Video & Transcript Research : 'student testing'
Page 202 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/29/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- student support etc.
- Um I assume student student support etc.
- who isn't going to be tested.
- <01:15:22.640>
And student school student counts. Yes. - And student school student counts. Yes.
Summary:
The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended.
The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal.
The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Privacy and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- They added that there is no testing regimen known to be safe.
- The member said there is no testing regimen known to be safe, and there are no professionals in the field
- EFF's lawyers currently represent a PhD student whose data was turned over to ICE because Google did
- Our A-plus student can leave. When you're ready. Okay. Okay. When you're ready. Okay. Okay.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/09/26
Transcript Highlights:
- The State Tuition Reimbursement Program has saved me thousands of dollars of my projected student loan
- Chair, we have a couple of test... SECTORS, INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING IN EDUCATION.
- AND WITH THAT MISTER CHAIR, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF TEST VIRUS. THE Slate, would you like to go first?
- education protections, why we do have some of those protections really put the... ...burden on the student
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans heard a Department of Military Affairs presentation on bonding, tuition benefits, and cyber response. The department requested $3.5 million in design funding for a new hangar at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, citing safety problems with the aging 1950s-era hangars and the need to improve the wing’s competitiveness for future federal military construction funding. It also sought $2.5 million for asset preservation at Army facilities statewide, emphasizing that state dollars are often matched by federal funds. A National Guard lieutenant also testified about the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, describing how it helped pay for her undergraduate and doctoral education and reduce student debt.
The committee also received an update on Minnesota National Guard cyber operations, including the response to the July 2025 ransomware attack on the City of Saint Paul. Testimony described the cyber coordination cell’s role in planning, interagency coordination, and support during the incident, including helping re-image about 500 computers and assisting with network recovery. Members heard that the Guard’s cyber teams conduct extensive partner engagement and are prepared to support state and local entities when civil resources are exhausted and the incident exceeds local capacity.
Three bills were then heard and advanced. Senate File 4075, as amended, would implement recommendations from the task force on Special Guerrilla Unit and regular forces veterans from the Secret War in Laos, including eligibility and benefit changes; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill to the full committee. Senate File 3956, as amended, would clarify that the Department of Veterans Affairs may partner with veteran-serving organizations using nonmonetary resources to address food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention; it was also referred onward. Senate File 4056, as amended, would add veteran or military status as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; testimony supported the change, including concerns about service members losing educational opportunities while on state active duty, and the bill was passed to the full committee.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- supposedly disclosing pornography for a teacher. in the educational context, but how would you teach a student
- I mean, it's very damaging, harmful to students.
- It's the reason why the Supreme Court established the Miller test in 1973, recognizing that there are
- California, which established the well-known Miller test.
Keywords:
child protection, sexual offenses, visual material, artificial intelligence, criminal penalties, law enforcement, defense against prosecution, obscenity, judicial officer, deepfake, deep fake, synthetic media, AI-generated content, machine learning, nonconsensual pornography, revenge porn, sexually explicit media, intimate images, digital manipulation, visual depiction
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- high school, a public high school, and pretty much committed the same misbehavior with some of the students
- situation—where you have teachers that are accused and actually sexually abused or misbehaved with students
- The breaking school rules study found that 23% of students who experienced school discipline later had
- juvenile justice contact, compared to just 2% of students with no disciplinary involvement.
- It’s the probation officer who may be testing to see if they’re using drugs or alcohol.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It revises and removes a prioritization of students because Florida Virtual School accepts all students
- , excuse me, serve students outside of the state and country, and as clarification.
- Florida Virtual School serves students outside of the state and country and adds clarification around
- school district providing testing administrators for students.
- You know, if we have a, for example, a high school student that may be trying to find their way, they
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures.
Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably.
The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 2438 - Transportation Omnibus - 05/08/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 41 is a House-only provision that institutes, that modifies the definition of a road test.
- <00:58:26.000>
Section <00:58:26.400>41 test between 24 and 72 hours. - Section 41 test between 24 and 72 hours.
- <00:58:33.040>
Section <00:58:33.440>42 definition of a road test. - Section 42 definition of a road test.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But of course, all of us were there to celebrate the students as we go forward.
- But of course, all of us were there to celebrate the students as we go forward.
- But of course, all of us were there to celebrate the students as we go forward.
- Under his visionary leadership, enrollment grew from nearly 30,000 to 35,000 students.
- George was a 21-year-old student at the University of Georgia from Austin, Texas.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Our priority as educators every day is to make sure that every student in our classroom is provided a
- Our students are petrified, and many of our students are disappearing.
- Our students are petrified, and many of our students are disappearing.
- in Chelsea, roughly 25% of the students have left.
- That means they won't get letters about test results that are concerning or appointments.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses.
Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role.
Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Also in the East Gallery today, we have medical students from UAMS here.
- They want that responsibility, and it's not a good thing for those students.
- They're not going to be charging student athletics.
- They're not going to be charging student athletic fees.
- There will be no student tuition increases directed to athletics.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Calis Grassroots Institute test Calis Grassroots Institute test testimony<00:08:29.840>
and - Can you speak to some of those communities that you've kind of tested this out in, and that's the basis
- Can you speak to some of those communities that you've kind of tested this out in, and that's the basis
- this out in and you've kind of tested this out in and that<00:22:33.679>
That's <00:22:33.840>- and support um Dr Dudley team testing and support um Dr Dudley via Zoom<00:45:10.800>
can <00:
Summary:
The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session.
The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends.
The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill.
The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 01/12/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill does not apply only to New Yorkers that can afford a second home, but applies to college students
- >> The sponsor yields. >> I hear your rebuttal on college students, and you mention student lives while
- This, he come back year after year after year, easily would pass the smell test under this legislation
- THIS HE COME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR, AFTER YEAR, EASILY WOULD PASS THE SMELL TEST UNDER THIS LEGISLATION
Summary:
The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal.
On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate.
On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1422 allows sexual assault survivors to have Sexual Assault Examination Kits tested by the
- I did everything: I reported my assault, I submitted to a rape kit, and I tested the system, but my kit
- During college, I was physically abused by a group of students.
- Our staff cared for a graduate student who attended what should have been a safe gathering among friends
- The dean of students and everybody's hero decided that I was not moving fast enough for him, so he drugged
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Before releasing our models, we also engage in thorough red teaming or adversarial testing where experts
- This includes responsible sourcing and safeguarding of our training data, regular model testing, updating
- So establishing AI literacy frameworks and core curriculum for students and professional development
- for teachers while allowing states to tailor programs to for students and professional development for
- of other states that are supporting university systems, making sure your ecosystem aligns with the student
Summary:
The subcommittee met to hear a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and automation in Florida government. Panelists from Worldwide Technology, OpenAI, the James Madison Institute, and the Florida Digital Service described AI as a tool to improve efficiency, constituent services, fraud detection, translation, HR workflows, public safety, and regulatory review, while emphasizing that AI should supplement rather than replace workers. They also stressed the importance of data readiness, workforce training, governance, and having existing technology systems and policies in place before broader deployment.
Members asked about public records concerns, vendor vetting, model integrity, and how to balance innovation with privacy and security. Chief Schoonover said agencies are already using or exploring AI in areas such as Medicaid analysis, environmental data, emergency management, tax forms, and child support, and noted that the Digital Service publishes prohibited vendor and application lists. OpenAI discussed its red teaming, safety evaluations, privacy controls, and government products such as ChatGPT Gov, and said it does not train on personal data or target users with ads.
The committee also discussed concrete examples of efficiency gains, including reduced call times, faster translation turnaround, and streamlined HR classification work, as well as concerns about job disruption and constituent access. In closing, members raised data center infrastructure and energy needs, with panelists noting that AI depends on substantial compute, power, cooling, and utility capacity. The chair concluded by encouraging continued dialogue and noting that future AI legislation should be targeted to specific problems rather than overly broad.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine interdicting illicit drug trafficking, focusing on a view from the front lines. Feb 26th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- the ACT exam, combined with his stellar high school grades and athleticism, Jake was a successful student
- finance major, became a member of the Texas Silver Spurs, and was a UT football player and a straight-A student
- story is the same and the call is the same we need more to alert I'll never forget a high school student
- What we're finding out is everything we test has fentanyl in it.
- crisis, because the reality is that cuts to federal research will slow down finding better ways. to test
Keywords:
Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- out the feasibility of the technology. and test out the feasibility of the technology.
- I'm a student. Wait, what? No, I'm from Pembina, North Dakota.
- I'm a student at North Border School. I'll give you a little context.
- The test was seeing if the steam generated during the reaction... ...to a controlled rate.
- The test was seeing if the steam generated during the reaction...
Summary:
The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability.
Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts.
North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, Florida students The ability to gain consent from a parent safely.
- We'll next take up tab 17, CS for SB 1346 on fentanyl testing by Senator Polsky.
- We'll next take up tab 17, CS for SB 1346 on fentanyl testing by Senator Polsky.
- urine testing they conduct to treat individuals for possible drug overdose or poisoning.
- Emergency departments to test for fentanyl as part of any urine testing they conduct to treat individuals
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice of major events such as a ward’s death or relocation to a more restrictive setting. Senator Jones and supportive speakers said the bill was intended to protect wards from abuse and isolation by bad actors, while still preserving good-faith guardianship. With no opposition testimony or debate, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then considered CS for Senate Bill 1284, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize claims against the mother or against health care providers acting within the lawful standard of care. The bill drew extensive debate and testimony. Supporters argued it would give parents parity and fuller damages, including economic losses and mental anguish, when negligence causes the death of an unborn child. Opponents, including the ACLU, medical professionals, and reproductive rights advocates, warned it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice exposure, worsen physician shortages, and create speculative damages. The committee approved the bill 6-4.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1288 on parental rights, with a strike-all amendment that would strengthen parental control over minors’ medical decisions, surveys, and biofeedback devices, while adding exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal statuses, and situations involving abuse or out-of-home placement. Supporters said the measure restores parents as primary decision-makers and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment without consent. Opponents argued it could block minors from confidential care for STIs, mental health, or abuse-related issues, and could chill school and medical screenings. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on this bill, before any final vote is shown.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We graduate 100 of our student athletes, and our student athletes now have an average GPA of 3.44.
- We are a 94% Luna students.
- students from the WRC.
- to 60 student athletes.
- and student athletes.
Keywords:
appropriation, higher education, sports facilities, community college, Luna Community College, KANW, educational radio, rural news, public education, funding, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, cultural heritage, research funding, federal funding, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 6th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- happier if that one provision were stricken and not requiring traveling against the flow to meet the test
- That just seems like an extra barrier that if you meet the test on everything else and you've caused
- That just seems like an extra barrier that if you meet the test on everything else and you've caused
- I find it strange that two school teachers don't want to convict their student.
- I just can't see why two teachers don't want to convict their student that did such a horrible thing.
Bills:
HCR50, HB123, HB219, HB251, HB404, HB769, HB1065, SB58, SB81, SB92, SB97, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB207, SB396, SB410
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, data privacy, personal information, cybersecurity, confidentiality, monitoring violations
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and first considered SB 396, which would allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference. After adopting an amendment to clarify the in-person six-month review requirement and require OJJ staff to participate virtually as well, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 181, which creates a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations and allows related entities within a health system to operate under one charitable gaming license; after adopting the amendment, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next debated SB 81 and SB 97, companion measures dealing with waiver of jury trials in non-capital felony cases. Supporters, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, argued that requiring prosecutorial consent would align Louisiana with federal practice and many other states and would reduce abuse of jury-trial waivers. Opponents, including criminal defense lawyers, the ACLU, and Vote, argued the bills would shift power to the state, reduce defendants’ control over their mode of trial, and could worsen delays and pressure on jailed defendants. SB 81 and SB 97 both passed on divided roll-call votes, 7-3.
The committee also reported SB 207 favorably, extending the prescriptive period for certain public corruption offenses to 10 years after an elected official or public employee leaves office; SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system; SB 156, increasing the maximum penalty for negligent homicide, with a technical amendment; SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum for aggravated flight from an officer and dedicating fine proceeds to pursuit training/technology; SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board to the Louisiana Supreme Court; and SB 410, creating enhanced penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses. Later, HB 769, dealing with a holding period for certain domestic violence-related offenders, was reported favorably as amended after debate over its relationship to existing “Gwen’s Law” procedures, and HB 251, requiring notice to victims or families in resentencing matters, was also reported favorably as amended after concerns about post-conviction procedure and possible duplication of existing notice requirements. The committee additionally voluntarily deferred HB 404 and heard HCR 50, which calls for reporting on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and clarification of funding guidance.