Transcript Highlights:

• These need to stay felonies. Plead down to misdemeanor. These need to stay felonies.
• A class six felony is really a very minimal felony, but at least seeing a felony, and states over and
• over and over are starting to say this will be a felony, and it's about time.
• They're only Victims could be charged with felony-level conduct, arrested, and jailed.
• It's a class four felony.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh and making that a class C felony uh and making that a class C felony would<00:04:51.800><c> be
• for a Class C felony.
• Okay, drunk or sober, what class of felony?
• C felony there right and and the the C felony there right and and the the reason<00:10:15.200><c> is<
• </c><00:10:49.360><c> investigations</c> differently from Felony investigations differently from Felony

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• No person convicted under this subsection or subsection 1 shall be eligible for parole, probation, or
• , and caused death or bodily injury that elevate the offense to a Class B felony.
• That's very, very severe because a D felony, we're talking about up to seven years in prison.
• And you'll be a lifetime prisoner if you're convicted of this. It depends on the severity.
• It's a D felony.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2458, a cleanup measure discussed as part of prior efforts to update statutes referencing 17-year-olds. Representative Dolan and others said the bill had passed the House before but had been combined into other bills and ran out of time. No opposition was offered, and the hearing on HB 2458 was concluded. The committee then heard House Bill 1834, sponsored by Representative Kelly, which would make one remaining statutory change so the law is consistent with earlier revisions treating children as under 18. Kelly said prosecutors had raised concerns that the current language was not cohesive and could hinder prosecution. There were no witnesses in favor or opposition, and the hearing on HB 1834 was closed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2699, which would make tampering with judicial officers or judicial proceedings a non-paroleable offense by barring parole, probation, or conditional release. Representative Dolan argued the bill was needed to protect the integrity of the courts and described threats and intimidation directed at judges. Representative Smith and others supported protecting judicial personnel but objected to the severity of mandatory no-parole language, especially for lower-level conduct, and suggested more discretion. The Judicial Conference and Missouri Circuit Judges Association supported the goal of protecting court personnel and said they were open to further tailoring, including possible changes to scope and discretion. The State Public Advocate opposed the bill as overly harsh and duplicative, warning it could function like a life sentence in practice. The hearing on HB 2699 was then concluded, ending the committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• can be charged with a state jail felony.
• But whether they have two convictions or $20 the penalty remains the same.
• Second, it increases the penalty to a 3rd-degree felony for individuals with 5 to 9 prior theft convictions
• to a 2nd-degree felony.
• For theft with two or more prior convictions as a state jail felony, but this particular defendant had

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, in terms of, like, the felony murder rule, right?
• But, you know, in terms of, like, the felony murder rule, right?
• What's a felony if it's my mailbox?
• I, for one, have a hard time creating a new felony. I hate to create new felonies.
• And it's not just, oh, I had a drink, I drove, I got convicted.

Bills: HB2051, HB2114, HB2127, HB2134, HB2207, HB2574, HB2700, HB2800, HB2916

Keywords: AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, motorcycle registration, safety fund, education, awareness programs, low-income scholarships, motorcycle training, special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications

Transcript Highlights:

• ><01:16:34.000><c> for</c> crimes include felony convictions for crimes include felony convictions for
• </c> to felony convictions of animal cruelty. to felony convictions of animal cruelty.
• conviction um that would be a felony conviction um that would<01:21:33.679><c> trigger</c><01:21:34.239
• date while replacing the murder conviction with the appropriate predicate felony.
• the predicate felony conviction.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Class C felonies, in accordance with other statutes, there are only two options for felony offenses:
• Class C felonies, in accordance with other statutes, there are only two options for felony offenses:
• Class C felonies, in accordance with other statutes, there are only two options for felony offenses:
• Class C felonies, in accordance with other statutes, there are only two options for felony offenses:
• </c> who would get charged with a felony who would get charged with a felony offense<00:43:51.440><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But then it becomes a felony.
• be guilty of a Class C2 felony offense.
• never been convicted of anything.
• when someone has no prior misdemeanor conviction?
• A local report is made until conviction.

Bills: SCR17, SB2104, SB2155, SB1428, SB1250, SB1651, SB1794, SB444, SB1061, SB1327, SB1425, SB1455, SB1458, SB1460, SB1480, SB1530, SB1543, SB1555, SB1593, SB1209, SB1730, SB1733, SB1769, SB1805, SB2069, SB2095, SB1503

Keywords: Oklahoma Ireland relations, Ireland, Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day, Choctaw Nation, Choctaw famine relief, Irish-American, cultural resolution, concurrent resolution, ceremonial resolution, economic development, trade commission, international relations, Tulsa IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens, Oklahoma City St. Patrick's Parade, Irish ancestry, Senate of Ireland, Aubrey McCarthy, Phil Thompson

Transcript Highlights:

• Convicted cop killer. So thank you in advance.
• It provides that a first-degree felony if a person commits a DUI resulting in death and has a prior conviction
• Similarly, it is a first-degree felony.
• So that currently is a second-degree felony.
• It's not showing as a as a conviction for the why should a conviction for reckless driving so fault jumps

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Leak has CS for SB 436 on felony battery. Senator, you're recognized to explain this bill.
• Senator Leak has CS for SB 436 on felony battery. Senator, you're recognized to explain this bill.
• That allow for reclassification of misdemeanor battery to a third-degree felony.
• may trigger felony reclassification.
• know, prevent further violence through felony actions by enhancing this bill.

Bills: S0436, S0532, S0600, S0644, S0682, S0928, S1072, S1332, S1632, S1634

Keywords: foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• Degree felony, that's the lowest degree felony. And this is a very serious crime.
• When you raise it to a third-degree felony, that actually, you know, is a higher degree felony, and it
• But because it's a firearm, Is the degree of felony.
• That's a felony. Um, and a man.
• That's a felony. Um, and a man.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So a person who has been convicted in superior court and subsequently imprisoned for one or more felonies
• He was wrongly convicted, and he spent 17 years.
• He was wrongly convicted, and he spent 17 years. Some of you might remember Ted.
• A pardon is the only governor action that vacates a conviction.
• warrants, or vehicles involved in a felony.

Bills: SB5536, SB5868, SJM8006, SB6011

Keywords: divorce, dissolution, marriage, domestic partnership, property division, real property, community property, separate property, liabilities, family law, equitable distribution, court order, personal jurisdiction, absent spouse, absent domestic partner, creditors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, home equity, family home

Bills: SB1246, SB1338, SB1428, SB1443, SB1501, SB1566, SB1571, SB1645, SB1646, SB1663, SB1688, SB1805, SB1808, SB1825, SCR1023, SCR1029, HB2079, HB2080, HB2130, HB2239, HB2324, HB2375, HB2610, HB2619, HB2620, HB2716, HB2745, HB2749, HB2837, HB2857, HB2968, HB4064, HB4066, HB4087, HB4130, HCR2048, HCR2058

Keywords: homeowners associations, foreclosure, common expense liens, condominiums, special assessments, unit owner, public benefits, eligibility, immigration status, documentation, Arizona law, county governance, supervisorial board, population-based representation, local government, elections, noise pollution, environmental nuisances, building permits, urban development

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, once they're convicted, and before the conviction, you're the court that convicts them, and you're
• <00:15:14.880><c> conviction</c><00:15:15.279><c> that</c> they and before the conviction that they and
• </c><00:15:45.279><c> of</c> the circuit case who's been convicted of the circuit case who's been convicted
• </c> felony or more? felony or more?
• Okay, class C felony they examinations.

Bills: SB2418, SB2568, SB2661

Keywords: drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House File 3350 conforms state law relating to the circumstances where someone convicted of
• a domestic violence non-felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm to match up with the federal law
• of a domestic violence non-felony would be prohibited from possessing a firearm to the same extent as
• It's the first time convictions.
• always</c><00:10:17.839><c> been</c><00:10:18.000><c> the</c> conviction and that's always been the conviction

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, under the new version of AB 1535, if after an individual is convicted of a felony offense, and
• If they are convicted.
• conviction?
• , post-conviction relief stuff.
• , post-conviction relief stuff.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um KRS 439.265 sets forth the shock probation and felony convictions.
• So, a defendant has been sentenced on a felony conviction between 30 days and 180 days.
• And again, um that felony convictions.
• </c><00:38:10.880><c> conviction</c><00:38:11.760><c> uh</c> sentenced on a felony conviction uh sentenced
• on a felony conviction uh between<00:38:12.240><c> 30</c><00:38:12.560><c> days</c><00:38:12.960><c>

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> charge a parent with a felony over that. charge a parent with a felony over that.
• "And, [clears throat], so do we know how many felony convictions that we've had under this current statute
• </c> felony charge. felony charge. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• felonies felonies uh<00:56:46.079><c> is</c><00:56:46.319><c> the</c><00:56:46.559><c> procurement</
• </c> nonviolent felony. nonviolent felony. offense<00:57:47.920><c> except</c><00:57:48.319><c> for</

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 5:15 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• conviction and had been five felony conviction and had been deported<00:17:40.799><c> multiple</c><00
• and being convicted of a felony<00:18:35.600><c> is</c><00:18:36.000><c> not</c><00:18:36.240><c> a<
• Then they must be convicted of illegally re-entering a country to get a felony conviction.
• There is no felony conviction.
• </c><01:11:40.880><c> they</c><01:11:41.120><c> must</c> felony and get convicted or they must felony

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fine: or adjudicated guilty of a capital felony.
• You convict them then you figure the penalty later.
• If you are registered that is already a felony.
• For forcible felonies they do.
• Senator Gruters: With the exception of forcible felony.

Keywords: 998, house, all