Transcript Highlights:

• Survivor and victim voice on this commission are few.
• Survivor and victim voice on this commission are few.
• Before you now is Senate Bill 6017, relating to supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered
• Normally, victims aren't allowed to make a motion in front of the court.
• I really appreciate... victims to make that request.

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee first heard testimony on four gubernatorial appointments to the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Kristen Ferreira, a Chelan County Superior Court judge, said she would bring a rural court perspective; Lisa Mannion, the King County Prosecuting Attorney, emphasized fairness, equity, victim input, and modernization of sentencing grids, and answered a question about her gun responsibility advocacy by saying responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights can coexist. Kate Bedward, an appellate public defender with experience in tribal and other defense systems, said she wanted to help evaluate whether the sentencing scheme is meeting Washington’s goals. Rochelle Cleland, seeking renewal in the survivor/lived-experience seat, stressed the importance of survivor and victim voices and criticized the commission for leaving the victim advocate seat vacant and for how it handled a recent vote. The chair said the committee would take executive action on the appointments the following Tuesday. In executive session, the committee reviewed and amended several bills. SB 5906, concerning data and personal safety protections in public accommodations, was amended with a substitute and an amendment requiring notification of union representatives when certain early learning or school employees are subject to immigration enforcement; it received a due pass recommendation. SJM 8014, requesting an investigation into the killing of Aishanor Eski Aege, was amended for more neutral language and also received a due pass recommendation, with members noting the emotionally charged nature of the memorial. SB 6087, expanding liability protections for donations of baby items, and SB 5890, reclassifying certain high-speed driving conduct as negligent driving in the first degree, both advanced after substitutes/amendments were adopted. SB 6017, addressing victim- and witness-centered court procedures, advanced after the sponsor withdrew a proposed amendment for later floor work; members discussed trauma-informed protections and funding concerns. The committee also advanced SB 5520 on compensation for wrongly convicted persons after rejecting amendments that would have removed civil detention language and advance-payment provisions, with members debating the scope and fiscal impact of the bill. SB 6239, concerning arbitration for older tort claims, moved forward after extensive discussion about balancing survivor access to compensation with state and local fiscal concerns and sovereign immunity. SB 5886, expanding personality rights to forged digital likenesses, was advanced with a substitute combining it with related subject matter. Finally, SB 6190 on critical infrastructure protection and scrap metal records was amended to require photographs and database reporting for certain transactions and then received a due pass recommendation. The committee adjourned after sending the bills to the Rules Committee, subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the Crime Victims Compensation Program.
• Item Seven is the OAG's victim assistance grants.
• The funding comes from the victims of crime account and federal award money.
• The compensation to victims of crime has faced revenue shortfalls.
• We want the victims to have what they need. We want to fully fund it.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot give that money to the victim. The victim does not get that money back.
• It all comes back to the victim.
• They sent my victim an email.
• , they know enough to send their victims over state lines. their victims, they know enough to send their
• Victims are blamed for these crimes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several financial services bills, with the main focus on cryptocurrency kiosk regulation, financial literacy, and earned wage access. Legislators and witnesses described widespread crypto-related scams targeting older adults, often involving impersonation, urgency, spoofed phone numbers, and rapid transfers through kiosks that are difficult to trace or recover. Supporters of the kiosk bills said Massachusetts needs licensing, registration, transaction limits, warning notices, receipts, refund protections, and other safeguards; some also urged a “pause” or hold on transactions to give victims time to reconsider and allow law enforcement to intervene. The Attorney General’s office, AARP, local law enforcement, and several prosecutors and sheriffs backed the consumer-protection approach, while Bitcoin Depot supported a narrower regulatory framework but opposed low fee caps and strict daily limits, arguing they would function like a ban and reduce legitimate use. Witnesses from Waltham police, Middlesex and Essex County law enforcement, and the AG’s office said crypto scams are growing quickly, losses are often unrecoverable once funds move, and current tools are limited. They described cases involving elderly victims losing thousands of dollars, and said warnings alone are not enough because scammers keep victims on the phone and guide them through the process. Some witnesses said a temporary hold or refund mechanism has worked in at least one case, while others emphasized that transaction limits and visible disclosures could reduce harm even if they do not stop fraud entirely. The AG’s office also said it would submit written opposition to separate earned wage advance legislation, while DailyPay testified in support of that bill, saying earned wage access helps workers bridge short-term gaps without debt or credit reporting. The committee also heard support for mandatory financial literacy education from Representative Jim Hawkins, who said high school students need instruction on credit, debt, and inflation before they enter adulthood. In addition, the committee took testimony on litigation financing bills from insurance industry representatives, who argued for disclosure and regulation of predatory litigation lending and warned about foreign interference and reduced plaintiff recoveries. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; members asked questions throughout, and the chair noted the need to move testimony along because of time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fund offers relief, and many victims have no way to recover.
• We are seeking to add a new type of victim, and that's going to be K, a person who is a victim of crime
• a $1,000 remediation for that damage for that victim.
• So this is specific to our victim witness advocates to help the victims that we're serving in our prosecution
• to an individual being a victim of, and just their personal property... ...individual being a victim

Bills: AB58, AB275, SB46, SB457, SB465, AB320, AB344, AB381, AB541

Keywords: Nevada gaming, gaming regulation, sports pool, race book, interactive gaming, slot machines, restricted license, Gaming Control Board, Gaming Commission, game approval, administrative approval, service provider, cash access, wagering instruments, global risk management, information service, sports wagering, pari-mutuel wagering, casino regulation, gaming license

Transcript Highlights:

• Closure for victims and survivors.
• </c> sometimes those victims are children. sometimes those victims are children.
• First, victims of torture reasons.
• </c> Closure for victims and survivors. Closure for victims and survivors.
• </c> talk to the victims I've dealt with. talk to the victims I've dealt with.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 281 SD1, which would define and prohibit torture as a Class A felony. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, HPD investigators, and other supporters said the bill is needed because existing laws do not adequately capture torture, especially cases involving children and vulnerable persons. Several testifiers emphasized that starvation is a common method of torture that often leaves little visible evidence, and they urged the committee to restore the original starvation language removed from the measure. The Office of the Public Defender said it did not oppose the bill’s purpose but raised concerns that the language was too broad and could create trial issues, particularly around minors and vulnerable people, and suggested narrowing amendments. The chair indicated the testimony had made a strong impression and said the committee would try to move the bill forward. The committee then heard SB 292 SD1, relating to sexual exploitation and safe harbor protections for survivors seeking medical or law enforcement help. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the measure, noting that a prior version raised equal protection concerns that were no longer present, and said survivors should be able to seek help without fear of prosecution. Written support was also noted from several advocacy and state groups. Testimony in support focused on retaliation fears, trafficking, and the need for manpower and resources to address exploitation and related crimes. Finally, the committee took up SB 295 SD1, which would increase penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and treat a violation of one as a second offense for the other. The Public Defender’s Office objected to the mandatory jail component, arguing judges should retain discretion and that there was no clear evidence mandatory jail deters violations. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action or vote on SB 295 was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the frontline victim response.
• that have been victimized.
• He introduced a piece of legislation on victims' rights and victims' advocacy, and then he went home,
• victims to have their day in court.
• And many victims didn't even identify themselves as victims at first.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing several bills on public safety, parole, criminal justice oversight, Proposition 36 implementation, behavioral health, gang database reform, cargo theft, and nonconsensual intimate images. The chair explained hearing procedures and noted that SB 906 was pulled from the agenda. Several measures were heard but not voted on because quorum was lacking. SB 1446, a committee bill, would expand discretion in en banc parole review, make en banc votes public record, and allow CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluation of certain incarcerated people serving determinate or indeterminate terms. Support came from the California District Attorneys Association; opposition came from the Ella Baker Center, Uncommon Law, public defenders, and others who argued it would add confusion, litigation risk, and unnecessary duplication. The author said the bill was intended to clarify review standards and improve transparency. SB 1278 would exclude certain sex offenses and habitual/one-strike offenders from elderly parole eligibility. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office and California District Attorneys Association supported it, citing cases such as Gregory Vogelsang and David Funston; opponents from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and others argued elderly parole is already highly restrictive, evidence-based, and cost-effective. Vice Chair Seyarto strongly supported SB 1278, emphasizing victim justice and public safety. SB 1354 would bar out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission; a committee amendment removed a criminal penalty and left enforcement to the Attorney General. SB 926 would provide funding for Proposition 36 implementation, with committee amendments deleting a specific appropriation and shifting funding decisions to the budget process; supporters said counties need resources for treatment, probation, and administration, while opponents criticized the bill as fiscally reckless and duplicative. SB 874 would require background checks and clearer statewide standards for Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, especially ABA services for children; supporters said it would improve patient safety and program integrity. SB 1210 would extend CalGang-style oversight, notice, appeal, and DOJ regulation to all gang databases, not just shared ones; supporters described harms from inaccurate, unregulated local databases, while police chiefs opposed applying the CalGang framework to all local investigative files. The committee also heard SB 1019, which would create a DOJ cargo theft task force and add reporting requirements; supporters from BNSF, trucking, shipping, ports, and law enforcement said organized cargo theft is harming supply chains and worker safety, and no opposition was presented. Finally, SB 1217 would create a DOJ clearinghouse to help victims remove nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, from covered platforms; amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and clarified law enforcement’s role. The author and survivor witnesses described ongoing trauma from repeated reposting of exploitative images and argued the bill would provide a centralized removal process. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1217, with no final votes taken on the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It directly addresses victim restitution. This bill addresses victim restitution.
• victims.
• victims and what is mandated.
• more money now to pursue recovering victim funds than it is to actually receive victim funds.
• And third, we are victims as taxpayers.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ninety percent of the victims were exploited first as children.
• I am alive today because of crime victim services, two types of crime victim services: community-based
• And my victim advocate said two things that changed my mind.
• Thurston County is no longer able to provide any victim advocacy services to domestic violence victims
• Victims in the state have rights.

Summary: Sen. Manka Dhingra held a press conference focused on Washington’s ongoing efforts to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and other gender-based violence, while warning that state victim-services funding is at risk amid budget pressures. She highlighted past legislative actions such as extending sexual-assault statutes of limitation, keeping firearms from abusers, protecting survivors from discrimination, improving civil protection orders, and addressing female genital mutilation, and said the state must continue funding trauma-informed, victim-centered services. Several advocates and service providers testified that the system is at a breaking point without restored funding. Colleen McIngles of the Children’s Justice Center said programs statewide could close if the Legislature does not restore roughly $10 million in additional victim-services funding, while Kate Garvey of KSARC said $21.38 million is needed just to maintain current services after federal VOCA cuts and staff layoffs. They argued that losing forensic interviewers, advocates, and coordinated response teams would leave survivors without support and increase harm. Legislators also discussed several bills. Sen. T’wina Nobles described SB 5169, aimed at protecting children from having to relive trauma in court. Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Roger Goodman discussed HB 1591, which would address “defendant survivors” by recognizing coercion and allowing mitigation, resentencing, and vacatur in some cases. Rep. Chris Stearns and Sen. Tina Orwall discussed a bill to make court proceedings less retraumatizing for sexual-assault survivors and to address female genital mutilation, and Dhingra noted the Senate had unanimously passed the Ebony Alert bill. Rep. Lauren Davis shared her personal experience relying on victim services and said the state must fully fund both community-based and system-based advocacy. In response to a question, Dhingra said funding discussions were ongoing but emphasized the need to secure about $21.5 million for survivors and to create a more stable statutory funding mechanism.

Transcript Highlights:

• of rape you're a victims you're a victim of rape you're a victim<07:39:00.360><c> of</c><07:39:00.520
• </c> victim of being drugged you're a victim victim of being drugged you're a victim of<07:39:03.160>
• to real victims.
• /c><08:01:10.000><c> tonight</c><08:01:10.798><c> in</c> victims to the victims here tonight in victims
• ><c> the</c><08:01:12.200><c> victims</c> the gallery to the victims the gallery to the victims watching

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But right now we have a bill before us that will allow us to protect these victims that have been victimized
• He introduced a piece of legislation on victims' rights and victims' advocacy, and then he went home,
• And many victims didn't even identify themselves as victims at first because by the time we find them
• The victim can do that, but the victim needs to initiate that. Not us. Not the perpetrator.
• In 25 years, does the victim remember?

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing a long agenda of public safety bills. The chair announced recess and return times, noted several consent items, and said SB 906 was pulled from the agenda. Testimony procedures were explained, including limits on principal witnesses and public comment. Several bills were heard out of file order with authors presenting and witnesses speaking in support and opposition. SB 1446 would expand discretion in en banc parole review, make votes public, and allow CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluations in certain cases. Supporters, including the author and district attorneys, said it would improve transparency and public safety; opponents from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and public defender groups argued it would add confusion, litigation risk, and unnecessary duplication. The bill was not voted on because the committee still lacked a quorum. SB 1278 would exclude certain sex offenses and habitual or serial sexual offenses from elderly parole eligibility; the author and district attorneys cited recent releases of serious sex offenders and the need to respect victims and sentences, while opponents said the elderly parole process is already rigorous and evidence-based and that the bill would reduce rehabilitation incentives. The chair and other members strongly supported the measure, but no vote was taken. The committee also heard SB 1354, which would bar out-of-state military or law enforcement forces from entering California without the governor’s permission; the author and supporters framed it as a state sovereignty and constitutional authority measure, and the committee discussed an amendment removing a criminal penalty and leaving enforcement to the Attorney General. SB 926 would provide funding for implementation of Proposition 36; supporters said counties need resources for treatment, probation, and related services, while opponents called it fiscally reckless and said the budget process was the proper place to address funding. The chair summarized amendments removing a specific appropriation and limiting eligible recipients, and members emphasized that the voters approved Prop. 36 but it remains underfunded. SB 874 would require background checks and clearer oversight for Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment providers, especially ABA providers serving children; it drew support from health plans and behavior analysis groups and no opposition. SB 1210 would extend CalGang oversight and due process protections to all gang databases, including local ones; supporters described privacy harms and racial disparities, while police chiefs opposed applying CalGang rules to informal local investigative files. SB 1019 would create a DOJ cargo theft task force; supporters from BNSF, trucking, shipping, and port interests described organized theft, rail sabotage, and supply-chain losses, and there was no opposition. SB 1217, on non-consensual intimate image removal, was introduced with privacy and public safety amendments and framed as a survivor-driven effort to create a DOJ clearinghouse for rapid takedown requests; the author said it would help end ongoing digital harm from exploitation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies the application of existing privacy protections for victims.
• The victims had the right to conceal their identity from public records.
• It's run through the Attorney General, but only domestic violence victims can enroll.
• about the confidentiality of their records to victims of dating violence also.
• And that is the bill. ...the victims of dating violence also. That is the bill.

Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 350 on public records for crime victims. Senator Graal explained that the bill clarifies victim privacy protections under the Florida Constitution and extends temporary confidentiality to the identity of an officer involved in a use-of-force incident for 72 hours, with a possible 60-day extension by written agency findings. Supporters including Marcy’s Law representatives and the Florida PBA said the measure protects victims and officers while preserving public access, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 296 and SB 298, both by Senator Berman. SB 296, as amended, directs a feasibility study for a secure web-based silent alert system for domestic violence victims and expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. SB 298 similarly extends address confidentiality protections to dating violence victims. Both bills received supportive testimony from advocates, including survivors and organizations such as Florida NOW and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, and both were reported favorably. Members also approved SB 398, which replaces references to “child pornography” in Florida statutes with “child sexual abuse material,” and SB 168, which expands public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increases enforcement tools such as penalties, attorney fees, and foreclosure on unpaid fees. SB 54, as amended, was also reported favorably; the amendment broadened the bill’s scope from “mass shooter” to “violent offender,” clarified medical examiner duties, and added reporting requirements related to toxicology and psychotropic substances. The most debated measure was SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which would revise resistance-to-arrest provisions and add an automatic life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, but the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and some senators raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating language about unlawful arrests. After debate, the committee reported SB 156 favorably, with Vice Chair Smith voting no. Several other members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on multiple bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• No victim who chooses to tell their story or to speak up.
• Cindy of pursuing Robert, making Robert sound like the victim.
• So, needless to say, I was an easy victim for him.
• minor victims to sign NDAs.
• and with multiple victims after that.

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if this is the real issue, classifying people who technically do not have victims, who are victims
• other individuals, not physical victims.
• That's how I see victims, because victim rights is always at the top of my list before anybody else.
• So I understand the victim thing, and you already know, I usually, when it has to do with victims, I
• input and allows the victim feedback to be conducted, so a victim could say, no, I don't agree.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills focused on criminal justice, public safety, firearms, immigration-related enforcement, and victims’ rights. SB 1170 would enhance sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to a minor when the drug sale contributed to the minor’s death; supporters, including grieving parents, argued it would hold dealers accountable, while opponents warned it would remove judicial discretion and increase prison terms for people with addiction. The committee also approved SB 1012, which narrows a restaurant-related concealed-carry restriction for properly permitted handgun holders in certain Series 12 restaurants; supporters framed it as a limited correction, while beverage industry representatives said it overrides property rights and creates confusion. SB 1511, requiring proof of lawful status for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and allowing citations and possible impoundment, also received a do-pass recommendation after emotional testimony about trucking-related fatalities. The committee then took up a strike-everything amendment to SB 1100 creating an Arizona registration and disclosure system for lobbying on behalf of foreign adversary principals, with the Department of Homeland Security supporting the measure and civil rights advocates objecting that it could stigmatize people based on origin rather than conduct. SB 1004, dealing with GPS monitoring for homeless registered sex offenders, was amended to remove DPS as the monitoring agency and passed despite concerns about overcriminalization and loss of judicial discretion. SB 1213, which would bar probation for people unlawfully present in the U.S. and require ICE notification, passed over objections that it conflicts with existing probation statutes and raises constitutional concerns. SB 1402, requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, also passed, with opponents arguing courts already have discretion and should consider ability to pay. The committee next approved SB 1709, which mandates re-arrest, probation revocation, and consecutive prison terms for adults on probation for dangerous crimes against children who commit new offenses or violate probation; supporters said it was needed to protect children, while opponents said it strips judges of discretion and can punish technical violations too harshly. SB 1413, removing a $100,000 cap on restitution for serious injury or death caused by moving violations, passed after the county attorney’s office said the cap had already been found unconstitutional. SB 1416, updating missing-child notification procedures and requiring faster photo and media dissemination, passed unanimously after testimony from missing-child advocates. Finally, SB 1725, creating a civil and petty-offense remedy for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property, passed after debate over private-property rights, medical marijuana protections, local control, and possible conflict with the Voter Protection Act; the committee also heard SB 1723, a domestic-violence-related bill expanding protective-order, bail, and parenting-time considerations, but the transcript cuts off before action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if this is the real issue, classifying people who technically do not have victims, who are victims
• other individuals, not physical victims.
• That's how I see victims, because victim rights is always at the top of my list before anybody else.
• So I understand the victim thing, and you already know, I usually, when it has to do with victims, I
• input and allows the victim feedback to be conducted, so a victim could say no, I don't agree.

Bills: SB1004, SB1012, SB1100, SB1110, SB1170, SB1213, SB1317, SB1402, SB1413, SB1416, SB1476, SB1511, SB1573, SB1655, SB1656, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SCR1040

Keywords: sex offender registration, sex offender registry, A.R.S. 13-3821, sexual offenses, public safety, GPS monitoring, electronic monitoring, transient offender, homeless registrant, online identifiers, internet identifiers, sheriff notification, Department of Public Safety, DPS, DNA collection, juvenile adjudication, kidnapping of a minor, unlawful imprisonment of a minor, lifetime registration, community notification

Transcript Highlights:

• Restitution can be made to individual victims.
• And we are finding that it happens in a particular set of victims in Minnesota.
• The particular set of victims in Minnesota has been primarily older Minnesotans.
• </c><00:13:45.680><c> in</c> the particular set of victims in the particular set of victims in Minnesota
• , according to how the court judges it, but often the victims are just left with nothing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Multiple victims have required therapy and victim services.
• Victims include both the individuals whose images are manipulated and all of the victims of child sexual
• And I can't stress this one enough: our victim-centered response, utilizing our victim service unit,
• And so someone who's a victim who later becomes a defendant... ...just like no two victims are alike.
• The victims are being taught how to be happy.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the transfer to the Minnesota victims of crime account.
• I'm here today on behalf of all six crime victims coalitions.
• And now, Minnesota crime victim services are facing a 20% cut in funding.
• </c> victim services are not optional. victim services are not optional.
• Um I would say for the victim &gt;&gt; Thank you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 1082 as a vehicle for the public safety finance bill and laid it over without taking official action. Staff walked through the DE6 amendment, which combines funding and policy provisions from several bills. The spreadsheet and bill summary showed appropriations for non-fatal shooting clearance grants, a domestic violence task force, a first responder uniform ID task force, and an increase to the Philando Castile training reimbursement fund, along with felony-related policy changes involving impersonating a police officer, medical facility security, theft from a vulnerable adult, and grooming offenses. The amendment also includes a $12 million transfer to the Minnesota victims of crime account, bringing the DE6 total to about $15.443 million for the biennium, with additional tail costs. Testimony focused heavily on the need to stabilize crime victim services funding. Katie Kramer of Violence Free Minnesota, speaking for multiple crime victims coalitions, urged support for the $12 million transfer, warning that flat funding and inflation have already forced program cuts, staff reductions, and service limits, and that a 20% cut could eliminate programs in rural areas. Tina Bronson of Alexandra House gave a similar account, describing how years of flat funding had reduced staff and programs and saying another cut would mean fewer advocates, longer waits, and less access for survivors. Both witnesses argued that victim services are an essential part of public safety and asked lawmakers to maintain existing services rather than expand them. In member discussion, the chair said the $12 million was intended as one-time funding to keep victim services at roughly prior-year levels and explained that the money would be distributed through the existing competitive grant process. A member asked about the grooming language and whether it could affect teenage relationships; nonpartisan staff clarified that the school-related offense applies only when there is a position of authority, and that existing criminal sexual conduct law already addresses age-differential situations. Members and the chair closed by describing the package as bipartisan and expressing appreciation for the committee’s work, with the chair noting the bill was being laid over for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Multiple victims have required therapy and victim services.
• Victims include both the individuals whose images are manipulated and all of the victims of child sexual
• And I can't stress this one enough: our victim-centered response, utilizing our victim service unit,
• And I can't stress this one enough, our victim center response of utilizing our victim service unit,
• And so someone who's a victim who later becomes a defendant... ...just like no two victims are alike.

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• So victim engagement, what is a primary concern for a lot of victims?
• So in 20 So at cell block, no victim advocacy, no So at cell block, no victim advocacy, no victim<01:
• </c> may or may not have victim engagement. may or may not have victim engagement.
• /c><01:41:52.719><c> witness</c> victim though although victim witness victim though although victim
• </c> victims through the civil process. victims through the civil process.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is difficult for victims to hide or escape, just like Mary, but this bill may help victims do just
• It is difficult for victims to hide or escape, just like Mary, but this bill may help victims do just
• It protects victims like me and future victims, so please support this bill.
• we hope are never victims.
• would be an app that the victims could actually download on their phone, which would create victim communication

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and reported several of them favorably, often after brief sponsor presentations, supportive public testimony, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early measures included PCS for CSHB 1069 on background screenings for athletic coaches and qualified entities, CS/HB 365 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and CS/HB 269 plus its linked public-records bill CS/SB 298 on domestic violence and dating violence. The domestic violence package focused on using NG-911 technology for discreet help-seeking, expanding protections to dating violence victims, and preserving confidentiality for participants in related programs. The committee also approved HB 6507, a claims bill for injuries involving DCF negligence, after limited discussion. Members then considered PCS for CSHB 1159, which increases penalties and updates terminology for sexual offenses involving minors, child sexual abuse material, and related crimes. The bill was amended to replace “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” and to address childlike sex dolls, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard CS/HB 529 on community-based care lead agency and subcontractor liability insurance. That bill would remove a statutory liability-insurance requirement for certain child welfare providers amid an insurance market crisis; it drew extensive debate, with supporters saying it would prevent agencies from shutting down and opponents warning it would reduce accountability and leave children vulnerable. It passed 15-4 as amended. The committee next approved PCS for CSHB 277 on domestic violence and protective injunctions. The bill creates a Pinellas County pilot for electronic monitoring with victim notification, raises the victim relocation allowance, strengthens penalties for repeat injunction violations, and adds protections involving military orders and pets. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from survivors, and the bill passed 18-0 as amended. CS/HB 1009 on government publication of advertisements and public notices also passed, after an amendment requiring notices to remain publicly accessible; newspapers and press groups opposed it, arguing it would fragment access to notices, while the sponsor said it modernizes outdated posting rules. Finally, the committee heard PCS for CSHB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations, which would create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and bar public support for them; the bill drew sharp constitutional objections from civil liberties, press, labor, and advocacy groups over due process, free speech, and viewpoint discrimination concerns.