Transcript Highlights:

• prosecutorial discretion, sorry, my mouth doesn't wanna work today, um, is to, to make sure that the prosecutors
• , so I, I couldn't see a single prosecutor charging anyone in that situation.
• we have to, so I don't think a judge would allow it to go forward that way, and I don't think a prosecutor

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the prosecutor who is actually handling the Spencer case.
• My prosecutors asked for the remand of that defendant, and it didn't happen, and a child gave her life
• We're not sure whether or not that line prosecutor knew either.
• I ask, I know the former prosecutors know this, but I ask those who haven't practiced criminal law to
• Even if the judge, the prosecutor, and everyone in that courtroom believes that person's going to get

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• A prosecutor would not be able to prove that. I appreciate that. I'll certainly support the bill.
• So as a prosecutor, I looked at different criminal laws. Where else did we define surveillance?
• So really, what to us this means, and we're comfortable doing this as prosecutors, that means it's a
• So as a prosecutor, I looked at different criminal laws. Where else did we define surveillance?
• Whether or not something And we're comfortable doing this as prosecutors.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:15.880> I slurs at the prosecutor and the judge.
• I slurs at the prosecutor and the judge.
• in in the in the case and prosecutor in in the in the case and trying<00:54:30.560> to<00:54:
• Other guidelines basically that allow for the prosecutor to up the offense. Okay.
• > public Where young prosecutors, young public Where young prosecutors, young public defenders

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Kursha Kauahi Kani Mililani Durrant to the District Court of the First Circuit, but announced it would not vote until April 2. The chair also noted a backup plan if Zoom failed. Testimony was limited to two minutes per speaker. The hearing focused on Durrant’s qualifications, judicial temperament, and readiness for the bench, with no opposition presented. Support came from the Office of the Public Defender, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, and numerous individuals. Witnesses described Durrant as highly experienced in both criminal and civil practice, including district, family, circuit, appellate, ICA, and Supreme Court work. Several speakers emphasized her legal reasoning, mentorship, civility, cultural grounding, and ability to listen and treat litigants with dignity. Personal supporters also highlighted her public service, hula background, and character. Committee members questioned Durrant about how she would approach district court cases involving repeat offenders, mental illness, substance abuse, houselessness, and diversion. Durrant said she would follow the law, consider the full range of sentencing factors, and use available probation, diversion, and treatment options where appropriate. She said she would be committed to using legislative tools such as Act 26 and other diversion powers, and to looking beyond advocacy toward practical justice and reducing recidivism. She also said her clerkship with Judge Marsha Waldorf, including exposure to drug court and mental health court, shaped her approach to problem-solving on the bench.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows the judge to look at the circumstances of each crime instead of the prosecutor making that.
• .. ...the prosecutor making that?
• ...it allows the judge to look at the circumstances of each crime instead of the prosecutor making that
• I understand what the Big Island prosecutors are saying about having a longer look-back period, but we
• island prosecutors are saying about<00:50:53.280> having<00:50:53.440> a<00:50:53.599>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have to go into the courthouse to get it, or I call the prosecutors and ask them to send them to me
• and ask them to call the prosecutors and ask them to send<00:47:55.400> them<00:47:55.520>
• have access to but those of prosecutors have access to but those of us<00:48:12.559> in<00:48
• walking through in many prosecutors walking through in many cases<00:48:32.079> without<00:48
• on Sals for the parody with prosecutors on Sals for the first<01:10:53.520> time<01:10:53.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the defendant is determined to be eligible, then they enter into an agreement with prosecutor and
• We have had prosecutors that sometimes override those prior DUIs.
• If the defendant is determined to be eligible, then they enter into an agreement with prosecutor and
• We have had prosecutors that sometimes override those prior DUIs.
• And then we also track, of course, prosecutor denials as well. We're in 19 counties right now.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:09 State of the Judiciary: 00:02:33 The Corrections - KCTCS Reentry Program: 00:49:44 Update on 2022 RS SB 90: 01:27:49, 958, all

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:

• I believe the only charging agency is actually the prosecutor.
• them to be under the threat of being charged and then not have a report written up and sent to the prosecutor
• them to be under the threat of being charged and then not have a report written up and sent to the prosecutor
• And then the prosecutors are a charging agency.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's particularly challenging when the board is acting as judge, jury, and prosecutor through itself
• the board is acting as judge, jury, when the board is acting as judge, jury, and<00:04:42.240> prosecutor
• > through<00:04:43.360> itself<00:04:43.840> and<00:04:44.080> its and prosecutor
• through itself and its and prosecutor through itself and its contracted<00:04:45.040> employees.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, where a quorum was confirmed, and the commission approved the July 8, 2025 minutes. The staff report was deferred to later in the agenda. The commission then took up a consolidated matter involving case numbers 24 LEC 3 and 24 LEC 6, centered on a pending motion to dismiss and a response that had been filed. Counsel for Representative Grossberg argued the case should be dismissed because the attorney handling the matter, Mr. Jenkins, allegedly lacked a properly approved contract under government contract review requirements. She also argued that the complaint process was flawed, that complainants relied on rumor and anonymous assertions, and that the matter reflected political retaliation and abuse of process. She said a renewed motion to dismiss had been filed and requested a hearing date and briefing schedule. Enforcement counsel responded that he had been authorized to proceed by the commission, that the contract issue had been disclosed before the preliminary hearing, and that the cited cases did not support dismissal. The chair allowed limited rebuttal, after which the parties clarified their positions on whether Mr. Jenkins had been authorized to act as enforcement counsel and for what period. The commission then voted to go into executive session under KRS 61.810 to discuss and deliberate the pending motion and any confidential complaints. The motion passed, and the meeting moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mandatory minimums cut through that um and uh can leave judges and prosecutors and defendants with little
• can leave cuts through that um and uh can leave judges<00:08:06.400> and<00:08:06.800> prosecutors
• <00:08:07.520> and<00:08:07.840> defendants judges and prosecutors and defendants judges
• and prosecutors and defendants with<00:08:08.639> little<00:08:09.120> wiggle<00:08:09.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you talk to the prosecutors who handled those types of cases, you're going to find that the and the
• But under Florida law, a prosecutor simply has to sign their name on information to accuse individual
• Those are to clarify who is protected under the law, including judges, prosecutors and other judicial
• Thank you. >> The substitute amendment and the amendment were filed to clarify that the prosecutor or
• Family law matters where there may not be a prosecutor. There may not be a defense lawyer.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:57.040> Yeah, Yeah, prosecutor.
• Would a prosecutor be willing to use their budget and pay for such attorneys?
• When I was a prosecutor, I was assigned to this court.
• Without speaking for the other agencies, amongst the public defenders, the prosecutors, and the attorney
• Geographic restrictions have been in place for over two decades, usually by the office of the prosecutor

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and it's allowed and that decision is then made by prosecutors, not judges."
• I think that the truth is that it does shift the burden to the prosecutors.
• I think that the truth is that it does shift the burden to the prosecutors.
• I think that the truth is that it does shift the burden to the prosecutors.
• I think that the truth is that it does shift the burden to the prosecutors.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this is sort of a serious not serious comment but I listened to this awesome podcast called the prosecutors
• this is sort of a serious not serious comment but I listened to this awesome podcast called the prosecutors
• this is sort of a serious not serious comment but I listened to this awesome podcast called the prosecutors
• this is sort of a serious not serious comment but I listened to this awesome podcast called the prosecutors
• <00:59:25.040> and<00:59:25.520> I'm<00:59:25.920> going called the prosecutors

Bills: HF3874, HF962

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the past few years, justice system actors from across the state, from police to judges to prosecutors
• We appreciate the testimony offered by the Kauai prosecutor and thank them for being the first county
• In a 2021 policy memorandum, the Kauai prosecutor stated the following: quote, fees and fines serve no
• and thank them for being kaii prosecutor and thank them for being the<01:14:58.600> first<01:
• <01:15:08.560> stated memorandum the kaii prosecutor stated memorandum the kaii prosecutor

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• problematic when we allow people to seal because it is not the arresting agency but the clerk and the prosecutor
• So now you have a person who comes in—listen, I gave a lot of DPA out as a prosecutor.
• I also want to hear from the Florida Sheriffs and the state attorneys and the prosecutors and the police
• or not to grant a request for sealing, and secondarily, law enforcement, arresting agency, and prosecutor
• Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies get to know if a record has been sealed previously, so they

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation gives prosecutors a law and law enforcement, a stronger tool to deter and punish those
• reprehensible circumstances, most often there are already other aggravators available, uh, for prosecutors
• Of course, prosecutors can always use their discretion not to charge these cases capitally.
• Uh, once this offense is on the books, though, prosecutors will face tremendous local pressure to prosecute
• Smithy, Chairman Smithy, and I'll, I'll talk with him because my concerns are with racial equity and prosecutor

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, in an April 2025 media interview, Joe Thompson, the federal prosecutor who handled Feeding Our
• We're the investigators and prosecutors, but we aren't the administrators of the program.
• Our investigators and prosecutors are good at what they do in their lane.
• We have not had investigators come in, or the Medicaid Fraud Unit, or anyone else, prosecutors come in
• They go after the prosecutors or whoever's doing the investigation. And they have a strategy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the complexity of federal immigration law will make it difficult for state prosecutors and
• We pay for prosecutors to prosecute the case. We pay for defenders to defend the case.
• detectives while at the hospital that fateful night, and then later with the Dallas County Deputy Chief prosecutor
• The prosecutor, um, and assistant district attorney even went so far to say he would never offer a plea
• incompetence of the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas County Forensics lab, the Dallas County prosecutor

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the complexity of federal immigration law will make it difficult for state prosecutors and
• We pay for prosecutors to prosecute the case. ...for the defenders to defend the case; we are your partners
• detectives while at the hospital that fateful night and then later, with the Dallas County Deputy Chief Prosecutor
• The prosecutor, an assistant district attorney, even went so far as to say... ...say he would never offer
• the Dallas Police Department. ...Department, the Dallas County Forensics Lab, the Dallas County Prosecutor

Bills: HB153, HB1410, HB1461, HB1760, HB1762, HB3261, HB3773, HB153

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, private prisons, inmate confinement, criminal justice reform, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, government contracts, inmate housing