Transcript Highlights:

• This issue was raised due to data retention challenges faced by law enforcement, particularly in cases
• This bill seeks to empower Texas prosecutors to more capably serve victims of cybercrime.
• I've worked there for nearly 22 years as a prosecutor, and I am the chief prosecutor over financial crimes
• And in the meantime, the prosecutors are trying to go get a regular grand jury subpoena, which means
• I think with respect to the question that you raise, it's a very valid concern.

Bills: HB565 , HB3743 , HB4310 , HB5083 , HB5129 , HB5195 , HB5331 , HB5469 , SB21 , HB3185 , SB 21

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: constitutional amendment, fiscal impact, state budget, ballot measure, transparency in voting, management-to-staff ratio, state agencies, employee regulations, government efficiency, workforce management, public information, governing board, transparency, confidentiality, access rights, privacy, identifying information, state agency, consent, occupational license

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies, raise your hand. and Taylor Lieb. Ladies, raise your hand, please.
• They don't get any extra pay for it. The city doesn't have money to hire more staff.
• on the prosecutors.
• What Prosecutors. No, so it does not. What about the situation in Huntsville?
• And I want those who we are paying to be serving and protecting to be accountable.

Bills: HJR 73 , HB 31 , HB 279 , HB 370 , HB 4768 , HB 513 , HB 875 , HB 982 , HB 1085 , HB 2677 , HB 2874 , HB 5478 , HB 4880 , HB 4798 , HB 4514 , HB 4958 , HB 4508 , HB 3758 , HB 3830 , HB 3744 , HB 3622 , HB 741 , HB 2204 , HB 2860 , HB 4659 , HB 4578 , HB 813 , HB 712 , HB 1551 , HB 2790 , HB 2698 , HB 3365 , HB 3504 , HB 3118 , HB 2959 , HB 1862 , HB 1026 , HB 4401 , HB 4164 , HB 3920 , HB 4737 , HB 4966 , HB 4967 , HB 1958 , HB 4979 , HB 5459 , HB 3862 , HB 1823 , HB 4415 , HB 4893 , HB 2343 , HB 1228 , HB 4337 , HCR 141 , SB 250 , SB 1883 , SB 617 , SB 2411 , SB 2306 , SB 2929 , SB 552 , SCR 27 , HJR 218 , HB 168 , HB 2545 , HB 5436 , HB 4926 , HB 5165 , HB 4811 , HB 4755 , HB 3179 , HB 4310 , HB 4611 , HB 3637 , HB 3153 , HB 2786 , HB 2966 , HB 2159 , HB 5081 , HB 638 , HB 640 , HB 876 , HB 4809 , HB 5308 , HB 4687 , HB 5623 , HB 4412 , HB 3284 , HB 3420 , HB 3449 , HB 4098 , HB 4281 , HB 4120 , HB 4504 , HB 4370 , HB 4421 , HB 1106 , HB 4070 , HB 2370 , HB 2407 , HB 2253 , HB 2273 , HB 2040 , HB 1586 , HB 3788 , HB 3993 , HB 4690 , HB 4696 , HB 2308 , HB 1142 , HB 1533 , HB 1621 , HB 2242 , HB 2012 , HB 2193 , HB 2464 , HB 2348 , HB 2313 , HB 2289 , HB 1942 , HB 2011 , HB 1629 , HB 2993 , HB 3592 , HB 4076 , HB 4623 , HB 4535 , HB 4327 , HB 4520 , HB 3824 , HB 4921 , HB 2494 , HB 3066 , HJR 112 , HB 2695 , HB 3138 , HB 2442 , HB 3863 , HJR 73 , HB 4773 , HB 1091 , HB 5115 , HB 5515 , HB 3372 , HB 5659 , HB 127 , HB 386 , HB 115 , HB 2868 , HB 1249 , HB 4766 , HB 3720 , HB 4656 , HB 4879 , HB 105 , HB 5383 , HB 4621 , HB 5431 , HB 5678 , HB 5534 , HB 4174 , HB 4212 , HB 3954 , HB 3966 , HB 3636 , HB 3918 , HB 1422 , HB 4765 , HB 4732 , HB 4742 , HB 5122 , HB 4518 , HB 5084 , HB 3986 , HB 4045 , HB 4144 , HB 3911 , HB 3976 , HB 4473 , HB 3425 , HB 3641 , HB 3642 , HB 3475 , HB 3509 , HB 3424 , HB 3383 , HB 4744 , HB 4531 , HB 4539 , HB 3159 , HB 5228 , HB 5370 , HB 4359 , HB 4398 , HB 4443 , HB 4466 , HB 3861 , HB 3849 , HB 4240 , HB 4706 , HB 4685 , HB 5354 , HB 5141 , HB 5686 , HB 3629 , HB 3554 , HB 3567 , HB 2015 , HB 3575 , HB 5381 , HB 1431 , HB 3514 , HB 4614 , HB 4546 , HB 4683 , HB 5681 , HB 5673 , HB 5663 , HB 4271 , HB 4350 , HB 4035 , HB 3807 , HB 3812 , HB 3552 , HB 3540 , HB 3715 , HB 3710 , HB 3664 , HB 4196 , HB 4233 , HB 4173 , HB 1998 , HB 3333 , HB 3510 , HB 4222 , HB 2070 , HB 2854 , HB 2347 , HB 113 , HB 983 , HB 4847 , HB 1449 , HB 3833 , HB 5151 , HB 265 , HB 1845 , HB 782 , HB 108 , HB 1960 , HB 158 , HB 1954 , HB 1955 , HB 2512 , HB 605 , HB 2581 , HB 2803 , HB 627 , HB 2667 , HB 1738 , HB 636 , HB 3679 , HB 2638 , HB 2655 , HB 871 , HB 2438 , HB 1107 , HB 1765 , HB 1822 , HB 2153 , HB 4099 , HB 3732 , HB 3171 , HB 3178 , HB 3182 , HB 3749 , HB 2814 , HB 3977 , HB 4204 , HB 4207 , HB 4449 , HB 1820 , HB 1876 , HB 1939 , HB 1347 , HB 2593 , HB 2136 , HB 2132 , HB 2658 , HB 2413 , HB 2757 , HB 2080 , HB 3154 , HB 3063 , HB 3009 , HB 3448 , HB 3006 , HB 2844 , HB 3241 , HB 3680 , HB 3169 , HB 2078 , HB 2507 , HB 4559 , HB 3946 , HB 3460 , HB 3405 , HB 475 , HB 3463 , HB 3441 , HB 3520 , HB 2060 , HB 4731 , HB 4991 , HB 1991 , HB 5596 , HB 2014 , HB 2142 , HB 2673 , HB 2731 , HB 2417 , HB 2399 , HB 2301 , HB 3335 , HB 3234 , HB 3320 , HB 5573 , HB 4848 , HB 4748 , HB 4769 , HB 4795 , HB 2086 , HB 2234 , HB 2203 , HB 4916 , HB 5624 , HB 4505 , HB 139 , HB 5093 , HB 5302 , HB 5402 , HB 5606 , HB 2333 , HB 4630 , HB 4701 , HB 2583 , HB 2983 , HB 4924 , HB 3339 , HB 3793 , HB 3631 , HB 4882 , HB 5509 , HB 5499 , HB 5430 , HB 5561 , HB 5611 , HB 5043 , HB 5064 , HB 3733 , HB 3781 , HB 3219 , HB 32 , HB 4515 , HB 5348 , HB 3902 , HB 4420 , HB 3269 , HB 469 , HB 336 , HB 316 , HB 5396 , HB 993 , HB 1342 , HB 5216 , HB 2046 , HB 2188 , HB 2450 , HB 2813 , HB 2857 , HB 4075 , HB 2911 , HB 4682 , HB 3117 , HB 3253 , HB 3442 , HB 4820 , HB 4336 , HB 5356 , HB 3669 , HB 3428 , HB 5465 , HB 3662 , HB 2590 , HB 2288 , HB 1886 , HB 3458 , HB 5603 , HB 5620 , HB 1489 , HB 4101 , HB 4990 , HB 5685 , HB 4950 , HB 4980 , HB 5684 , HB 3507 , HB 3566 , HB 4487 , HB 4462 , HB 4876 , HB 4915 , HB 4663 , HB 5570 , HB 2929 , HB 5261 , HB 2920 , HB 4642 , HB 4746 , HB 1609 , HB 5403 , HB 5453 , HB 3844 , HB 2336 , HB 1572 , HB 1226 , HB 2806 , HB 2617 , HB 2827 , HB 3948 , HB 3945 , HB 4266 , HB 4542 , HB 3319 , HB 1772 , HB 2496 , HB 1970 , HB 3434 , HB 5545 , HB 5577 , HB 31 , HB 279 , HB 370 , HB 4768 , HB 513 , HB 875 , HB 982 , HB 1085 , HB 2677 , HB 2874 , HB 5478 , HB 4880 , HB 4798 , HB 4514 , HB 4958 , HB 4508 , HB 3758 , HB 3830 , HB 3744 , HB 3622 , HB 741 , HB 2204 , HB 2860 , HB 4659 , HB 4578 , HB 813 , HB 712 , HB 1551 , HB 2790 , HB 2698 , HB 3365 , HB 3504 , HB 3118 , HB 2959 , HB 1862 , HB 1026 , HB 4401 , HB 4164 , HB 3920 , HB 4737 , HB 4966 , HB 4967 , HB 1958 , HB 4979 , HB 5459 , HB 3862 , HB 1823 , HB 4415 , HB 4893 , HB 2343 , HB 1228 , HB 4337 , HCR 76 , HCR 127 , HCR 9 , HCR 40 , HCR 118 , HR 559 , HCR 59 , HCR 135 , HCR 141

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm born and raised in New Mexico.
• They just wouldn't have to pay the expenses.
• They have been paying these last years for the upcoming year.
• Also, they're paying attention and listening.
• As you know, when this was heard in judiciary, there were a lot of issues that were raised. Raised.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• They're already paying in, and when they're off, they get 60% of their salary.
• I mean, people sometimes accept a job from us at a reduction of pay.
• The unit's budget is about... $5 million per year, and of that, the state pays only 25%.
• ; we're the... prosecutors.
• Chairman, you're only going to pay for a few of them, correct? That's the $390,000.

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And then this past session, we raised the general jurisdiction pay to 156,000.
• And then this past session, we raised the general jurisdiction pay to 156,000.
• And then this past session, we raised the general jurisdiction pay to 156,000.
• , we raised the general jurisdiction<00:42:54.319><c> um</c><00:42:54.480><c> pay</c><00:42:54.800><c
• </c><00:42:56.240><c> So</c> jurisdiction um pay to 156,000. So jurisdiction um pay to 156,000.

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary met on November 6, 2025, approved the minutes, and welcomed guests including Kentucky Specialty Courts manager Elizabeth Nichols and Boyle/Mercer Family Court Judge Bruce Petri. The committee then heard the Chief Justice of Kentucky, Deborah Lambert, deliver her state of the judiciary address, focused largely on judicial branch funding, facilities, technology, and specialty court programs. Chief Justice Lambert said the branch is facing a projected $14.3 million shortfall for fiscal year 2026 and asked lawmakers for supplemental support, access to reserve funds, and higher base appropriations to cover inflation and nondiscretionary costs. She also requested a 15% across-the-board pay increase for judicial branch employees, citing salary gaps with other state workers and declining judicial compensation relative to national averages. She emphasized that the branch has received a clean FY 2025 audit and said the requests were intended to sustain current operations rather than expand them. A major portion of her remarks covered court technology and facilities. She described the move to Chamberlain during Capitol renovations, the purchase of that building as a cost-saving measure, and the need to fund courtroom audio/video systems and a new statewide case management system. She also discussed courthouse maintenance, flood damage, mold issues, security system upgrades, and the $47 million asset preservation fund created last session, while asking for additional local facilities funding and one-time disaster-related support. Lambert highlighted specialty court and statewide program results, including foster care review boards, family recovery courts, court designated worker programs, drug and mental health courts, and the Judicial Commission on Mental Health. She thanked legislators for prior bills and support, including House Bill 1, Senate Bill 26, and the CES law, and said 2026 recommendations will focus on civil commitment reforms under KRS 202C. During questions, Senator Wheeler asked whether some courthouses are being overbuilt; Lambert said most facilities are inadequate, though some may be larger than needed, and that future needs and population changes must be considered. She also noted that virtual hearings and technology have improved efficiency. No votes or formal committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if this is going to happen, it really should be the burden of the state to pay for it.
• I ask that you would rise and raise your voice with the aye with me when the time comes. Mr.
• Their agency with full compensation and back pay, right, wrong, or indifferent.
• It raised the trust in his office.
• What would the county prosecutors say? Is the sheriff somehow superior to the county prosecutor?

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• They will still have to pay the same rates.
• raise for the year and...
• We have to pay $200,000.
• raising tax revenues.
• to our district attorneys, our prosecutors, because we are in a prosecutor desert in Midland and Odessa

Bills: HB17 , HB23 , SB 10

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I imagine for a lot of these people it would be cheaper to pay hourly.
• A company operating under Senate Bill 1803's framework would pay well, that veteran would have to pay
• You can pay more for certainty or you can pay less and take a chance. I'm totally fine with that.
• Thank you. ...prosecutors have withheld exculpatory evidence.
• If that prosecutor feels... ...if that prosecutor feels, and correct me if I'm wrong, I'm speaking for

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard an extended presentation and discussion on Arizona higher education research security, focused heavily on Arizona State University’s foreign funding, international partnerships, and alleged ties to Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research collaborations, especially those involving the Chinese “Seven Sons” universities, and said the committee would pursue a congressional referral and other federal review. A strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 was described but then withdrawn; the underlying SB 1327 was then taken up as a companion measure requiring ABOR to adopt university research security policies and submit annual reports on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000. The committee heard testimony in support from Marina Macklin, who said the bill would help protect dual-use and defense-relevant research from being funneled to China’s military ecosystem, and she answered questions about biosecurity, semiconductors, AI model theft, and election systems. After debate, SB 1327 was approved on a 4-2 vote, with Delos Santos and Marquez voting no and Colloden, Powell, and the chair voting yes; the chair stated his support was to keep missile, armor, guidance, and other technology safe from the Chinese government. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans’ consumer-protection bill regulating private companies that help veterans file disability claims. The bill would prohibit unaccredited persons from preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veterans’ benefits matters, require service agreements to be filed with the Attorney General, cap compensation, ban certain practices such as overseas call centers and in-house doctors, and create consumer-fraud enforcement authority. Sponsor Sen. Gallin said the measure was intended to add guardrails for veterans and prevent bad actors from taking excessive fees or misleading claimants. Testimony from Veterans Guardian representatives supported the bill as a way to create transparency and preserve veterans’ choice while regulating the industry; they said many veterans seek private help after unsuccessful attempts with free services and that the bill would not eliminate competition. Opponents and skeptical members questioned whether the bill would effectively legalize one business model while restricting others, whether the contingent-fee structure was consumer-friendly, and whether the companies were engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The discussion also referenced prior federal and state litigation involving similar laws and the possibility of future federal accreditation reform. The transcript ends during continued questioning on SB 1803, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So please raise your right hand.
• So please do raise your right hand.
• So please do raise your right hand.
• Please do raise your right hand.
• So during that discussion, there were serious concerns that were raised about violent offenders being

Bills: SB5906 , SJM8014 , SB6087 , SB5520 , SB6017 , SB5890 , SB6239 , SB5886 , SB6190 , SGA9255 , SGA9256 , SGA9271 , SGA9272

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: data protection, personal safety, public accommodation, Washington residents, privacy, crime investigation, violent death, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, state inquiry, public safety, children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe this is because many well-intentioned police officers and prosecutors are still uninformed
• Over the years, I've witnessed law enforcement and prosecutors both use the crimes that victims were
• I won't be as brief, but generally speaking, you know, there is a prosecutor in our criminal justice
• So uniquely, especially given the critical role that prosecutors play in our criminal legal system, we
• Does it raise the fence? Yeah. Well, then we'll send that one to the floor.

Bills: SB614 , SB872 , SB1199 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1573 , SB1588 , SB1602 , SB1660 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1833 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2146 , SB2177 , SB2373 , SB2460 , SB2785

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• So amending this would include unborn children in this statute to allow prosecutors the discretion to
• I'm speaking on behalf of someone who's been a prosecutor for the last 29 years.
• I'm a retired prosecutor. Okay.
• No father should be ordered by a court to help pay for the killing of his own child.
• Prosecutors to charge in additional scenarios where the law is applicable.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a full roster of members present and heard a series of bills focused largely on criminal law, victims’ rights, and family law. The committee first heard HB 2133, which would require commercial websites distributing sexual material online to verify consent and age for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images. Supporters said it would close loopholes in existing revenge-porn and child-exploitation laws, while opponents warned it added more complexity to already lengthy criminal statutes. The bill passed 7-1. The committee then heard HB 2043, expanding felony murder to include unborn children; supporters argued it would close a gap in the homicide statutes, while opponents raised concerns about personhood, reproductive rights, and abortion-related implications. It passed 6-2. HB 2144, allowing child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limiting pregnancy-related expenses, also passed 6-2 after testimony split between supporters citing parental responsibility and opponents warning about fetal personhood and abortion-related concerns. The committee next considered HB 2126, allowing a venue change in civil actions when a party is employed by the local judicial branch or clerk’s office. The sponsor described it as a fairness and public-confidence measure, and county representatives said they were working on amendments; it passed 7-0 with one member voting present pending amended language. HB 2045, expanding the definition of discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle to include the immediate area around the vehicle, drew testimony about drive-by shootings and concerns about vagueness and overlap with existing homicide laws; it passed 7-1. HB 2046, requiring notice to victims for pre-hearings in annual probation review hearings for certain young sex-offense probationers, passed unanimously. HB 2048, which would limit private process servers from serving certain exclusive-possession orders of protection, prompted debate over victim safety, service delays, and whether private servers were improperly charging fees; it passed 8-0 with one present. The committee also heard HB 2074, as amended, creating a mandatory reporting requirement for medical-facility employees, contractors, or volunteers who know a partial-birth abortion occurred, with the amendment increasing the penalty to a class six felony. Supporters framed it as a reporting and accountability measure, while opponents argued it targeted a procedure already banned and would add unnecessary abortion restrictions. The amended bill passed 5-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 264, creating criminal penalties for injuring or killing vulnerable pedestrians using mobility aids. Opponents said it duplicated existing traffic and homicide laws and could criminalize negligent accidents; after some members expressed reservations but voted yes pending further discussion, the bill passed 8-1. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be great, because I think these are some valid points being raised.
• That would be great, because I think these are some valid points being raised.
• Speaking on behalf of Florida's prosecutors, we've been addressing these issues and the violent crime
• I can tell you that the prosecutors recognize that we need to make this a felony, both because of the
• I can tell you that the prosecutors recognize that we need to make this a felony, both because of the

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and advanced several bills, with the most extensive discussion centered on condominium issues, gambling enforcement, and public safety. CS/SB 592 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was amended to clarify the three-story eligibility threshold and to add sliding glass door wind-driven rain mitigation devices as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program failed on a 3-4 roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably. Members also took up CS/SB 1742, a broad condominium and cooperative association reform bill, which would give associations more flexibility on reserves after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over certain spending increases, improve disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, expand data collection, and extend some disclosure rescission periods; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit leasing, as amended to allow leasing to same-class permit holders or Hialeah permit holders and to make related wagering licenses discretionary rather than automatic. SB 1404 on illegal gambling was reported favorably after amendments allowing veterans organizations to seek declaratory rulings on machine compliance and adding ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel; a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property was withdrawn. Testimony on that bill came from prosecutors, the Gaming Control Commission, veterans groups, and amusement machine operators, with supporters emphasizing organized crime enforcement and opponents seeking clearer definitions and compliance guidance. On public safety and infrastructure, SB 1682 to include 911 dispatchers in the definition of first responder was reported favorably with strong support from dispatchers and committee members. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were also reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a taxpayer cost shift. SB 948 on flood disclosures for rental properties and condominium sales/rentals was reported favorably after support from environmental and flood advocacy groups. The committee also heard SB 604 on residential pool safety requirements, but the chair temporarily postponed it after concerns were raised about how the inspection requirement would work in cash transactions and whether it would require permits or delay closings.

Transcript Highlights:

• also that could be hired. ...seeing, we're talking about prosecutors also that could be hired that are
• You need to raise wages.
• For that matter, prosecutors.
• Should prosecutors wear masks because they're worried about repercussions? We can't. It's simple.
• Prosecutor, thank you very much.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met on January 18, 2026, and heard staff briefings and public testimony on several familiar bills. Engrossed Senate Bill 5068 would broaden eligibility for law enforcement, civil service, prosecuting attorney, and Fish and Wildlife officer jobs to anyone legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, replacing references to lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients. Supporters, including Sen. Lovick and King County, said it would expand the applicant pool and align state law with federal work authorization rules; opponents raised concerns about background checks, visa fraud, and whether the bill could allow people without U.S. citizenship to serve in sensitive public safety roles. The committee also heard testimony on Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, which would require community custody for unlawful possession of a firearm offenses; law enforcement and prosecutors supported it as an accountability measure, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission urged more specificity and cautioned against over-supervision for lower-level cases. The committee then heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5272, which expands school-related interference and intimidation offenses to include employees, contractors, students, and officials or volunteers involved in extracurricular athletic activities, increases penalties, and requires non-student offenders to be barred from the school or activity for 12 to 18 months. Sen. Lovick and several witnesses, including referee Bob West, supported the bill as a response to rising abuse of sports officials and school personnel. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5286, which would codify and fund community policing partnerships at Western State Hospital in Lakewood and Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, with annual reporting requirements; the mayors of Lakewood and Medical Lake testified in support, saying the programs had reduced calls and improved safety. A major portion of the meeting focused on Substitute Senate Bill 5855, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public, with exceptions for undercover work, SWAT/protective gear, and other hazardous conditions. Supporters, including Sen. Valdez, the King County prosecutor, local officials, and several public commenters, argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, especially in response to masked federal immigration enforcement. Opponents warned about officer safety, doxing, weather and smoke conditions, and possible conflict with federal law; committee members and stakeholders discussed a possible amendment tied to Labor and Industries rules to address protective coverings in hazardous conditions. The chair said the committee would take executive action on SB 5272, SB 5286, and SB 5268 the next day, and the meeting adjourned after public testimony on SB 5855.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:15.800><c> all</c><00:05:15.960><c> the</c> of the fees cuz we have to pay all the of the
• Pay for judges, prosecutors, defenders. I know he sent something to you, Co-chairman Washut.
• raises for the judicial branch.
• Pay<00:52:27.160><c> for</c><00:52:27.320><c> judges,</c><00:52:27.760><c> prosecutors,</c><00:52:28.400
• </c> Pay for judges, prosecutors, defenders. Pay for judges, prosecutors, defenders.

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:

• My career began with approximately a decade as a prosecutor for both Kings and Madera counties.
• The transition from prosecutor to commissioner has been one where instead of seeing only the harm and
• My career began with approximately a decade as a prosecutor for both Kings and Madera counties.
• The transition from prosecutor to commissioners to commission. term last year in 2025.
• Disparaging to some of the prosecutors, law enforcement, and other participants.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Coptic Post And before I yield, I just like to raise And before I yield, I just like to raise
• have</c> narrow interpretations, prosecutors have narrow interpretations, prosecutors have sometimes
• That's unacceptable. the Treasury Department's do not pay the Treasury Department's do not pay portal
• </c><04:54:48.240><c> The</c> Treasury's do not pay service. The Treasury's do not pay service.
• </c> 122 years to pay off this ransom. 122 years to pay off this ransom.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good points were raised.
• Good points were raised.
• That action just didn't raise alarms. It had real consequences.
• As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors cannot As amended, the Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors
• I don't think our prosecutors in California are doing a good enough job.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Their intent was also to raise people's conscience and encourage the highest standards of scholastic
• Senator Pizzo asked whether a more seasoned prosecutor, given the same facts and evidence, might have
• Senator Leek said self-defense is still available and can be raised in court.
• The prosecutor still has prosecutorial discretion to charge what they want to charge.
• I want to start by thanking you, Senator Smith, because you have raised this issue before every time

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including the Challenger Learning Center, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, Zeta Phi Beta, Pine Forest High School students, and others. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and upcoming caucus and appointment announcements. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which increases penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and other personnel, including making manslaughter of an officer punishable by mandatory life imprisonment without release and clarifying resistance to officers. Senator Leek described the bill as a compromise intended to honor Officer Jason Rainer, while Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered and then withdrew amendments. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s impact on self-defense, officer conduct, jury instructions, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language regarding unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and strengthens protections for officers; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4. The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives; SB 292 and SB 298 creating public records protections for appellate clerks and dating-violence victims; SB 296 establishing the HAVEN alert platform study and expanding address confidentiality protections for domestic violence victims; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions, including SB 7000, SB 7202, SB 706, SB 708, SB 7012, SB 7014, and SB 7016. Most passed with little or no opposition, though some of the public-records measures drew a few nays. At the end, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify passed bills to the House and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• When he was diagnosed, Keaton was raising his steer for the Rawls County Junior Fair.
• It makes prosecutors in first- and second-class counties and the City of St.
• Louis pay equal to the circuit judge. Okay.
• And many of them are not paying attention to where they're going.
• I was going to say, you said many times they're not paying attention to where they're going.

Transcript Highlights:

• When he was diagnosed, Keaton was raising his steer for the Rawls County Junior Fair.
• It makes prosecutors in first- and second-class counties and the city of St.
• Louis pay equal to the circuit judge. Okay.
• And many of them are not paying attention to where they're going.
• I was going to say, you said many times they're not paying attention to where they're going.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 57th day by roll call vote, 125-0. Members then used points of personal privilege to honor former Representative Ken Waller and to remember Keaton O’Neill, a Rawls County teenager who died after a battle with brain cancer; the chamber observed a moment of silence for O’Neill. The House also welcomed several special guests, including a deployed Marine’s family, a Greater Springfield Board of Realtors leadership class, family members of a member, and an intern and family members of another member. Committee reports recommended passage of several bills, and the House took up multiple Senate-amended measures. On House Bills 2637 and 3155, members discussed technical corrections and added provisions involving sentencing effective dates, sex offender registry procedures, drone restrictions, health care treatment orders, and prosecutor salaries; the House voted to refuse the Senate substitute and request a conference. House Bill 2593, a bipartisan military and veterans bill, was described as expanding military leave, adding cybersecurity and emergency-response protections, strengthening TRICARE and Service Members Civil Relief Act-related provisions, and supporting National Guard benefits; it was adopted 137-1 and then truly agreed to and finally passed 138-1. House Bill 2974, dealing with license reciprocity and telehealth, was amended to include interstate compacts for athletic trainers, dietitians, and physician assistants; it passed the Senate substitute 109-29 and was finally passed 108-30. The House also adopted and finally passed House Bill 2108, a Jefferson City land conveyance and infrastructure measure tied to the viaduct area, safety improvements, and an added property provision for Northwest Missouri State University land in Nodaway County; the Senate substitute was adopted 138-1 and the bill was finally passed 138-2. Afterward, the chamber received Senate messages stating that the Senate refused to recede on House Bills 2596 and 2637/3155 and appointed conference committees. The Speaker appointed House conferees for those bills and named conferees for budget bills 2002 through 2013. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.