Transcript Highlights:

• If the acts that you are referring to are other sexually violent acts, yes.
• And so an extraneous offense may or may not be admitted at trial.
• And we also know that sexual offenses are often opportunistic.
• I'm going to use the extraneous offenses.
• It's any bad sexual behavior, so sexual offenses.

Bills: HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• The subcommittee will consider bills related to new offenses and changes in penalty for existing offenses
• That we vote on are consistent and meet a pattern that is relative to the severity of the offense.
• Okay, so it is the Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties.

Bills: HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say it's offensive.
• and often very traumatic offense, or an offense that often results in very traumatic conditions for
• and often very traumatic offense, or an offense that often results in very traumatic conditions for
• and often very traumatic offense, or an offense that often results in very traumatic conditions for
• And to me, that's somewhat offensive.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Safety heard six bills. AB 256 by Assembly Member DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for felonies involving a firearm and a controlled substance and require toxicology testing; the author said it was meant to gather data on what may be fueling gun violence. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, argued it was duplicative, overbroad, and would create privacy and due process concerns. The chair and several members said existing law already covers the conduct and that the bill was not limited to mass shootings. The committee voted no on AB 256, and it failed. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, sought tougher penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury, framed by the author as a response to a fatal case in his district. Support came from the California State Sheriffs’ Association, while opponents said the bill was unnecessarily punitive, inconsistent with existing vehicle homicide laws, and would remove judicial flexibility. The chair recommended no, citing sentencing inconsistencies and the availability of other charges; the bill failed. AB 292 by Assembly Member Patterson, as amended, would increase penalties for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail term for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued the bill would better protect victims and children from repeat abusers. Opponents warned it could sweep too broadly and impose mandatory minimums that could affect survivors. After amendments and discussion, the committee passed AB 292. The committee also passed AB 277 on consent and AB 767 by Assembly Member Alanis, which clarifies that private and home-based schools and daycare facilities are covered under sexually violent predator placement restrictions; supporters said it would better protect children, while opponents argued it could create overly broad exclusion zones and undermine rehabilitation. Finally, AB 1092 by Assembly Member Castillo, a vote-only item from the prior year, was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I thought this would be a very great way to focus on our violent offenses that involve firearms.
• To focus on our violent offenses that involve firearms and do something bipartisan together on an issue
• And sometimes you may have a drug offense, but you also have some violent offenses in there too.
• And sometimes you may have a drug offense, but you also have some violent offenses in there, too.
• It's these violent offenses, I think, that we're trying to get.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 25, which would prohibit a juvenile who committed a firearm-related delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult from legally owning or possessing a firearm for 10 years after disposition. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to address serious youth gun violence without lengthening juvenile sentences or unsealing records, and they emphasized that the substitute language was meant to clarify, not change, the bill’s intent. Support came from law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, CYFD, and business interests, while opponents including the Public Defender, ACLU, and criminal defense advocates argued it conflicts with juvenile-code principles, creates civil disabilities based on juvenile conduct, and could raise Second Amendment and sealing-record concerns. Members raised extensive questions about how the NICS background-check process would work, what offenses would qualify, whether the measure would apply retroactively, and how sealed juvenile records and pardons would be handled. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided; members discussed possibly working on the language further in Judiciary or tabling it. The committee then took up House Bill 15, the Medical Injury and Collaborative Resolution Act, described by the sponsor as New Mexico’s version of a candor law. The bill would create a protected adverse outcome conference process allowing patients and providers to discuss medical injuries or undesirable outcomes outside of court, with the goal of improving communication, giving patients answers, and reducing litigation. A family medicine doctor and a trial lawyer testified in support, saying patients often want explanations more than money and that open conversations can sometimes resolve disputes early. Public commenters also supported the concept, though one noted concerns about how pro se litigants would fit into the process. Committee questions focused on how the bill would define injury, how confidentiality would be enforced, whether statements could be used in court, who would pay for the process, and how it would interact with existing malpractice procedures. The sponsors said the conference would be voluntary, not require an apology, and would be protected by evidentiary rules; if protected statements were introduced at trial, they said remedies such as mistrial could apply. The discussion continued into procedural details, but no final action on HB 15 appears in the provided portion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top. And so that handout that...
• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top.
• So when you ask about violent offenses and the DOCR, this is the whole list.
• do 85%, except they had a definition of violent crime that included many offenses for which violent
• had a definition of violent crime that included many offenses for which violent offenders are not required

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Bills: SB1636, SB1584, SB1730, SB1255, SB1627, SB137, SB2062, SB1470, SB1284, SB1632, SB1594, SB2045, SB1251, SB1884, SB1250, SB1630, SB1262, SB1374, SB1292, SB1432, SB1199, SB1790, SB1481, SB1614, SB1734, SB1437, SB1489, SB1718, SB1778, SB1327, SB1372, SB1403, SB1937, SB277, SB2131, SB1749, SB1348, SB1469, SB2018, SB1931, SB1530, SB2155, SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618, SB2106, SB1471, SB2139, SB2154, SB1619, SCR15, HB2786, HB2787, SB1525, SB2011, SB2159

Keywords: cold case, unsolved homicide, violent crime, case file review, law enforcement, police records, victim family, immediate family member, designated person, forensic testing, witness reinterview, investigative leads, cold case unit, unsolved murder, public safety, Title 21, Oklahoma statutes, sexual assault, evidence kits, DNA testing

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and recognized the nurse of the day, Michelle Bradshaw, along with several gallery guests and pages. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, recognizing February 24 as World Spay Day to highlight pet overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter programs; the resolution was adopted without debate. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 2786, a supplemental appropriation of $19,660,770 for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to close out FY25 and cover statutory and contractual obligations, including Medicaid/Title 19-related payments. Senator Kurt raised repeated concerns that the supplemental did not restore funding for substance use providers, uncompensated care, or crisis services that had been cut or left unpaid, while Senator Rosino argued the bill only covered amounts the state was legally required to pay and reflected the department’s verified needs. The Joint Committee report was adopted, and HB 2786 passed 38-10 and was then passed as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Bill 2787, a supplemental for the State Department of Health tied to legacy contracts associated with “Choosing Childbirth,” despite criticism from Senator Kurt that the money could have gone to direct mental health services. The chamber then advanced and passed Senate Bill 1525, raising the threshold for the Tourism and Recreation Department to contract with private entities for a tourism conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and Senate Bill 2011, adding contracted employees of county detention facilities to a protected class list. Senate Bill 2159, designating wheat as the official state crop, also passed. The Senate adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top. And so that handout that...
• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top.
• So what you see there, so you'll see from murder to child neglect is within violent offenses.
• So when you ask about violent offenses and the DOCR, this is the whole list.
• they had a definition of violent crime that included many offenses for which violent offenders are not

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top. And so that handout that...
• I just realized that it doesn't say violent offenses on top.
• So what you see there, so you'll see from murder to child neglect is within violent offenses.
• So when you ask about violent offenses and the DOCR, this is the whole list.
• a definition of violent crime that included many offenses for which violent offenders are not required

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So for people that don't understand, determinates are usually more serious offenses, more violent offenses
• And then we wonder, hey, why are these violent kids really violent?
• a list of offenses that essentially mirror many of the determinate sentence offenses.
• as violent offenses.
• Beasley who they didn't need to have a bigger boot on them for non-violent offenses that were really

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require an illegal alien who is charged with a violent offense to be detained pending
• Um, violent offense.
• </c> harmed a citizen in this violent harmed a citizen in this violent offense.<00:46:31.599><c> And<
• </c> addresses the most violent of offenses. addresses the most violent of offenses.
• </c> the definition of what is a violent the definition of what is a violent offense,<00:49:20.079><c

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Bills: SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Bills: SB44, SB546, SB1213, SB1256, SB1287, SB1443, SB1644, SB1653, SB1716, SB1209, SB1826, SB1919, SB1930, SB1976, SB2028, SB2067, SB2072, SB2117, SB710, SB1477, SB1405

Keywords: sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, contractors, charitable purposes, state law, SB1213, earned credits, inmate credits, good time, sentence reduction, Department of Corrections, DOC, prison reform, corrections policy, inmate classification, class levels, rehabilitation credits, achievement credits, vocational training, educational credits

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the daily prayer and pledges, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several student and guest groups to the gallery. The chamber also laid over a few agenda items before moving through a long general order calendar of bills, most of them explained briefly by their authors and then advanced without objection to final passage. Measures passed included SB 44 on extending sales tax exemption treatment to contractors working for certain exempt entities; SB 546 on biometric data and controlled dangerous substance-related changes; SB 1213 on Department of Corrections inmate credit levels; SB 1256 requiring ignition interlock devices for repeat DUI bond situations; SB 1287 on abstractor licensing eligibility; SB 1443 on anesthetist physical status modifiers with an amendment excluding Medicaid plans; SB 1644 adding a reportable disease; SB 1653 joining the occupational therapy licensure compact; SB 1716 updating security breach notification rules and limiting class actions; SB 1826 removing a sunset from the local development and enterprise zone incentive leverage act; SB 1919 increasing the Tourism Development Act cap; SB 1930 on produced water handling and compensation; SB 1976 creating a tiered surety plan for small producers and then being adopted as an emergency; SB 2028 on raw milk advertising and labeling, also passed as an emergency; SB 2067 on financial institutions helping protect vulnerable adults from scams; SB 2072 on deed fraud and title theft; SB 2117 on contaminated grain authority and emergency treatment; SB 710 on teacher pathway pilot flexibility; SB 1477 restricting concurrent enrollment to traditional high school students and passed as an emergency; and SB 1405 reauthorizing the wildlife diversity income tax checkoff. The only bill to draw notable floor debate was SB 1209, which was reconsidered after initially failing, sent back to general order, and then passed 26-18. Supporters said it would reduce delays in eviction proceedings by excluding Sundays and holidays from summons timing, while opponents argued it would mainly help tenants who are already behind and burden small landlords. Senator Pugh later noted a personal-interest abstention on that vote. Several other bills passed with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous, and some were designated emergency measures after final passage. The Senate concluded with announcements about upcoming events, including a reception, a visit from the Christian Employer Association, and the Bible reading marathon, and then adjourned until Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a felony offense to carry in that location.
• This blanket prohibition affects individuals convicted of non-violent offenses. such as certain drug
• However, we know that the bill does strike some non-violent crimes.
• And we are concerned with the violent ones.
• I appreciate the various offenses that have been listed here today.

Bills: HB259, HB 1128, HB1337, HB1506, HB1794, HB2215, HB2470, HB2771, HB2882, HB2993, HB3053, HB3428, HB3669, HB3789, HB3924, HB4201, HB4675, HB259

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical expenses, access to care, affordability, legislation, firearms, penal code, regulation, short-barrel firearms, ammunition, gun control, public safety, Texas law, short-barrel, law enforcement, election judges, concealed handgun, polling places

Transcript Highlights:

• While California has not currently considered these offenses to be violent felonies, it does consider
• If you personally inflict great bodily injury in a DUI, that is considered a violent offense.
• But if you kill somebody, that is not considered a violent offense.
• It is currently a crime to contact a minor with the intent of committing sexual or violent offenses,
• It is currently a crime to contact a minor with the intent of committing sexual or violent offenses,

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call. SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto. Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do, and I told you this when we met, you know, why all felony offenses and not just violent felony
• offenses.
• I'm not just all felony offenses. I'm not just violent felony offenses.
• I do, and I told you this when we met, you know, why all felony offenses and not just violent felony
• offenses.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Crime and Public Safety first went into executive session and adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2587, then voted the substitute do pass on an 18-0 roll call. The sponsor said the bill was intended to mirror federal law and prepare for public safety concerns tied to drones and the FIFA World Cup. The committee also voted House Bill 2055 do pass on another 18-0 roll call before moving to public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2868, which would expand Missouri’s DNA collection law to require biological samples from anyone arrested for any felony, rather than only certain qualifying offenses. Representative Cameron Parker, the sponsor, said the bill would align Missouri with other states, help solve crimes faster, and also exonerate the innocent. Committee members raised concerns about privacy, due process, the presumption of innocence, juvenile language, and whether the bill was too broad because it would include lower-level felonies such as forgery or child support offenses. Parker and supporters responded that the DNA profile is limited, confidential, and already subject to expungement if charges are dismissed or a person is cleared. Supportive testimony came from Ashley Spence of the DNA Justice Project, who described being raped and later identifying her attacker through a DNA match after his arrest for another felony in California. She argued that felony-arrest DNA collection solves cold cases, prevents future crimes, and can exonerate the innocent, while stressing that CODIS uses only a limited set of markers and has privacy safeguards. Joshua Keezer, a wrongfully convicted and later exonerated Missourian, testified in opposition, arguing that DNA collection at arrest violates due process and the presumption of innocence and should not occur before adjudication. He said he supported expanding CODIS but only with stronger standards. A Highway Patrol representative then provided information that the bill would add nearly 14,000 arrestees annually to CODIS and could aid about 731 additional investigations each year, while also reducing confusion in current collection practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this senator's bill we have is, uh, parole obviously are governed by violent, nonviolent crimes,
• Um, this senator's bill we have is, uh, parole obviously are governed by violent, nonviolent crimes,
• Um, this senator's bill we have is, uh, parole obviously are governed by violent, nonviolent crimes,
• Um, this senator's bill we have is, uh, parole obviously are governed by violent, nonviolent crimes,
• Um, this senator's bill we have is, uh, parole obviously are governed by violent, nonviolent crimes,

Keywords: Corrections - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 11:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it's not violent or it is violent, which I'm just, let me be clear, I'm on board for the violent
• And there's an offense control number. Do you know where the offense control number comes from? No.
• And if I get arrested, I get a fingerprint card taken for that offense, if it's a fingerprintable offense
• I do, and I told you this when we met, you know, why all felony offenses and not just violent felony
• offenses.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2587, then voted the substitute do pass on an 18-0 roll call. The sponsor said the bill was updated to mirror federal law and included an emergency clause, with supporters noting it was intended to align Missouri law ahead of the FIFA World Cup and related public safety concerns. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 2055 and voted it do pass 18-0 before moving on to public hearings. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2868, which would expand Missouri DNA collection to all felony arrests rather than the current narrower list of qualifying offenses. Representative Parker argued the change would help solve crimes and exonerate the innocent, citing Maryland v. King and examples from other states. Committee members raised concerns about juvenile language, privacy, the presumption of innocence, retention and destruction of samples, access to CODIS, and whether the bill should be limited to violent or higher-level felonies. Supporters, including victim Ashley Spence and other advocates, described how arrest-stage DNA collection helped identify a serial rapist and solve cold cases, while opponents Joshua Kieser and others argued the bill was overbroad, could be used as a fishing expedition, and should not apply before conviction. Missouri State Highway Patrol staff testified that the bill would add nearly 14,000 arrestees annually, could aid about 731 investigations each year, and would reduce confusion in current collection practices. The hearing also included detailed testimony about wrongful convictions, expungement safeguards, identical twins, and the difference between arrest, charge, and conviction. Several members said they supported the goal of helping victims but wanted narrower language or stronger guardrails, especially for nonviolent felonies. The hearing on HB 2868 was then closed, and the committee began hearing House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058, with the bill sponsors introducing themselves as the next items up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Class A and B felonies, sex offenses, or habitual offenders.
• For your most heinous offenses, your Class A, B, and sexual offenses, they would not be eligible for
• We've had a significantly higher percentage of the population, and it's in a violent and sex offense.
• sexual offenses; certification may be appropriate.
• And so that's a very big concern of mine is that it's not limited to violent felonies, to serious violent

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm just—yeah, but I'm telling you, if you use the firearm to commit any type of violent offense,
• offense.
• <00:51:51.040><c> offense.
• offense.
• Well, it says dangerous violent offense.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all