Video & Transcript : 'forensic expert' :
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NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I have Genesis Ramirez, and so she might serve as my expert witness just in case.
- Our expert on that isn't here, wasn't able to be here today because of the short notice, but they ask
- Our expert on that isn't here, wasn't able to be here today because of the short notice, but they ask
- And with me today, if I may, I have my expert witness, Alexandria, who will, I'm sure, be able to say
- I'm no expert on that. I'm not a forensic evidence scientist or technician.
Committee:
Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 132, a Department of Information Technology modernization measure sponsored by Senator Padilla. The bill would update state IT statutes to explicitly include software and cloud-based services alongside hardware and equipment, with the goal of improving planning, procurement, security, and efficiency. Secretary Manny Budettas said the change would help modernize secure services, reduce emergency fixes, and better align state purchasing with current software-as-a-service models. Members asked about centralized integration across branches of government, cybersecurity protections, the revolving fund, and agency billing; the bill was reported out with a do pass on the committee substitute.
The committee then considered Senate Memorial 16, which asks Higher Education to convene a task force on parenting students in New Mexico’s higher education system. Senator Harmeo and witnesses described barriers such as child care, transportation, flexible scheduling, and financial hardship, and said the memorial would gather data and recommendations rather than create a new program. Members discussed how the survey would be administered, whether it would include full-time and part-time students, and how online or out-of-state students would be handled; the memorial was approved with a do pass.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Memorial 17, sponsored by Senator Lopez, directing DPS and the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs to study the current state of sexual assault examination kits. Witnesses reviewed the 2016 task force that addressed a backlog of more than 5,000 untested kits and said a new backlog of 1,419 kits is now beyond the 180-day testing target. Members expressed strong concern about the delays, asked about lab capacity, possible use of private or additional labs, and the lack of penalties for missing the deadline. The memorial passed with a do pass, and the committee then recessed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/34
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- But perhaps somebody's able to help provide, who's more of an expert than me, as to what things might
- how it can be used and is often thought of as the gold standard in forensic science.
- Law enforcement forensic science is one of those areas that we can bridge the gap by testing evidence
- One might ask why don't you just add onto your headquarters location, where the bulk of our forensic
- </c><00:59:14.520><c> science</c> where the bulk of our forensic science where the bulk of our forensic
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 13th, 2026 at 11:25 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Asking for non-consent to allow my expert witnesses, Senator Valdez and Mark Milhoff. Thank you.
- So just answer this question; your experts are right there.
- That's a forensic audit. Audit the detail in every check of an agency. That's a forensic audit.
- If the sergeant at arms will please escort the expert witnesses into the chamber.
- I believe what I'm hearing from your expert, Senator Duhigg, is that it doesn't expire.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- experiences and convening preventionists from around the state to learn from each other and from experts
- Valley, has been really, really impressive in their focus on prevention in addition to doing the forensics
- She added that referrals to a child advocacy center for a forensic interview can come from many directions
- Pocatello, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center in Idaho Falls, which also does child forensic
- in Pocatello, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center in Idaho Falls, which also does child forensic
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on possible uses of temporary Millennium Fund dollars for youth- and family-focused prevention programs. Members first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard from the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, which requested $682,000 for mid-sized grants to community organizations for child abuse prevention, parenting support, family resource centers, and school-based programs. The presenter emphasized the link between adverse childhood experiences and later substance use, and described the fund’s statewide grant-making process and current projects. Committee members asked about grant selection, funding sources, and how families are identified for services.
The committee also heard from Children’s Bridge, which requested $3.5 million over four years to build a shared-services infrastructure for child care providers. The proposal focused on helping providers stabilize their businesses through software, coaching, shared purchasing, bookkeeping, and access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. The presenter argued that child care is part of Idaho’s prevention infrastructure and said the model would transition toward earned income and employer support over time. Members asked about similar programs, infrastructure, and how the model would be sustained after 2029.
Idaho Safety Assessment Centers requested $1 million to support 12 youth assessment centers that divert youth from court, ERs, and school discipline into screening, counseling, and family support. The presenter cited individual success stories and said the centers served more than 12,000 youth in a year, with an estimated return of more than $3 in benefits for every dollar invested. The committee also heard from the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, which requested $3 million in one-time bridge funding for 10 centers that conduct forensic interviews and coordinate child abuse investigations; members asked about coordination with state agencies and sustainability. Ross Edmunds of the Department of Health and Welfare requested $150,000 for a 10th recovery community center in Kamiah, explaining that the department already oversees nine centers through quarterly payments and reporting requirements. Finally, Representative Jordan Redman proposed a $5 million statewide drug-use awareness campaign using research, surveys, and targeted media buys; he said the campaign would be evaluated through impressions, reach, and frequency. No decisions were made, and the chair said the committee would return later to continue reviewing the requests, noting the fund is one-time money and that the governor’s recommendations and a $25 million request reduce the amount available.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- . safety and other experts that said that the pressurization system isn't necessary so decided not to
- Again, we were told by the experts on this topic that it wasn't necessary to put that in there.
- We need forensic scientists. We need any resource that you can give us.
- We need forensic scientists.
- We need any resource that you can. asked, hey, Bill, we need troopers, we need forensic scientists, we
Committee:
Senate Local Government and Taxation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- approach introduces inconsistency in lab analysis and can complicate prosecution as officers and forensic
- experts must estimate those measurements.
- mandate ensures a test is conducted early, the law does not include the advice of a subject matter expert
- A subject matter expert could provide valuable information regarding the viability of any biological
- Section 137 will allow experienced forensic experts to weigh in on what could be considered...
Bills:
SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/04/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to be forensic psychiatrist cut. It's going to be court personnel cut.
- It's going to be forensic psychiatrist cut. It's going to be court personnel cut.
- It's going to be forensic psychiatrist cut. It's going to be court personnel cut.
- It's going to be forensic psychiatrist cut. It's going to be court personnel cut.
- I will say I'm not an expert on what the OA has access to.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 9th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- So I don't know if that, I wouldn't want them to be an expert in that.
- to help defray crime lab expenses...” “...which includes an annual $250,000 deposit to the state forensic
- For forensic support and safety inspections.
- Then did one other transfer, a certain flat amount, to the State Lab Forensic Fund.
- It is a paragraph about the State Forensic Laboratory, and it has the statement that's changing that's
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 9th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- So I don't know if that, I wouldn't want them to be an expert in that.
- revenues are collected for defined operational missions, the training, the victim's compensation, forensic
- It is a paragraph about the State Forensic Laboratory, and it has the statement that's changing that's
- It is a paragraph about the State Forensic Laboratory, and it has the statement that's changing that's
- It's a paragraph about the State Forensic Laboratory, and it has the statement that's changing that's
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787 into one measure. The combined substitute was then voted do pass by a unanimous roll call, recorded as 15 ayes and 0 noes after a brief correction to the tally.
The committee then heard House Bill 1786, which would raise the Highway Patrol’s spending threshold for purchasing vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and related specialized equipment without returning to the legislature from $100,000 to $500,000. The sponsor and Highway Patrol witnesses said the current cap is outdated because boats, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment now cost far more than $100,000, while members asked about inflation, the revolving fund, and whether a lower increase might be more appropriate. No opposition testimony was offered.
Next, House Bill 2885 was heard. It would redirect the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Missouri Water Patrol Division. The sponsor and Highway Patrol said registration revenue has declined while operating costs have risen, and the division needs the money to support enforcement, search and rescue, dive operations, and boating safety programs. Members asked how much revenue is collected and whether the change would affect other programs; testimony indicated the bill would mainly earmark existing revenue rather than increase overall department funding.
The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported funds from the end-of-biennium sweep to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory Account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety witnesses said the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can disrupt training, lab support, and safety inspection operations, though members raised concerns about excess balances, guardrails, and whether fee reductions should be considered if reserves grow too large. Finally, House Bill 1712 was heard; it would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing a loophole in existing tampering law. The sponsor, a sheriff, and other witnesses said the bill addresses deliberate attempts to evade monitoring, while members discussed battery warnings, rural access to electricity, and the costs and benefits of pretrial release. No votes were taken on the later bills before the committee adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- . $32 million you allocated for our College of Osteopathic Medicine, $1 million for the Forensic Training
- public safety organizations through our Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis. and our Cyber Forensics
- This session, we're seeking funding to further expand our forensic science program, which is internationally
- through research, technical assistance, and on-the-ground projects educating the next generation. water experts
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you so much for mentioning the need for the forensic investigation.
- Do you agree that it has to be dealt with in a forensic in a very deliberative way? Absolutely.
- It's absolutely more appropriate to do this in a forensic interview setting. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Did I hear you say correctly that you can't do a child forensic interview for a misdemeanor?
- That's correct. the protocols of the child. can't do a child forensic interview for a misdemeanor?
Committee:
House Community Safety
Keywords:
sexual exploitation, minors, human trafficking, child safety, law enforcement, victim support, sexually violent predator, SVP, civil commitment, community notification, release notification, conditional release, unconditional discharge, escape notification, victim notification, witness notification, prosecuting attorney, Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS, Department of Corrections
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, what I can share, and I think the experts behind me can share more, but according to the website
- Second, the bill would allow a minor, aged 13 years or older, to consent to a forensic examination for
- Currently, minors age 13 years or older are allowed to consent to sexual assault forensic examinations
- There's also, I know, Madam Chair, around the age of consent, around the forensic exams, which is an
- Allowing minors ages 13 and older to consent to non-fatal strangulation forensic exams will help ensure
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats, child safety seats, baby formula, diapers, strollers, cribs, playpens, high chairs, used goods, donation centers, Washington RCW
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I have Genesis Ramirez, and she might serve as my expert witness, just in case.
- Our expert on that isn't here. Wasn't able to be here today because of the short notice.
- And with me today, if I may I have my expert witness Alexandria, who I'm sure will be able to say a few
- survivor has a right to know that they will go through when they access a scene exam and have a forensic
- The forensic evidence collection is essential, often in being able to move forward in a sexual. assault
Committees:
Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Keywords:
SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- issued an audit report examining the Department of State Hospitals' administration of the California Forensic
- issued an audit report examining the Department of State Hospital's administration of the California Forensic
- The hospital's administration of the California Forensic Conditional Release Program, otherwise known
- program dealing with the worst offenders that we know—people who are clinically diagnosed by the experts
- These are people, as you say, to your point, have completed their criminal sentence, but that the experts
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee held an oversight hearing on the state auditor’s October 2024 report on California’s Forensic Conditional Release Program (CONREP) for sexually violent predators. Members and witnesses discussed public safety, the long delays in finding community housing, the role of local housing committees, and the Department of State Hospitals’ oversight of Liberty Healthcare, which operates much of the program. Several legislators from rural and high-desert districts said their communities have been disproportionately affected by placements and questioned why many placements end up in remote areas.
State Auditor Grant Parks said the audit found that CONREP participants were convicted of new offenses less often than sexually violent predators who were unconditionally released, but that 18 of 56 participants had been revoked and returned to state hospitals for noncompliance. He said it took an average of 17 months to place current participants in the community, with 20 additional people awaiting placement for an average of 20 months, and that the program incurred significant pre-placement costs. Parks also said local officials were often unclear about their role, DSH had not given clear guidance at the time of the audit, and California lacks a transitional housing option used in some other states. He reported that DSH had implemented four of the five audit recommendations, while declining the recommendation to explore state-owned transitional housing.
DSH Director Stephanie Clendendon and Liberty representative Ken Carabello defended the program as a court-ordered, highly supervised treatment model intended to reduce reoffending and support reintegration. They said DSH is actively involved in placement review, that Liberty searches countywide under statutory restrictions, and that community feedback and court approval are part of the process. DSH said it has now implemented guidance for housing committee designees, formal program reviews, an outcome tracker, and an analysis of whether to separate some Liberty services into different contracts. DSH continued to oppose transitional housing, arguing it would not solve the core siting and statutory problems and would add cost. Several members remained critical, arguing the program is broken, costly, and unfairly concentrated in certain communities, and some called for major statutory changes or suspension of the program.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (3-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:46.880><c> psychology,</c> about a director of forensic psychology, about a director of forensic
- </c><00:32:56.560><c> directors,</c><00:32:57.000><c> so</c> physicians, forensic directors, so physicians
- , forensic directors, so professional<00:32:58.000><c> clinical</c><00:32:58.520><c> staff</c><00:32:
- "We'll substitute subject matter experts for this contract."
- </c> >> We'll substitute subject matter experts >> We'll substitute subject matter experts
Summary:
The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection.
The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts.
One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items.
Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And then after Representative Gillette, we will have Anika Robinson as a subject matter expert to give
- I can become a subject matter expert and have become one on our court system.
- They then had a second forensic interview by Childhelp.
- Forensic interviews, of course, are recorded. They are very carefully managed. You do not give a...
- Once again, second forensic interview, no statement of abuse whatsoever.
Summary:
The Committee on Government met for a presentation-only hearing focused on the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and related child welfare system issues; no bills were heard or voted on. Chair Blackman opened by stressing that the hearing was for fact-finding and data, not personal attacks, and Director Catherine Patak then presented DCS data on hotline volume, investigations, reunifications, adoptions, guardianships, extended foster care, and placement patterns. She said DCS investigated more than 43,000 cases in 2025, kept the out-of-home population relatively steady, and emphasized that Arizona places a high share of children with kin. She also highlighted a mismatch between the age of children entering care and the availability of foster homes willing to take older youth, and said behavioral health capacity, not DCS alone, is a major constraint. Patak discussed kinship supports, foster care reimbursement increases, the Family First Prevention Services Act, missing youth, congregate care reduction, and the department’s procurement process for group home beds. Members asked about kinship caregiver support, behavioral health access, reunification services, parental-rights terminations, Auditor General findings on notices and documentation, licensing and reimbursement rates, and why some relatives are not approved as placements. Patak said DCS is working on policy guidance, supervisor training, and improved supports, but that provider capacity and other system partners limit what DCS can do.
Representative Gillette then gave a lengthy presentation focused on system design, procurement, funding flows, and congregate care. He argued that DCS, DES, and Access are structurally intertwined, that DCS’s procurement carve-out and capitated funding model create incentives tied to bed space and volume, and that fragmented oversight diffuses accountability. He cited budget figures, contract amendments, and audit concerns to argue that the system is overreliant on congregate care and that decision-making, medical referrals, and placement processes are too vague or too centralized in ways that can harm children and families. Gillette said his findings were based on contracts, interviews, and public records, and he indicated some material would be referred to special counsel. He also raised concerns about placement decisions, due process, and demographic disparities in congregate care outcomes. The chair cut off further questioning of Gillette for time and announced the committee would move on to the next presenter, Vice Chair Fink, with attorneys and other speakers to follow.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's exactly what I'm calling for: a full forensic federal audit.
- They then had a second forensic interview by Child Help.
- Forensic interviews, of course, are recorded. They are very carefully managed.
- Once again, second forensic interview, no statement of abuse whatsoever.
- Once again, second forensic interview, no statement of abuse whatsoever.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Protection and Victim Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- His focus is on transportation economics, so he's not a public health expert.
- I am a certified computer forensic examiner with over 15 years of experience in digital forensics and
- I am a certified computer forensic examiner with over 15 years of experience in digital forensics.
- I am a certified computer forensic examiner with over 15 years of experience in digital forensics and
- So again, we call him our expert safety buddy. You're going to notice colors, layouts.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing -continued- Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The subject matter experts from each group gave each other their test and took a look at it and did a
- Interior design subject matter experts found 77% of the knowledge and skill set required to practice
- I happen to be one of the forensic interviewers that interviewed a lot of the children that came from
- Prior to this role as the executive director, I spent nine years being a forensic interviewer, and I've
- completed close to 1,600 forensic interviews with children who were brave enough to sit in a room with
Summary:
The committee first continued the public hearing on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain office-based procedures. Supporters, including an optometrist from rural Missouri, argued the bill would improve access to care in counties without resident ophthalmologists, reduce wait times and travel burdens, and better align scope of practice with optometry training. Opponents, including representatives of osteopathic physicians, raised concerns about patient safety, the lack of live-human-eye training in Missouri, and whether the bill would actually direct services to rural areas. The hearing then closed on HB 2897 without a vote.
The committee next heard House Bill 2353 on interior designers’ licensure and sign-and-seal authority. The sponsor and supporters said the bill modernizes the profession, moves oversight under the state’s architecture/engineering board, and would let licensed interior designers stamp their own non-structural work after education, testing, and experience requirements. Supporters emphasized workforce retention, consumer savings, and that interior designers are trained in fire/life safety, ADA, and code compliance. Opponents from engineering groups said they were still negotiating language but objected to provisions that could be read to require interior designers for broad categories of buildings or blur boundaries with architecture and engineering; they asked for clearer scope language and continued collaboration. No final action was taken.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2241, which would create a framework for certain faith-based residential child care facilities to operate outside the standard foster care licensing system under a new oversight board. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address a shortage of foster placements while allowing Christian homes to maintain their religious mission, with background checks, inspections, and reporting still required. Supporters from Christian child care agencies said the bill would preserve religious freedom and expand placement capacity. Opponents, including child advocacy and child abuse prevention groups and several legislators, argued the proposal would create a separate, less accountable system for vulnerable children, weaken state oversight, and risk repeating past abuse scandals; they said existing licensing rules already allow faith-based providers to participate. The discussion was extensive, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Commerce and Legal Service Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We do a lot of work in the children forensic industry..." "...services.
- We do a lot of work in the children forensic interviews, so those are children who have been abused,
- And then we also support the forensic nurse examiner programs to pay for their administrative costs,
- The current building that we are in is 19,500 square feet, and the forensic lab architects determined
- So they have officers that are trained by our ICAC forensic professionals that will teach them how to
Summary:
The committee met to review the Attorney General’s budget and related agency operations, beginning with Legislative Council staff walking members through compliance reports and a blue-sheet base budget document. Staff highlighted current-biennium items such as FTE changes, one-time appropriations, litigation funding, opioid settlement receipts, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked for clarification on items including the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding.
Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then gave an overview of the office’s structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal services to state and local government, and concerns about attorney pay lagging behind other agencies. Members discussed whether attorney compensation should be benchmarked more consistently across state government and whether some legal work could be consolidated within the AG’s office. Ness also addressed questions about AG opinion turnaround times, boards-and-commissions training, the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, office leases, and the state’s criminal justice information systems.
The crime lab presentation drew significant attention. Director Jennifer Penner described severe space, safety, and infrastructure problems at the current lab, including cramped work areas, glycol leaks, outdated fire and burglar alarms, air-handling limits, and equipment failures that have delayed toxicology work. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that the preferred location would be near the current health department site, but in a new building. Members asked about possible evidence risks, backlog status, and whether the proposed building would solve the current problems; Penner said it would and noted backlogs have improved overall, though some delays remain.
The committee also heard from the new Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director, who described the unit’s civil and criminal work, federal-state funding split, and examples of fraud such as billing for services not provided or upcoding. The gaming division reported continued growth in charitable gaming and e-tabs, with members expressing concern about large trust-account balances, site competition, and possible misuse of proceeds. Finally, BCI outlined its caseload, cybercrime work, missing Indigenous persons task force, and the surge in CSAM cyber tips; members asked about AI-generated CSAM, and the AG’s office noted that last session’s law increased penalties and expressly allowed AI-generated CSAM to be prosecuted like other CSAM. No formal votes or actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes.