Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a retired prosecutor. Okay.
• Prosecutors to charge in additional scenarios where the law is applicable.
• The Pinal County Attorney's Office can give more detail.
• incident reviews when we took office, and we found a shortfall here.
• , a peace officer, or a correctional officer does.

Bills: HB2043 , HB2045 , HB2046 , HB2048 , HB2064 , HB2074 , HB2126 , HB2133 , HB2144

Committees: House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• before the committee should complete an appearance card and hand it to a member of the sergeants office
• Residents can be reported online or in-person with the sheriff's office.
• assistant to the list of officers that were expanded.
• There was another instance we're hearing officer was awoken at 03:00AM in the morning with police officers
• Sometimes that can feel intimidating to that prosecutor.

Transcript Highlights:

• offices.
• . 885 officers, but it has a budget for 1200.
• Yes, the state prosecutor can put it together. Together.
• Some prosecutors aggregate them, some prosecutors don't, and we want a policy of aggregation.
• Probation officers often have overblown caseloads.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• But we would still notify the judges and under your amendment, we would notify the prosecutor too, which
• But the prosecutor really is the one that needs to be notified because he has to follow up on the case
• It's up to the prosecutor to determine the credibility of the evidence and whether or not the prosecutor
• It's up to the prosecutor to determine the credibility of the evidence and whether or not the prosecutor
• We have Paolo Messina from the AG's office. I'm just here to support my colleagues.

Bills: HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB337 , HB957

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: racketeering, gambling crimes, law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice, temporary restraining orders, abuse prevention, evidence, court procedures, legal protections, felony speeding, traffic laws, penalties, elderly, infirmities, abuse, neglect, crime of violence, criminal liability, caregiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Services at the Napa County District Attorney's Office.
• Our office encountered this exact situation.
• They're asking, can we establish an OIG office within the county office?
• They're asking can we establish an OIG office within the county office.
• Ask the sergeants if you can please call his office.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took action on multiple measures. AB 1662 by Assemblymember Wilson, which would require notice to the DMV when a defendant receives diversion in certain driving-related cases so points can still be assessed administratively, drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, AAA, and road safety advocates, with opposition from the Western Center on Law and Poverty. The bill passed on a due pass motion to Transportation and was held on call. AB 1741 by Assemblymember Pacheco, as amended, would allow sexual battery committed during an unlawful residential intrusion to be charged as a wobbler; prosecutors and victim advocates supported it, while public defender organizations argued existing law already covers the conduct and warned the bill was overbroad. It passed due pass as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2760 by Assemblymember Sharp Collins would let counties with an Office of Inspector General expand that office’s oversight to probation and animal control departments. Supporters, including the author, an Ella Baker Center representative, and San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, said it would improve transparency and help counties lacking capacity. Probation officials and Fresno County opposed, citing existing oversight structures and concerns about conflicts, confidentiality, and duplication. The bill passed due pass to Local Government, with some no votes, and was held on call. AB 1753 by Assemblymember Wix, the Survivor Pathways to Safety Act, would strengthen firearm relinquishment and protection-order enforcement, expand firearm prohibitions for certain threats and violations, and broaden remote hearing and notification provisions. Support came from gun violence prevention, victim, medical, and law enforcement groups; gun rights organizations opposed on due process grounds. It passed due pass as amended to Judiciary and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1743 by Assemblymember Wix, which would allow local governments and certain universities to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data would help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based policy, while opponents warned about privacy, misuse, and stigmatizing lawful dealers. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2164, the Care Without Fear Act, would strengthen California’s shield-law protections for reproductive health care providers against extradition and related enforcement; supporters framed it as protecting lawful care in California, while opponents raised concerns about abortion and gender-affirming care and due process. It passed due pass to Judiciary and was held open. AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, would create a narrow buffer around houses of worship to prevent harassment of people entering or exiting; faith-based and anti-hate groups supported it, while civil liberties and some community groups opposed it as an unconstitutional speech restriction. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee then began hearing AB 2122 by Assemblymember Kalra, which would prohibit bench warrants for Vehicle Code infractions and allow noncustodial warrants for other infractions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• members of the House, two members of the Senate, one representative from the Secretary of State's office
• or designee, one from the Attorney General's office or designee, one representative from the Department
• took donations from bevon GOP prosecutor took donations from sex<00:09:49.320><c> offenders</c><00:09
• The power to pardon allows one person to override the judgment of a police officer, county prosecutor
• This measure has previously been supported by the FOP, the prosecutors, the sheriffs, and the chiefs

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum, recognized a student page from Covington Catholic High School, and then took up House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway. The resolution would create a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Act task force to study restoration of civil and voting rights for people who have served their sentences and shown rehabilitation. Callaway said the task force would include legislators and representatives from state offices and advocacy groups, and she noted the issue should receive serious attention as part of civic participation and reentry. Members asked about differences between the House resolution and a similar Senate measure. Callaway explained that her version was more specific about membership and included state agency representatives and advocacy organizations. Representative Blacket said he preferred the House version and noted expungement had also been discussed. Representative Marzian said she would vote no, arguing the Secretary of State already handles election integrity and that the proposal was unnecessary and costly. Representative Roberts supported the resolution, saying the current process for restoring voting rights can be expensive and lengthy. The resolution passed with favorable consideration. The committee then heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Bill 126 from Senator Chris McDaniel, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power. McDaniel argued the power has been abused and said the amendment would not eliminate pardons, but would restrict them to the 60 days before an election and the period between the gubernatorial election and inauguration so voters could weigh in. He cited high-profile pardons and commutations as examples and said the measure had previously been supported by law enforcement groups. Representative Lockard and another member expressed support, saying pardon power can be undemocratic and that the timing of mass pardons after elections is troubling. McDaniel said the 60-day window was chosen as a practical period for information to reach voters. No vote was taken on the bill, and the meeting adjourned after a visiting district judge was recognized.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 19,490 correctional officers, a little over 11,000. 1,100, almost 1,150 parole officers and then
• probation officers and probation officers probation and I'll go into the next slide, but we provide
• There are about 2,700 parole officer or probation officers in the state of Texas.
• If you look at parole officers there's about eleven hundred and fifty parole officers in the state right
• General's office either.

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Our office encountered this exact situation.
• Running the Solano County office as chief defender.
• They're asking, can we establish an OIG office within the county office?
• They're asking can we establish an OIG office within the county office.
• And I come to this bill as a former prosecutor.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm a prosecutor. I'm currently a prosecutor in Ramsey County.
• </c> fell into this um so I'm a prosecutor fell into this um so I'm a prosecutor I'm<00:31:03.600><c>
• </c> County prior to that I was a prosecutor County prior to that I was a prosecutor in<00:31:06.639>
• </c><01:25:46.560><c> make</c> situations deputies and officers make situations deputies and officers
• </c> Minesota police and Peace Officers Minesota police and Peace Officers Association<01:27:50.520><

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:11.280><c> And</c> officers for those interactions. And officers for those interactions.
• </c><00:31:11.320><c> Chairman,</c> Officer Basic? Mr. True. Mr. Chairman, Officer Basic? Mr. True.
• </c> Co-chairman Washut, both of my officers Co-chairman Washut, both of my officers are<00:31:14.360
• </c> Pay for judges, prosecutors, defenders. Pay for judges, prosecutors, defenders.
• The police officer.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• He went on to serve as an officer in the Marine Corps.
• The Office of Legal Policy has a broad mission.
• When you served as a prosecutor in the Eastern...
• I appreciate the time in my office.
• Attorney in office, not formally like you, Mr.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the end of the day, I do trust a judicial officer.
• Morning, Ryan Sherman with the California Narcotic Officers Association and other peace officer groups
• The prosecutor goes forward with the charge.
• , but not state officers.
• powers of a peace officer.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, first testifier on Judge Char's nomination is the governor's office, Will Kaine, or his designee.
• </c> office, Will Kaine, or his design. Yes. office, Will Kaine, or his design. Yes.
• Um, when there was an opening in the Kauai office, I jumped at it.
• Um, when there was an opening in the Kauai office, I jumped at it. I wanted to get back home.
• </c><00:25:04.480><c> and</c> collaboration between the prosecutor and collaboration between the prosecutor

Bills: SB2418 , SB2568 , SB2661

Committee: Senate Judiciary

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:

• Barney Bishop: Law enforcement officers, and I've got law enforcement officers on both sides of my family
• Every state attorney's office, a case comes then before filing each year.
• I understand some people are bothering law enforcement officers, but are our officers legitimately stopping
• Part of the reason is in my time as a prosecutor, you know, depending on your county.
• You could have anywhere from 350-450 cases as an individual prosecutor.

Transcript Highlights:

• This wasn't the court treasurer that's in office now.
• I think that's what the prosecutor will figure out.
• 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 and the AG's office.
• This finding has been referred to the prosecutor and the AG's office, so no questions.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this bill, the office may only investigate or assist upon a request from law enforcement, prosecutors
• With this new updated language, the current peace officers that are currently with the Office of Investigations
• attorney's office as well.
• Because if you're coming across as a strong officer, police officer, public safety, then you may or..
• . ...as a strong officer, police officer, public safety, then you may or may not pick up on everything

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2708, which would increase penalties for bringing or possessing unauthorized electronic communication devices in prisons and jails, raising the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class D felony and clarifying the statutory language. Representative Hovis said the bill is intended to deter contraband cell phones and similar devices that can be used to coordinate criminal activity, threaten victims, or continue gang operations from inside facilities. Department of Corrections staff supported the bill, saying cell phones are dangerous contraband and that current administrative sanctions are not always enough. Members asked about notice to visitors, current DOC discipline, whether the bill applies to inmates, staff, and visitors, and whether the language should be tightened to cover devices “capable of” communication; the sponsor agreed to have House Research review the wording and potentially offer a committee substitute. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee then heard House Bill 3038, which would place the Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Special Investigations into statute and give it limited authority to assist investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of eligible adults. Representative Cook said the office already exists and the bill mainly codifies its role, allowing limited subpoena and search warrant authority to speed investigations, especially financial exploitation cases, while preserving local law enforcement and prosecutorial control. DHSS witnesses supported the bill, explaining that their investigators have long worked on vulnerable-adult cases and often need quicker access to records; they said the office has law enforcement experience and coordinates with Adult Protective Services and public safety agencies. Committee members asked about the fiscal note, vacancies, the definition of exploitation, whether the office can investigate public administrators or guardianship cases, and whether investigators have arrest authority; witnesses said the bill is not intended to create a new police force or expand arrest powers, but to formalize existing functions and improve access to records. No witnesses testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office in Conroe, Texas.
• Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Yes, Your Honor. Do you represent yourself?
• Yes, I do, as the representative of the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Thank you.
• I'm a prosecutor with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
• County District Attorney's Office. I've been there for nearly 22 years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then they have a probation officer. The probation officer utilizes DOC Stars.
• Then they have a probation officer. The probation officer utilizes DOC Stars.
• So we would rely on the parole and probation officers or the parole officer in the field.
• And the parole and probation officers have talked about that with our office as well.
• that with our office as well.

Committee: Joint Judiciary Committee

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence honoring a deceased member, then approved the April minutes. The first major presentation was from Chelsea Florey of Child and Family Services on the Diversion Task Force and related grant programs created with one-time funding from HB 1012. She reported that five of six proposals were funded, with youth diversion services operating in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and a Red River Children’s Advocacy Center program focused on problematic sexualized behavior. Members discussed barriers such as staffing shortages, voluntary family engagement, service fatigue, and the need for better coordination, broader outreach, and possible changes to diversion eligibility rules so low-level cases can remain in diversion longer. Several legislators pressed for more practical system changes and clearer service navigation, while Florey said the task force is trying to build a service array or hub and is leaning on the Children’s Cabinet for broader recommendations. The committee then heard from North Dakota Lottery Director Thomas Lawler, who gave an operational overview and biennium report. He described the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, Pick and Click subscriptions, Players Club membership, and revenue distribution. For the 2023-25 biennium, about $67 million in tickets were purchased, with roughly $16.2 million transferred overall, including money for the general fund, drug task force grants, and compulsive gambling prevention and treatment. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether the amount is set by statute. A lengthy presentation followed from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on criminal justice data connectivity and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that North Dakota’s jail, court, HHS, and correctional systems use multiple separate databases that do not communicate in real time, requiring manual cross-checks and staff communication. He said the department is exploring a centralized hub or other integration approach, but noted challenges with identifiers, vendor contracts, confidentiality, and cost. Robin Schmolenberger then updated the committee on a Medicaid data-sharing project with HHS, saying monthly application assistance is now occurring in correctional facilities and that automated bi-directional data exchange is expected in late 2026 to help suspend and reactivate Medicaid coverage and identify former foster care youth. Members also discussed parole, probation, transitional housing, and the need for better real-time notifications and clearer data definitions. The committee also received an update from county representatives on the 24/7 sobriety program, including a recent attorney general opinion that if a court waives 24/7 fees, sheriffs may use the cheaper twice-daily breath test or urine testing instead of SCRAM bracelets or drug patches. Finally, Bruce Johnson of the Racing Commission presented on an audit report, acknowledging serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, grant documentation failures, a breeders fund eligibility reversal, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has already changed its procedures by tracking fund limits monthly, requiring grant applications and itemized reports, enforcing breeders fund rules as written, and routing purchases through procurement with written contracts. The committee asked follow-up questions throughout but took no formal votes on these presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Abd Holden said that between the ombudsman's office and NAMI's office, it is more like a couple
• Miss Abd Holden said that between the ombudsman's office and NAMI's office, it is more like a couple
• Miss Abd Holden said that between the ombudsman's office and NAMI's office, it is more like a couple
• of the in Association, and the Office of the in the<01:12:29.840><c> Office</c><01:12:30.159><c> of<
• </c> applies to all county attorneys offices applies to all county attorneys offices uh<01:40:49.040>

Bills: HF2233 , HF1999 , HF1995 , HF1614 , HF2781 , HF1775 , HF1316 , HF2127 , HF2521 , HF689 , HF2380 , HF1273

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with the prosecutor's office down there, they found some concerns with the law the way that it
• Travis Hartshorn from Nez Perce County Prosecutor, he worked on this with me.
• I am the chief civil deputy prosecutor for Nez Perce County.
• I am currently living in Washington, but I'm representing Nez Perce County prosecutors at this point.
• I am the chief civil deputy prosecutor for Nesperse County.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration