Transcript Highlights:

• Also, Danielle Shivers, from the Volusia Sheriff's Office, is speaking for the bill.
• Libby Gousseau from the Attorney General's Office is also waving in support.
• When applying to be a police officer, you are psychologically evaluated.
• When applying to be a police officer, you are psychologically evaluated.
• Applying to be a correctional officer requires neither.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• No prosecutor will be satisfied with this language. I doubt Ms.
• I'd be surprised. the ability of prosecutors to actually prosecute and punish individuals who purchase
• No prosecutor will be satisfied with this language. I doubt Ms.
• We have the original bill created and drafted by an experienced prosecutor, a U.S. prosecutor who knows
• we hear all the time from our colleagues on their side, to give those prosecutors that discretion.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds. Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected. After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nine district offices ... ...vacant. That is a 33% vacancy rate.
• Nine district offices are operating at 50% capacity or worse.
• I really don't think the employers are worried about the workload of public prosecutors.
• I really don't think the employers are worried about the workload of public prosecutors.
• So local prosecutors also make sense. So I am happy to support this bill. Thank you.

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• It also states that for the purpose of the section, a peace officer will include a tribal police officer
• comes and so... ...or taking care of, the tribal police have to wait until a county officer comes.
• , and the county prosecutor...
• , and the county prosecutor...
• It has to go to the local county prosecutor, and the county prosecutors sometimes are overwhelmed with

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I was sitting in my office one day.
• My only concern here, and I like the concept of it, I'm in favor of protecting judicial officers, prosecutors
• My concern... ...judicial officers, prosecutors, all of that.
• Okay, so you threaten a judicial officer. So that could mean that after court, somebody's upset.
• They see a judge, they see a prosecutor, and they say, you know, 'I'm going to...

Committees: House Judiciary , House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• Officers do not know that.
• But the issue brought the other law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor
• But the issue brought the other law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor
• Law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor, who are aware of these cases
• She was running for office.

Bills: S0132 , S0418 , S0442 , S0646 , S0748 , S1326 , S1332 , S1660 , S1734 , S1742 , S1750

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646, allowing the use of drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants, was presented as a harm-reduction measure and reported favorably after supportive testimony from advocates and criminal defense groups. SB 442, extending the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, also passed unanimously amid testimony from prosecutors and law enforcement about encryption, backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence. SB 418, creating autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops and other encounters, was reported favorably with support from police, disability advocates, and families. SB 132, creating a public database to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights, and SB 748, requiring notice of voting-rights restoration information on sentencing score sheets, both passed with broad support from voting-rights and criminal defense advocates. The committee also approved SB 1734, recognizing juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under Florida law and extending related training and benefits, and SB 1660, designating June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month. SB 1742, which repealed the existing “unnatural and lascivious acts” statute and created a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, was amended with a delete-all amendment and then reported favorably. SB 1750, a major overhaul of career offender registration requirements, was later reconsidered after a bill-number mix-up and then reported favorably as SB 1332, with FDLE and sheriff’s association support. The most contentious measure was SB 1326, which would eliminate the traditional insanity defense and replace it with a lack-of-culpable-mental-state defense, require malingering assessments in competency evaluations, and limit downward departures based on mental illness. Criminal defense attorneys and disability advocates argued it lacked a treatment component, raised scientific and cost concerns, and could worsen public safety by sending mentally ill defendants to prison without adequate care. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office, argued it would close gaps and better protect the public. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote, with several members voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on some bills, and Senator Pizzo moved for reconsideration of SB 1326 for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• More than 20 states have already implemented these offices.
• This office has been...
• Some of them live within different offices. Some of them live within the governor's office.
• And very frankly, it's very hard for prosecutors sometimes, too. On a prosecutor.
• All that really does is lead prosecutors... Thank you.

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• So experts in that field would be somebody from the prosecutor's office, somebody—or a prosecutor with
• So that's paramedics and EMTs, law enforcement, juvenile officers, social workers, and prosecutors.
• Officers within the office, the chief of police, they all scanned his phone.
• I ran, I think we need to loop in the prosecutors.
• I think we just want to work with the prosecutors.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• Our department is Prosecutor's Office.
• compromised even though they're not the undercover officer.
• prosecutors are in each county.
• all prosecutors are in each<01:01:24.280><c> county.
• So, we can add deputy prosecutors<01:02:17.440><c> and</c> prosecutors and prosecutors and I<01:02:18.600

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for many years as a prosecutor for many years as a prosecutor specializing<00:20:32.560><c> in</
• So, peace officer stops does a traffic stop, common situation.
• </c><00:31:33.200><c> I'm</c> our law enforcement officers. I'm our law enforcement officers.
• It's not my experience as a prosecutor, both in Hennepin County and at the Attorney General's office
• ><00:58:04.240><c> General's</c><00:58:04.640><c> office</c> at the Attorney General's office at the

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and we are a small office liaison office and we are a small office within<00:07:00.080><c> the</c><00
• Have you found in courts... prosecutor. I submitted a written prosecutor.
• And in Coos County, the prosecutor up there, actually two prosecutors in Coos County filled me in on
• </c><00:20:07.520><c> up</c> um in Kowas County, the prosecutor up um in Kowas County, the prosecutor
• </c><01:04:03.920><c> A</c> Some operate in office buildings. A Some operate in office buildings.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> agency that employs an a public officer agency that employs an a public officer or<00:09:20.520>
• :21.800><c> in</c><00:09:22.240><c> Wyoming</c> or peace officer as defined in Wyoming or peace officer
• or peace officers the public officers or peace officers conduct<00:09:39.040><c> in</c><00:09:39.160
• </c> people putting them into office people putting them into office buildings<00:35:51.040><c> and</
• </c> clients to use to pay me in my office. clients to use to pay me in my office.

Bills: HB0098 , HB0075 , HB0041 , HB0101

Committee: House Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• Correctional officer staffing today stands at 80.2% field of our correctional. officer ranks.
• offices in Texas today.
• Reno Cassius couple of questions you mentioned You could be, your office could be designated as a prosecutor
• as the prosecutor pro tem.
• You are the prosecutor on the case and there's a wall between y'all and the office.

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• This individual was also terminated and referred the case to the Plasky County Prosecutor's Office.
• I mean, we referred it to the prosecutor and also the FBI. The state would.
• I mean, we referred it to the prosecutor and also the FBI was investigating.
• Clay Cawley Cawsey, Chief Information Officer, Department of Corrections.
• Okay, so Chief Information Officer, you're probably the guy that I need to direct this at.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection. For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation. For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• BEFORE THE COMMITTEE SHOULD COMPLETE AN APPEARANCE FORM AND HAND IT TO A MEMBER OF THE SERGEANTS OFFICE
• WE WORK WITH THE PALM BEACH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, INDIAN RIVER SHERIFFS, PASCO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND
• I'M BEGINNING WITH THE PHRASE I ADOPTED FROM CAPTAIN VANCE FROM THE LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
• CHIEF FROM THE JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF'S OFFICE EXPLAINED THIS WELL.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT TIMES ARE LIMITED AND SO ARE PROSECUTORS.

Transcript Highlights:

• officers officers in<00:17:16.480><c> this</c><00:17:16.680><c> exhibit</c><00:17:17.199><c> here</c
• </c><00:27:05.520><c> in</c> a big boost in deal care officers in a big boost in deal care officers in
• , we want them to give deal care officers, we want them to give the<00:27:26.400><c> tickets.
• ,</c> Maui do in terms of prosecutors, Maui do in terms of prosecutors, community<00:44:30.320><c> members
• But also for the prosecutor on Maui, it.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 11, urging Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, drew support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and Pride at Work Hawaii, both of which backed the measure as a statement of equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ people. A member also reminded testifiers to keep signs and statements relevant to the measure. SCR 22, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Ahu and Aliʻa, had no testimony. SCR 58, calling for a progressive enforcement framework for parking violations in DLNR boating and ocean recreation lots, drew strong support from multiple testifiers who argued that towing is overly punitive, costly, and unfair to beach and harbor users; they favored warnings or smaller citations instead of towing and raised concerns about signage, contract oversight, and the cost of proposed enforcement technology. One member asked about whether DLNR could use HPD or other officers for citations, and the discussion focused on staffing and enforcement authority. The committee then heard SCR 60 SD1, requesting an update on the “Breaking Cycles” study on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was not present, but the Corrections Reform Working Group strongly supported the resolution, saying the study reflects extensive community outreach and should not be shelved. Testifiers urged the committee to use the report to examine alternatives to a new jail, including diversion, pre-trial reform, probation reform, and renovations to existing facilities, and one testifier suggested amendments to add experts in those areas and technical assistance from the Prison Policy Initiative. Another testifier described Maui’s use of wraparound reentry services, prosecutorial discretion, and programming as an example of reducing incarceration without expanding jail capacity. SCR 184, asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine anti-discrimination laws as applied to algorithmic and automated decision systems, had no in-person testimony, with the chair noting one support and one comment submitted. The final measure, SCR 89 SD1, which would create an advisory committee under the Hawaii correctional system oversight commission to develop recommendations on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu, also had no testimony from the department, but the Corrections Reform Working Group supported it as a way to ensure community input into jail planning. A later testifier echoed concerns about building a large new jail and urged the committee to consider alternatives to incarceration and to include people with expertise in diversion, pre-trial reform, and probation reform. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just text, say, 'I have this issue,' or make an appointment at my office or just grab me in the hallway
• He said the bill would give the officer the opportunity to cite someone for reckless driving in those
• Representative Hall asked whether the officer still has discretion not to cite reckless driving or to
• It is a tool prosecutors and judges can use at their discretion.
• I mean, a police officer couldn't really question their religion or why they were wearing it.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• And I, I appreciate him working with my office to try to do that.
• Before that, I was a prosecutor.
• DA And I find the prosecutors to be way more reasonable now.
• We represent 28,000 law enforcement officers across the state.
• Our officers are the face of the justice system, and our officers, as well as the community must feel

Bills: HB268 , HB305 , HB307 , HB380 , HB548 , HB727 , HB268 , HB305 , HB307

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: false reporting, emergency response, criminal penalties, restitution, public safety, penalties, emergency services, public institutions, false reports, criminal penalty, pretrial hearings, criminal competency, legal process, court timelines, restoration of competency, fines, community service, credit, criminal justice, defendants

Transcript Highlights:

• Officers do not know that.
• But the issue brought the other law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor
• But the issue brought the other law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor
• Law enforcement officers together, prosecutors, myself, former prosecutor, who are aware of these cases
• She was running for office.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard and approved several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646 would allow drug-testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect adulterants in drugs; it passed unanimously after testimony from the sponsor and supporters describing overdose deaths and the value of early warning. SB 442 would extend the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, with prosecutors and law enforcement supporting the change because of encryption, device backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence; it also passed unanimously. SB 418 would require autism-related law enforcement training and create a Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it passed unanimously after supportive testimony from law enforcement and disability advocates. SB 132 would create a statewide database and instructions to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights; it passed unanimously, with discussion about simplifying access to records and eligibility information. SB 748 would require sentencing score sheets to include notice about voting-rights restoration and ensure defendants receive a copy; it passed unanimously. SB 1734 would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extend related training, certification, and benefits; it passed unanimously. SB 1660 would designate June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month; it passed unanimously. SB 1742, as amended by a delete-all amendment, would replace an older offense with a new crime of indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor; the amendment and bill passed unanimously. SB 1750 would expand and tighten career offender registration requirements, and SB 1332, a similar career-offender registration bill later corrected on the agenda, also passed unanimously after a question about empirical evidence for registry effectiveness. Both bills were supported by FDLE and sheriffs' groups. The most extensive debate centered on SB 1326, which would eliminate Florida’s traditional insanity defense and replace it with a defense based on lack of culpable mental state caused by mental disease or defect, while also changing competency and sentencing provisions. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the public from violent offenders with serious mental illness and to close gaps that can leave dangerous people under-supervised. Opponents, including criminal defense advocates and some senators, warned that the bill could leave acquitted defendants without treatment, reduce judicial discretion, raise reliability and cost concerns over malingering assessments, and potentially worsen public safety by pushing more mentally ill people into prison without adequate care. Despite those objections, the bill passed on a divided vote. Near the end of the meeting, the chair also corrected an earlier mix-up and moved SB 1750 to the next committee hearing after a motion to reconsider, while SB 1332 was taken up and reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• small offices.
• One office had funding approved, not yet allocated.
• Zero offices had funding approved and allocated.
• Zero offices had funding approved and allocated.
• The state also contributes almost nothing to prosecutors' offices and the courts.

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Summary: The committee heard a series of updates on behavioral health, criminal justice, and public defense issues. Tisha Kirshbaum of the Health Care Authority reported that assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) has expanded from two counties to eight, with a ninth coming soon, and described AOT as a court-ordered, least-restrictive outpatient treatment model that depends on coordination among courts, counties, and treatment providers. She also reviewed Joel’s Law, which allows family members, guardians, conservators, or tribes to petition for involuntary detention when they disagree with a crisis responder’s decision, and judges from Snohomish and Chelan counties said petitions have increased significantly, though follow-through beyond initial detention is limited and the process remains fragmented. Committee members raised concerns about inconsistent standards, bed shortages, and the difficulty of aligning courts, law enforcement, and treatment systems. The Attorney General’s office then updated the committee on the hate crimes and bias incidents hotline created by SB 5427. Minna El-Gamel said the hotline began a pilot in King, Clark, and Spokane counties in July 2025, with a statewide launch planned for 2027, and that an advisory committee helped design referral processes, intake questions, outreach materials, and the hotline’s branding. In the first five months, the hotline received 301 reports, with about 42% requesting follow-up and only about a quarter of those seeking law enforcement referral; most callers instead wanted services such as counseling, housing, or other support. She said common challenges include public confusion about hate crimes versus bias incidents, limited law enforcement bias-response capacity, and gaps in pro bono legal services. Roger Rogoff of the Office of Independent Investigations reported that the agency has grown to 66 employees, including 31 investigators, and has completed six fatal police use-of-force investigations while maintaining family, community, and tribal liaisons. He said the office is now handling only fatality cases, has opened one region of the state, and plans to announce another regional opening and a statewide roadmap, but will need additional investigators to expand further, especially east of the Cascades. He also said the office has reviewed 29 requests to reinvestigate prior cases, but those reviews are time-intensive and require new evidence. The final major topic was public defense caseload standards and the related Blake resentencing work. OPD’s Grace O’Connor said resentencings under State v. Blake are nearly complete, but thousands of vacates remain, and funding reductions in the next biennium would force OPD to scale back direct representation. Tara Nevitt of the Washington State Bar Association and Jason Schwartz of the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense said the new caseload standards reflect modern practice but will require more attorneys, support staff, and technology, while Cindy Aaron Zelsbury of the Washington Defender Association reported that most counties cite lack of funding as the main barrier and that attorney attrition remains high. County and city representatives argued the standards amount to an unfunded mandate that could force dismissals or releases when counsel is unavailable, and they urged substantial state funding to avoid what they described as a public safety crisis.