Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes you can't find the owner, so we do issue citations to the ones that we can find and prosecute
• Sometimes you can't find the owner, so we do issue citations to the ones that we can find and prosecute
• The impacts of dairy-lick vessels are also why prosecute them for the crime of derelict vessel.
• act that's based on the judge and... ...the fine schedule set forth in that jurisdiction for a misdemeanor
• , because it is a misdemeanor crime.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a civil action, it's not a prosecution.
• Florida has promised tough punishments for Prosecuted the people who abused me.
• A first-degree misdemeanor, if the dog has previously been declared dangerous, a second-degree misdemeanor
• And it's where a lot of crime takes place and people are not prosecuted.
• And people are not prosecuted. They're not given the full extent of the law.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Muslims prosecuted I mean, they And the Muslims prosecuted I mean, they killed<00:43:23.920><
• Um, so, again, these a misdemeanor.
• </c><02:47:45.680><c> That</c> should just be a misdemeanor. That should just be a misdemeanor.
• ,</c> it should just be a misdemeanor, it should just be a misdemeanor, something<02:47:52.360><c> along
• </c> prefer to bring this as a misdemeanor." prefer to bring this as a misdemeanor."

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the King County Prosecuting Attorney.
• The language that will be inserted says, “on motion of the prosecuting attorney or victim.”
• And so, yes, that would be how it would read: on motion of the prosecuting attorney or victim witness
• On motion of the prosecuting attorney or victim witness in a criminal proceeding. Okay.
• It would also classify a first violation as a misdemeanor and any subsequent violations as a gross misdemeanor

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:

• outside when it is not Halloween, for medical or religious reasons or Mardi Gras, is subject to prosecution
• Is your—did you just say that because it says it's charged, but if they're convicted of a misdemeanor
• Battery should not allow this, if passed into law, to apply to the misdemeanor because it is specific
• He is a personal friend and a friend to all of prosecution and law enforcement in Louisiana, and he is
• ... ...all of prosecution and law enforcement in Louisiana, and he has now been embedded in the U.S.

Bills: HR73 , HR272 , HR273 , HR278 , HCR91 , HCR99 , HCR100 , HCR111 , HB255 , HB261 , HB328 , HB378 , HB479 , HB517 , HB564 , HB778 , HB1090 , SB135 , SB278 , SB448

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the original bill, the way it was written, if a dog would bite anybody once, it would be a misdemeanor
• So the only time it would be, and I don't remember the class of misdemeanor, but if it bites someone
• first time unprovoked and creates serious physical injury, then that would be, I think, a class B misdemeanor
• in a case where a dog mauls a six-year-old girl or three dogs maul them, and the sheriff and the prosecuting

Committee: House Rules - Administrative

Summary: The Rules Administrative Committee met with eight members present, establishing a quorum and moving into executive session. The committee then considered several bills and, in each case, moved them do pass. First, the House committee substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973 was approved 7-1. Next, Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903, dealing with copper wire, passed unanimously 9-0. Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Crawford and carried in the House by Representative Owens, also passed 9-0 after brief discussion. Senate Bill 938, sponsored by Senator Bernskelder and carried by Representative Haley, likewise passed 9-0. The final item was House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304, sponsored by Representative Justice. Members discussed changes to the bill, including removing the “serious emotional injury” language, restoring original language on dog bites, and combining it with animal neglect provisions from another bill. Representative Justice explained the bill was intended to address dangerous dog incidents without criminalizing minor bites, while also allowing action in serious mauling cases. The committee praised the work on the bill, and it passed 9-0. After completing action on all agenda items, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And making sure we know where we're going to prosecute them and who has jurisdiction.
• What I'd like to do is try to propose this: that we use it on misdemeanors and DWIs only and try to do
• I'm talking misdemeanors and DWIs.
• So I will say that, first of all, the state system and prosecution, and I don't know about the LOPD,
• So it's going to probably fall in the prosecution.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's attorneys need additional things in the law that would help them prosecute this.
• Say, how do we help you essentially prosecute this particular law?
• I mean, because I've heard from some that it's really hard to prosecute.
• Well, why is it really hard to prosecute?
• The problem is, for a class B misdemeanor in the great state of North Dakota, you can only serve 30 days

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard House Bill 1582, a study bill on false accusations and false reports of a crime. The sponsor argued the issue is broad but important, citing concerns about weaponized accusations in custody, civil, and political disputes and saying the study should gather statistics on how often these offenses are charged and prosecuted. Testimony in support came from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents and the North Dakota Association for Justice, both describing cases where false domestic-violence allegations or false reports caused arrests, jail time, and court burdens, while noting the difficulty of finding statistics or examples of prosecutions. Members questioned the bill’s scope, and the committee amended it to narrow the study to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1 before giving it a do pass recommendation by roll call vote. The committee then took up House Bill 1613, which addresses autonomous vehicles, robots, and law enforcement use of technology. The sponsor explained the amendment was intended to create definitions for autonomous, remote, lethal, and less-than-lethal systems, while preserving current law enforcement tools such as body cameras, license plate readers, and other cameras, and requiring warrants or use-of-force policies in certain situations. Testimony and discussion focused on ensuring humans remain involved in decisions to deploy weapons, limiting autonomous use of lethal force, and clarifying how drones and other devices could be used for surveillance or emergency response. After discussion of concerns from law enforcement, technology, and other stakeholders, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended by roll call vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1499, which would make home addresses and telephone numbers of federal judges, magistrate judges, and U.S. Supreme Court justices confidential under state open-records law. The sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would extend protections already given to state judges and other justice-system employees, noting increased threats to judges and explaining that federal law does not fully protect these records in state files. With no opposition offered, the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation and then adjourned after noting it had completed action on all 122 bills before it, with only two conference committees remaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• the misdemeanor offense.
• </c> misdemeanor provision, it's recommending misdemeanor provision, it's recommending or<01:20:50.080
• </c> limitation for the misdemeanor offense. limitation for the misdemeanor offense.
• 20:56.560><c> a</c> Normally misdemeanors, um, there's a Normally misdemeanors, um, there's a 2-year<
• </c><01:22:12.159><c> I'll</c><01:22:12.400><c> be</c> prosecution. Thank you. I'll be prosecution.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1552, which would make the attorney general the interim chief election officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying it could create a conflict of interest if the attorney general were both the state’s lawyer and the chief elections officer in any related litigation. The League of Women Voters supported having some interim backup for the office, but said it was not necessarily advocating that the attorney general fill the role. Several other testifiers, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, opposed the bill, arguing the current law already provides for a prompt commission appointment and warning about partisan bias and concentration of power. Supporters, including Indivisible Hawaii, said an interim mechanism is needed to ensure election certification in a crisis. The chair also asked whether any statutory acting capacity already exists, and the attorney general said none was known. The committee then took up House Bill 2125, which would bar corporations operating under state law from engaging in election activity. The attorney general opposed the bill, citing Citizens United and arguing that corporations have First Amendment-protected political speech rights and that the bill would likely be unconstitutional. Indivisible Hawaii supported the measure, saying it would keep elections focused on the will of the people rather than corporate influence. Libertarian Party testimony was mixed: one witness supported the goal of reducing corruption but warned the bill could suppress organized dissent and sweep too broadly by treating many associations as corporations. The bill’s introducer asked whether the legislature could still enact it as a policy matter, but the attorney general maintained federal constitutional law would control. No vote was taken on either bill during the portion of the hearing provided. The committee also heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment, which would set procedures and compensation for people whose convictions are reversed or vacated on grounds consistent with innocence and whose charges are dismissed. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported the bill’s intent but objected to language assigning it responsibility for helping released individuals secure housing, identification, health coverage, and other reentry needs, saying it no longer has jurisdiction after release and suggesting the courts or a community-based contractor handle that role. The Office of the Public Defender strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the harm of wrongful conviction and the need for compensation, case management, and medical coverage after release. No action or vote was reported on this measure in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, law enforcement can prosecute adults who directly exploit children, but there's a
• SB 1015 creates a very focused tool to charge these minors with a misdemeanor or felony. So why?
• SB 1015 creates a very focused tool to charge these minors with a misdemeanor or felony.
• There's an existing infraction and existing misdemeanor. It's already in law.
• Misdemeanors for DV and animal cruelty will get you a 10-year ban.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until a quorum was established, then heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. SB 907 by Senator Archuleta proposed five DUI-related changes: requiring Watson advisements when DUI charges are pled down, allowing consecutive sentencing discretion for multiple deaths in one crash, adding enhancements for repeat felony DUI offenders, increasing penalties for hit-and-run by drivers with recent DUI history, and treating gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated as violent felonies. The author and supporters, including prosecutors, law enforcement, and victims’ family members, argued the bill would close loopholes and increase accountability. Opponents, including criminal defense and civil liberties groups, raised concerns about overbreadth, legal doctrine, and the violent felony designation. Committee members generally supported moving the bill but urged further changes, especially on the violent felony and consecutive sentencing provisions. SB 907 was passed as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and kept on call. The committee then heard SB 1015, which would create new offenses aimed at online exploitation networks that use minors to coerce, recruit, or extort other minors, including through intimate images and AI-generated images. The author, sheriff’s officials, and district attorneys described rapidly growing online abuse networks and argued current laws do not clearly reach adults who use minors as intermediaries or minors who participate in coercive extortion schemes. Opponents said existing criminal statutes already cover much of the conduct and argued the bill could unnecessarily criminalize youth behavior instead of focusing on platforms and prevention. Members expressed concern about the harms to children and the need to address evolving online threats, while also noting the bill’s juvenile provisions. SB 1015 was passed as amended to Appropriations and kept on call. SB 1285, also by Senator Durazo, would clarify that juvenile record dismissal under Welfare and Institutions Code section 782 is a general dismissal statute and that dismissal and record sealing are separate processes. Supporters said the bill would preserve the rehabilitative purpose of juvenile court and help youth avoid lasting collateral consequences in employment, licensing, and military service. There was no opposition after PORAC withdrew its objection, and the committee approved the bill to the floor on a unanimous roll call, keeping it on call for absent members. SB 1342, another Durazo bill, would fix implementation problems in California’s automatic record clearance laws by addressing outdated pending charges, requiring local court records to match DOJ clearance records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It drew broad support and no opposition, and was passed to Appropriations, with one no vote from Senator Seyarto. Finally, the committee heard SB 1330 by Senator Aitken, which would extend enhanced penalties for assault or battery to utility workers performing their duties. The author and utility worker witnesses described increasing threats and assaults, including a recent shooting at a work crew, and said the bill would help protect workers who maintain essential water, gas, and electric services. The bill drew strong support from labor, utilities, and local government representatives. The transcript ends during public testimony on SB 1330, before any committee vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> law that it came in from a prosecuting law that it came in from a prosecuting um<01:43:05.360><c
• </c><03:25:50.319><c> I</c> are guilty of a petty misdemeanor. I are guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
• would change that to a misdemeanor.
• I would change that to a misdemeanor.
• </c> think a misdemeanor is more appropriate. think a misdemeanor is more appropriate.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And, also by way of background, a gross misdemeanor subjects a person to imprisonment in a county jail
• The offense is classified as a misdemeanor, but it is also elevated to...
• The offense is classified as a misdemeanor, but it is also elevated to a gross misdemeanor if, as a result
• It is also elevated to a gross misdemeanor if a minor under 16 or a vulnerable adult is present in the
• or 60 days if it's a gross misdemeanor.

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 so it could be heard that day. It then took public testimony on House Bill 2248, a technical cleanup bill affecting Secretary of State corporate and nonprofit filings, trademarks, foreign entities, and apostille procedures. The prime sponsor said the bill makes no policy changes or fee increases, while the Secretary of State’s office supported it as a clarification measure. One testifier raised concerns about multiple LLCs and transparency in manufactured home communities, asking for stronger oversight and verification. The committee then heard engrossed substitute House Bill 2508, which expands the Office of Independent Investigations’ jurisdiction over deadly-force and related non-deadly-force incidents, broadens notification and records access requirements, and exempts certain records from disclosure. The sponsor and OII testified in support, emphasizing that the bill clarifies authority and procedures; members asked about how far back investigations could go, and staff confirmed there was no time limit for deadly-force cases under the bill. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2203, creating the offense of reckless interference with emergency operations for driving around closures on hazardous roadways. The sponsor described it as a response to flood and disaster rescues, and fire chiefs supported it as a safety and accountability measure. Defense attorneys opposed it as unnecessary and disproportionate, warning of criminal penalties, license suspensions, restitution, and fiscal costs for conduct they viewed as more appropriately handled civilly. Next, Second Substitute House Bill 1909 proposed a Court Unification Task Force to study inefficiencies and inequities in Washington’s fragmented court system; the sponsor and a legal aid attorney supported it as an access-to-justice reform, while the committee noted a large number of signed-in opponents. Finally, engrossed substitute House Bill 2095 would create a rebuttable presumption of negligence for drivers who injure or kill vulnerable road users in designated areas, along with education requirements and damages provisions. Supporters, including a widow, bicycling advocates, and a bike commuter, said it would improve accountability and help injured people who cannot easily prove fault; opponents from cities, trucking, and defense groups argued it would expand litigation, create liability and fee-shifting problems, and go beyond existing negligence law. After public hearings, the committee moved into executive session and advanced several bills. Substitute House Bill 2158 received a do pass recommendation. Substitute House Bill 2239, concerning family burial grounds on private property, was amended to increase a setback from public rights-of-way and easements and then received a do pass recommendation as amended. Substitute House Bill 2178 on court rules and procedures also received a do pass recommendation. House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees was advanced despite concerns about fee increases. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on false identification as a peace officer was amended to clarify intent and then passed out of committee. The committee also adopted an amendment to Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320 on firearm manufacturing, including a change allowing certain digital code and manufacturing activity for repair purposes, and discussed another amendment removing some possession prohibitions for personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• , what you have before you is a bill that says for the purposes of age... ...from 18 to 20, the misdemeanor
• The remainder of what was in place for a misdemeanor charge, if they were convicted of that, stays the
• Or are there instances where people have been prosecuted for being a Good Samaritan?
• Are there instances where people have been prosecuted for being a Good Samaritan in situations like these

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• A misdemeanor for any other<00:37:22.680><c> violation</c><00:37:23.680><c> extended</c><00:37:24.119
• </c> basically it's a it's a misdemeanor basically it's a it's a misdemeanor crime<00:46:03.680><c> level
• They work during the week, Monday through Friday, as well, with our prosecution staff.
• They work during the week, Monday through Friday, as well, with our prosecution staff.
• </c> Friday as well with our prosecution Friday as well with our prosecution staff<05:16:02.680><c> when

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand there's misdemeanors, so if you can help me with that, I sure would appreciate it.
• Certain actions could result in a misdemeanor. Senator Nice for a follow-up. Thank you, Mr.
• property owner calls and reports one of these things, if they're answering the call, if they are prosecuting
• property owner calls and reports one of these things, if they're answering the call, if they are prosecuting
• when a city encounters some individual in distress and they determine we're not going to arrest or prosecute

Bills: HB3002 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3418 , HB3419 , HB3463 , HB3919 , HB3985 , HB4303

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard and advanced several House bills focused on local government bidding, audits, ordinance publication, and county fair boards. House Bill 3418, which updates the Public Competitive Bidding Act for public construction projects and school district contracts, was amended to clarify that public agencies may still conduct preliminary procurement activities such as market research and vendor outreach; it then passed 9-0. House Bill 3463, requested by the state auditor, changes audit requirements for small municipalities under 2,500 people by moving from a biannual to an annual financial statement audit or agreed-upon procedures engagement and shortening the filing deadline; it passed 9-0. House Bill 3002 extends the sunset on the Commission on County Government, Personnel, Education, and Training to 2031 and passed 8-0. House Bill 4303 extends the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days and passed 8-0. House Bill 3919 would allow counties to replace the current nine-member Free Fair Association board with a five-member board elected from commissioner districts and at-large seats; it passed 8-0. House Bill 3416, also developed with the state auditor and other stakeholders, would let counties use quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of a full bidding process while keeping documentation and safeguards; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3417 would require cities and towns to follow the state competitive bidding laws and not bypass those standards through local rules; it passed 7-1. House Bill 3985, the Safe Neighborhoods Act, drew the most debate. The bill would give property owners in municipalities over 130,000 population a narrow path to seek compensation if a city adopts a policy or practice of not enforcing certain public safety laws, including laws against illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public intoxication, drug use, and shoplifting, and that inaction reduces property values or forces mitigation costs. Supporters said it is meant to encourage enforcement of existing laws and protect business and property owners, while opponents argued it could burden under-resourced cities, criminalize vulnerable people, and rely on a questionable population threshold. The bill passed 7-2 after debate. Throughout the meeting, members also raised questions about felony and misdemeanor provisions in HB 3418, the cost and practicality of live video bid openings, and the use of a repealed statute reference in HB 3417, with the author saying he would provide follow-up clarification before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said those practices were crimes that were prosecuted by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, who sent
• out press releases and announced that she was prosecuting folks who had engaged in these practices as
• He said that, working backward, then-Attorney General Bondi of the state of Florida put forth prosecutions
• It also makes failure to appear or pay a civil penalty for an at-risk citation a second-degree misdemeanor
• The law establishes a second-degree misdemeanor for any person who knowingly provides false information

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BILL ALSO CREATES A NEW MISDEMEANOR FOR HARASSING ANYONE ON PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY WITH DRONES
• A MISDEMEANOR? YES A FIRST DEGREE MISDEMEANOR. HAVE IT IN THE PAST SUPERVISORS CAUGHT THIS I KNOW.
• WE ARE NOT ADDING MISDEMEANOR HERE. THAT IS CURRENT LAW.
• IF YOU KNOWINGLY SIGN ANOTHER PETITION THAN IT COULD BE A MISDEMEANOR.
• ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS IT'S A MISDEMEANOR OF THE 1ST° FOR ME TO KNOWINGLY SIGN A PETITION MORE THAN ONCE.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:22:03.440><c> when</c> state's burden to prove that when state's burden to prove that when prosecuting
• this they so they don't need prosecuting this they so they don't need to<00:22:06.480><c> identify</
• </c><00:29:44.640><c> if</c><00:29:44.880><c> they</c> of a class A misdemeanor if they of a class A
• misdemeanor if they transport<00:29:46.720><c> a</c><00:29:47.039><c> minor</c> transport a minor transport
• </c><00:32:42.320><c> for</c><00:32:42.559><c> intentionally</c> A misdemeanor for intentionally A misdemeanor

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Broadly speaking, this includes 707(b) offenses, enumerated drug offenses, and limited misdemeanors.
• It covers a list of violent felonies, a list of violent misdemeanors, and a number of drug crimes.
• Again, if the minor uses this unloaded handgun to commit a violent felony, a violent misdemeanor, or
• We don't need to spend hundreds of thousands, if not millions, on the prosecution and incarceration of
• amendments as well, and we did a bill last year around some of the loopholes that exist around misdemeanor

Summary: The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations. AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if so, there's a prosecutable case, working with the Attorney General's office and doing that.
• They're not going to prosecute them; it never happens.
• You will see the top misdemeanor and felony charges listed on the chart and in the table on slide six
• can be formally prosecuted.
• You can see the majority of the decline was in misdemeanors.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee