Transcript Highlights:

• Our jail upgrade... ...grades. So am I, that's why we sleep at night.
• If you take our jail and what I asked about the jail, Madam Chair, can I be recognized?
• Rick, can I ask about your jail? If you take the dollar value...
• And third, right now, in 26044, we get our jail costs done.
• Our debt with 3% left on the jail, we're debt-free. Okay.

Bills: SB9, SB 9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit, school assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• And he said, 'Are our jails overcrowded? We don't have anyone who will help us.'
• Mostly, county jails are the most desperate.
• Comanche County Jail has said at the end of March of 2026, we are out of money.
• We see them in jail. We see him in court. We're regularly in contact with them.
• What often happened with the Department of Mental Health is it's difficult to get into jails.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The score that's needed for someone to serve jail time, if you notice in the amendment, I have lowered
• The amendment adjusts some things so they're not getting mandatory jail time on the first offense.
• it to where, okay, they're going to score pretty high, but they're not necessarily going to score jail
• So when we say a 1.5 multiplier, they will go to jail, are we talking about jail? Thank you, Mr.
• So when we say a 1.5 multiplier, they will go to jail, are we talking about jail?

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 91, by Reps. Rayner and Jacques, would align probation rules for certain misdemeanor reckless driving cases involving controlled substances with existing DUI law, allowing up to 12 months of probation in those cases. The bill was described as a technical “glitch” fix and as supporting both accountability and treatment; it drew one supportive public appearance and passed 17-0, reported favorably. HB 113, by Rep. Chamberlin, sought to increase penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. Members raised concerns about unmarked vehicles, jurisdictional markings, and whether the bill could apply to drivers who slow down or stop for safety reasons when unsure a vehicle is police. Chamberlin said he was open to clarifying language and other amendments. A strike-all amendment was adopted that increased the penalty for fleeing in a patrol vehicle with lights and sirens from a third-degree to a second-degree felony, revised offense severity rankings, and added a 1.5 sentencing multiplier for second or subsequent offenses. The amended bill received supportive public testimony and passed 16-1, with Rep. Hart voting no, and was reported favorably as amended. HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, would require the Department of Corrections to coordinate with professional boards under DBPR so inmates completing classes tied to licensure can receive credit toward those licenses after release. Supporters said the bill would help rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and give returning citizens a better path to employment. The bill had no amendments, received supportive public testimony, and passed unanimously 17-0, reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in their jails. in their jails.
• Uh when the Pal County Jail came County.
• c><01:19:18.000> already<01:19:18.320> work, jails.
• And our jails, we already work, jails.
• Here we're focusing on a prison jail.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs. Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them. A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C. During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• and jails. and jails.
• or prison that that would help to jail or prison that that would help to cut<00:50:32.480> to
• <00:57:53.119> to people who are coming out of jail to people who are coming out of jail to
• <01:02:41.520> system, not cycling through the jail system, not cycling through the jail system
• the decision on who sends folks to jail the decision on who sends folks to jail and<01:21:50.159

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The working group convened with all members present, approved the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and its October 28, 2025 Halawa Correctional Facility site visit by unanimous consent, and received no public testimony on the agenda or minutes. The chair then reviewed the statutory timeline under Act 292/SB 104, noting the group continues until January 8, 2027, and discussed required reporting dates and the need to develop a work plan for the remaining meetings. The chair also said the October 16 DCR presentation would be treated as satisfying the group’s interim-report purpose, though the legal reporting obligations to the Legislature and oversight commission still needed to be sorted out. The main discussion focused on DCR’s proposed amendments to Act 292 and the department’s interim report. Director Johnson said the department’s October 16 presentation included recommended statutory amendments because the law, as written, could not be fully complied with; the proposals were described as section-by-section changes intended to address implementation problems. Members discussed several specific issues, including transfer language for higher levels of care, the 2010 MOA with the Department of Health, and replacing “physician” with “clinician” to reflect staffing realities. DCR explained that the change would allow licensed clinicians, including APRNs and doctors of osteopathy, to make decisions when physicians are not on duty, and that the MOA is being updated so transfers can occur from any DCR facility to the state hospital. An OHA staff member gave a detailed critique of the proposed amendments, saying they would weaken Act 292’s intent by reducing procedural protections, expanding exceptions, and relying on aspirational language such as “strive” and “if practicable.” OHA also raised concerns about the lack of baseline data on restrictive housing use and said the department’s report showed serious operational problems, including overcrowded and outdated facilities, limited space for private medical or mental health exams, and the use of suicide/safety cells for people who may not need mental health treatment. DCR responded that it had requested 35 new medical positions in the budget, supported by the governor, and said those positions are needed to meet basic care obligations for people in custody. The group did not take a vote on the proposed amendments. Instead, members agreed to continue the discussion, with the chair saying the reports, settlement tracker, 2010 MOA, and comparison guidelines would be distributed and used as the basis for future work. In the final discussion on work-plan priorities, members identified staffing shortages, physical plant limitations, and the need to examine humane alternatives and implementation challenges as key topics for upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe in many instances many of our really well-run county jails across our state and municipal jails
• And most importantly, I think one of the safeguards is being inside of a jail.
• So I do believe that the jail facilities across our state can do a really good job.
• And most importantly, I think one of the safeguards is being inside of a jail.
• And most importantly, I think one of the safeguards is being inside of a jail.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 248 by Assemblymember Bryan. and others, an act relating to jails.
• people in those jails are still pre-trial and haven't been convicted of any wrongdoing.
• I represent 11 counties that have nine county jails and a transitional holding.
• My county jails are outdated, undersized, and at full capacity.
• Our jails are struggling, but also there's an opportunity for this to be part of rehabilitation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent nearly a year in county jails with very little contact with my son.
• I was 2 years old when my mom went to jail. That's when I went to live with my grandparents.
• I spent nearly a year in county jails I spent nearly a year in county jails with<00:08:35.120>
• . jail. jail.
• Jail was not the solution. Treatment was.

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:00 - Discussion of 26RS SJR 54 03:23 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SJR 54 04:48 - Discussion of 26RS SB 122 17:08 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS SB 122 21:30 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's just a sensational statement because a person in jail for a homicide is simply not going to be
• That's just a sensational statement because a person in jail for a homicide is simply not going to be
• That's just a sensational statement because a person in jail for a homicide is simply not going to be
• That's just a sensational statement because a person in jail for a homicide is simply not going to be
• That's just a sensational statement because a person in jail for a homicide is simply not going to be

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Put simply, jails are for the temporary detention of people suspected of a crime.
• > are<00:59:27.960> at, counties in which those jails are at, counties in which those jails
• or city jails, where do you think that arrest would have ended up?
• <01:26:17.040> do<01:26:17.200> you<01:26:17.320> think jails or city jails,
• where do you think jails or city jails, where do you think that<01:26:18.160> arrest<01:26:18.640

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The court can give up to a year of jail, and when I say jail, I'm talking about O.C.
• Jail and prison are different.
• The court can give up to a year of jail, and when I say jail, I'm talking about O.C.
• Jail and prison are different.
• A year of jail, and when I say jail, I'm talking about O.C. Jail and prison are different.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• An individual is arrested, either serves no jail time or a very limited jail time, and then is back on
• As a result of that abuse, I found myself in institutions, jails, and homelessness.
• As a result of that abuse, I found myself in institutions, jails, and homelessness.
• You referenced a program you worked with at the Sullivan County Jail.
• It actually was the first inpatient treatment program within a jail in the state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That concerns me a little bit because my past experience in the county jails we...
• Past experience in the county jails, we certainly like to keep all the state inmates out of county jails
• hope that doesn't affect it, because we probably have maybe 100 to 125 state inmates in the county jail
• . 125 state inmates in the county jail ready to be picked up now.
• until the snow... county jail until the snow thawed.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was abused, put in jail, beaten up, and while he was in jail, he was raped.
• He was in jail for almost a year, for two, almost 21 days.
• He was in jail, and they didn't let me get him out.
• of course, in jail, they get raped.
• It was 98% of them were out of jail. Out of jail? Yes, sir. No recidivism? Not that I'm aware of.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was primarily in local jails where they don't have the facilities.
• It was primarily in local jails where they don't have the facilities.
• What the bill does is take women that are brought into custody in the local jails.
• , you oversaw the jail.
• In your situation, how many inmates would you have had in that jail typically?

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 12 and took up a series of bills, mostly on juvenile justice, gaming-related background checks, bail/electronic bonds, and corrections policy. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably SB 258 on juvenile traffic violations, SB 321 on electronic bonds, SB 134 on limiting certain child sexual abuse material offenses for juveniles under 17 in specific circumstances, HB 75 on promotional play for racetracks as amended, and SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain fourth-offense impaired driving cases. Later, the committee also advanced SB 440 on the Renaissance District board membership, SB 393 on explosives regulation, SB 487 on charitable gaming rental arrangements, SB 339 and SB 288 on criminal background check procedures in the gaming and related regulatory systems, and SB 325 on excluding certain persons from sports wagering. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 201, which would change juvenile homicide sentencing procedures, including first- and second-degree murder cases, and how reviewing courts consider parole eligibility and prior death sentences converted to life. Supporters said the bill aligns sentencing with existing Supreme Court precedent and gives courts clearer guidance; opponents from children’s rights and civil liberties groups argued it weakens the “rarest and uncommon” safeguard for juvenile life-without-parole sentences and could expand harsh sentencing beyond constitutional limits. After debate and testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and reported SB 201 favorably by a 7-3 vote, with Representatives Adams, Knox, Moore, and others voting no. The committee also heard SB 523 on clemency and sentencing considerations for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Survivors’ advocates and domestic violence organizations supported the bill’s overall purpose but objected to the mandatory pre-sentence investigation language, warning it could introduce biased information and harm survivors; the Board of Pardons and Parole said its staff and trauma-informed victim assistance coordinators are trained to handle these cases. The committee adopted an amendment narrowing the bill and then reported SB 523 favorably. Finally, SB 320 on DNA detection and crime lab reporting was advanced without opposition, and SB 470 on pregnant women in custody passed after testimony from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association and discussion of pregnancy testing, bonding options, and prohibiting shackling during delivery and postpartum periods.

Transcript Highlights:

• as defined by Family Code, and intentionally covering up child abuse under this section is a state jail
• Intentionally covering up child abuse under this section is a state jail felony.
• back to Dallas for the blood draw, and then return them back to Tarrant County Jail.
• The Addison Police Department does not currently have our own city jail.
• Instead, we contract with a city in northern Tarrant County, ...currently have our own city jail.

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• ends up going to state jail.
• It says to the county jails.
• So we have veterans that end up in our county jails.
• Uh, with the support of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, who oversees the functions of the jails
• If I bring this card to your jail and I don't tell you. At intake.

Transcript Highlights:

• in your local jail facility. in your local jail facility.
• Mary's County jail, picked up for a St.
• Do they have to go back to jail and be held for 48 hours before they're..."
• I wasn't sure on that. leave the jail if they're not being leave the jail if they're not being held?
• jails and prisons. jails and prisons. Same<03:02:20.920> question. Same question.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in session, opened with a prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then moved through a long series of concurrence items and committee reports. Early on, the House rejected Senate amendments to House Bills 14 and 573 and sent messages asking the Senate to recede or appoint conference committees. It also entered conference on House Bill 907 (third degree assault) and on several other measures where the chambers disagreed, including Senate Bill 233 (cemeteries) and Senate Bill 626 (sex designation on birth certificates and IDs). House Bill 501, dealing with sexual offenses by a person in a position of authority, was concurred in and passed unanimously. The House then took up a large concurrence calendar and passed a number of bills with Senate amendments, including House Bill 613 on living shoreline waivers, House Bill 315 on income-based housing subsidies, House Bill 548 on development rights and the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, House Bill 571 on nonprofit housing corporation tax exemptions, House Bill 895 on predatory pricing and protected class data, House Bill 1430 on charter school facilities funding, House Bill 1076 on over-the-counter contraception access and reporting, House Bill 624 on hospital staffing committees and plans, House Bill 811 on aging-in-place and multi-generational third places, House Bill 939 on birth certificate filing time periods, House Bill 1151 on a Medicaid hospice reimbursement study, House Bill 1367 on the Commission on Reimagining Healthcare in Maryland, House Bill 828 on State Board of Education membership, House Bill 130 on deed fraud, House Bill 281 on child care provider background checks, House Bill 963 on appointment of personal representatives, House Bill 1326 on child abuse and neglect records, and House Bill 525 on phone-free schools. Several of these were briefly explained on the floor, including changes to shoreline waiver timing, housing and tax provisions, contraceptive access concerns, hospital staffing protections, and the school phone policy’s exemptions. The chamber also received committee reports that advanced additional bills for third reading, including House Bill 1020 and Senate Bill 654 on the State Police Retirement System mandatory retirement age, Senate Bill 877 on Baltimore City stop sign monitoring systems, Senate Bill 940 on water quality testing, House Bill 44 on plain-language ballot questions, Senate Bill 215 on the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, Senate Bill 627 designating Korean American Day, and Senate Bill 634 on county discrimination complaints. No final votes were taken on those reported bills in the portion provided; the report simply adopted favorable reports and ordered the bills printed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• So even if you go to jail, we want feet.
• Um, and if we can get everybody to jail.
• You could some chance of avoiding jail.
• If they take a plea they'll get jail.
• That is not sitting in a jail cell.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Really strong alignment and partnerships with our jails around medication-assisted therapies for those
• The jail is not a psychiatric hospital. Isolation is not treatment.
• In the state hospital on a rapid aid and assist admission because he ended up in jail yet again.
• We should not accept a system where jail becomes the default response to severe mental illness.
• We should not accept a system where jail becomes the default response to severe mental illness.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The joint Senate and House Behavioral Health committee met for informational presentations on the Oregon State Hospital and civil commitment, followed by a planned tour of the hospital. Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State Hospital leaders reported that Sean Murphy will become the next permanent superintendent on July 13, with Sarah Castle to follow as permanent chief nursing officer on July 20. They described recent leadership turnover, a major organizational restructure, and efforts to build a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability. Officials said the hospital regained Joint Commission accreditation and CMS compliance, and they highlighted daily safety huddles, incident review processes, stronger escalation procedures, and improved management of seclusion and restraint. Committee members pressed hospital leaders on past prolonged seclusion practices, falls, staffing, and the need for better public reporting; OHA said it is building a public dashboard of key safety and workforce metrics. The committee then heard a civil commitment overview from the Oregon Judicial Department. The presenter explained that civil commitment is a separate legal process from criminal cases, usually beginning with a hospital hold, investigation, court review, appointed counsel, and a hearing within five days. She summarized changes made in House Bill 2005, including revised standards for danger to self, danger to others, and basic-needs commitments, plus a second 14-day diversion option. She cautioned that the new law has only been in effect since January and that it is too early to draw firm conclusions from the data, though there has been a recent uptick in commitments and a decrease in diversions. Testimony from NAMI Oregon and a forensic psychiatrist emphasized that Oregon still relies too heavily on jails and state hospitals because community services, housing, and outpatient supports are insufficient. They argued that the state needs more less-restrictive alternatives, including better use of assisted outpatient treatment or outpatient civil commitment, and more supported housing so people do not cycle between homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. A family member described a relative remaining psychotic in jail for more than 120 days before ending up back at the state hospital, urging faster intervention and better collaboration among courts, counties, hospitals, and state agencies. Committee members and witnesses also discussed workforce shortages, the expansion of secure residential treatment beds, and the need for broader system reforms beyond the hospital itself.