Video & Transcript : 'coast guard authorization' :
Page 238 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> authorize any new funding or positions. authorize any new funding or positions.
- </c> have law enforcement authority. have law enforcement authority.
- </c> enforcement authority? enforcement authority?
- . authority. authority.
- </c> enforcement authority to your new hire. enforcement authority to your new hire.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We will have authors speak here, witnesses, lead witnesses speak at the mic over there.
- Just, if I could get clarity, in the analysis, the author gave some examples.
- And I do appreciate the commitment from the author to kind of narrow this.
- One with the misleading ads, we are trying to attempt to put some guard rails up.
- Thank you, Madam Chair, and thanks to the author for bringing this bill forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 2
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And this bill preserves that authority. So what are prediction markets?
- These prediction markets circumvent our authority and our gambling laws, and they functionally create
- and the without the guard rails and the safeguards<00:25:31.679><c> that</c><00:25:32.000><c> states
- and our gambling laws, and authority and our gambling laws, and they<00:26:28.960><c> functionally</
- </c> investigations, they have the authority investigations, they have the authority to<00:43:11.119>
Bills:
HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Three - Tuesday, May 5th
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We ask that You reveal Yourself to us today by the Holy Spirit as we guard our speech, making the words
- that we use and debate to bring As we guard our speech, making the words that we use and debate to bring
- Your original bill number—my apologies for catching your old guard, gentlemen. It was 2808."
- They're the ones that are authorized to do an English proficiency test.
- "Okay, for the ultimate authority to do what? Like these investigators, what are they?
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (10/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They have authority to provide those inspectional services.
- They have authority to Hampshire.
- They have authority to provide<00:58:21.119><c> those</c><00:58:21.359><c> inspectional</c><00:58:22.000
- /c><00:59:40.319><c> like</c><00:59:40.559><c> the</c><00:59:40.880><c> fox</c><00:59:41.359><c> guarding
- </c><00:59:41.839><c> the</c> um it's almost like the fox guarding the um it's almost like the fox guarding
Summary:
The committee opened by approving the September 5, 2025 minutes, with one member asking that future minutes use honorifics such as Mr. or Ms. The agenda was then adjusted so Police Standards and Training could present first. Director John Skipa reported on the 2019 performance audit, saying 12 of 16 findings were fully resolved and the remaining items were substantially or partially resolved. He highlighted work on a job task analysis to update curriculum and develop a more realistic physical aptitude test, including possible replacement of the long-used Cooper test and a shift away from mandatory baton training toward electronic weapons training. He said stakeholder work groups would meet in October and November, with a goal of completing the work by the first quarter of 2026.
On the strategic planning and performance measurement finding, Skipa said the agency had relied on the 2019 audit and the LEAC report as guides while also implementing a digital records system. He acknowledged that a formal forward-looking strategic plan with the council had not yet been completed, but said he and the council chair wanted to do so, possibly through a retreat-style planning session. Members asked how many LEAC recommendations had been fully implemented; Skipa said he did not know the exact number but believed nearly all of the 22 items assigned to his agency were complete. On the administrative rules finding, he said a part-time former director had been brought back to help revise outdated rules, the council subcommittee had finished its work, and proposed changes would be sent to the full council, then to stakeholders and the public, with a public hearing expected and implementation targeted for 2026.
For the Corrections Advisory Committee finding, Skipa said the committee had been reconvened in 2020 and 2021 but had limited usefulness because the statutorily named members were mostly high-level administrators rather than line supervisors or newer corrections staff. He said some positions later went unfilled because of budget and staffing issues, and the committee had not been called back, but he was open to either informal adjustments or possible legislative changes to make the committee more useful. Committee members suggested that the statute may need to be amended to allow more appropriate designees or supervisors to participate. After Police Standards and Training concluded, the committee moved on to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, where the executive director said he would focus on the partially resolved items in the dental examiner audit and the National Path audit, noting that many changes were tied to recent statutory revisions.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- to coast.
- </c><00:20:05.200><c> to</c> a small area in Texas to cases Coast to a small area in Texas to cases Coast
- c> understand</c><00:20:07.760><c> that</c> Coast this helps us understand that Coast this helps us understand
- </c> Human Services rulemaking Authority Human Services rulemaking Authority regarding<02:06:37.599><
- That without any specific jurisdictional authority to do so.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/23/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><03:10:50.960><c> to</c><03:10:51.279><c> adjudicate</c> They have the authority to adjudicate what
- <03:13:09.520><c> people</c><03:13:09.680><c> who</c><03:13:09.920><c> have</c><03:13:10.080><c> authority
- </c> are done from people who have authority are done from people who have authority or<03:13:10.800>
- There's groups from the larger cities up and down the East Coast that travel and they hit these stores
- the larger cities up and down<04:37:12.959><c> the</c><04:37:13.119><c> East</c><04:37:13.359><c> Coast
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this bill was uh offered to us by the National Guard Bureau and uh essentially what it says is that
- So, this bill was uh offered to us by the National Guard Bureau and uh essentially what it says is that
- Most of the deployments, especially for our Guard, are probably going to be 90 days because we don't
- Most of the deployments, especially for our Guard, are probably going to be 90 days because we don't
- </c><02:11:06.320><c> The</c> authorized by the municipality. The authorized by the municipality.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 04/14/26
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, thank you to the author, the chair of the committee.
- Again, thank you to the author, the chair of the committee.
- But, as you off the coast of Madagascar.
- </c> restrictions, prior authorization restrictions, prior authorization requirements, requirements,
- </c><01:52:13.520><c> by</c> are from Senate file 1856 authored by are from Senate file 1856 authored
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think, again, different measures have different enforcement authority.
- to coast, including the Charlie Kirk assassination.
- I respect their authority.
- And I just want to say I've got, oh, I think four co-authors of Senate Bill 12.
- Generally, the criminal authority over speech is very limited.
Summary:
The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability.
The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role.
University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations.
Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- administrative language to accurately reflect the Louisiana State Police Retirement System governing authority
- positions include majors, captains, and lieutenants, but it's basically concentrating on security guards
- We have it with good authority that we will get some men back in some of these spots to help on the security
Bills:
SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB416, SB455, SB456, SB477
Keywords:
Municipal Employees' Retirement System, Louisiana, participation, employer, retirement, SB 10, Act 222, Louisiana State Police Retirement System, state police retirement, retirement system funding, employer contributions, actuarial gains, amortization, Permanent Benefit Increase, PBI account, benefit increase reserve, supplemental permanent benefit increase, public retirement systems, state pension, pension funding
Summary:
The Retirement Committee met on April 29, 2026, established a quorum, and heard a series of retirement-related bills, mostly cleanup or technical measures affecting various public retirement systems. SB 22 would extend Municipal Employees Retirement System eligibility to certain positions in the Second City Court constable’s office in New Orleans. SB 17 would create a funding deposit account for cost-of-living adjustments for registrars of voters’ employees’ retirement system. SB 455 would allow certain district and parish courts to participate in the Parochial Employees Retirement System. SB 456 would update compensation rules for assigned retired judges, and SB 8 would add the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS. All of these bills were described as aligning statutes with current practice or expanding participation options, and each was reported favorably without objection.
The committee also heard several Louisiana State Police retirement bills. SB 10 would repeal outdated priority allocation and retiree raise rules and adjust handling of surplus employee contributions; SB 11 would increase the funding cap for benefit increases from 2.5% to 3.5%; and SB 12 would update membership and definition language to reflect the State Police Commission rather than the Civil Service Commission. SB 18 would repeal a special exception allowing certain MERS retirees to return to part-time work while collecting full benefits, while protecting roughly 30 current participants. SB 20 and SB 21 would update actuarial gain/loss and unfunded liability funding rules for school employees’ retirement and LASERS, respectively, in light of the new permanent benefit increase funding structure. Each of these bills was supported by system officials as cleanup or modernization measures and was reported favorably.
The committee spent the most time on education and return-to-work issues for teachers and public employees. SB 16 would reduce annual trustee training requirements for retirement system boards from 16 hours back to 12 hours, which witnesses said would better fit smaller systems and match the original intent of the law. SB 13 would similarly update TRSL’s actuarial funding rules after the sunset of the experience account. SB 14, based on a 2025 study work group, would consolidate and simplify TRSL return-to-work rules and expand options for retired teachers, with witnesses emphasizing teacher shortages and the need to retain experienced educators. All three were reported favorably. Finally, SB 416 would allow certain Department of Public Safety and Corrections retirees to return to critical shortage positions after one year, and SB 477 would classify the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board as a full-time state employee for retirement purposes. Both bills drew questions and discussion, especially SB 416, and both were reported favorably. The chair announced the committee’s next meeting would be moved from Monday to Tuesday, and the meeting adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- administrative language to accurately reflect the Louisiana State Police Retirement System governing authority
- positions include majors, captains, and lieutenants, but it's basically concentrating on security guards
- We have it with good authority that we will get some men back in some of these spots to help on the security
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - State of the State Address
Transcript Highlights:
- But when I reactivated the Greater Arizona Development Authority, we unlocked the opportunity for places
- Arizona Development Authority, we unlocked the opportunity for places like Superior to build infrastructure
- When Washington politicians failed us, I proudly deployed members of the Arizona National Guard to our
Summary:
The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a conservative governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, accountability, school choice, election integrity, and water policy, while also highlighting plans for tax cuts and cooperation across chambers.
Governor Hobbs centered her address on the “Arizona promise,” stressing affordability, security, and freedom. She highlighted prior actions on job growth, medical debt relief, housing, public safety, border security, water management, and economic development, and announced new proposals including a middle-class tax cut package, a capacity and efficiency initiative to save state funds, a new active management area for La Paz County, a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund funded in part by a short-term rental fee. She also called for more accountability in the ESA program and for renewing Prop. 123 to support public schools.
The governor and legislative leaders also addressed political violence, honoring retiring Senator Lela Alston and recognizing public safety and firefighting personnel. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the session; it concluded with the joint session being dissolved after the governor’s remarks.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- Pre-authorizations and pre-estimates are approved, but then denied when the claim is submitted due to
- AI-driven prior authorization doesn't just bother the doctors.
- Earlier this year, an AI bot triggered a pre-authorization too early.
- I'm the lead author of NELP's recent report, When Bossware Manages Workers, which offers a policy agenda
- They do everything from feeding our school children to guarding dangerous criminals in our jails and
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation.
A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules.
The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman and members, Senate Bill 1270 authorizes an employer of corrections employees to make a supplemental
- Bill 1270 authorizes an employer of corrections employees to make a supplemental contribution incentive
- I personally know the guards, I know the...
- I personally know the guards, I know the inmates, and we definitely need to do everything we can to try
- What we're trying to do is just authorize it, if everybody says that this is what should be done, that
Keywords:
appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- colonists' personal experience with the King's agents using general warrants, which purported to authorize
- the request of the Idaho Water Users Association to make sure that all those lawful and legally authorized
- the request of the Idaho Water Users Association to make sure that all those lawful and legally authorized
- I was with the Army National Guard for 13 years.
- I was with the Army National Guard for 13 years.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 20 and February 23, 2026. It then introduced several RS measures, including RS 3313-C-1 on Idaho Housing and Finance Association reporting and transparency, RS 33525 relating to an Idaho Department of Fish and Game gun club-related alternative, and RS 3344-1, a trigger bill concerning machine guns if the federal ban is repealed or overturned. Each of those motions passed without opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1326, a private property/warrant bill sponsored by Senator Harris. The bill would generally require government agents to have a warrant, exigent circumstances, or consent before entering private land not open to the public, while preserving certain exceptions for law enforcement, water rights, drones, weed control, and abatement districts. Supporters, including landowners and the Idaho Farm Bureau, described experiences with government officials entering private property without permission; Fish and Game and the Idaho Association of Counties opposed the bill, arguing it would hinder routine compliance checks and enforcement. After testimony and questions, the committee voted to send SB 1326 to the 14th order for possible amendment.
Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Nichols, which would regulate paid non-accredited assistance for veterans’ federal benefit claims. Supporters said the bill would protect veterans from aggressive marketing, unclear fees, and misuse of personal information while preserving access to free help and allowing contingent-fee arrangements under set rules. Some veterans testified in favor of consumer protections, while one veteran said the bill could limit his ability to choose paid help that had worked for him. The committee approved a motion to send SB 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 103, sponsored by Senator Adams, proposing a constitutional amendment to create a trust for certain lands granted or acquired from the federal government and to bar their sale, with revenues used for land management, county payments, and education-related purposes. Supporters framed it as a way to protect public lands from sale and preserve access, while opponents from Conservation Voters for Idaho and the Wilderness Society warned it could create financial uncertainty, wildfire costs, and management problems without a clear state structure. The transcript ends during continued testimony on the resolution, with no final committee action shown.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- colonists' personal experience with the King's agents using general warrants, which purported to authorize
- them to enter any ...with the King's agents using general warrants, which purported to authorize them
- the request of the Idaho Water Users Association to make sure that all those lawful and legally authorized
- I was with the Army National Guard for 13 years.
- I was with the Army National Guard for 13 years.
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings, then considered several RSs and bills. It introduced RS 3313, which Senator Galloway said would improve transparency in Idaho Housing and Finance Association spending and outcomes; RS 33525, described as a codification of an alternative arrangement related to a gun club; and RS 33341, a trigger bill to protect machine gun possession and related activity in Idaho if the federal ban is repealed or overturned. All three motions to print passed without opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1326, a private-property bill sponsored by Senator Harris and supported by the Idaho Farm Bureau and several landowners who described government employees entering private land without permission. The bill would require warrants, consent, or exigent circumstances for government entry onto private land not open to the public, add civil penalties and attorney fees for violations, and preserve certain exceptions for law enforcement, water rights, drones, weed control, and abatement work. Fish and Game and the Idaho Association of Counties opposed parts of the bill, citing concerns about routine compliance checks, enforcement, and the private cause of action. The committee voted to send SB 1326 to the 14th order for possible amendment.
Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1286, which would regulate paid, non-accredited assistance for veterans’ federal benefit claims. Senator Nichols and supporters said the bill would protect veterans from aggressive marketing, unclear fees, and misuse of personal information while preserving access to free services and veteran choice. Some testimony raised concerns about limiting who veterans can hire and about the federal accreditation framework, but supporters argued state action was needed to curb bad actors. The committee voted to send SB 1286 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Joint Resolution 103, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a state trust for certain federal lands and prohibit their sale. Senator Adams argued the measure would protect public lands from future disposal and preserve access, while opponents from conservation groups, counties, forest products, and wildlife organizations warned it could create major management, wildfire, and county funding problems and lacked a clear state management structure. Supporters from sportsmen and some county officials said the amendment would provide a backstop against privatization. The transcript ends during continued testimony on SJR 103, with no final committee action shown.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sure it's something that would want to be discussed with the author as we move forward.
- Because the jail guards failed to perform the required routine checks on Mr.
- Its author, former Senator Whitmire, stated in the... stated that the bill's purpose was to improve and
- Yes, on the booking station side, there are two other states that are doing this and have authorization
- I want to thank the members for co-authoring this bill.
Bills:
SB614, SB872, SB1199, SB1212, SB1278, SB1573, SB1588, SB1602, SB1660, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2146, SB2177, SB2373, SB2460, SB2785
Keywords:
forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, SB 872, burglary of a vehicle, vehicle burglary, theft of a firearm, stolen gun, firearm theft, Penal Code Section 30.04, third-degree felony, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalty enhancement, gun theft, vehicle break-in, property crime, sentencing enhancement, Texas criminal law
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And I reserve the authority to remove individuals or groups if disruptive or threatening behavior occurs
- And we're both retirees from the Missouri Army National Guard AGR program, and now we continue to serve
- And what that did is it established the authorization of veterans being recognized for the World War
- It blocks the path, it guards the treasure, it whispers that the monster is you.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So you are correct that once a prosecuting authority has point, whatever the per se level is, they can
- Unfortunately, armed guards, bulletproof glass, and secure entries are commonplace at Jewish preschools
- Unfortunately, armed guards, bulletproof glass, and secure entries are commonplace at Jewish preschools
- This bill does not modify existing enforcement authority or patrol practices.
Summary:
The committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills, with members repeatedly noting limited time and that some measures were already familiar from prior hearings. Second Substitute Senate Bill 5880 would allow cities and counties to use ISO/IEC-accredited private toxicology labs for blood or breath testing, accept private donations for that purpose, and reimburse the State Patrol for evidence transport costs. Senator Wagoner said the bill is a temporary fix for a major toxicology backlog that delays justice; prosecutors, police chiefs, and the Seattle City Attorney supported it as a way to relieve the backlog, while defense representatives said it would not solve the problem and raised due process concerns about out-of-state labs and access to witnesses. Members discussed possible amendments on in-state/out-of-state labs and litigation logistics, and the bill was set for executive action the following Tuesday.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5436 would create a gross misdemeanor for willfully or recklessly interfering with access to or from a place of worship or disrupting religious services through obstruction, trespass, repeated calls or electronic communications, or threats. Senator Solomon said the bill responds to rising intolerance and is modeled on protections for health care facilities; supporters from the Anti-Defamation League, Faith Action Network, Jewish and Sikh community organizations described harassment, threats, and security costs at houses of worship. Defense and law enforcement groups raised concerns about overbreadth, possible impacts on peaceful protest, and unintended effects on law enforcement or immigration enforcement, and asked for clarifying amendments. The sponsor said he was open to changes, and the committee indicated it would continue working on the bill before executive action next Tuesday.
Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105 would expand child sexual abuse material offenses to cover digitally created or altered obscene depictions, even when the minor is not identifiable, extend the statute of limitations for those felony offenses from three to ten years, and broaden sexual exploitation of a minor to include knowingly causing a minor who is unconscious or unaware to be photographed or part of a live performance. Supporters including the Attorney General’s Office, prosecutors, and sheriffs’ chiefs said the bill is needed to address AI and other technology that can evade current law and to keep pace with rapidly changing digital abuse material. Opponents from the defense bar and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission argued the bill may still be overbroad and raise First Amendment problems under Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition, especially where no actual minor is identified. The committee also heard and then quickly acted on other bills: Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, requiring one year of community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm, was amended and reported out due pass as amended; Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, addressing penalties for violence against referees and school volunteers, was reported out due pass; and Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, concerning reimbursement for costs in cities with state psychiatric hospitals, was also reported out due pass.