Transcript Highlights:

• or correctional probation officers.
• With 165 FTEs in our central office and through 11 field offices throughout the state.
• Office of Statewide Services.
• We have in Florida less than 2,000 prosecutors in our offices, and those men and women are constantly
• We need to contact those law enforcement officers.

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the justice budget and the major agencies within it. Chair Maney explained that the committee would hear broad presentations rather than detailed budget questions, and the first panel included the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Commission on Offender Review, Department of Law Enforcement, Office of the State Courts Administrator, and the Attorney General’s Office. Each agency described its mission, staffing, budget, and major responsibilities, with repeated emphasis on public safety, rehabilitation, staffing shortages, technology needs, and the importance of mental health services and education in reducing recidivism. Secretary Hall described DJJ’s prevention-to-aftercare continuum, including civil citation, detention, probation, and residential commitment programs, and highlighted reductions in juvenile arrests and commitments. Secretary Dixon said DOC’s biggest issues are staffing, overtime, and inflation, while noting progress in education, reentry, and a low recidivism rate. FDLE Commissioner Glass outlined the agency’s investigative, forensic, intelligence, and protective functions, including work on fentanyl enforcement and crime reporting systems. The State Courts Administrator emphasized the judiciary’s constitutional role, case volume, and challenges in providing interpreters, experts, and technology support. Chief Deputy Attorney General Guard described the office’s litigation, criminal appeals, consumer protection, and opioid recovery work, especially defending state laws and recovering opioid settlement funds. Members then asked questions about prison conditions, immigration enforcement, court filing fees, crime reporting, staffing ratios, and transnational gangs. Agency leaders responded that they were not aware of ICE contracts in some cases, that FDLE works with immigration authorities and detention facilities under existing authority, and that filing fees are a legislative policy decision. The committee also heard from the Justice Administrative Commission, prosecutors, public defenders, guardian ad litem, regional conflict counsel, and capital collateral regional counsel, who focused on indigent representation, dependency and death penalty cases, and persistent staffing and retention problems. No votes were taken, and the meeting concluded after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2018, as you mentioned, Senator, this office ...office has served as the chair of the state juvenile
• And I intend for the office to continue this work and expand on and makes public.
• A prosecutor can also just simply decide not to prosecute the case.
• A prosecutor can also just simply decide not to prosecute the case.
• Category B conditions are monitored or supervised really by a local probation officer.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Juvenile and Emerging Adult Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a longtime California death investigator, a former police officer, and the retired executive officer
• Police officers are also doing medical evals, so those are the individuals that police officers are not
• I'd like to add that my office I'd like to add that my office is continuing to work with the Cal Chamber
• As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors cannot As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors
• , prosecutors—and then left.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Police officers are transporting 5150s.
• Police officers are also doing medical evaluations, so those are the individuals that police officers
• I'd like to add that my office...
• As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors cannot As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors
• , prosecutors—and then left.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• the County Prosecutors.
• </c> main Justice and the County Prosecutors main Justice and the County Prosecutors is<00:02:41.800>
• </c><00:02:51.319><c> but</c> General and the County Prosecutors but General and the County Prosecutors
• Would the follow-up procedure be okay with your office?
• Officers Officers um<00:45:18.960><c> okay</c><00:45:19.240><c> so</c><00:45:19.559><c> this</c><00:

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There can sometimes be real tension between the prosecutors and the police officers as to what should
• There can sometimes be real tension between the prosecutors and the police officers as to what should
• and the police uh the the prosecutors and the police officers<02:32:56.399><c> as</c><02:32:56.640><
• A prosecutor in a county attorney's office moves a case along and has to meet a beyond a reasonable doubt
• A prosecutor in a county<02:48:08.800><c> attorney's</c><02:48:09.279><c> office</c><02:48:10.160><c>

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We have prosecutors, public defenders who are on the team.
• /c><00:19:40.240><c> are</c><00:19:40.400><c> on</c> prosecutors, public defenders who are on prosecutors
• And, by gosh, she is in my office three, four times a week.
• And, by gosh, she is in my office three, four times a week.
• And, by gosh, she is in my office three, four times a week.

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average. Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required. Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Scott Wyckoff, our executive officer, who's here, him always.
• My career began with approximately a decade as a prosecutor for both Kings and Madera counties.
• The transition from prosecutor to commissioners to commission. term last year in 2025.
• I would want to hear from our executive officer and our agency counsel. Okay. Pam?
• Disparaging to some of the prosecutors, law enforcement, and other participants.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors and the State Mining and Geology Board, with one mining board appointment passing 3-2 and the others passing 5-0. The committee also approved a rule waiver request from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to allow budget subcommittees to meet during the blackout period, and it referred ACA 7 (Jackson) to the committees listed on the agenda after rejecting a motion to add Labor, Public Employment and Retirement as an additional referral. The committee then heard testimony from five appointees to the Board of Parole Hearings: William Munis, Michael Ruff, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, Mary Thornton, and Jack Weiss. In opening remarks, the appointees emphasized their corrections, legal, and public safety backgrounds and described parole work as evidence-based, collaborative, and focused on current risk rather than the original offense alone. Senators, especially Senator Jones, pressed them on recent high-profile parole grants involving child sex offenders, the extent of commissioner discretion, the use of coping mechanisms and risk assessments, transparency in en banc review votes, and whether the board’s decisions adequately protect public safety. The appointees said they must follow the law, rely on structured risk tools and expert assessments, and treat each case individually; several said they would defer to the Legislature on whether en banc votes should be made public. Members also questioned the board about use of MAT/drug-treatment records, commutation review, institutional behavior and write-ups, victim participation, elderly parole, and the role of community support and rehabilitation. The commissioners said treatment records are considered only in context with other reliable evidence, that reconsideration hearings and recidivism data help evaluate whether tools are working, and that victim and family members are given respectful accommodations and opportunities to participate. Senator Jones said he was not satisfied with the answers on discretion and accountability and stated he would not support Jack Weiss’s reappointment, citing ongoing concerns about professionalism. Public testimony at the end was overwhelmingly supportive of the five commissioners, with several advocates, formerly incarcerated people, and anti-recidivism coalition members praising the board’s rigor and the role of rehabilitation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senior assistant attorney general with our office. Okay.
• the prosecutors want us to step in and take over the case.
• Where would your office do the follow-up prosecution?
• So, so dependent on the prosecutor. The prosecutor controls the courthouse.
• prosecutor in my district.

Transcript Highlights:

• Law enforcement, there's a typical process where the prosecutor files the forfeiture action, and then
• And then it requires law enforcement agencies to submit that information to the county prosecutors Law
• enforcement agencies submit that information to the county prosecutors for its jurisdiction on a form
• Sometimes there's federal reporting with forfeitures; sometimes they're reported to the prosecutors.
• And if you look on page two of the bill Office.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a straight-A student, class officer, all-state baseball player, I'm a straight-A student, class officer
• I am the health care violence prosecutor with the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
• I am the health care violence prosecutor with the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
• She ultimately became the elected prosecutor.
• I've been a prosecutor for 11 years. Ms. Price-Smith has been a prosecutor for over 20.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health met in executive session and advanced several bills. HB 1881 was voted do pass without discussion. HB 3010 was amended with a committee substitute that removed a subsection allowing payers to remove “gold carding” based on procedure volume changes, then passed 10-0. HB 2355, the “Food is Medicine” bill, received a committee amendment to align terminology with other partnerships and then passed 11-0. HB 1855, dealing with alpha-gal reporting, was substantially revised: the substitute narrowed the bill to alpha-gal, removed Lyme disease, changed a department duty from mandatory to discretionary in one section, and delayed reporting implementation; it then passed 14-0 after members discussed the need for better disease tracking and the department’s workload. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2034, which would require insurance coverage for activity-based prostheses, orthotics, and high-performance or mobility-supportive wheelchairs. Sponsor Representative Carolyn Caton said the bill is intended to cover devices that help people live, exercise, and avoid secondary health problems, while preserving prior authorization and medical-necessity review. Supporters included clinicians, parents, amputees, and athletes who described being denied running blades, water-safe prostheses, or durable wheelchairs and said the devices are essential for health, independence, mental well-being, and participation in school, work, and sports. Several witnesses said the bill would reduce long-term costs and reliance on charity. Opponents, including the Missouri Insurance Coalition and America’s Health Insurance Plans, argued the bill is an expansion of coverage with unclear definitions and potentially significant costs, especially for Medicaid and other state-regulated plans. They cited the fiscal note, warned about possible federal ACA rule changes that could shift costs to states, and questioned whether the bill’s language on Medicare supplemental coverage and “perceived disability” was workable or preempted. Committee members pressed both sides on cost savings, definitions of “normal” activity, and whether the bill could be narrowed or otherwise revised, and several said they were willing to keep working on the issue. The hearing on HB 2034 was left open and then recessed after testimony, with no vote taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have William Bento, Office of the Public Defender, in opposition.
• Next, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, County of Kauai, in opposition.
• What I would have want from the prosecutors and you, a prosecutor has some good stuff, but from you guys
• </c><00:08:17.919><c> um</c> stuff from the Prosecuting Office um stuff from the Prosecuting Office um
• you a from the prosecutors and you a prosecutor<00:09:11.200><c> has</c><00:09:11.360><c> some</c><00

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200. The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.

Transcript Highlights:

• This wasn't the recorder-treasurer that's in office now.
• I didn't come in office till '19, so I can't answer for that before me.
• This finding has been referred to the prosecutor in the AG's office.
• This finding has been referred to the prosecutor in the AG's office. So no questions.
• And it's also been filed with the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee first heard updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For reports due as of December 31, 2012, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total of released escrow funds to 17 and leaving 26 still escrowed. For reports delinquent as of December 31, 2023, two more reports were received, bringing 59 of the original 64 into compliance and leaving five outstanding. Both update reports were filed without objection. The committee then discussed Act 709 of 2021 and the town of Daisy’s repayment of street turnback funds. Staff said Daisy had made improper payments to a nonprofit, used restricted street funds for fire truck and fire department building costs, and had not adopted the required repayment ordinance or obtained approval for a reduced repayment percentage. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the city council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the city had funds to pay. After questions from members and staff explaining the audit calculations, the committee adopted a motion requiring Daisy to repay 10% of unrestricted general fund revenues under the statute and to withhold turnback funds if the city fails to comply. The report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous deferred and current audit findings from cities, counties, and water systems. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including Harrison district court, Carroll County airport, Izard County treasurer, Alexander district court, Town of 56 officials, Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, Ozan, and Lee County. Findings included missing or inaccurate reconciliations, unsupported credit card charges, payroll and compensation issues, improper use of public funds, missing receipts, and budget overruns. Some matters were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals and Lone Oak County, while others were filed or deferred as appropriate. The committee also deferred two private water and sewer reports for lack of proper responses, filed 19 reports with resolved findings, and filed 53 reports with no findings. Before adjourning, the committee set its next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then they have a probation officer. The probation officer utilizes DOC Stars.
• So I was a parole officer for... I was a parole officer for about 10 years.
• So we would rely on the parole and probation officers or the parole officer in the field.
• The Office of Management,...
• And the parole and probation officers have talked about that with our office as well.

Committees: Joint Judiciary , Joint Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• of a state office thing.
• Next, we have the Maui Prosecutor's Office, in support. Darcia Fawcett, Office of Public Defender.
• ><c> who</c><01:08:45.080><c> who</c> And Prosecutor, anybody there who who And Prosecutor, anybody there
• Executive Office on Aging in support. Executive Office on Aging in support. Carolyn Cadirao.
• Procurement Office, come on up. Okay.

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this job is an office job.
• But this job is an office job.
• I'm in the office.
• And today I have with me Merrimack County Prosecutor Paul Halverson and the AG's office, Representative
• </c> partner with our our state officers. partner with our our state officers.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• and Anita Lee Legislative Analysis Office.
• judicial officer funded.
• We have our drug court judicial officers and we have our judicial officer, our public defender, our DA
• Office.
• I'm Anita Lee with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Transcript Highlights:

• to be Department of Justice officers.
• I'm sure it depends from officer to officer based on training and certification and those kinds of behaviors
• Huntsman served as a prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for more than
• Our office is proud to sponsor AB 2310.
• Our office are proud sponsors of AB 2310.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Sherman, California narcotic officers in support, along with the peace officer groups listed in
• This actually came to a head very recently in our office where a peace officer had been prosecuted by
• I'm also a member of the California Narcotics Officers Association. I'm a narcotics prosecutor.
• I'm also a member of the California Narcotics Officers Association. I'm a narcotics prosecutor.
• I know that our office has also had issues, and I know that our public defender's office struggles just

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assembly Member Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug-trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and law enforcement groups, said the bill closes a loophole and addresses a growing public safety threat, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can discourage people from seeking help. The bill passed on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assembly Member Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; supporters cited rising threats to the judiciary, while opponents said existing law already covers threats and aggravating factors. The committee approved it on a due pass vote to Appropriations. AB 938 by Assembly Member Bonta would expand vacature and affirmative defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses, and featured powerful testimony from survivor Susan Bustamante and vacature expert Jamie Beck. Supporters said the bill would let survivors tell their full stories and seek justice; opponents, including district attorneys and sheriffs, warned it could go too far by covering violent crimes and could affect public safety. The chair recommended an aye, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assembly Member Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and was framed as part of efforts to end involuntary servitude; supporters linked it to rehabilitation and racial justice, while one member opposed it as inconsistent with accountability and the will of voters. The measure was moved on but left on call pending additional votes. AB 704 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would allow people convicted of low-level misdemeanors before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records, with supporters emphasizing brain development and the limits of expungement in the digital age. District attorneys opposed it over Brady/discovery concerns and the destruction of records, but the chair recommended aye and it passed to Appropriations. AB 812 by Assembly Member Lowenthal would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters; supporters highlighted the rigor of fire camp work and rehabilitation benefits, while the district attorneys’ association opposed giving firefighters independent petition authority. Testimony on AB 812 was still underway at the end of the excerpt, and no final vote was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , different state attorney's offices and different circuits, the statewide prosecutor, and the Department
• Again, those entities are the Department of Law Enforcement, FDLE, the Attorney General's Office, state
• The statewide prosecutor, or the Department of Commerce, has to be able to.
• The different circuits, the statewide prosecutor, or the Department of Commerce has oversight powers.
• And they're typically tied in with a network system that's in the office or whatever.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 197, which would require all private employers in Florida, regardless of size, to use E-Verify for new hires and eliminate the current exemption for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The sponsor said the system is free, uses information already collected on I-9 forms, and helps employers confirm work authorization; supporters argued it simply enforces existing law and closes a gap in current requirements. Opponents, including labor and policy groups, said the bill would burden small businesses, could produce errors, and should be addressed through comprehensive federal immigration reform rather than state mandates. Members also raised concerns about implementation, enforcement, and potential impacts on workers and employers in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and small business. The committee voted along party lines to report HB 197 favorably. The committee then received an update from the Florida Gaming Control Commission, beginning with new Executive Director Alana Zimmer and then Director of Gaming Enforcement Carl Harold. Zimmer outlined the commission’s structure, staffing, legal slot and card room locations, and the Seminole gaming compact, noting that changes in state law or court rulings could affect compact revenue. Members asked for additional information on salaries, commission vacancies, and how veterans’ organizations can determine whether gaming machines are legal. Harold described the commission’s enforcement work against illegal casinos, saying they are widespread, often exploit vulnerable patrons, and can be tied to organized crime, weapons, drugs, and other offenses. Harold reported thousands of complaints, more than 4,000 illegal slot machines seized, over 100 illegal casinos raided, millions in proceeds recovered, and numerous arrests and joint operations with other agencies. He said the main barriers are weak misdemeanor penalties and limited staffing, and requested two additional enforcement squads, one in southwest Florida and one in Jacksonville. Members questioned the cost of the request, storage of seized machines, coordination with local law enforcement, and how the public can report illegal gambling. The commission said it works with local agencies, has many MOUs, and directs the public to its website and law enforcement hotline for reporting.