Video & Transcript Research : 'cold case'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 1
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I can cite many cases.
- I can cite many cases.
- I can cite many cases.
- I can cite many cases. I person's door. I can cite many cases.
- jurisdiction for those cases. jurisdiction for those cases.
Bills:
HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (09/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe that's the case. I believe that's the case.
- came out of the trial in the Rand case came out of the trial in the Rand case which<00:23:02.640
- So my hope is that the uh case.
- precedents and cases. precedents and cases. the<00:47:32.079>
notion <00:47:32.480>that - , the Rand case and the Conell case.
Summary:
The Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding Sources opened its second meeting by reviewing four retained bills assigned to it: HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 734. The chair said the goal was to compare the bills across the board, consider whether any one of them should be the committee’s recommended vehicle, and then vote on a recommendation to the full committee. He noted the bills would move out before November 21 and be taken up on the House floor in January, while related LSRs were also being developed for the coming session.
Representative Ames argued that HB 651 should be the main vehicle because it would substantially raise the adequacy base and adjust differential aid categories to better reflect real school costs, including poverty, special education, and English learner needs. He described the bill as building on court guidance and said the current funding formula is far below actual district needs. He also supported HB 491 as a study vehicle to examine revenue options, saying the legislature needs informed choices about how to pay for the changes. Representative Damon strongly backed HB 651 and HB 491, citing constitutional obligations, the Conval and Rand rulings, and large projected funding increases for districts such as Claremont, Windham, and communities in the chair’s district if HB 651 had passed earlier.
Representative Fellows said he has an LSR similar to HB 491 that would study existing and new revenue options using criteria such as revenue potential, administrative cost, affected groups, implementation timeline, and implementation cost, with input from revenue administration and outside agencies. Representative Papich Muller emphasized constitutional separation-of-powers concerns, reading Article 83 and saying he was not comfortable with the broad claim that “cherish” clearly mandates a specific spending level, though he said he intends to follow Supreme Court guidance. Representative Ricky read testimony from a local school board member arguing that the state already imposes many mandates on schools while providing the least funding in the country, and that HB 651 would help restore meaningful local control. No final vote or action was taken in the portion provided, though the chair had indicated the subcommittee would vote before adjournment.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Sadly, these cases are only 19% of the estimated 2,000 cases of missing children each year.
- children's cases with 182 cases of children's cases with 182 cases of missing<00:48:57.440>
Kanakamali - When we deal with cases on the eighth floor, which is where these cases are processed on Aahu at the
- When we deal with cases on the eighth floor, which is where these cases are processed on Aahu at the
- When we deal with cases on the eighth floor, which is where these cases are processed on Aahu at the
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony.
The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:20.840>
uh the past that has not been the case uh the past that has not been the case - want to make sure that that's the case want to make sure that that's the case Mr<00:07:49.159>
- to up to 12 cases of wine, about one case a month if we're looking at it on an annual basis.
- to up to 12 cases of wine, about one case a month if we're looking at it on an annual basis.
- case case limit<01:24:28.040>
what <01:24:28.199>we <01:24:28.360>didn't <01:24:
Bills:
HF1262, HF1741, HF472, HF1668, HF2055, HF1786, HF1876, HF1089, HF1121, HF509, HF1545, HF2027, HF642
Keywords:
food truck, liquor license, temporary license, community events, catering, municipal regulations, food hall, St. Louis Park, on-sale, intoxicating beverages, food vendors, common seating area, HF472, Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato, MSU Mankato, Taylor Center, special liquor license, on-sale wine license, malt liquor license
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It really is based on the company and the case that comes before us.
- cases that are identified by this amount, that 100%, we would be looking at 16 additional cases on our
- Chair, Senator, yeah, I was just, the cases that we get involved with are case specific, so they're utility
- The lawyers represent us at hearing, and the paralegals obviously help present the case, get the case
- to reallocate towards other rate cases.
Keywords:
air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3, 2026, and then heard several natural resources and water-related measures. House Bill 2013 would require ADEQ to submit an exceptional event demonstration to EPA when wildfire smoke from federally managed land affects Arizona air quality. The sponsor said this would help Arizona’s ozone/nonattainment position, while Sierra Club and ADEQ raised concerns that the bill duplicates an existing process and could waste staff time and resources. The bill passed 5-3.
House Bill 2156 would appropriate $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund. Supporters argued ranchers need help with livestock losses and drought impacts, while opponents criticized the board’s transparency and said the program already receives federal and prior state funding. The bill passed 5-3. House Bill 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when a proposed increase reaches 100% or more; the sponsor said rural customers are being overlooked, while RUCO said it would need significant additional staff and funding and could not absorb the workload without more resources. The bill passed 6-2, with members noting they expected a future amendment to add funding.
The committee also approved House Concurrent Memorial 2011, which urges Congress to delist the Mexican gray wolf and return management to states and local authorities. Supporters cited livestock losses and ranching impacts, while opponents said the species remains endangered and recovery decisions should remain science-based; the memorial passed 5-3. House Bill 2026, concerning how ADWR evaluates water availability when supplies are commingled, passed 5-3 despite concerns that it could weaken groundwater safeguards. House Bill 2056, which funds a feasibility study for brackish groundwater desalination sites, also passed 5-3 after debate over whether the study was necessary given existing groundwater accounting and treatment efforts. House Bill 2098, modernizing Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority bonding authority, passed unanimously 8-0. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2057, supporting a geothermal permitting roadmap and agency coordination for next-generation geothermal development, passed unanimously 8-0.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- However, that language is omitted in the case of felony murder under subsection A2.
- Chair, that was the case that was brought to my attention.
- In my family's case, my daughter is a survivor of child sexual abuse.
- I haven't seen that, but that's very concerning if that is in fact the case.
- If we've got, in the cases of child abuse as an example, you've got a— If we've got, in the cases of
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills dealing largely with sexual exploitation, homicide, reproductive issues, child support, venue changes, domestic violence service of process, probation notice, and traffic offenses. HB 2133 would require websites distributing sexual material to verify age and consent for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images; it drew opposition from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice over added complexity, and support from survivors and trafficking advocates, and passed 7-1. HB 2043 would expand felony murder to include the death of an unborn child; reproductive rights groups and defense attorneys raised personhood and abortion-related concerns, while prosecutors and victims’ advocates supported it, and it passed 6-2. HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limit pregnancy-related orders to medical and related expenses; supporters framed it as responsibility and support for pregnant women, while opponents warned about fetal personhood and abortion-related implications, and it passed 6-2.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The officer disciplinary cases rose 79% between 2018 and 2024.
- And those are the cases we're talking about.
- and create delays in other cases and customers.
- In addition to the injunction cases, we process other high-risk cases, no-fee cases addressing severe
- Last year, we processed almost 60,000 cases of these specific case types.
Summary:
The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems.
DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support.
The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Casting provisional ballot requirement 3/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What you're talking about each of these cases to me is you are making the case is that we have actually
- What you're talking about each of these cases to me is you are making the case is that we have actually
- What you're talking about each of these cases to me is you are making the case is that we have actually
- What you're talking about each of these cases to me is you are making the case is that we have actually
- What you're talking about each of these cases to me is you are making the case is that we have actually
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/7/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Schultz, um as I said in in all cases, Schultz, um as I said in in all cases, we<00:45:52.880>
set - ,<00:57:51.280>
um would say that again in this case, um would say that again in this case - Um and I not the case in Minnesota.
- You heard the case in other states.
- In most of those cases, it's an honest mistake by an applicant or an employer in some cases.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We're also looking to reform waiver case management by phasing out the use of contracted case management
- or don't have case management. or don't have case management.
- 21:49.480>
are currently waiver case managers are currently waiver case managers are responsible - provide screening and targeted case provide screening and targeted case management<00:58:18.080>
- group of people that are doing case group of people that are doing case management.<01:36:00.240
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson powers 3/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And from DCYF for about one case a week.
- While the plan is for DCYF to grant us case-by-case access in a few years with the modernization process
- provide the ombuds person for American Indian families and the ombuds person for foster youth with case-by-case
- provide the ombuds person for American Indian families and the ombuds person for foster youth with case-by-case
- provide the ombuds person for American Indian families and the ombuds person for foster youth with case-by-case
Summary:
House File 3901 was heard in committee and amended with the A26 amendment, which the author described as cleanup language clarifying confidential data and other wording changes. The bill concerns the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson’s access to records in the Social Services Information System (SSIS) so it can investigate foster care decisions more effectively and in a timely way. Representative Johnson said the issue stems from outdated technology and interagency barriers that make it difficult to share information needed to serve foster youth and families.
Misty Coons, the foster youth ombudsperson, testified that the office has struggled to obtain records from DCYF, with delays growing longer and some requests remaining unfilled. She said direct SSIS access would reduce burdens on agency staff and improve investigations, while privacy concerns could be handled through training or interagency agreements. Rebecca St. George, assistant commissioner for DCYF, acknowledged the delays but said the department is understaffed and working on software improvements; she argued that broad direct access would risk exposing privileged and protected information and could conflict with state and federal privacy laws. She also noted concerns from tribal nations about access to tribal data without request and approval.
Members discussed the mechanics of data requests, redaction, and whether the bill raised data practices issues. The chair noted that a referral to Judiciary and Civil Law was automatic under chapter 13. Representative Johnson closed by emphasizing that the goal was to better serve children and foster families and said he had received a letter from White Earth Reservation expressing reservations. The committee then approved re-referral of House File 3901, as amended, to the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Law.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (9-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Case man—case management system for our statewide programs, specialty and pre-trial services called Caseworks
- Um, you'll hear us talk to the case management system as enterprise justice.
- then the records go to the case management system.
- <01:03:09.119>
management implementation of the case management implementation of the case management - 34.799>
as <01:03:35.119>enterprise case management system as enterprise case management
Summary:
The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties.
AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA.
Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:27:49.159>
loads are we seeing those case loads are we seeing those case loads decrease - The witness said it sounds like the question is directed toward the case.
- <00:33:17.120>
so efficiency of handling these cases so efficiency of handling these cases - <00:33:45.720>
pending your question is about um cases pending your question is about um cases - 34.560>
say I can't say whether or not they're going to meet that Friday, so it'll have to be a case-by-case
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met on January 30, 2025, and first organized itself by electing Senator Jim Gray as vice chair, electing Representative F as clerk, appointing Michael Caine as legislative budget assistant, and adopting the committee’s rules and procedures. The committee also adopted an amendment to the rules allowing audits to be automatically released to the public once placed on the Fiscal Committee agenda, with members discussing that the change would improve transparency and reduce paper handling. The minutes from the November 15, 2024 meeting were approved, with members who were absent abstaining.
The committee then worked through a consent calendar and several individual items. It removed or noted withdrawals on a few items, including item 25004 for further discussion, item 25016 withdrawn by the Department of Education, item 257 removed by Representative F, and item 25001 removed under Tab 4. Item 25004, concerning the newborn screening program, prompted testimony from the Department of Health and Human Services explaining that the program is mandatory with an opt-out provision; officials said 99.2% of newborns were screened in 2023, meaning the opt-out rate was under 1%. The committee also approved item 25007, related to DHHS community health workers and telework policy, after hearing that the workers are not placed in schools and that DHHS follows statewide telework policy.
On the regular calendar, the committee approved a Department of Administrative Services request to extend the release date for fiscal year 2024 numbers to March 31, and approved a Department of Fish and Game item. It also approved winter maintenance funding for the Department of Transportation after hearing that the $5.7 million request might not last through the winter if additional storms occur; DOT said even a small storm can cost more than $1 million and that crews are dispatched based on road conditions and supervisory judgment. The committee then approved items for the Judicial Council and the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant.
The final discussion focused on the Health and Human Services dashboard and the Youth Development Center claims. DHHS acknowledged a data error in the APS client line and said Community Mental Health Center caseload data is still not fully accurate because two centers are undergoing EHR conversions. Members also asked about the low census at the Sununu Youth Development Center and about the process for managing future claims related to the YDC settlement fund. Witnesses from the Attorney General’s office said the fund is handled through a unique arrangement involving DOJ appropriations and judicial branch staff, that current judicial budget cuts are not yet affecting the litigation pace, and that the average resolution so far has been about $500,000, though future claims may vary. No votes were taken on the discussion items beyond the approvals noted above.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- But again, it's all about money in all those cases. So let's take this case.
- It's not like a robbery case, for instance.
- Just in case anybody was falling asleep.
- What were the outcomes of the cases?
- And I would say that the cases that exist already, they do provide, and I'll give the case sites, but
Keywords:
wrongful death, unborn child, civil liability, medical provider, parental rights, habitual felony offenders, violent crimes, enhanced penalties, criminal justice, recidivism
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing Florida’s high victim counts, the role of online recruitment, common victim and trafficker profiles, and several case examples involving sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and interstate trafficking. She highlighted Miami-Dade’s task force model, partnerships with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and shelters such as Camillus House’s Project Phoenix and the Thrive Clinic, and said the office relies heavily on technology, training, and victim-centered prosecution. Members asked about school-based trafficking, warning signs, social media platforms, and information-sharing about offenders across states; Fernandez-Rundle said more training and better interstate communication are still needed.
The committee then took up CS for SB 656, which would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a timely tool to combat online child exploitation and was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related violent offender designations by clarifying notice and clemency-related paperwork requirements; it too was reported favorably unanimously.
The remainder of the meeting focused on SB 164, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to recognize unborn children in civil law and allow recovery when a pregnancy is lost due to another’s negligence. Opponents from the ACLU, reproductive rights groups, medical insurers, and domestic violence advocates argued the bill is overly broad, could function as fetal personhood legislation, and could expose doctors, friends, family members, businesses, and abusive partners to lawsuits while chilling medical care, IVF, and pregnancy-related treatment. Supporters from pro-life organizations urged broader language and stronger protections for unborn children. No vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (03/19/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- He said that once exceptions are made for this kind of case, exceptions may be made for another kind
- of case, and that as a matter of principle there may be other ways to deal with the circumstance.
- maybe we make an exception kind of case maybe we make an exception for<00:14:34.440>
another < - :14:36.040>
as <00:14:36.160>a <00:14:36.320>matter for another kind of case so - that I tried two thinking a case that I tried two different<01:17:27.040>
cases <01:17:27.440>
MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety 26-06-18
Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- These are cases where, for the child at the center of an abuse or neglect case, decisions about nearly
- And I remember one particular case where there was a young man that we saved his life.
- Then courts process the case. And then ultimately, the state, Then prosecutors respond.
- Then courts process the case. And then ultimately, the state absorbs the cost.
- And in some cases, that response may be necessary, but prevention must be equally serious.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety met with a quorum and adopted the June 4, 2026 minutes. The committee first took up Senate Bill 712, adopting the S-2 substitute, which expands residency requirements to include adjoining districts and removes a provision allowing a district to appoint someone employed by the district. The committee then reported SB 712 to the floor. It also considered House Bills 4025 and 4026, described as safe storage tax exemption bills; the committee heard one supportive written card and reported both bills to the floor, each on a 5-1 vote.
The committee next heard testimony on Senate Bill 885, which would create a statewide Parent and Child Legal Representation Commission and Office within LARA to address child protective legal representation. Senator Singh and Alicia Moon of the Michigan Supreme Court described the current county-by-county system as uneven, with attorney shortages, inconsistent pay, and limited specialized training. They said the bill would set standards for training, caseloads, client contact, and compensation, while requiring public comment and future appropriations before implementation. Testimony and written cards from a broad range of organizations and judges supported the measure, and the committee reported SB 885 to the floor on a 6-0 vote.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on Senate Bills 1015 and 1016, which would create an Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention within MDHHS and establish a grant program to support community violence intervention efforts statewide. Sponsors and witnesses from Force Detroit, D-Live, Seize the Smoke, Advance Peace, public health, law enforcement, and advocacy groups described CVI as a public health and public safety strategy that reduces shootings, supports survivors, and saves public costs. Several witnesses cited local data showing reductions in shootings and homicides in Detroit and Lansing, while one witness from the Michigan Sheriff's Association opposed the bills as written. The committee voted to report both SB 1015 and SB 1016 to the floor, each on a 5-0 vote with one pass, and then adjourned after additional testimony and reading of support cards.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Consumer Rights in Minnesota – Senator Ann Rest Mar 3rd, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- um to the federal 22,000 fraud uh cases um to the federal trades<00:05:22.919>
Commission <00: - That one person planted an idea, showed up at a listening session or a town meeting and make your case
- That one person planted an idea, showed up at a listening session or a town meeting and make your case
- That one person planted an idea, showed up at a listening session or a town meeting and make your case
- uh some cases that are brought<00:07:42.639>
the <00:07:42.840>victim <00:07:43.360>
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The sponsor replied that he could see making a good case against someone because it happens a lot, and
- And, you know, you can put the gate in in case they were out.
- No case number, no court case, anything along those lines.
- No case number, no court case, anything along those lines. “Actually brought up.
- No case number, no court case, anything along those lines. So we’ve been told the sky is falling.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Mar 31st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Agriculture and Water Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As it goes down, that would not be the case.
- There's been some cases on that.
- So again, with the sovereign lands issue, you really need to look at things on a case-by-case basis.
- In this case, they're all dead and gone.
- You know, the one court case that did talk about artificiality was the Osmundstad case, and that was
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota lawmakers hear proposal to eliminate cash bail, permit universal pretrial release 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In other words, bail is an absolute right in all cases.
- In other words, bail is an absolute right in all cases.
- violence cases. violence cases.
- What do we need to do at the front end of a case?
- What do we need to do at the front end of a case?
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on draft constitutional amendment language from Representative Holland to create universal pre-trial release except in certain circumstances and eliminate cash bail. Representative Holland said the proposal is intended to make Minnesota’s pre-trial system fairer and more equitable by basing detention decisions on public safety and due process rather than a person’s ability to pay, and noted that a separate bill would later provide the detailed framework for an intentional release-and-detention system. He emphasized that no action would be taken at this hearing.
Testifiers in support included Joshua Page of the University of Minnesota and the Pre-Trial Justice Minnesota Coalition, Alicia Gransee of the ACLU of Minnesota, Jess Palia of Violence Free Minnesota, and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. Supporters argued that cash bail creates unequal treatment, contributes to racial disparities, harms families and communities, and does not reliably improve court appearance or public safety. They cited research and coalition findings about high pre-trial detention rates, overrepresentation of Black and American Indian Minnesotans, the impact of detention on housing and employment, and the need for courts to use individualized risk assessments, conditional release, and services instead of money-based release decisions. Palia focused on domestic violence cases, saying cash bail can pressure survivors to pay for abusers’ release and that current hearings often give little time to victim safety concerns.
During member questions, concerns were raised that the amendment could remove an important tool for judges in the middle range of cases. Choi responded that conditional release and other protections could still be built into implementing legislation, and Page said detention would become an option but many cases would still involve conditional release and support services. He also argued there is no evidence that money itself motivates court appearance and said cash bail often shifts costs to low-income family members, especially women of color. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, with members and testifiers noting that further legislation and discussion would follow if the amendment advances.