Video & Transcript Research : 'definition changes'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN-PSM-EDT, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:40.480>
of process repeals the definition of process repeals the definition of finding - residences um and it should be changed residences um and it should be changed to<00:32:33.760>
about this before the dlnr don don Chang about this before the dlnr don don Chang I<01:15:12.840- I had raised concerns about this before the DLNR, Don Don Chang.
- <01:37:18.360>
for <01:37:18.600>qualified clear definition for qualified clear definition
Summary:
The hearing began on SP 547, which would create incentives for graywater recycling systems and atmospheric water generators through an income tax credit, a Department of Health rebate program, and building code standards. The Department of Health and Department of Taxation offered written comments; Taxation said it had seven proposed amendments to improve administration. Testimony was largely supportive, with advocates and local users describing water-supply benefits, emergency use during the Maui fires, and potential help for drought conditions and Red Hill concerns. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii suggested only the rebate program should move forward for clearer cost transparency, and the Department of Health said it needed more time to study the bill. Members questioned the fiscal impact and whether combining a tax credit and rebate was typical, but staff did not have cost estimates. Decision-making on SP 547 was deferred to February 12, 2025.
The committee then took up SP 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural lands. The chair recommended passage with amendments, including deleting a reference to the Attorney General in one section and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. Supporters argued the bill was a first step to limit foreign ownership of farmland, citing other states with similar restrictions, while several members said they supported the intent but had reservations about possible unintended harm to farmers and agriculture investment. After discussion, the measure passed with amendments on a 5-0 vote, with some members voting with reservations.
The committee also discussed SP 1633, which would create a green building tax credit for structures using at least 30% Hawaii-grown hemp material. The chair said the bill was close but needed more work, and decision-making was deferred to February 12, 2025. Later, the committee heard several environmental measures: SB 683, which would ban intentionally added PFAS in certain products starting in 2028; SB 1109, which would replace the “finding of no significant impact” with a “finding of completion of environmental disclosure process”; SB 391, which would expand recycling requirements to certain lithium-ion batteries; and SB 12, which would classify neonic pesticides as restricted-use pesticides and limit certain seed treatments. Testimony on these bills included support from environmental and advocacy groups, comments from state agencies, and requests for amendments or further study, but no final votes were taken on those measures in the portion of the transcript provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (12-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- changes should the agency go that route. changes should the agency go that route.
- anything that we could put in a change anything that we could put in a change in<00:51:03.520>
changes were made? changes were made? - change in the clinical definition<01:43:49.199>
and <01:43:49.440>guidelines <01:43:49.840 - to change this intolerable status quo. to change this intolerable status quo.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review.
The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses.
Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, I said personnel count, but >> definitely emphasize the caveat.
- Oh, I said personnel count, but >> definitely emphasize the caveat.
- Oh, I said personnel count, but >> definitely emphasize the caveat.
- Oh, I said personnel count, but >> definitely emphasize the caveat.
- Oh, I said personnel count, but >> definitely emphasize the caveat.
Bills:
SB2066
Keywords:
permitting, construction, efficiency, state projects, county collaboration, funding, staffing shortages, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Government Operations heard Senate Bill 2066 on county permitting and inspection. Testimony focused on whether the bill should exempt state projects from county permitting requirements. One testifier opposed the measure, arguing it would bypass established permitting processes, weaken good government, and put the public at risk. A DOE representative said the intent was to speed up state projects, but suggested a different approach: funding county positions dedicated solely to state permits, possibly as a pilot program, rather than removing county review entirely. Committee members discussed the difficulty of moving state projects through county systems, the lack of special treatment, and whether a more systematic or standardized process could be created for repetitive projects.
After the discussion, the chairs announced a substantive rewrite of SB 2066. The amended version would delete the county-permitting exemptions for state projects and instead create a cooperative working group to address the intersection of state projects and county permitting needs. The revised measure would also include a blank appropriation for counties to fund personnel to expedite permitting for state projects only. Members clarified that any funded staff would be dedicated solely to state projects. The committee then took votes on the revised measure.
The committees adopted the amended bill. The Government Operations Committee recommended the Senate draft one version, and members present voted yes, with Senator Awa excused. The measure was adopted with the revised approach and an effective date set for April 19, 2042.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Judiciary Subcommittee - Afternoon Session Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
A&B Judiciary Subcommittee
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We do think that is a definite improvement in the bill.
- This bill makes it a really critical change, which I believe will save lives.
- It not only changes the cost, but it changes the lives of the people.
- So I would definitely continue. That sounds great. Thank you so much for that.
- And so definitely look forward to continuing to work with the office.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health met without a quorum for much of the hearing and began as a subcommittee, hearing several bills and taking some votes once quorum was established. SB 1124 by Senator Archiletta would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters said the bill addresses low awareness and late-stage diagnosis, while retailers raised implementation concerns about sign size, distribution, and notice. SB 1150 by Senator Jones would require clearer patient notice when cancer cases are reported to the California Cancer Registry; the author and chair emphasized patient privacy and awareness, while registry and university stakeholders said they appreciated the amendments and would continue working on the language. SB 1400 by Senator Argin would modernize Alameda Health System governance to give Alameda County more flexibility and direct oversight; county and labor witnesses supported the bill as a way to improve accountability and system stability.
The committee then heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pierson, a sponsor-backed measure to expand biosimilar substitution and allow health plans and pharmacists to use lower-cost biologics unless a prescriber opts out. Supporters from health plans, hospitals, pharmacists, labor, business, and consumer groups argued it would lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, while biotechnology and rheumatology groups opposed or sought amendments, warning about non-interchangeable biosimilars, switching concerns, and physician oversight. After discussion about notice requirements and substitution authority, the committee passed SB 1094 on a 6-0 vote and re-referred it to Appropriations.
SB 1314 by Senator Menjivar would create a statewide definition for smoke shops, impose a 600-foot buffer from schools and daycares, restrict nitrous oxide sales, and allow local governments to adopt stricter rules. Support came from city officials, pediatric and public safety groups, and the bill’s author framed it as a youth-protection measure; members discussed alignment with alcohol and cannabis buffer rules, operating hours, and enforcement. The committee approved SB 1314 on a 6-0 vote and re-referred it to Appropriations. SB 1309 by Senator Rubio would eliminate cost-sharing for medically necessary follow-up care after lung cancer screening; supporters, including clinicians and cancer advocates, said it would prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment, while health plans opposed it over premium impacts. After questions about costs and follow-up coverage, the committee passed SB 1309 on a 7-0 vote and placed it on call. The hearing also began SB 1199, which would ban copay accumulators, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Sep 2nd, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The organizational structure has also changed.
- Of the definition of members, you've heard the motion.
- Yes, the substance is to change the definition.
- For SB 54, we'll repeal the changes that were made, and we will take a deeper look.
- Something's gotta change with that too. You can do that.
Bills:
HB18, SB 54, SB 10, HR 76, HR 77, HR 78, HR 82, HR 83, HR 88, HR 89, HR 93, HR 94, HR 95, HR 98, HR 101, HR 102, HR 104, HR 105, HR 107, HR 108, HR 109, HR 110, HR 111, HR 112, HR 113, HR 123, HR 125, HR 79, HR 80, HR 81, HR 84, HR 85, HR 86, HR 87, HR 90, HR 91, HR 92, HR 96, HR 97, HR 100, HR 103, HR 106, HR 114, HR 115, HR 116, HR 117, HR 118, HR 119, HR 120, HR 121, HR 122, HR 124, HB 18, SB 54, SB 10, HB 8
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The next one is ah Number 5, this management action would direct the commission to review their definition
- Currently, this definition is based on a strict percentage of reported amounts.
- So, uh, this recommendation directs the ethics commission to review rules relating to their definition
- Sunset staff conducts compliance checks on statutory changes while the state auditor's office is tasked
- sunset Compliance report assessed recommendations impacting 24 entities, including 159 statutory changes
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-TRS Public Hearings 02-03-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- 584 be changed to 584A. 584 be changed to 584A.
- These changes would provide some clarity and uniformity, and we'd suggest that you make those changes
- Chang or Chang? >> Chang. >> Chang, okay. Uh, with the Office of Public Defender, first deputy.
- They might have to change, right?
- Senator Chang. Aye. Aye. Senator Chang. Aye.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard.
SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments.
SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting local governments from mandating HOAs 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This proposal does not change any of that.
- I appreciate some of some of the change I appreciate some of the<00:21:09.240>
changes <00:21: - <00:21:10.720>
I the changes that you've made. I the changes that you've made. - <00:40:41.120>
in in in some cases um it is definitely in in in some cases um it is definitely - Um I do think changes that can happen.
Summary:
House File 2614 was heard with a delete-everything amendment adopted at the outset. The bill, as explained by the authors, would prevent local governments from requiring amenities or common property that effectively force the creation of a homeowners association, while still allowing developers to create HOAs voluntarily when needed. The authors said the language was negotiated with stakeholders, including the League of Minnesota Cities, and was intended to be moved on to the Housing Committee for further discussion.
Supportive testimony came from Housing First Minnesota and the Minnesota Homeownership Center. They argued that unnecessary HOA mandates can raise housing costs, reduce homebuyer choice, and shift public infrastructure costs onto homeowners through dues in addition to property taxes. Testifiers cited examples involving single-family developments, a Burnsville case involving a large roof assessment and disputed ACH withdrawal, and the Heritage Park development in Minneapolis, where an HOA was required but later became difficult to dissolve. They said the bill would preserve HOAs where they are genuinely needed, such as townhomes or shared-amenity developments.
Members raised questions about the removal of county-specific language in the amendment, the meaning of the bill’s references to services and common property, and whether the bill would still allow neighborhood signs or other developer-requested features. A major point of concern was stormwater ponds and drainage infrastructure: one member argued that prohibiting cities from requiring HOA maintenance of such facilities could shift costs to taxpayers, while the authors responded that the bill was meant to stop cities from mandating discretionary amenities and that maintenance issues had been partly addressed in the amendment. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was discussed for referral onward.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I do believe, very sincerely, lots of research to back us up, we are definitely addressing cost.
- It makes the change in the corresponding definitions used by both the Health Policy Commission and the
- Moore, modernizing the definition of primary care. Amendment 62 by Mr.
- Moore, modernizing the definition of primary care. Senator Tarr: Thank you, Mr.
- Nothing else has changed. It was... ...nothing else has changed. It was that simple.
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading.
The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor.
After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- estimates include actual data, as well as the estimated impact of policy, legislation, and process changes
- I can see why you changed around the order. Well, thank you for that.
- Definitely. Thank you for that. Any other comments? No, thank you so much.
- I definitely appreciate the explanation. Did LAO have any comment or response to that?
- And together, these changes could reduce CDCR costs by more than $100 million.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I definitely admire your work ethic. It might not be necessary.
- I'm up anyway, but definitely admired. So keep up the great work.
- So I definitely appreciate your hard work and everything that you're doing.
- There's an issue that we need to change the access to it.
- And I think we need to change that. And that's what we've done in this bill.
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with two bills on the agenda. HB 1055, by Rep. Albert, would make permanent the Center for the Study of Election Law at Florida State University’s College of Law, which was created temporarily in 2023. The sponsor described the center as successful and tied to Florida’s election reputation. There was brief public testimony, including support from FSU-affiliated witnesses, and no debate or amendments. The bill passed unanimously.
The committee then heard HB 1105, by Rep. Kinghart-Johnson, a broader education bill affecting Bright Futures and related programs. As explained by the sponsor, the bill would change the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirement from three full credits in one program to three full credits total, align the CTE diploma with scholarship eligibility, add the AP Capstone Diploma as an automatic Bright Futures Academic Scholarship qualifier, and remove barriers for some students whose parents are retired military or public service employees stationed out of state. An amendment was adopted that revised AP Capstone requirements, kept the Gold Seal GPA requirement unchanged, and added the ACE diploma as a qualifier for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts.
Public testimony on HB 1105 included two social work students who supported expanding opportunities but warned that the bill could steer students into vocational tracks without enough safeguards, transparency, or access to transportation, internships, and counseling. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goal of recognizing multiple paths to success, while also acknowledging concerns raised by speakers. In closing, the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve access and correct language that treated vocational pathways as lesser options. HB 1105 passed unanimously as amended, and the meeting adjourned afterward.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- from the police and change know fleeing from the police and change it<00:52:01.799>
from <00:52 - <00:54:35.240>
talk 667 cases I think we can definitely talk 667 cases I think we can definitely - Um, we obviously didn't mean to cover that whole statute, so it definitely is cleaning up.
- It definitely is cleaning up.
the language um and do change some of the language um and do change some of the classifications
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:28:47.680>
of definitions of definitions of what<00:28:49.600>uh <00:28:49.760> - get involved in the business of changing get involved in the business of changing our<00:39:59.120
- to change their own policy. to change their own policy.
- I actually didn't change that part. That's what's in the bill already.
- I can change it to operator if I'm dipping into this.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- This change ensures...
- Is there a definition that exists out there of what mass fatality operations is?
- So this would definitely help in that regard so we could. ...have a dedicated unit.
- Let's make that change real quick. We have made the change, you're good to go. All right.
- Own, changing their frequencies, changing their encryption keys, and not socializing that amongst the
Keywords:
emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, broadband, public safety, disaster preparedness, funding, flood disaster plan
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 1995 when the legislature changed 1995 when the legislature changed transportation<00:09:21.040>
- briefs change feeding tubes document briefs change feeding tubes document behaviors<00:42:38.720>
- They change, and we are required to adapt a lot with those changes.
- They change, and we are required to adapt a lot with those changes.
- They change, and we are required to adapt a lot with those changes.
Keywords:
education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Oct 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We definitely benefit from those.
- A lot of that is probably due to some of the changes in personnel. Mr.
- That's one thing that we've definitely seen.
- So I definitely think that, obviously, our students are impacted by that.
- How do we, as the Senate, move forward and change that?
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- The process changes you as a teacher. What you learn, what you understand, how you think changes.
- The process changes you as a teacher. What you learn, what you understand, how you think changes.
- So we're going to make that same change, changing the 'shall' to a 'may'.
- <02:53:10.160>
Um change changing the shallow to a me. - Um change changing the shallow to a me.
Summary:
The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.
The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- At Roca, we know change is possible.
- Nothing changes if nothing changes. People are dying.
- Something has to be done, and nothing changes if nothing changes.
- If I could send you home with anything today, it's that nothing changes if nothing changes.
- With this bill, that would change.
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 6, February 16, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Are there any changes? >> Are there any changes?
- quit changing it.
- >> are there any changes? >> are there any changes? NAP I to no further changes.
- Are there any changes? Are there any changes?
- Are there any are there any changes? Are there any changes? changes? changes?