Video & Transcript Research : 'sentencing guidelines'
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LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives May 19th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 201 by Senator Morris, code of criminal procedure relative to juvenile sentencing. Rep.
- ; exceptions; sentencing; departing; determining suspension of sentence or probation.
- , exceptions, sentencing guidelines, suspension of sentence, or probation.
- It talks about sentencing guidelines and mitigating circumstances.
- This amendment just removes the requirement of a pre-sentence investigation, and it is approved by the
Bills:
HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, HR286, HR287, HR288, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, SCR61, SCR68, SB121, SB250, SB348, SB444, SB485, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, SB268, SB283, SB414, HCR98, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB75, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, HR84, HB646, HB998, HB1191, SB78, SB81, SB97, SB100, SB109, SB123, SB125, SB208, SB385, SB479, SB56, SB163, SB197, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB149, SB382, SB441
Keywords:
Energy Caucus, Louisiana House of Representatives, energy policy, fossil fuels, oil and gas, natural gas, renewable energy, solar, wind power, nuclear power, legislative caucus, industry group, economic development, state legislature, House resolution, energy sector, victims' services, criminal justice, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Act No. 370
Summary:
The House met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present, and began with prayer, the pledge, leave requests, and several personal privileges recognizing visitors and groups at the Capitol, including early education advocates, a poster contest winner, Entergy’s River Bend Nuclear Station on its 40th anniversary, a Children’s Miracle Network champion, Community Action leaders, and Leadership Tangipahoa participants. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrollment reports, a conference committee report on Senate Bill 149 that was allowed to lie over, and a long list of House resolutions and Senate bills that were either introduced, referred, or set aside for later consideration. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including measures recognizing Early Education Day, World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, Dora’s Voyager, Tourism Day, and National Mississippi River Day, while House Concurrent Resolution 98 on SNAP grocery delivery fees failed on reconsideration by a vote of 46 yeas to 39 nays.
The House then took up a series of Senate bills. Among the measures passed were SB 39 on provisional massage therapist licenses; SB 111 on freshwater recreational fish limits in the Atchafalaya Basin; SB 124 on peer review confidentiality for health systems; SB 134 on child sexual abuse material and sexting involving minors under 17; SB 99 on electronic DEQ notifications; SB 190 on special-focus nursing facilities; SB 201 on juvenile life-without-parole sentencing procedures; SB 233 on a statewide data exchange compact; SB 236 on annual kidney disease reporting; SB 258 on juvenile traffic offenses; SB 270 on medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health care facilities; SB 273 on hospice care requirements; SB 307 on educational displays and a Ten Commandments monument on Capitol grounds; SB 320 on CODIS hit tracking; SB 321 on electronic bonds; SB 325 on excluding threatening persons from sports wagering; SB 331 on temporary exceptions to the Scenic Rivers Act for lower Pearl River Basin work; SB 339 on gaming-related background checks; SB 345 on annual OJJ reporting; SB 346 and SB 347 on deepfake misuse in schools and on campuses; SB 357 on judiciary cleanup provisions; SB 359 on hospital district commissioner terms; SB 387 on pharmacy benefit managers; SB 393 on explosives regulation; SB 401 creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board; SB 415 creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program; SB 419 on pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer hunting; SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain repeat DWI offenders; SB 426 on the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority and peer support credentials; SB 435 creating a Commission on Fatherhood Engagement; SB 437 on licensed treatment services in facilities housing judicially referred residents; SB 440 creating a Renaissance District in Rapides Parish; SB 451 on newborn hearing screening and intervention; SB 464 on severe obesity treatment coverage; SB 470 on pregnancy-related rules in correctional facilities; SB 487 on gaming premises rental agreements; and SB 488 creating a school safety drone response pilot program. Several bills were returned to the calendar for later action, including SB 189 on atmospheric releases affecting weather and climate, SB 326, SB 341, SB 353, and SB 495.
A number of bills drew debate over policy and fiscal effects. SB 112 on school release time for religious instruction prompted questions about public-school participation, sponsoring entities, and parental consent; SB 189 on prohibiting intentional atmospheric release of substances for climate or weather modification passed 75-21 after questions about aircraft fuel dumping and agricultural exceptions; SB 201 on juvenile sentencing led to discussion of Supreme Court precedent and appellate review; SB 233 raised privacy concerns about interagency data sharing; SB 313 on electronic filing fees in criminal matters was criticized as a possible unfunded mandate and failed 25-68; and SB 451 on newborn hearing screening drew questions about board expansion, Medicaid coverage, and added administrative costs before passing 94-1. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, and the House repeatedly adopted motions to table reconsideration after final passage votes. The chamber also announced it would stop debate at 5:00 p.m. and continued working through Senate bills as the Natural Resources Committee finished its meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/5/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the removal from the hearing room.
- Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the removal from the hearing room.
- The entire sentence shouldn't be redacted.
- The entire sentence shouldn't be redacted.
- The entire sentence shouldn't be secret.
Keywords:
judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost.
The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response.
Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- blame I want to to pass the the sentence blame I want to to pass the the sentence should<00:37:24.240
- Discussion for an amendment that removes the boldface sentence. Thank you very much.
- So she hands out this flyer, which says this is the guidelines that what she's investing into.
- So she hands out this flyer, which says this is the guidelines that what she's investing into.
- <03:55:42.359>
that which says this is the guidelines that which says this is the guidelines
Summary:
The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring.
Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments.
The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have also in our final engrossment incorporated feedback from the Minnesota Senate Sentencing
- Guidelines Commission to incorporate an intermediate penalty at their recommendation as well.
- the Minnesota Senate Sentencing the Minnesota Senate Sentencing Guideline Guideline Guideline I'm
- <00:10:56.560>
Guidelines Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines - I think the last sentence about the office presenting the information in person before any legislative
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government (2-18-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Nicole Porter, senior director of advocacy with the Sentencing Project, a national research and
- And the sentencing pro project Columbia.
- restores voting rights after sentence restores voting rights after sentence completion<00:18:52.559
- That is served by the judiciary. >> Thank you. >> They've gotten their sentence.
- >> They've<00:20:27.600>
gotten <00:20:27.840>their <00:20:28.000>sentence.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:05
Attendance Roll Call: 00:10
SB 70 Discussion: 00:58
SB 70 Vote: 04:36
SB 80 Discussion: 05:16
SB 80 Vote: 31:45
SB 127 Discussion: 32:30
SB 127 Vote: 39:38
SB 154 Discussion: 41:25
SB 154 Vote:
Adjournment: 47:14, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 70, which would modify the Public Pension Oversight Board by adding one House member and one Senate member, automatically placing the House and Senate chairs of state and local government on the board, adding the state treasurer, broadening who the Speaker and Senate President may appoint, and reducing the governor’s board appointments from two to one. After a brief procedural correction about a committee substitute, the bill was explained and then passed by a 9-0 favorable vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 80, a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions after they complete imprisonment, probation, and parole, while excluding certain offenses such as election fraud, violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children. The sponsor and Senator Herron argued that Kentucky’s current system is confusing and leaves the state as one of the few with lifetime disenfranchisement, while witnesses from the Sentencing Project, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, and an advocacy group for people with lived experience supported restoration but urged a simpler, broader, automatic approach without offense-based carveouts. Committee members raised questions about implementation, clerk guidance, and how the proposal interacts with expungement and gubernatorial pardons; one senator specifically asked whether serious offenders, including child rapists, would regain voting rights under a broader version, and the witness answered yes. The bill passed with a favorable expression by an 8-1 vote.
The transcript then began discussion of Senate Bill 127, also sponsored by Senator Hickden, but the exchange was cut off before the bill was fully explained or any vote was taken.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/12/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the last four sentences<01:13:54.480>
in <01:13:54.560>the sentences in the sentences - >> last four sentences. Okay. Thank you. >> last four sentences. Okay. Thank you.
- <03:41:38.239>
That's account priority guidelines. That's account priority guidelines. - get priority guidelines. get priority guidelines.
- to have a priority guideline? to have a priority guideline?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (6-9-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:03:58.160>
control comprehensive infection control comprehensive infection control guidelines - . guidelines. guidelines. 201<00:04:00.360>
KAR <00:04:00.720>8550 <00:04:01.480>amends - on when legally responsible guidelines on when legally responsible individuals<00:30:16.480>
can< - I'm assuming the provision you're speaking of is 205.5606, the last sentence, which says the program
- >
says The last sentence which says The last sentence which says the<00:35:21.400>program<
Keywords:
0:06 - Roll Call
0:30 - Approval of Minutes
0:45 - OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
2:08 - FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION CABINET - OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
2:55 - BOARD OF DENTISTRY
5:30 - BOARD OF OPHTHALMIC DISPENSERS
7:30 - BOARD OF NURSING
8:32 - BOARD OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
9:30 - EDUCATION AND LABOR CABINET - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES
15:35 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
18:44 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES
23:39 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR MEDICAID SERVICES
1:01:46 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS
1:03:46 - Next meeting/adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute.
The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set.
The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students.
The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I think once they actually read the policy and understand the ACA and NIC guidelines, they'll see that
- our policy exceeds those guidelines in almost every area.
- guidelines that our policy exceeds those guidelines in<00:13:25.720>
almost <00:13:26.079> - guidelines.
- the policy and look at the guidelines the policy and look at the guidelines and<00:45:08.839>
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro.
Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons.
Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And then when were you sentenced? I was sentenced in August of 2022 to 24 months in prison.
- I actually finished the sentence in October of 2023. Okay, October 2023.
- That was paid before I was sentenced.
- You’ve got to wait five years after the completion of your sentence.
- We're supposed to do that, following all the rules and guidelines.
Bills:
HB3772, HB1656, HB4504, HB1896, HB4420, HB4421, HB4076, HB3708, HB2806, HB3540, HB1586, HB5459, HB4553, HB4535, HB3811, HB3749, HB4255, HB4051, HB5098, HB3554, HB4539, HB5274
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, health and safety, regulations, directory, penalties, regulation, certification, compliance, manufacturers, FDA, nicotine, mental health, emergency detention, paramedic authority, mental illness, healthcare facility, public health, covenants not to compete, health care practitioners, physicians
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill continues to leverage the Commission's current role promulgating guidelines for the Regional
- into those overall RTP guidelines.
- We believe a single set of guidelines will really facilitate our ability to coordinate...
- We believe a single set of guidelines will really facilitate our ability to coordinate and meet the full
- just three sentences, and I'd just like to read them because I think that this is really instructive
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation planning, emissions, freight, and vehicle regulation. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by moving regional plan updates from every four years to every eight years, clarifying roles for CARB and the California Transportation Commission, and better aligning funding and guidelines. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, MPOs, local governments, and some environmental groups, said the bill would reduce duplicative planning costs and improve implementation. Opponents, including Coalition for Clean Air and the California Building Industry Association, warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand VMT-related burdens, and create housing and CEQA concerns. The bill passed 9-1 and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1315, which would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner so the state can build data for future policy. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the general fund portion of the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a one-time vehicle license fee so buyers could potentially claim a federal tax deduction; the LAO testified as a technical witness, and the bill passed 9-1. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure; supporters said it would improve safety, freight efficiency, and emissions, and it passed 12-0.
The committee also approved SB 1423 by Senator Stern, which would streamline review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive environmental review; it passed 8-1. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road vehicles, and passed 12-0 after supporters said it would reduce unnecessary trips and costs while opponents awaited CARB analysis. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would similarly reduce duplicative environmental review for qualifying major transit and rail projects, and passed 12-0. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for certain historic collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and charitable events; classic car and lowrider advocates supported it, while air quality groups opposed it as increasing emissions. It passed 10-2. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, including SB 1213, by a 12-0 vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/05/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- The current fleeing police officer in a motor vehicle statute has a three-year cap on sentence for simple
- The current fleeing police officer in a motor vehicle statute has a three-year cap on sentence for simple
- cap on sentence for simple flee<00:09:13.200>
and <00:09:13.279>then <00:09:13.440> - So we did set some pretty limited guidelines in place.
- in place um if a vehicle was guidelines in place um if a vehicle was reported<00:18:27.600>
stolen
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- students as alternative education students and were talking about alternative ed programs, the guidelines
- students as alternative education students and were talking about alternative ed programs and the guidelines
- Can you, in two sentences or three sentences, tell us what we can carry to the other legislators, describe
- I can, and I know this isn't two sentences, but it really, I can't sum it in two sentences.
- Are they sentenced or avoiding a sentence by participating?
Summary:
The committee held an interim study on how to educate and support students with severe violent or disruptive behavior while protecting classmates, teachers, and school staff. Members framed the issue as one involving students who have often experienced trauma and may be removed from class through suspension, expulsion, or juvenile placement, but who still need a meaningful path back to school. Several legislators shared personal experiences as former educators or administrators and emphasized that schools need clearer criteria for removal and return, along with stronger support for families and staff.
Dr. Michelle Butler, an alternative education director, testified that Oklahoma’s current alternative education system is not designed to serve students removed for major discipline issues because placement is generally voluntary and programs are built around students who need a different learning environment, not punitive removal. She argued for early intervention, stronger attendance enforcement, trauma screening, teacher training, and a regional or cooperative model that would combine credentialed educators, social workers, therapists, and family counselors. She also described existing programs such as Trace Academy, Rogers County Youth Services diversion programs, and the limitations of virtual-only models and current funding, saying the system lacks sufficient resources and staffing.
Representatives and senators asked about funding, staffing, credentials, and whether statutes should be changed to prevent alternative education dollars from going to programs that do not provide direct services. Other testimony came from Family and Children’s Services and Mid-Del Youth and Family Services, both of which described embedded school-based mental health, crisis response, intensive outpatient services, family engagement, and juvenile diversion programs. Witnesses stressed that wraparound services, school-community partnerships, and a bridge back to the home school are essential, and that many students and families need mandatory or strongly supported participation rather than purely voluntary help. The study concluded with members noting possible next steps, including expanding or supplementing alternative education, improving early intervention, and examining participation requirements and transition supports; no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Health Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 13 rewrites a sentence to make it a more clearly written sentence and strikes a reference to
- Section 13 rewrites a sentence to make it a more clearly written sentence and strikes a reference to
- :03:57.440>
sentence <01:03:57.760>and <01:03:58.000>strikes <01:03:58.319>a< - /c> clearly written sentence and strikes a clearly written sentence and strikes a reference<01:03:58.720
- Senate language provides clear guidelines and accountability, protect the integrity of our republic's
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/02/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- met, the Senate amendment requires it to be at least five years since the completion of a person's sentence
- It structured regulation guidelines for alternative nicotine products.
- I can tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines that have to do with selling
- federal government and not the state, I can tell you that the FDA does have enforcement regulation guidelines
- So they do have guidelines, but I do hear you that they need, that they could probably be stricter.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What finally changed my life was not another prison sentence or another clinical treatment program.
- There’s a prison sentence hanging over their head. So we can...” “Leverage, right?
- There’s a prison sentence hanging over their head.
- Health and Senior Services certainly contributes information and guidelines and rules.
- Mental health certainly supports guidelines and rules for that.
Summary:
The meeting focused on Missouri’s substance use prevention and treatment system, with repeated emphasis on recovery support services, peer support, recovery housing, transportation, and harm reduction. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he urged greater investment in recovery housing, peer support, employment, and community-based supports that help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding sources, program capacity, referrals, treatment court, transportation, and how Into Action supports people on medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said the organization is funded through a mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private donations, and that housing and transportation remain major barriers, especially because support is often funded for too short a period compared with the longer time people need to stabilize.
Matt Cushman of the Raytown Fire Protection District gave a strong endorsement of harm reduction, including naloxone distribution, syringe service programs, and broader decriminalization of harm reduction tools. He argued that stigma is a major barrier to care and that Missouri should expand access to clean needles, test strips, and other services, while also improving access to MAT in jails and communities. Committee members questioned the evidence base, the role of faith-based providers, and whether safe consumption sites should be pursued; Cushman said syringe exchange decriminalization should be the immediate priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term issue. He also described community paramedicine and mobile integrated health as valuable but funding-dependent, and said naloxone distribution is improving but still uneven, especially in rural and minority communities.
Representatives from Central Ozarks Medical Center and Four Rivers Community Health Center highlighted the importance of peer support specialists, community health workers, care coordinators, and wraparound services in rural health centers. COMC’s Morgan McClure and Monet Lehman described a jail reentry program in Pulaski County, with Lehman sharing her trauma and recovery story and explaining how she helps incarcerated people prepare for release with housing, employment, benefits, transportation, and treatment connections. Four Rivers’ Devon Polarys and Cassandra Trout said their CEO would change Missouri policy to allow FQHCs to receive reimbursement for peer support and community health worker services similar to CCBHCs, arguing that these roles are essential for addressing barriers like transportation, housing, food insecurity, and insurance. Members discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, the differences between FQHCs and CCBHCs, and the need for better funding and clearer policy for peer and community health worker services. No votes were taken; the discussion ended with a suggestion to bring in a subject matter expert on community health workers for a future session.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But no, I don't know the sentencing guidelines as it applies here. Senator Pizzo. Thanks.
- There's the sentencing, and you still have to be found guilty of the crime.
- Is that the kind of mandatory life sentence contemplated? in this bill.
- The manslaughter comes in on the sentencing phase.
- It is correct that the sentence is different. Senator Polsky. Thank you.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- If these guidelines are not followed, I will provide a warning and ask that decorum be restored.
- If<00:01:45.760>
these <00:01:45.920>guidelines <00:01:46.360>are <00:01:46.400>< - c> not<00:01:46.600>
followed, <00:01:46.960>I If these guidelines are not followed - , I If these guidelines are not followed, I will<00:01:47.200>
provide <00:01:47.480>a < - that said data retains its classification when it's moved from one place to the other, and that sentence
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill creates a 1.25 sentencing multiplier, which must be applied to a defendant's subtotal sentencing
- This number is then used to determine the lowest permissible sentence to which the defendant can be sentenced
- and at sentencing, the court uses the score sheet to determine a defendant's minimum criminal sentence
- This bill creates a 1.25 sentencing multiplier, which must be applied to a defendant's subtotal sentencing
- It also deals with sentencing. It deals with F-Corps. So it deals with sentencing.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical.
The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions.
Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- my question is, the word may, is that common in statute, uh, criminal offense, that they may be sentenced
- rather than shall or may be sentenced rather than shall or must?
- guidelines that are in play.
- artificial intelligence guide guidelines artificial intelligence guide guidelines and<01:19:47.480
- Uh you bring up the point of guidelines.