribers receive one consolidated utility bill instead of separate bills from the utility and the solar provider. Supporters said the bill would simplify enrollment and payment, improve customer retention—especially for low-income customers—and include safeguards such as guaranteed savings and an escrow mechanism to prevent cost shifts to other ratepayers. After public testimony from solar developers, the Public Advocate, the Sierra Club, and others, the committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, so the vote was circulated to absent members and the bill was later reported out for floor action. The committee then heard SB 9, with Senate Amendment 1, a long-negotiated wetlands protection bill. The sponsor and DNREC explained that it would create a state non-tidal wetlands program with exemptions for certain agricultural, conservation, and routine activities, general permits for some lower-impact projects, and individual permits for higher-value wetlands. Witnesses described the bill as a compromise among environmental, agricultural, development, and local government stakeholders, while some members raised questions about flooding, landowner impacts, wetland delineation, and the role of the regulatory advisory committee. Public testimony was broadly supportive from environmental groups, the Farm Bureau, builders, engineers, and affordable housing advocates. The committee then voted to release SB 9 from committee. At the end of the meeting, members offered thanks and remarks recognizing the chair’s service and leadership on environmental and energy issues. Both bills were ultimately released from committee and reported out.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Jun 24th, 2026

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • They're all released back out on the street.
  • However, when they are released from ATC, they are most often released into Austin, and many of those
  • to die of overdose in the first two weeks post-release.
  • Then they are released from the hospital.
  • She is released immediately and comes right back here.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • information or upcoming release dates. information or upcoming release dates.
  • He was released because of ineffective assistance of counsel.
  • He was released because of ineffective assistance of counsel.
  • He was released because of ineffective assistance of counsel.
  • The property report from the pack-up shows claimant's tablet was in working condition.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items. The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations. The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working. In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • to county supervision after, after they release, are released from prison.
  • There are a couple ways that somebody could be caused to be released by, released to parole supervision
  • The bigger piece on the 70, on the pieces on the air conditioning and air conditioning plus insulation
  • I know that they're not all in the same great condition as. Other more recent construction is.
  • The air conditioning, everything out, but once they get out, we're holding them.
Keywords: 988, house, all
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, since that time, very few school districts have adopted release time policies.
  • We have 4,500 parents who have signed a petition for a religious release program.
  • The bill states that a student who participates in release time may earn elective credit, leaving the
  • time a program that brings in release time for religious instruction.
  • We have to have a policy that would allow a release. There's no time limit in here.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS House Floor - 21 January, 2026; 2:00 PM

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . conditions. conditions.
  • <00:36:50.079> of<00:36:50.240> lure condition of lure condition of lure including<00:36
  • > where<01:03:20.240> anybody to be released where anybody to be released where anybody
  • conditions? conditions?
  • Speaker, I'd like to ask for immediate release on House Bill 3.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several guest introductions, including a pastor, a doctor of the day, medical students and physicians for MSMA White Coat Day, and visitors in the galleries. The chamber then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 314, the Ibogaine Treatment Drug Development Grant Program Act. The sponsor described ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and related conditions, emphasizing that the bill would not legalize the drug but would authorize the State Department of Health to fund a consortium for FDA-regulated clinical trials with private matching funds, a university and hospital partner, and a requirement that at least 20% of commercialization revenue go to the state. Members asked about VA involvement, whether the trials would serve veterans or civilians, how the drug would be administered and monitored, why a statute was needed, and the source of the proposed state funding. The bill passed by a vote of 110 yeas and 1 nay. The House then considered House Bill 534, as a committee substitute, creating the Mississippi Health Exchange, a statewide health information exchange for real-time sharing of admission, discharge, transfer, and related patient information among hospitals, clinics, payers, and public health officials. The sponsor said the system would improve continuity of care, help with bed availability and mental health placements, and support public health analysis while protecting privacy through HIPAA compliance, an opt-out process, and limits on access to identified data. The bill would require hospitals, community mental health centers, and state hospitals to participate as a condition of licensure, designate a single nonprofit operator selected by the Department of Health, and create a fund for implementation and cybersecurity costs. Members questioned the bill about privacy protections, the opt-out process, whether data could be sold or shared improperly, costs to hospitals, whether hospitals and the hospital association supported the measure, and how the exchange would work in transfer scenarios. The sponsor said the bill would make unauthorized sharing illegal, that most hospitals already participate in some form of HIE, and that the exchange would not cost the state anything immediately because there was no appropriation attached. The discussion also noted possible help from rural transformation funding. The transcript ends during continued questioning of House Bill 534, before final passage or other action is shown.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • They've released deer; they live fine.
  • in them that you would release out.
  • At what point in the release procedure or in the release process would it go from the Department of Agriculture
  • And they see this number and it qualifies to be released. They'll say, 'OK, this can be released.'
  • The bill to release these does not have anything to do with the release.
Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, what was mental conditions.
  • They released from that um segregation.
  • They can go first 24 or 72 be released.
  • of their release, um, that way we can better advocate.
  • of their release, um, that way we can better advocate.
Keywords: 910, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • ><00:04:14.480> in<00:04:14.720> which released at the time in which released at the time
  • Today, the building air-conditioning system in the building does not function.
  • The second biggest dorm on campus is going to be taken offline because the condition is so bad.
  • Today, the building air-conditioning system in the building does not function.
  • <00:23:47.120> I because the condition is so bad. I because the condition is so bad.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to begin hearing budget requests from Kentucky universities. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden highlighted EKU’s enrollment growth, its large population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, and its role in producing graduates for Kentucky’s workforce, especially in health care, public safety, manufacturing, engineering, and aviation. He said EKU is seeking support for a Center for Health Innovation, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine program, with a $50 million accreditation escrow and startup funding that would be returned to the state after accreditation. He also described EKU’s health programs, which have strong pass rates and high in-state employment outcomes, and said the university wants continued asset preservation funding, inflationary operating support, and other recurring budget items. McFaden also outlined EKU’s aviation request, including $10 million for new aircraft and support for an enhanced air traffic control program created in response to a legislative study. He said the program would enroll cohorts of about 30 students, likely attract out-of-state students, and require a $5 million startup investment plus $1.5 million in annual recurring support. He added that EKU’s lab school is seeking a revised funding model tied to enrollment rather than a flat mandated amount. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the medical school escrow, aircraft needs, and program capacity, and McFaden clarified that the escrow would remain intact until accreditation and then be returned to the general fund. Kentucky State University President Kakpo then reviewed prior capital support that helped repair a dorm and several leaking roofs, and said the university is still addressing campus infrastructure problems. He said KSU’s main request is a new health sciences building to house its growing nursing program and language program, along with $40 million for additional dorm renovations and a carve-out for its aquaculture program. Kakpo said the aquaculture PhD proposal would be federally funded and could bring in more revenue, while the new building would help relieve overcrowding and support KSU’s research role. In response to questions, he said KSU’s campus housing capacity would be about 1,334 beds if all dorms were repaired, and that the university is rotating students through renovated buildings while trying to keep them on campus. Committee members also raised safety concerns about the December campus shooting at KSU. Kakpo said the incident was isolated, expressed sympathy for the families affected, and said the university has reviewed campus procedures, added police and security positions, and is strengthening safety processes. The meeting did not include any votes or formal actions; it was a budget presentation and question-and-answer session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh this measure compassionate release.
  • So in the discussion that we conditions.
  • Problem is, it's a catch and release Problem is, it's a catch and release kind<00:20:50.640>
  • It facilitates release on parole.
  • seen better outcomes with parole release seen better outcomes with parole release after<00:31:28.960
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 3040, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Supporters, including Moms Demand Action and a crime-victim advocate, argued the office would improve data collection, research, and coordination to help reduce gun violence. Opponents, including several gun-rights advocates, said the proposal was duplicative, lacked oversight, and would exclude the firearms community. The chair noted 41 testimonies in support and 77 in opposition, but no vote was taken on the bill in the portion provided. The committee then moved through a series of decision-making items and adopted the chair’s recommendations on several measures. SB 17 on wildfire mitigation passed with amendments from multiple agencies and a report date shifted to the 2028 session. SB 2730 on criminal justice reform passed with a defective effective date amendment, SB 2749 on sentencing passed with a defective effective date, SB 2688 on compassionate release passed with amendments narrowing eligibility and adding notification and funding language, and SB 2798 on law enforcement passed with a defective effective date to make the agricultural enforcement pilot program permanent. SB 2645, a short-form bill, was amended to insert substantive provisions and recommitted to the committee. SB 2383, which would have provided a $15,000 retention bonus for sworn law enforcement officers, was reconsidered and held in committee because it was identified as a duplicate. The committee also passed SB 2575, relating to firearms, with amendments adopting a proposed SD1 that would establish minimum mandatory prison terms for certain class A firearm felonies and add clarifying language. SB 2720, which would create a Hawaii firearm injury restitution fund funded by firearm manufacturer licenses, also passed with amendments clarifying the fund’s scope and eligible injuries. Later, the committee began hearing SB 3107 on parole eligibility. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii Paroling Authority supported language allowing the parole board to waive certain program requirements, while the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission opposed the bill, warning it could keep people incarcerated longer if program access remains limited. The Department of Corrections said it is working on classification changes and a pilot project to move inmates through the system faster.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • we are preserving wetland condition through this process as well.
  • Oh, yeah, you can release the witnesses. You can release the witnesses. Thank you.
  • Do you need a motion to release? No, I need to go to public comment first.
  • We respectfully urge you to release Senate Bill 9. Thank you for your time and consideration.
  • Having received the correct number of votes, the bill is released from committee.
Bills: SB9
Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session C Feb 13th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Monetary pretrial release condition? Senator Gruters.
  • To be eligible for release prior to trial.
  • Preponderance of evidence that appropriate conditions of release is two. They are separate things.
  • Subsection F pretrial condition release, these are the things the court must consider, but the entirety
  • CAN'T SAY WE GOT RID OF CATCH AND RELEASE.
Bills: SJR2, SB4, SJR36, SJR2, SB4, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40, SJR2, SB4, SR98, SJR40, SJR41, SJR42, SJR43, SJR44, SJR45, SJR46, SJR47, SCR13, SB6, SB13, SB21, SB826, SB827, SB828, SB829, SB830, SB831, SB832, SB833, SB834, SB835, SB836, SB837, SB838, SB839, SB840, SB841, SB842, SB843, SB844, SB845, SB846, SB847, SB848, SB849, SB850, SB851, SB853, SB854, SB855, SB856, SB857, SB858, SB859, SB860, SB861, SB862, SB863, SB864, SB865, SB866, SB867, SB868, SB869, SB870, SB871, SB872, SB873, SB874, SB875, SB876, SB877, SB878, SB879, SB880, SB881, SB882, SB883, SB884, SB885, SB886, SB887, SB888, SB889, SB890, SB891, SB892, SB893, SB894, SB895, SB896, SB897, SB898, SB899, SB900, SB901, SB902, SB903, SB904, SB905, SB906, SB907, SB908, SB909, SB910, SB911, SB912, SB913, SB914, SB915, SB916, SB917, SB918, SB919, SB920, SB921, SB922, SB923, SB924, SB925, SB926, SB927, SB928, SB929, SB930, SB931, SB932, SB933, SB934, SB935, SB936, SB937, SB938, SB939, SB940, SB941, SB942, SB943, SB944, SB945, SB946, SB947, SB948, SB949, SB950, SB951, SB952, SB953, SB954, SB955, SB956, SB957, SB958, SB959, SB960, SB961, SB962, SB963, SB964, SB965, SB966, SB967, SB968, SB969, SB970, SB971, SB972, SB973, SB974, SB975, SB976, SB977, SB978, SB979, SB980, SB981, SB982, SB983, SB984, SB985, SB986, SB987, SB988, SB989, SB990, SB991, SB992, SB993, SB994, SB995, SB996, SB997, SB998, SB999, SB1000, SJR40, SJR41, SJR42, SJR43, SJR44, SJR45, SJR46, SJR47, SCR13, SB6, SB13, SB21, SB826, SB827, SB828, SB829, SB830, SB831, SB832, SB833, SB834, SB835, SB836, SB837, SB838, SB839, SB840, SB841, SB842, SB843, SB844, SB845, SB846, SB847, SB848, SB849, SB850, SB851, SB853, SB854, SB855, SB856, SB857, SB858, SB859, SB860, SB861, SB862, SB863, SB864, SB865, SB866, SB867, SB868, SB869, SB870, SB871, SB872, SB873, SB874, SB875, SB876, SB877, SB878, SB879, SB880, SB881, SB882, SB883, SB884, SB885, SB886, SB887, SB888, SB889, SB890, SB891, SB892, SB893, SB894, SB895, SB896, SB897, SB898, SB899, SB900, SB901, SB902, SB903, SB904, SB905, SB906, SB907, SB908, SB909, SB910, SB911, SB912, SB913, SB914, SB915, SB916, SB917, SB918, SB919, SB920, SB921, SB922, SB923, SB924, SB925, SB926, SB927, SB928, SB929, SB930, SB931, SB932, SB933, SB934, SB935, SB936, SB937, SB938, SB939, SB940, SB941, SB942, SB943, SB944, SB945, SB946, SB947, SB948, SB949, SB950, SB951, SB952, SB953, SB954, SB955, SB956, SB957, SB958, SB959, SB960, SB961, SB962, SB963, SB964, SB965, SB966, SB967, SB968, SB969, SB970, SB971, SB972, SB973, SB974, SB975, SB976, SB977, SB978, SB979, SB980, SB981, SB982, SB983, SB984, SB985, SB986, SB987, SB988, SB989, SB990, SB991, SB992, SB993, SB994, SB995, SB996, SB997, SB998, SB999, SB1000
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • suppliers, the experts of their systems, to develop preparedness strategies that reflect local conditions
  • water suppliers the experts of their systems to develop preparedness strategies that reflect local conditions
  • vehicles and appliances contain a growing percentage of e-waste that is smashed in hammer mills, releasing
  • Our communities deserve to have these conditions. cooling system at GQN even was or is.
  • When these materials are not properly managed, they can be released into the environment and contribute
Summary: The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee heard several bills focused on wildfire preparedness, industrial safety, and recycling oversight. SB 1153 by Senator Caballero would require urban retail water suppliers to add wildfire-specific procedures to emergency plans and coordinate with fire agencies; supporters said it would improve planning while recognizing water system limits, and the bill was framed as protecting ratepayers and infrastructure. SB 811, also by Senator Caballero, would create a comprehensive DTSC permitting and regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities; supporters argued it would set clear statewide standards and protect communities, while opponents said it would weaken hazardous waste protections and carve the industry out of existing law. SB 883 by Senator Umberg would impose new safeguards for facilities storing reactive chemicals such as methyl methacrylate after the Garden Grove evacuation, including backup cooling, public review, emergency planning, and state tracking; industry groups opposed the breadth of the bill and sought further clarification, while environmental and community groups supported it. SB 1010 by Senator Ashby would strengthen oversight of appliance recyclers by improving reporting, inspections, certification, and funding for enforcement; supporters said it would reduce emissions and improve compliance, while recyclers raised concerns about fees and certification requirements. Each bill drew extensive testimony from industry, environmental, labor, local government, and community representatives. Supporters generally emphasized public safety, transparency, and the need for clearer statewide standards, while opponents warned about overregulation, reduced flexibility, or unintended impacts on existing hazardous waste and recycling systems. Committee members also raised questions about transparency, liability, size-based treatment of facilities, and whether the bills were narrowly tailored enough to address the problems identified. The committee voted to advance all four measures to the Committee on Appropriations, with votes taken on call and some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. The final add-on votes showed SB 811, SB 883, SB 1010, and SB 1153 all passing out of committee, with the roll left open for absent members before the meeting adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • After serving 17 years, I was released. After serving 10 years, I was released.
  • to overdose in the weeks following release.
  • Many people released from prison are released with an addiction they developed while incarcerated.
  • It means a condition needs ongoing care and adjustment.
  • This is my 13th year... ...20 years before being released.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.