Video & Transcript Research : 'inmates'
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FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to take up Tab 3, Senator Yarbrough's 102 on inmate services by Senator Yarbrough.
- deduction fees from contractor-owned correctional facilities into the contractor-operated institution's inmate
- provider's participation in the Medicaid supplemental reimbursement program be contingent upon treating inmates
- Medicare allowable rate if they enter into an agreement to: one, provide health care services to inmates
Keywords:
pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter
Summary:
The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began by announcing that the committee would not present its budget that day, explaining that the budget rollout would be coordinated with House partners and public notice requirements, with the next opportunity expected the following week. The committee then moved to bills on the agenda.
CS/SB 760 by Senator McLean, the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act, was presented as a narrowly focused measure addressing willful violations of court-ordered no-contact conditions by defendants on pretrial release for serious violent crimes. There was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard; the bill was taken up and closed without recorded debate, and the transcript indicates it was reported favorably.
The committee then took up CS/SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services. A leave-filed amendment was adopted without objection. The amendment codified certain correctional-facility fee practices, removed a Medicaid participation condition tied to treating inmates, kept emergency transport reimbursement at Medicaid allowable rates, and changed hospital emergency medical services reimbursement to no more than 110 percent of the Medicare allowable rate, while allowing higher negotiated rates in certain arrangements, including secure units, correctional facilities, or telehealth. Justin Senior of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida spoke in information and said the amendment was a positive move, though he still had questions to discuss. The amended bill then passed favorably. Two additional pawnbroker-related bills, CS/SB 1582 and SB 1792, were temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH/PBS Joint Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 8:50 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- I provided some information on recent unprovoked attacks on nurses and correctional officers by inmates
- I also provided a copy of our by inmates I also provided a copy of our policy<01:38:59.040><c> and</
- There are people in protective custody to protect them from other inmates.
- There are people in protective custody to protect them from other inmates.
- There are people in protective custody to protect them from other inmates.
Summary:
At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote.
The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments.
The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments.
Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- supervised population or the inmate supervised population or the inmate population<00:16:42.440><c> it's
- ><c> uh</c> population it's the inmate population uh population it's the inmate population uh is<00:16
- inmates who are getting Education inmates who are getting Education Services<00:26:35.120><c> uh</c><
- </c><00:38:27.079><c> are</c> the uh I understand that the inmates are the uh I understand that the inmates
- </c><01:06:49.960><c> who</c> because uh those who those inmates who because uh those who those inmates
Summary:
The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise.
A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area.
The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 1st, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- It creates a crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate. Chair Furman, on your bill. Thank you, Chair.
- It simply creates the crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate, and it also would require sex offender
- They have about 3,000 inmates total. They have come to me with this issue.
- They've got about 3,000 inmates total. And you've got, they have come to me with this issue.
- there, and a unique, no doubt, it's not—the inmates there are not the same inmates typically that a
Bills:
HB63, HB91, HB98, HB108, HB131, HB151, HB161, HB294, HB305, HB310, HB320, HB336, HB622, HB789, HB1040
Keywords:
HB63, Louisiana bail, bail bond, surety, failure to appear, FTA, bench warrant, NCIC, National Crime Information Center, criminal procedure, Article 331, defendant registry, surrender of defendant, rule to show cause, law enforcement records, pretrial release, bond forfeiture, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/23/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe this inmate is anatomy.
- </c> as a transgender inmate. as a transgender inmate. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
- if you feel comfortable answering inmate if you feel comfortable answering that?
- Now, of course, I want to take a moment for Jamie to recognize the inmate from our previous inmate, uh
- Uh, I want to take a moment for Jamie to recognize the inmate from our previous inmate, to recognize
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- inmate is in a parole process.
- </c> This change will provide if any inmate This change will provide if any inmate is<02:36:29.680><c
- Inmates have learned this.
- </c> um upon any officer, employee, or inmate um upon any officer, employee, or inmate in<02:47:04.600
- ,</c><03:06:16.000><c> or</c> officer, employee, inmate, or officer, employee, inmate, or institution
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 10th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- purchase abortion medication pills, which is intended, the whole pharmacy is intended, to serve the inmate
- , and we are now a wholesale distributor. ...pharmacy intended for purchasing pharmaceuticals for inmates
- If you're going to do this through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, it's intended for just inmates
- It's intended for just inmates in the Department of Corrections.
- The amendment only to inmates in the Department of Corrections. I urge your support.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and a prayer by Sikh youth leader Gertit Singh Cocher, followed by recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Germath Center. The chamber approved the journal and then adopted Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington’s representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.; senators praised the band’s dedication and rural-school achievement, and the band was recognized in the gallery.
The Senate then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments by 49-0 votes: Ryan Moran as Director of the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham as Secretary of the Department of Health. Supporters highlighted Moran’s Medicaid and health system background and Worsham’s long public health career, including local health leadership and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. The chamber also advanced and passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding court bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments for the Court of Appeals, and Senate Bill 5831, creating safe harbors related to mortgage modification recording requirements.
Several bills were debated and passed after amendment votes. Senate Bill 6188, concerning Labor and Industries’ asbestos training and certification rules, saw an amendment to align with federal standards rejected and then passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, dealing with access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, had multiple proposed amendments rejected before passing 32-17 after extensive debate over access, labeling, distribution limits, and emergency status. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality, then passed the bill 48-0-1 excused; passed Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on residential property marketing and fair housing by 49-0; and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5840 adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines by 46-3. The body then recessed for caucus and lunch.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- On any given day, there are about 10,000 inmates in the Harris County Jail.
- So, the use of inmates for police to prison is unacceptable.
- When an inmate sustains serious bodily injury because they were thrown to the wolves, every staff member
- All visitations are canceled, and these inmates have been locked down all this time.
- take them out. ...after a lockdown or whatever, or stopping visitation, and you put back the same inmate
Bills:
HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction - 02/04/2026
Crime Victims, Crime And Correction
Transcript Highlights:
- to receive and investigate complaints from any source related to allegations of sexual assault of inmates
- Any inmate in DOCS custody would have the right to report a sexual assault incident directly to the IG's
- My question is: is it limited to inmates?
- Would they be included in this as well, or is it limited to inmates?
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met with a quorum and considered 10 bills. The committee advanced measures on crime victims’ awards (S.156), Inspector General review of sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities (S.429), expanded substance use programming access for non-English-speaking incarcerated people (S.863), preliminary license application procedures to identify criminal-history disqualifications early (S.1048, the PLAN Act), visitation rules for local correctional facilities (S.1892B), lethality assessments in domestic violence incidents (S.2280B), breast pumps for certain incarcerated nursing parents (S.2666A), time allowances when program completion is prevented by circumstances beyond an individual’s control (S.3974), health and human rights protections for incarcerated pregnant people and their children (S.4583A, the CARE Act), and visiting policies for incarcerated individuals (S.5037). Most bills were reported to Finance; S.1892B was reported from committee, and several members noted prior Senate passage or recurring support for some of the measures.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I guess currently they have to the inmate has to complete some kind of treatment program in order
- Um, I guess currently they have to the inmate has to complete some kind of treatment program in order
- Um, I guess currently they have to the inmate has to complete some kind of treatment program in order
- Um, I guess currently they have to the inmate has to complete some kind of treatment program in order
- Um, I guess currently they have to the inmate has to complete some kind of treatment program in order
Keywords:
protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP
Summary:
The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court.
The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It caps inmate health care compensation and emergency medical transportation at 110% of the Medicare
- Is there any For health care services for inmates in Lake County. Are there any amendments?
- For health care services for inmates in Lake County. Are there any amendments?
- House Bill 4041, compensation for health care services for inmates in Indian River County, is a local
- House Bill 4041, compensation for health care services for inmates in Indian River County, is a local
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, moments of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests and visitors. The chamber then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the day’s calendar and debate times. The main measure taken up was HB 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors in public schools and charter schools, which the sponsor described as a clarification of existing law to keep pornographic or sexually explicit material away from minors and to give districts clearer standards for review and objection processes.
The bill drew extensive debate over constitutional concerns, local control, litigation risk, and the scope of the definition of “harmful to minors.” Members supporting the bill argued it was needed to close loopholes and protect children, while opponents warned it could lead to overbroad book removals, conflict with federal court rulings, and costly lawsuits. A series of amendments sought to narrow or redirect the bill: proposals by Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris would have preserved literary value review, protected educational and abuse-prevention materials, exempted LGBTQ-inclusive books, limited objections, preserved funding for districts, or delayed enforcement during ongoing litigation. Supporters of the amendments framed them as protecting parental choice, academic value, student safety, and district finances; opponents said they would weaken the bill’s child-protection purpose. All of the amendments failed.
After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. Debate continued along the same lines, with opponents emphasizing book removals, First Amendment concerns, and the impact on students and schools, and supporters reiterating that the bill was intended to prevent minors from accessing obscene material. The transcript provided ends during structured debate and does not include the final vote on HB 1119.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Apr 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- However, it's such a financial gain to, whether it's the inmates or staff. Right.
- I mean, I've seen an inmate say, yeah. It is bad. I couldn't agree with him more.
- I mean, I've seen an inmate say, yeah, I took K2.
- Another inmate said to us, you see this piece of paper? This is worth $18,000. One piece of paper.
- The DOC sends us very stable inmates.
Summary:
The commission held an open discussion on how to develop recommendations for its report due at the end of September, with chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger emphasizing that the group is moving from information-gathering into idea-sharing. Members discussed the need for more testimony from stakeholders such as reentry centers, correctional officers, unions, and the judiciary, and several participants urged the commission to use prior reports and existing data as a starting point. There was broad agreement that the work should focus on outcomes, transparency, and identifying gaps across the correctional and community supervision systems.
A major theme was whether Massachusetts should move toward a more integrated, step-down model that better connects DOC, county sheriffs, probation, parole, reentry centers, and community-based services. Participants raised the possibility of expanding use of minimum security, pre-release, day reporting, and community justice support centers, and some suggested exploring whether sheriffs should have jurisdiction over people with longer remaining sentences, or whether judges should have more discretion to place people in county facilities. Others stressed the importance of involving the judiciary earlier, improving sentencing information, and aligning programming across agencies so reentry planning begins at sentencing and continues through release.
The discussion also focused on facility conditions, women’s housing, Bridgewater, Framingham, restrictive housing, and the relationship between correctional settings and mental health needs. Several members called for more consistent standards, better data on spending and program effectiveness, and stronger accountability for evidence-based practices. The group also raised concerns about contraband K2, the need for cultural change inside institutions, and the importance of trust, staff training, and soft handoffs to the community. No votes were taken; the meeting was primarily a working discussion, and the chairs said they would circulate a written set of recommendations and continue the conversation at future meetings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 20th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill ignores the fundamental purpose of inmate labor programs.
- They struggle to meet the needs of inmates. and their care and provide rehabilitation opportunities.
- Sheriffs want to meet the needs of each inmate, but this bill would hurt their ability to do that.
- This bill is irresponsible and will lead to higher costs for my sheriffs, less treatments for inmates
- The substantial cost to taxpayers, and it's not unreasonable to expect inmates to help chip in, to do
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Jun 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, I'm very supportive, conceptually, of inmates working on the fire lines.
- to say one of my staff members' father is a retired firefighter, and I learned from him that these inmates
- and our state agency that this will actually lead to less opportunities because you can't pay those inmate
- agency, that this will actually lead to less opportunities because you can't pay those inmates to do
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on June 3, 2025, and considered one bill, AB 247. The author said the bill would require incarcerated hand crew members actively fighting wildfires to be paid at least the federal minimum wage, and explained that recent amendments were added to clarify inclusion of the Pine Grove Conservation Camp and to update co-authorship. There was no organized opposition or support testimony, but committee members discussed the bill’s cost, how any annual pay adjustment would be determined, and whether higher pay could reduce opportunities in the program. The author and supporters argued the current pay is extremely low and that the bill would provide fairer compensation without creating parity with Cal Fire wages.
Several members expressed conceptual support while raising questions about the amendment language and the impact on the state budget and inmate firefighting opportunities. The chair noted the bill had been brought back because post-approval amendments added costs and needed further analysis. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed AB 247 on a 9-0 due pass recommendation, with several members not voting. The committee adjourned after the vote.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- and benefits deficits to maintain staffing and to help ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates
- standard repair and maintenance of our state-operated institutions to maintain safety for our staff and inmates
- and benefits deficits to maintain staffing and to help ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates
- standard repair and maintenance of our state-operated institutions to maintain safety for our staff and inmates
Summary:
The Justice Budget Subcommittee met to consider the fiscal year 2025-26 budget recommendations, a proposed committee bill on judicial positions, and one member bill. The chair framed the budget as part of a broader effort to slow spending growth and reduce recurring expenditures, noting the subcommittee’s proposed $7.3 billion budget is $366 million below the prior year. Major budget items included funding for the Department of Corrections to address staffing, maintenance, health services, security equipment, and facility needs; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds, maintenance, the Broward detention facility replacement design, medical services, and Florida Scholars Academy costs; FDLE for the Fort Myers regional operations center and sexual offender/predator registration workload; and the state courts and justice administration entities for judges, due process resources, security, and staffing. The budget also reduced 1,280 vacant positions and $139.2 million in excess funding and authority.
The committee then heard PCB-JUB-25-01, which implements part of the Florida Supreme Court’s certification of judicial need. The bill establishes 17 additional circuit court judges and 12 additional county court judges, with about $13.9 million in general revenue and 72 associated positions. In response to a question about why the two certified 6th District Court of Appeal judges were not included, the chair said the committee did not think it was the right time to add judges to a brand-new court still operating from leased space. The PCB was reported favorably on a 14-0 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1351 by Representative Baker, which revises sex offender and predator registration rules by clarifying resident categories, creating an in-state travel residence definition, allowing online or in-person reporting for certain temporary residence changes, removing duplicative reporting requirements, clarifying vehicle and employment reporting, and requiring local law enforcement to verify addresses more frequently for registrants not on supervision. FDLE and Smart Justice indicated support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26 - Evening Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And anytime an inmate goes in where there's...
- that inmate to be tested.
- that inmate to be tested.
- that inmate to be tested.
- that inmate to be tested.
Summary:
The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register.
House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register.
Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, July 13, 2026
Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Joint General Fund Budget Hearings Jan 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:40:36.720><c> would</c> uh, they anticipated that inmates would uh, they anticipated that inmates
- It's not going to supervising inmates.
- </c> have emergency contacts for inmates. have emergency contacts for inmates.
- to move 10 inmates to move one.
- to move 10 inmates to move one.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- And even though I was in education and human services, a lot of my inmates were in the infirmary.
- Those folks are sometimes, or many times, along with inmates, providing critical care, whether it's inmates
- It is a jail and a house of correction, so we have the jail and inmates there, but some of these people
- to perform psychiatric evaluations, and helped them so the whole facility was safe, not just the inmate
- And help them so the whole facility was safe, not just the inmate there.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several retirement and workforce-related bills. House Bill 2980 would place county correctional nurses and certain medical staff into Group 4 retirement. Representative Trino, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, and nurse manager Leanne Cameron argued that correctional nurses work in dangerous, high-stress settings with frequent contact with incarcerated people, high rates of mental illness and substance use in the jail population, and significant workplace violence, and that the change would help recruitment and retention with limited statewide fiscal impact.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 210, which would create a commission to study additional regular compensation and annual expenses for members of the General Court. Senator John Keenan said Massachusetts has high leadership stipends compared with other states and argued the current structure can affect independence and public trust. Representative O'Day testified on House Bill 2928 to extend Group 2 retirement to additional Department of Children and Families social workers, and SEIU 509 witnesses described frequent transport of children, crisis response, threats, assaults, and other high-risk duties that they said match Group 2 work.
Additional testimony supported House Bill 2943 for DDS service coordinators and supervisors, with witnesses describing home visits in unsafe conditions, transport of vulnerable individuals, direct care during staffing crises, and exposure to violence. House Bill 2899 drew support from the Association of Social Work Boards for social work field placement grants, incentives for supervisors, and expanded retirement benefits for DCF social workers. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2613, a local retirement bill for Salem police officer Kathleen Roachville, who described a severe line-of-duty injury during an arrest involving a combative person in a mental health crisis. Finally, Susan Smith Campbell testified for reclassifying certain DYS administrative officers into Group 2 because of their direct involvement in restraints, assaults, and crisis management. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking any votes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Yet incarcerated women in California currently spend 24 hours a day with trans-identified male inmates
- of to immediately remove all male inmates from women's prisons, regardless of how they identify.
- Yet incarcerated women in California currently spend 24 hours a day with trans-identified male inmates
- She said that one in three male inmates seeking transfer is a registered sex offender, and stated that
- the female prison system, and there are currently about 4,000 female prisoners, then up to 25% of inmates
Summary:
The Assembly Public Safety Committee met and adopted a consent calendar that included SB 4, SB 229, SB 385, SB 459, and SB 553. SB 221 was pulled by the committee and will return later. The committee then heard several bills, with members repeatedly noting the next hearing would be July 1 in Room 126.
SB 281 by Senator Perez would require judges to use the exact statutory immigration-consequences advisement when taking pleas from noncitizen defendants. Supporters said judges have been deviating from the required language, creating confusion and harming defendants; opponents, including district attorneys, warned that the bill could affect plea withdrawals and appellate litigation unless amended. The committee discussed possible amendments, including a nonretroactivity clarification and language proposed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the bill was passed on call.
SB 337 by Senator Menjivar would strengthen protections against sexual abuse and misconduct in prisons, especially women’s prisons, by requiring documentation of searches, extending grievance timelines, limiting hiring of people with violent or sexual convictions, and improving investigation procedures. Supporters emphasized staff abuse, retaliation concerns, and the need for oversight; opposition testimony focused on transgender inmate placement and was criticized by committee members as not germane. The bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 379 by Senator Jones, dealing with oversight of sexually violent predator conditional release placements, passed to Appropriations after support from law enforcement and prosecutors and no opposition. SB 734 by Senator Caballero, which would provide due process protections for law enforcement officers affected by California Racial Justice Act findings, also passed to Appropriations with support from police and district attorney groups and no opposition. SB 551 by Senator Cortese, which would codify normalization and dynamic security principles in corrections, passed to Appropriations despite concerns from one member that it went too far in making prisons too home-like.