Transcript Highlights:

• This is to fully protect workers and prevent repeat offenses.
• This is to fully protect workers and prevent repeat offenses.
• ... ...service and 99% of those disruptions resulting from violent action.
• and I believe that this is... ...door, but in some kind of violent manner.
• By raising the minimum term for such offenses, Of public trust and humanity.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• offenses.
• offenses.
• For a felony sex offense against a minor.
• It increases penalties for repeat offenses, not the first offense.
• is related to the charged offense.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• offenses.
• <00:17:12.439><c> offenses.
• </c><00:17:13.400><c> This</c><00:17:13.640><c> intersection,</c> non-violent offenses.
• This intersection, non-violent offenses.
• <00:35:01.160><c> criminals</c><00:35:02.280><c> um</c> violent criminals um violent criminals um uh<

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentry: This bill adds resisting an officer with violence as a listed predicate offense that elevates
• Gentry: the subsequent offense on an officer would be included in that enhancement.
• If I have a prior offense for misdemeanor battery Rep.
• Gottlieb: If I have a prior offense and I commit a resisting officer with violence... scratch that.
• We are now at HB 397, Violations of Pretrial Release Conditions for Violent Crimes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when they commit crimes, especially violent crimes, it's incumbent upon government officials at
• These specifically involve violent offenses.
• And not release violent offenders, of course. Yes, ma'am. All right. Members, any other questions?
• , horrifically violent crimes committed by people who are here. legally.
• We know those youthful, non-violent offenders are affected.

Bills: HB153 , HB1410 , HB1461 , HB1760 , HB1762 , HB3261 , HB3773 , HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, private prisons, inmate confinement, criminal justice reform, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, government contracts, inmate housing

Transcript Highlights:

• criminal offenses.
• That was the first time he became physically violent.
• It is a court-designated status for individuals with multiple violent felony convictions.
• They have to have prior qualifying violent felony convictions.
• But they're designated as having been violent felony offenders or violent career criminal offenders.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is offensive. This should be offensive to every single person.
• This is offensive.
• This is offensive. This should be offensive to every single person.
• This is offensive. This should be offensive to every single person.
• during his a violent history during his incarceration<00:10:52.800><c> over</c><00:10:53.000><c> the

Transcript Highlights:

• I have enough background in the sexually violent predator program.
• The California Supreme Court has instructed us that a commitment offense, more or less, however awful
• And then they're controlled during the commitment offense. That's mostly an aggravating factor.
• So given the two sexually violent predator cases that has created a loss of public confidence on the
• Ordinarily, if a person is involved in a violent rules violation and they're going before the board,

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we continue to see a rise in violent juvenile offenses.
• Today, we continue to see a rise in violent juvenile offenses.
• This bill creates a presumption of release for juveniles charged with serious violent offenses, including
• This bill would release juvenile offenders who commit violent offenses who are not ready to be released
• We've heard some very compelling examples of violent crimes.

Bills: HB2675 , HB2681 , HB2714 , HB2688 , HB2481 , HB2116 , HB1408

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would build on the groundwork of Senator. bill 409 and ensure family of violent victims are
• It creates an offense that's a Class A misdemeanor.
• Senators, this amendment simply ensures that if a retailer is convicted of an offense under this bill
• Office and to the prosecution of the offense of harassment by sexually violent predators.
• Senate Bill 2969 by Parker relating to creation of the criminal offense of trespass and if a housing

Bills: SJR12 , SJR81 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB241 , SB393 , SB414 , SB458 , SB464 , SB568 , SB583 , SB609 , SB660 , SB693 , SB731 , SB732 , SB746 , SB783 , SB785 , SB897 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1163 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1394 , SB1396 , SB1470 , SB1494 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SJR12 , SJR36 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SJR4 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB241 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1120 , SB541 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB711 , SB746 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1841 , SB1147 , SB1008 , SB2016 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB860 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB984 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB2065 , SB1371 , SB1394 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB1809 , SB1080 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB2320 , SB2289 , SB1171 , SB664 , SB1637 , SB2064 , SB868 , SJR40 , SJR27 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB883 , SB249 , SB1318 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB365 , SB1067 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB1401 , SB1592 , SB1728 , SB1265 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1559 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1677 , SB95 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB871 , SB510 , SB33 , SB2420 , SB1860 , SB1541 , SB1316 , SB1314 , SB1313 , SB1426 , SB1398 , SB1869 , SB1750 , SB1871 , SB36 , SB855 , SB1233 , SB760 , SB2425 , SB2037 , SB1758 , SB1759 , SB2365 , SB1924 , SB762 , SB1271 , SB1818 , SB605 , SB1405 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB1967 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, tax exemption, ad valorem, tangible personal property, income production, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on educational reforms, particularly in special education funding. Notably, Senator Bettencourt laid out the transformative impacts of Senate Bill 568, which aims to lift a historical cap on special education funding that affected approximately 775,000 students. The discussions included plans for an intensity-based funding model that could ensure fair distribution of resources depending on individual needs, thereby enhancing educational support for diverse learning requirements. Senators acknowledged past failures in the special education framework, emphasizing the necessity of moving towards a system that is transparent and focused on delivering adequate services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is he likely to regain competency within a year's period of time if it is a felony offense?
• So, you know, you've got those concerning offenses, but there's nothing by statute we can do because
• I think we need to deal with these types of situations and these violent kids.
• The number of offenses that constitute a serious violent offense needs to be increased, and the ages
• I think the serious violent offender is going to come back to us. Ms.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And the type of offenses is tracking 86.3% of the offenses are abuse." "...is tracking 86.3% of the offenses
• are abuse, and 13.7% of the offenses are exploitation.
• And the type of offenses is tracking 86.3% of the offenses are abuse." "...is tracking 86.3% of the offenses
• are abuse, and 13.7% of the offenses are exploitation.
• Enhancement on the comprehensive theft offense, because we can already do it on the common law offenses

Bills: SB60 , SB85 , SB323

Committee: Assembly Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This involves the use of rifles and violent crime in New Mexico through 2024 and 2025.
• This is not going to stop violent crime in New Mexico. Thank you. Thank you.
• This involves the use of rifles and violent crime in New Mexico through 2024 and 2025.
• This is not going to stop violent crime in New Mexico. Thank you. Thank you.
• And this isn't even counting other violent crimes by unknown assailants.

Bills: SB38 , SB17 , SB41 , SB264

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• , 177,000 weapon offenses, 3,400 kidnappings, and 4,000 commercial sex offenses.
• , 177,000 weapon offenses, 3,400 kidnappings, and 4,000 commercial sex offenses.
• So in that scenario, and let's just say it's hypothetical, we're talking about a violent offense, the
• So in that scenario, and let's just say it's hypothetical, we're talking about a violent offense, the
• offense.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Other sections have been in response to wrenching stories we continue to hear of violent criminals who
• keeping violent danger of offenders<00:10:19.600><c> off</c><00:10:19.800><c> the</c><00:10:19.959><
• </c> vehicle establishing a specific offense vehicle establishing a specific offense for<00:31:52.000
• I think it was referred to earlier by one of the testifiers that the first offense is a felony.
• In 2022, only 57% of violent crimes reported to law enforcement were solved.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It commits a violent act.
• reactions or violent actions, some may be medicated, some may not be medicated.
• offenses.
• crime, and particularly violent gun crime.
• Violent crime and particularly violent gun crime, there are so many different interventions that we could

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents. Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services. The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• reactions or via our violent actions, some may be medicated.
• What is what ideas do you have to lower the number of violent amount of violent crime in Florida?
• My apologies in terms of DNA and examples of violent crime.
• offenses.
• crime and particularly violent gun crime.

Transcript Highlights:

• So... ...child's age and the type of offense described in the statement.
• And second, the list of offenses which a child under 16 may be describing...
• And second, the list of offenses which a child under 16 may be describing... ...attempted violent offenses
• and the definition of violent offenses provided.
• The amendment modifies the... attempted violent offenses and the definition of violent offenses provided

Bills: HB2735 , SB5868 , SJM8006

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: family law, constitutional floor, legal standards, child custody, divorce, SB 5868, superior court, judge, judgeship, judicial vacancy, court administration, Skagit County, Yakima County, RCW 2.08.061, Washington courts, county judges, caseload, docket backlog, judicial workload, elected judge

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's the DCA expresses concerns with felonies and violent crimes or violent criminals, but that is
• So, it's the DCA expresses concerns with felonies and violent crimes or violent criminals, but that is
• </c><01:02:09.200><c> a</c> by 180 days a second offense one year. a by 180 days a second offense one
• </c><02:35:28.319><c> crime</c> the vss or the violent crime the vss or the violent crime coordinating
• </c><02:37:40.479><c> crime</c> the importance of the violent crime the importance of the violent crime

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Our issue is that this bill seeks to enhance existing offenses and increase penalties for existing offenses
• Our issue is that this bill seeks to enhance existing offenses and increase penalties for existing offenses
• </c><00:17:38.960><c> by</c> various animal cruelty offenses by various animal cruelty offenses by increasing
• </c> increasing the category of the offense. increasing the category of the offense.
• </c> potential link to other violent crimes. potential link to other violent crimes.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.