Transcript Highlights:

• It is investigated fully by the Office of Inspector General or the special prosecutions unit.
• The offenders are prosecuted to the full extent of the law that is available within the facts of that
• So what the legislation did, in part, was add to that list where the Special Prosecution Unit or any
• prosecuting attorney... ...was add to that list where the Special Prosecution Unit or any prosecuting
• Let's talk about taking deferred prosecution off the table for determinate sentence offenses.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Since that time, a new prosecuting attorney has been assigned to the investigation through the Pulaski
• We were able to confirm that the statute of limitations for any misdemeanor charges has expired since
• A subpoena has been issued for additional evidence, and we hope that that will lead to a prosecution.
• Did you say that the statute of limitations has run out on the misdemeanor during the investigation?
• This finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney and the attorney general and was also certified

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of audit reports with findings. The Department of Human Services report described theft and fraud involving false benefit claims, including about $8,000 in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, about $5,800 in Medicaid benefits, and an altered state warrant for nearly $610,000 that was cashed by an auto body shop in California; it also noted asset-control problems and an error in sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members asked whether the fraudulent business had been flagged or notified to other agencies, and DHS said the matter had been referred to law enforcement but no broader notification to California officials was known. The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism report cited missing museum receipts of nearly $3,500 and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium, including a missing $100 drawer fund and an $80 overage; officials said they were considering cashless operations at War Memorial Stadium and provided an update that the museum theft investigation was still ongoing, with misdemeanor time limits expired but felony investigation still possible. The Department of Corrections report found unauthorized fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster-recovery test for offender management software; Corrections said staffing had been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster-recovery test was now scheduled after DIS upgrades were completed. The Department of Veterans Affairs report found four Fayetteville Veterans Home employees were paid for hours not worked, with additional unapproved overtime totaling more than $6,600, a duplicate vendor payment of nearly $1,000 that was refunded, and many overtime instances lacking proper approval; the department said it had tightened overtime approval policies statewide. The committee also received a special report on law enforcement agencies’ compliance with Arkansas’s racial profiling policy requirement. Legislative Audit said it had received responses from 203 of 383 agencies and forwarded updated policies to the Attorney General, while identifying 180 agencies that had not responded and were deemed out of compliance. Members asked what happens if agencies still fail to respond and requested a list of nonresponding agencies; staff said their role is limited to collecting and forwarding policies, and the committee agreed to receive the list. All reports were filed or reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after announcing the next meeting date and a possible room change due to building work.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is very hard for survivors to trust persons with authority, such as prosecuting attorneys who work
• It is very hard for survivors to trust persons with authority, such as prosecuting attorneys who work
• Criminal prosecution program. Again, AB 1656 simply adds human trafficking to this list.
• While these programs are used, Conviction through misdemeanor diversion programs.
• I've prosecuted cases.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Paker, when the prosecuting attorney is standing before the court trying a case, that prosecuting attorney
• or assistant prosecuting attorney can carry a firearm.
• We're talking about the minor misdemeanor level of assault. ...months in jail and a misdemeanor minimum
• We're talking about the minor misdemeanor level of assault. So what does that look like?
• I mean, this is a misdemeanor assault level.

Summary: The House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 133-0. The session then included many introductions of interns, guests, and a Teacher Appreciation Day statement. A committee report recommended passage of Senate Bill 903, and the chamber moved into third reading and amendment action on Senate Bill 1421 and related measures. Members debated and adopted a long series of amendments covering public safety, criminal justice, schools, and corrections. Topics included drone enforcement authority for law enforcement, a Missouri Ranger school safety program and school bus stop-arm penalties, Clean Slate automatic expungement language narrowed to drug offenses, an Alzheimer’s task force and dementia training for law enforcement, fire hydrant testing, pseudoephedrine access, banning portable electronic devices in prisons, hands-free cell phone law fixes, critical infrastructure protections, parental accountability for minors’ offenses, fentanyl trafficking, attorney general firearms authority, support for St. Louis and Kansas City police boards, DNA collection on arrest for additional crimes, a 25-foot buffer around first responders, a domestic violence registry, squatter and notary fraud fixes, gift card fraud, and post-conviction death penalty procedures. Several amendments drew opposition over civil liberties, school safety, prison penalties, and death penalty concerns, but most were adopted. The most contested item was the death penalty post-conviction relief amendment, which members argued either would streamline appeals and risk wrongful executions or would provide needed finality for victims; it ultimately passed 75-68 after a roll call vote. Another notable debate centered on the St. Louis Police Board amendment, with members disputing who should pay for police overtime and liability costs. The transcript ends amid discussion of a corrections-related amendment on good-time credit and rehabilitation programming, with the amendment to the amendment being supported by members from both parties.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Prosecuting Attorney in support. Prosecuting Attorney in support.
• They're currently there now. misdemeanor because a know um because it misdemeanor because a know um because
• It would be for one year under misdemeanor.
• </c><01:24:29.520><c> And</c> you'd be treated as a misdemeanor.
• And you'd be treated as a misdemeanor.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, misdemeanors are not the problem in Avoyelles Parish.
• So having another place to file misdemeanors is not going to help us.
• And then I send it out among them, and if we had to go prosecute them in Bunkie, my staff would have
• And if we had to go prosecute them in Bunkie, my staff would have to... God, dog.
• They're still going to send the misdemeanors to me that they don't handle in their magistrate courts.

Bills: HR2 , HR37 , HR61 , HCR11 , HCR64 , HB89 , HB183 , HB341 , HB371 , HB451 , HB480 , HB520 , HB541 , HB579 , HB597 , HB816 , HB1004 , HB1064 , HB1165 , SB44

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably. Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:22:22.319><c> And</c> going to prosecute. If not, why not? And going to prosecute.
• </c> &gt;&gt; No, we can't prosecute. &gt;&gt; No, we can't prosecute.
• </c> or not to prosecute any case. or not to prosecute any case. Understood. Understood.
• ,</c> would otherwise be a misdemeanor, would otherwise be a misdemeanor, knowingly<03:49:49.520><c>
• </c><04:18:46.800><c> and</c> arrest somebody for a misdemeanor and arrest somebody for a misdemeanor

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:30:56.239><c> And</c> prosecute consumer fraud under. And prosecute consumer fraud under.
• </c><02:28:03.760><c> under</c> were being prosecuted under were being prosecuted under 609378,<02:28
• </c><02:34:47.359><c> somebody</c> trying to charge and prosecute somebody trying to charge and prosecute
• prosecute?
• </c> criminal prosecution shouldn't happen. criminal prosecution shouldn't happen.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• the executive director of the Children's Justice Center of King County, within the King County Prosecuting
• We are housed within the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
• You know, less than 10% of sexual assaults end up being prosecuted.
• We want to make sure we're creating this process when someone does have the courage to report and prosecute
• . 80% of all domestic violence cases are filed as misdemeanors.

Summary: Sen. Manka Dhingra held a press conference focused on Washington’s ongoing efforts to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, and other gender-based violence, while warning that state victim-services funding is at risk amid budget pressures. She highlighted past legislative actions such as extending sexual-assault statutes of limitation, keeping firearms from abusers, protecting survivors from discrimination, improving civil protection orders, and addressing female genital mutilation, and said the state must continue funding trauma-informed, victim-centered services. Several advocates and service providers testified that the system is at a breaking point without restored funding. Colleen McIngles of the Children’s Justice Center said programs statewide could close if the Legislature does not restore roughly $10 million in additional victim-services funding, while Kate Garvey of KSARC said $21.38 million is needed just to maintain current services after federal VOCA cuts and staff layoffs. They argued that losing forensic interviewers, advocates, and coordinated response teams would leave survivors without support and increase harm. Legislators also discussed several bills. Sen. T’wina Nobles described SB 5169, aimed at protecting children from having to relive trauma in court. Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Roger Goodman discussed HB 1591, which would address “defendant survivors” by recognizing coercion and allowing mitigation, resentencing, and vacatur in some cases. Rep. Chris Stearns and Sen. Tina Orwall discussed a bill to make court proceedings less retraumatizing for sexual-assault survivors and to address female genital mutilation, and Dhingra noted the Senate had unanimously passed the Ebony Alert bill. Rep. Lauren Davis shared her personal experience relying on victim services and said the state must fully fund both community-based and system-based advocacy. In response to a question, Dhingra said funding discussions were ongoing but emphasized the need to secure about $21.5 million for survivors and to create a more stable statutory funding mechanism.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I, as a criminal practitioner myself, prosecuted cases dealing with digital evidence.
• I think this does feel like I prosecuted cases dealing with digital evidence.
• as misdemeanors, turning them into essentially mandatory felonies.
• as misdemeanors turning them into essentially mandatory felonies. as misdemeanors, turning them into
• For misdemeanors, this could be one to two months or longer. For felonies, it could be years.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 792 by Alvarado, relating to the prosecution of the offensive sexual assault to criminal
• possession of a firearm by a person following the person's conviction of certain family violence misdemeanors
• program as an alternative to expulsion to education K through 16. 807 by Zaffirini relaying the prosecution
• Senate Bill 808 by West relaying the prosecution of the criminal offense of the possession of manufactured
• relating to automatic orders of non-disclosure of criminal history record information for certain misdemeanor

Bills: SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825 , SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have background in prosecution have background in prosecution assistance<00:05:23.600><c> and</c
• is a gross misdemeanor.
• </c><01:21:27.600><c> crime</c> confused because the misdemeanor crime confused because the misdemeanor
• If you agree that it should be a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, to be in a motor vehicle that is stolen
• The response continued that if members agree it should be a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor to be in

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Ken Sorenson; and members of the law enforcement community, including county chiefs of police and prosecuting
• including the county Chiefs of police including the county Chiefs of police and<00:07:08.840><c> Prosecuting
• </c> and Prosecuting and Prosecuting attorneys<00:07:11.440><c> from</c><00:07:11.639><c> the</c><00:
• Mahalo to our partners from the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the public defenders' offices
• </c><00:29:49.799><c> attorneys</c> Honolulu Honolulu Prosecuting attorneys Honolulu Honolulu Prosecuting

Transcript Highlights:

• Hasibullah, if I can go directly to Senator Steinbeck: if the offense is substantiated and it's prosecuted
• The offense is substantiated and it's prosecuted. It would mirror many of the existing provisions.
• The first offense would be a misdemeanor.
• The second or any subsequent offense is a gross misdemeanor.
• to locate the person, that individual will be afforded due process, but if they are subject to prosecution

Committee: Senate Legislative Operations and Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think, from a practicality standpoint, This is a $100 fine and a misdemeanor.
• So I don't think we need to elevate this from a misdemeanor to a felony.
• So if the city court issued a misdemeanor warrant, or a subject was held in contempt, then they were
• And people had to make adjustments, you know, between the jailing and the prosecution side, the judicial
• Yeah, I don't mean to be naive to what it takes to solve a case and prosecute someone or whatever.

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it a misdemeanor?
• Is it a misdemeanor? I believe charge? Is it a misdemeanor?
• </c> would actually put that misdemeanor would actually put that misdemeanor penalty<00:51:05.119><c>
• :25:24.560><c> holding</c><02:25:24.960><c> someone</c> prosecute or they're holding someone prosecute
• </c><02:30:50.319><c> on</c> teeth to have the police prosecute on teeth to have the police prosecute

Committee: Senate Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, right now the way the law states the criminal offenses are simply a misdemeanor... >> Rep.
• Yes, right now the way the law states the criminal offenses are simply a misdemeanor, and what we are
• And if they get busted, misdemeanors — no one can go after a misdemeanor.
• They will not do a search warrant for a potential misdemeanor because what kind of prosecution does that
• MISDEMEANOR BECAUSE&nbsp; WHAT KIND OF PROSECUTION DOESN'T LOOK LIKE?

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also prohibits certain age-related defenses from being raised in a prosecution. Mr.
• It's only a first-degree misdemeanor. And currently, out of a structure is a legal loophole.
• The bill also prohibits certain age-related defenses from being raised in a prosecution. Mr.
• The bill also prohibits certain age-related defenses from being raised in a prosecution. Mr.
• Luring or enticing a child was the only applicable charge, a misdemeanor.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3. Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously. Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically creates a class of offenses, which are class C misdemeanors.
• You get the C misdemeanor and then the B misdemeanor.
• and then the B misdemeanor.
• And, you know... ...Class C misdemeanor. This is for the purpose of intimidation.
• It's a lot easier for you to prosecute, be prosecuted for a violation of order of protection than it

Committees: House Judiciary , House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the way I read this bill, I just want to clarify this: when the prosecutor is trying to prosecute
• And this bill takes into consideration for the prosecution that but for that trusting relationship, the
• Right now, it is existing as a misdemeanor, so it would elevate it to a felony.
• And so, I believe it's also a misdemeanor, but wouldn't trespassing potentially be a potential charge
• is Is the prosecution being limited because of it just being a misdemeanor?

Bills: SB1450 , SB1458 , SB1232 , SB1238 , SB1325 , SB1209 , SB1362 , SB2072 , SB1451 , SB1540 , SB1581 , SB1535 , SB1266 , SB1927 , SB1460 , SB2084 , SB2182

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: criminal court costs, court fees, fines, assessments, waiver, ability to pay, indigent defendants, post-release relief, probation compliance, parole, deferred sentence, suspended sentence, restitution, child support, municipal court, district court, criminal justice reform, court debt, legal financial obligations, fee waiver