Video & Transcript Research : 'split sentencing'

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FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • here, this is the basis of the budget that's been requested, the appropriated spend, and then the split
  • This is basically the budget that's been requested, the appropriated spend, and then the split between
Summary: The subcommittee heard updates on several major technology modernization efforts, beginning with the Department of Financial Services’ Florida PALM project, which is replacing the state’s decades-old FLAIR accounting system. DFS described PALM as a statewide effort affecting all three branches of government, with cash management already live and the remaining financial management, payroll, and data warehouse components still in development. Officials said the project began in 2014, was restructured after a 2022 legislative pause, and is now being recommended for a go-live delay from January 2026 to July 2026. Members asked about governance, staffing, contract structure, cost growth, and maintenance costs; DFS said the contract is deliverable-based, the current amendment would add a net $2.2 million, and post-go-live maintenance is expected to be about $13 million annually under the current contract through July 2027. The Agency for Health Care Administration then updated the committee on the FX Medicaid enterprise modernization program. AHCA explained that federal CMS directed states to move from monolithic Medicaid systems to a modular approach, leading Florida to procure separate vendors for integration services, data warehouse, unified operations, provider services, and claims processing, with pharmacy benefits still to be procured. Officials said the project has spent about $334 million to date, with most costs federally matched, and requested $189.95 million for the upcoming year. They also highlighted a 2024 special assessment that produced 81 recommendations, most tied to staffing shortages, and said the Legislature added 47 FTEs, with 17 currently filled or being filled. Members asked about governance changes, production status, data access, and future technology maintenance; AHCA said some components are operational, the data warehouse is nearing certification, and the agency is working to keep the system adaptable and nonproprietary. The Department of Children and Families presented its Access modernization project, which is replacing a mainframe-based eligibility system used for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid assistance, and related programs. DCF said the six-year, $205 million project is in its third year and has already delivered a new customer portal with mobile access, multi-factor authentication, and fraud protections, while also building a worker portal, document management, community partner tools, and workload management functions. The agency said it is requesting $36.625 million for the next fiscal year, the same as last year, and emphasized that the project has remained on schedule and on budget by breaking work into smaller modules and using strong vendor and staff support. Members praised the project’s progress and asked about cybersecurity testing and the long delay before modernization began; DCF said security requirements were built in from the outset and that the remaining work will focus on moving staff off the legacy mainframe and modernizing notices and back-end processes.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 23rd, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most notably, you'll see on line 156: $60 million for educator clinical practice that is split into three
  • It's kind of split into two pieces, with the larger piece for the insurance at $9,500.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Take Lawrence Durant, who was sentenced to the longest prison sentence in American history for Medicare
  • > longest<03:38:04.080> prison sentenced to the longest prison sentenced to the longest
  • :38:07.520> for sentence in American history for sentence in American history for Medicare<03:
  • And that's why HR1958 is sentences.
  • Conviction sentence of a year or more.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Election Law (01/27/2026)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then since you're splitting them by party, basically you're having a very small fraction of people
  • So, and then since<00:02:46.000> you're<00:02:46.160> splitting<00:02:46.560> them
  • splitting them by party, basically<00:02:47.840> you're<00:02:48.080> having<00:02:48.239
  • Many lawful New Hampshire voters split time elsewhere while maintaining their domicile here.
  • I think the term was used: a possible split allegiance there.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • and you really, if you're used to kind of a Google search, you might just put in a few words or a sentence
  • :51:22.480> a might just put in a few words or or a might just put in a few words or or a sentence
  • sentence or something like that. sentence or something like that.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee met to review its mission and to discuss recent work on a letter sent to the governor and legislative leaders regarding COVID vaccine safety and related scientific references. Members said the letter, which included 31 cited sources, had been delivered to the governor’s office, the Speaker’s office, and the Senate President’s office, and a press release had been issued. Several members defended the letter’s sourcing and urged the public to read the materials and evaluate the evidence themselves, while also acknowledging questions about the trustworthiness of some cited articles. A major portion of the meeting focused on a research assistant’s effort to use AI tools to help reconstruct and verify the committee’s 2024 COVID report with citations. She reported mixed results from Copilot and Gemini, noting that the tools often produced broad or incomplete outputs and that she would need to break the report into smaller sections and ask for more specific source types. Members advised using more precise prompts and emphasized that any AI output would still need human verification. The committee said it hoped to produce a revised, fully footnoted 2024 report by early September. The chair then outlined the committee’s fall agenda, saying it would examine long COVID treatment, the patient bill of rights as it relates to COVID vaccinations and death reporting, standards of care and professional judgment by New Hampshire health care providers, and oversight of federal COVID-related funding such as CARES Act education relief dollars. He also referenced a recent fraud case involving misuse of COVID funds and suggested the committee may ask the DOJ for information. The committee will not meet in July or August and plans to resume in September and October, with a final report targeted for the end of October. The chair also introduced a recent DNI/Tulsi Gabbard press release about U.S.-funded biolabs overseas, which members discussed as a possible transparency issue relevant to future pandemic policy.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jun 4th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ogburn entered a negotiated plea of guilty to theft of property on December 17, 2025, and was sentenced
  • The former recorder-treasurer who absconded with the money, $52,500, was sentenced to 120 months' probation
  • The next sentence says they hadn't received it, but actually they... Thank you.
  • The next sentence says they hadn't received it, but actually they filed their reports on Tuesday, June
Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES Jun 4th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:
  • Ogburn entered a negotiated plea of guilty to theft of property on December 17, 2025, and was sentenced
  • The former recorder-treasurer who absconded with the money, $52,500, was sentenced to 120 months' probation
  • The next sentence says they hadn't received it, but actually they filed their reports on Tuesday, June
  • The next sentence says they hadn't received it, but actually they filed their reports on Tuesday, June
Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives May 12th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • going to ask you to read under page five or preamble five, recommendation number one, just the first sentence
  • would just read, The report, if you go under recommendation one, if you would just read the first sentence
  • So do you want, you said, just the first sentence itself.
  • Hold on, I just asked you to read the first sentence.
Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • And then when you're looking at sentencing and the person has, I don't know, 10, 15, 20, 60, 100 prior
  • And then when you're looking at sentencing and the person has, I don't know, 10, 15, 20, 60, 100 prior
  • That says that they're continuing the pattern, and, you know, simply looking at the sentencing history
  • the public view the judicial system in terms of leniency versus making people sort of long prison sentences
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • are more likely to be employed, graduate from college, and are less likely to be depressed, or be sentenced
  • :32.840> be are less likely to be depressed, or be are less likely to be depressed, or be sentenced
  • criminal<00:58:34.080> activity,<00:58:34.880> end<00:58:35.200> up sentenced
  • for criminal activity, end up sentenced for criminal activity, end up poor,<00:58:35.760> or<
Keywords: 958, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:26 am

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • bill bearing Legislative Council Service drafting number 0.232949, a bill providing continuing sentencing
  • We're also going to be hearing from Douglas Carver on the New Mexico Sentencing Commission and the data
  • And just for members, a lot of people are always looking for bills that enhance sentences, that add more
  • years to various crimes, and the role of the Sentencing Commission is always paramount in that process
Keywords: 996, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 001 Jan 15th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's like it was like a prison sentence. Uh you know, getting out of prison.
  • It's like it's like it was like a prison<00:50:41.040> sentence.
  • > Uh<00:50:42.160> you<00:50:42.319> know,<00:50:42.720> getting prison sentence
  • Uh you know, getting prison sentence.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The Senate convened for the opening of the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly with ceremonial presentations, including the colors, the national anthem, a musical performance, and a land acknowledgment by Southern Ute Chairman Melvin J. Baker. Baker spoke about Ute history, tribal sovereignty, and the importance of cooperation with the state, including on trespass and land issues, and urged lawmakers to work together for a better future. The chamber then called the session to order, established a quorum, and elected Esther Van Murik as Secretary of the Senate by unanimous voice vote. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 002 to authorize a joint session for the governor’s message and Senate Joint Resolution 003 for a joint session to hear from Ute tribal representatives. Both resolutions passed 35-0. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 002, which concerns appointment of Senate officers and employees, also by a 35-0 vote. The Senate appointed committees to notify the House and the governor that it was organized and ready for business, and later received reports that both the House and governor had been informed. The remainder of the meeting focused on opening-day remarks from Senate leadership. Majority and minority leaders welcomed members, staff, and guests, recognized new and returning staff, and paid tribute to the late Senator Faith Winter. Leaders highlighted priorities for the session, including housing affordability, health care costs, deceptive pricing, workforce development, climate and energy policy, water, and protecting rights and liberties. They also emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, noting budget constraints and federal uncertainty, and urged members to govern courageously and work across the aisle for Coloradans.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jun 2nd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, we'll go back up to the sentence where it's in the same sentence that talks about an equitable
  • I'll read the whole sentence.
  • I'm going to read the whole sentence for you and for those listening: When determining an equitable increase
Keywords: 1184, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Apr 28th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • A one more sentence. No, ma'am, you cannot. Thank you. Thank you.
  • I'd like to share some sentences from the United States, uh, Constitution.
  • Long beyond their sentence. Why?
  • Why do you think that would be that somebody would spend more time, say you got sentenced for 2 years
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 4/9/25

Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is literally a death sentence.
  • It is literally a<00:26:59.279> death<00:26:59.720> sentence.
  • c> Is<00:27:00.960> this<00:27:01.120> really<00:27:01.360> how a death sentence
  • Is this really how a death sentence.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/24/26

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • We understand where the language comes from and the purpose of it, and we found that the first sentence
  • So that language in that first sentence from 3.73 through 3.10, we believe would be sufficient to ensure
  • /c><00:52:10.120> of<00:52:10.200> that<00:52:10.720> that<00:52:11.000> sentence
  • <00:52:11.400> there, the end of that that sentence there, the end of that that sentence there
  • And keep in mind that the the sentence.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do this as their alleged crimes are investigated and the cases are prosecuted and their sentences
  • We do this as their alleged crimes are investigated and the cases are prosecuted and their sentences
  • We do this as their alleged crimes are investigated and the cases are prosecuted and their sentences
  • <00:58:10.880> are are prosecuted and their sentences are are prosecuted and their sentences
  • , uh, ICE is placing a detainer sentence, uh, ICE is placing a detainer asking<01:44:17.119> for
Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Prisons on behalf of 3,654 people who are incarcerated by Hawaiʻi, 799 of whom are serving their sentences
  • Prisoners are to be punished to the fullest extent of the law as sentenced by the presiding judge.
  • by the presiding law as, um, sentenced by the presiding judge,<00:56:30.640> um,<00:56:31.200
  • So I think that was just an important sentence that others I just want to make sure they saw that in
  • > others<01:06:32.880> I<01:06:33.039> just important sentence that others I just
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 2095, which would provide supplemental appropriations for the Judiciary for the 2025-2027 biennium. Judiciary Administrative Director Brandon Kimura testified in strong support and outlined a request for about $6.4 million in supplemental operating funds, plus four permanent full-time position conversions. He grouped the request into security, services to court users, and staffing needs, including $3.25 million for supplemental armed private security at judiciary facilities statewide, nearly $200,000 for cybersecurity staffing and support, restoration of funding for substance use treatment purchase-of-service contracts, restoration of funding for the Office of Public Guardian on Kauaʻi, salary commission funding, a Kona court operations position, and two Court-Appointed Special Advocates positions converted from temporary to permanent. He also described five capital improvement requests totaling $55.4 million, led by $30 million for construction of a new South Kohala courthouse, $1.2 million each for air conditioning upgrades in Hilo and Kauaʻi, $15 million for elevator upgrades at Kahumanu Hale, and $8 million in lump-sum bond funds for emerging projects. Several organizations testified in support, including Parents and Children Together and the True Cost Coalition. Supporters emphasized the importance of the purchase-of-service funding for domestic violence and substance use treatment services and said the restoration would return funding to pre-COVID levels and help providers maintain capacity. Kimura explained that the Judiciary often shifts funds among contracts during the year to avoid service interruptions, but that the reduced funding has caused delays and operational problems for providers and probationers. Members asked detailed questions about the capital projects and operating requests. Representative Shimizu asked for more information on the lump-sum bond funds and the elevator project, and Kimura explained that the Kahumanu Hale request covers four remaining elevator shafts after earlier funding addressed the first five elevators. Representative Cochran asked about the absence of Maui County projects, and Kimura said the Judiciary is still planning for its older Maui facilities with DAGS. Chair Tarnas questioned the need for armed private guards and discussed whether court security should be prioritized within the Department of Law Enforcement; Kimura said the Judiciary needs additional personnel now and has not asked DLE to deprioritize other missions, though the chair suggested further coordination between the agencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> The sentence here, first page. >> Sentence on the first page. >> Yeah. >> Which one you're talking
  • <00:10:57.120> First<00:10:57.360> page >> the sentence here.
  • First page >> the sentence here.
  • First page >> sentence<00:10:58.720> on<00:10:58.800> the<00:10:58.959> first<
  • >> sentence on the first page. >> sentence on the first page. >> Yeah.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The commission met to review and amend the minutes from its previous meeting, correcting the date, several spelling and wording errors, and clarifying references to a scholarship fund and a member’s title. The minutes were then approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair then turned to the commission’s work plan under SB 57, emphasizing the need to prioritize the statutory topics and identify which issues require additional research, documentation, and possible spreadsheets. Members discussed a broad range of special education cost drivers and policy questions, including student referral rates, why students are classified as other health impaired, whether referrals increased after COVID school closures, intervention processes before referral, the cost of services required under IEPs and 504 plans, differences between federal law, state law, and DOE rules, reporting of special education costs, out-of-district and residential placements, district sharing of resources, dispute resolution, graduation rates, and adult learning outcomes. Several members raised concerns that school environments, mental health, bullying, and possible overidentification may be contributing to rising special education numbers and costs, while others cautioned that some reported district percentages may be inflated or unclear because of how the data are counted. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 742, which would eliminate prorated special education aid when state appropriations are insufficient and require the governor to draw a warrant to cover shortfalls. Representative Ames explained that the bill had been recommended for interim study because the commission is already examining special education costing, and he highlighted the gap between FY24 special education costs of about $977.1 million and state aid of $33.9 million for catastrophic aid, $67.4 million for differentiated aid, and $50.8 million in federal IDEA funds, leaving local districts to cover about $825.1 million. He argued the commission should ultimately make clear that both the federal government and the state should contribute more. The Department of Education, through Melissa White, answered questions about data and oversight. She said special education counts come from IEPs entered into the state system using SASIDs, that DOE monitors districts through both desk audits and on-site visits, and that billing is checked against the services listed in each student’s IEP. She also said DOE’s special education work is largely federally funded, with roughly $56.7 million received through IDEA this year and about $49.1 million flowing through to LEAs, while the department retains a small amount for administration and statewide support activities. Members also discussed how adequacy calculations use special education counts from the state system and how those figures are reported.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means Committee 4/22/25

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree criminal sexual trafficking, adding fentanyl to allowing
  • Uh mandatory minimum sentence<00:09:37.600> for<00:09:37.839> first-degree<00:09:38.399
  • > criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sentence for first-degree criminal sexual<00:09:
  • Consecutive<00:09:50.959> sentences<00:09:51.519> for<00:09:51.760> assaulting<00
  • :09:52.320> a Consecutive sentences for assaulting a Consecutive sentences for assaulting a local