Video & Transcript : 'prosecutor pay raise' :
Page 30 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- I think many of you may know I've been a prosecutor for many years, and I did not understand what human
- And I certainly would not pay the kind of money you pay for an iPhone and let no young person tell me
- Because to raise a child in a domestic violence household, it pains them for life.
- I was a prosecutor for a long period of time.
- I was raised in the South.
Summary:
The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing Florida’s high victim counts, the role of online recruitment, common victim and trafficker profiles, and several case examples involving sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and interstate trafficking. She highlighted Miami-Dade’s task force model, partnerships with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and shelters such as Camillus House’s Project Phoenix and the Thrive Clinic, and said the office relies heavily on technology, training, and victim-centered prosecution. Members asked about school-based trafficking, warning signs, social media platforms, and information-sharing about offenders across states; Fernandez-Rundle said more training and better interstate communication are still needed.
The committee then took up CS for SB 656, which would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a timely tool to combat online child exploitation and was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related violent offender designations by clarifying notice and clemency-related paperwork requirements; it too was reported favorably unanimously.
The remainder of the meeting focused on SB 164, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to recognize unborn children in civil law and allow recovery when a pregnancy is lost due to another’s negligence. Opponents from the ACLU, reproductive rights groups, medical insurers, and domestic violence advocates argued the bill is overly broad, could function as fetal personhood legislation, and could expose doctors, friends, family members, businesses, and abusive partners to lawsuits while chilling medical care, IVF, and pregnancy-related treatment. Supporters from pro-life organizations urged broader language and stronger protections for unborn children. No vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/15/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> actually pay attention. actually pay attention.
- </c><01:27:20.159><c> Um</c> pay them. Um pay them.
- Um I'm not a prosecutor. I perspective. Um I'm not a prosecutor.
- You pay to get that, I believe.
- You pay to get that, I available.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/30/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- though you may not have pay up. Right?
- </c><03:06:28.000><c> The</c> transmitted to the prosecutor. The transmitted to the prosecutor.
- :06:30.160><c> to</c><03:06:30.319><c> use</c> prosecutor therefore was unable to use prosecutor therefore
- So, this would be helpful to prosecutors.
- . prosecutors. prosecutors.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You should absolutely pay for the crime.
- I mean, if they knowingly, I think the keyword is, to pay rent.
- You should absolutely pay for the crime.
- That's to pay for some water or a bag of chips.
- However, they cannot raise values. Yeah.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by a 121-0 vote, and a brief suspension of business for the Speaker to sign HB 2014. Members also observed a moment of silence for Butler County Fire Protection District Sergeant Commander Jatin Warren, who died in the line of duty, and the chamber introduced several guest groups, including Missouri Council on Aging representatives and county clerks. A resolution was also presented honoring former state representative K. H. Steinmetz for her 18 years of service in the Missouri House.
The House then received committee reports recommending passage of HB 2934, HB 1800, and HB 1707. On third reading, HB 2974 passed 136-0 on telehealth and licensure reciprocity; HB 2934 passed 121-24 on consolidating St. Louis convention center governance; HB 2057 passed 137-10 on entertainment districts for Osage Beach and Chesterfield; the combined HB 1839/2921/3015 passed 120-19 on age verification for harmful online content; HB 1707 passed 149-0 to bar the Department of Revenue from taxing credit card processing fees; HB 2819 passed 145-0 to set rounding rules as the penny is phased out; and HB 2600 passed 148-0 to allow ambulance districts to combine resources for coverage.
HB 1800, which reduces the inflationary growth factor for certain taxing districts from 5% to 3% and adjusts assessment ranges, drew the most extended debate over its effect on schools, fire districts, and taxpayers; it ultimately passed 82-61. Members also perfected HB 2774, which bars state and local governments from restricting equipment sales or use based on fuel source, and HB 2383, a utility infrastructure protection bill adding wired/copper infrastructure to existing critical infrastructure protections and setting penalties for theft or damage; HB 2383 was amended to align with the Senate version and then perfected. Finally, the House began debate on a combined bill package including HB 1664, 1610, 1645, and 2182, which would extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil claims while also shortening the general personal injury statute of limitations from five years to three; the child sexual abuse provisions drew broad support, while the tort-reform portion prompted sharp disagreement over access to justice versus business certainty.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We pay for prosecutors to prosecute the case. ...for the defenders to defend the case; we are your partners
- We have three children that we both worked hard to raise to be good people.
- My name is Danette Goad, and I'm actually from Edmond, Oklahoma, but I was born and raised in Texas,
- And I know that the state of Texas, where I was born and raised, and I love this state, can do better
- Private prisons cut costs by having fewer staff or paying lower wages, leading to higher turnover and
Committee:
House Corrections
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
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- If a prosecutor is disbarred, they don't get to be a prosecutor anymore.
- 0% interest if you pay it within six months.
- It says, okay, we want to incentivize these people to actually pay the bill.
- So there's a penalty for not paying at least 50%, and there's an incentive to actually pay the bill.
- Basically, there's no consequence to not paying a bill. Why would they pay it?
Bills:
SB5837 , SB6011 , SB6009 , SB5868 , SB5974 , SB5720 , SB5833 , SB5936 , SB5993 , SB6070 , SB6002 , SJM8014 , SB6086
Committee:
Senate Law & Justice
Keywords:
guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making, supported decision making, court visitor, adult guardianship, limited guardianship, full guardianship, adult conservatorship, less restrictive alternative, capacity, legal capacity, respondent rights, due process, vulnerable adults, disability rights, elder abuse, estate management
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize that that's not appropriate, and I certainly didn't raise my child...
- Not appropriate, and I certainly didn't raise my child like that.
- We are now working with our prosecutors all over the state to try to absorb those reductions.
- One more thing and how are we going to pay for that, right?
- We have too many already unless you're going to show us how we're going to pay for these things.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It voted House Bill 1792, the Murphy Media Literacy Program, and House Bill 1770, dealing with time limits on abuse cases, both do pass by unanimous roll call votes. The committee then considered House Bill 2426, Representative Keebley’s parental rights bill. An amendment was adopted to align the bill with a Senate floor substitute, clarify judicial review and compelling government interest standards, update parent/child definitions, add transparency provisions, and revise medical consent language. After extensive discussion about parental consent, minors’ access to STI and substance use treatment, foster parent authority, and potential impacts on abuse situations, the committee voted the House Committee Substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yes, 3 no, and 1 present.
The committee then heard House Bill 2418, which would create the Missouri Crime Victims Fund within the Department of Social Services as a framework for future appropriations if federal VOCA funding continues to decline. The sponsor and numerous witnesses from domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, CASA programs, and prosecutors described major reductions in VOCA support, staffing losses, service cuts, and the risk of leaving victims without shelter, advocacy, counseling, and court support. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
Finally, Representative Schmidt presented House Bill 3077, which would require social media and internet safety curriculum for grades 6 through 12 and provide parent resources. Supporters said the bill would help students recognize grooming, sextortion, misinformation, and other online risks, while some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about adding burdens on schools and suggested the material should be embedded into existing instruction and possibly start earlier. The committee also heard House Bill 1819, “Conrad’s Law,” which would require safe-sleep training and rules for licensed child care facilities for children age one and older, set limits on weighted blankets, and require documented care plans and training for children with special needs. The sponsor and family members said the bill responds to a child’s death and is intended to improve child care safety without adding extra training hours. Both bills were heard in public testimony, and the committee adjourned after the House Bill 1819 hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Penalty for misconduct of public officer or employee enhanced 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- are, that type of behavior, I think, is well beyond the pale of what's expected from the folks who we pay
- the</c><00:03:00.000><c> folks</c><00:03:00.239><c> who</c><00:03:00.400><c> we</c><00:03:00.760><c> pay
- </c><00:03:00.920><c> with</c><00:03:01.080><c> taxpayer</c> from the folks who we pay with taxpayer
- from the folks who we pay with taxpayer dollars<00:03:02.480><c> to</c><00:03:02.640><c> administer</
- He added that it raises the question of how they are still without an update from DHS in March as to
OK
Bills:
HB2299 , HB2939 , HB2941 , HB2960 , HB3062 , HB3087 , HB3114 , HB3244 , HB3262 , HB3304 , HB3345 , HB3386 , HB3431 , HB3498 , HB3581 , HB3645 , HB3648 , HB3764 , HB3852 , HB3974 , HB4141 , HB4144 , HB4227 , HB4237 , HB4343 , HB4425
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
Article V, convention, amendments, criminal penalties, legislative authority, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, firearm liability, tort reform, manufacturers
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And ensuring that prosecutors and courts have the necessary discretion to scale the legal response to
- These are real cases that prosecutors encounter.
- When the evidence shows sexual touching but does not establish those additional elements, prosecutors
- You may hear the argument that prosecutors can simply charge a Penal Code Section 220 violation.
- Human Rights Watch research shows that 90% are working and paying taxes once they are released.
Summary:
The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety met with several bills on the agenda, beginning with AB 1741 by Assembly Member Pacheco, which would allow felony prosecution of sexual battery committed during a residential break-in. Supporters, including Riverside County prosecutors and victim services staff, said current law leaves some home-invasion sexual assaults as misdemeanors when intent to commit another felony cannot be proven; opponents from public defender and civil liberties groups argued the bill was unnecessary, vague, and overbroad. After discussion, the committee passed AB 1741 to Appropriations as amended.
The committee then heard AB 1701 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would bar recall and resentencing for juveniles convicted of school shootings. Supporters framed it as a narrow public-safety measure in response to the Santana High School shooting and the potential resentencing of the shooter; opponents argued it was overly broad, ineffective as deterrence, and inconsistent with juvenile rehabilitation principles. The committee ultimately voted the bill out to Appropriations, but it later failed on the final roll call when members added on their positions.
AB 1743 by Assembly Member Wix proposed allowing local governments, state agencies, and higher education institutions to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data could help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based gun violence prevention, while opponents said trace data only shows the first lawful retail sale and could mislead policymakers or burden DOJ. The bill was passed to Appropriations. AB 1716 by Assembly Member Stefani, supported by UC and victim advocates, would let CalVCB reimburse tuition costs for college students whose education is disrupted by sexual violence; it passed to Appropriations after a strong debate over victim compensation. AB 1667 by Assembly Member Burner, adding fentanyl to the serious felony list for furnishing to a minor, also passed after emotional testimony from a bereaved parent and law enforcement support, despite opposition from drug policy and civil liberties groups. The committee adopted a consent calendar including AB 1549, AB 1681, AB 1723, and AB 1737, while AB 1538 and AB 1727 were pulled by their authors. In the final tally, AB 1701 and AB 1723 failed on the floor add-on roll call, while AB 1716, AB 1741, AB 1743, and AB 1667 advanced.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Feb 18th, 2026 at 11:38 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HB145 , SB37 , HB279 , HB292 , SB35 , SB48 , SB20 , SJR1 , SB38 , SB41 , SB73 , SB100 , SB111 , SB132 , SB152 , SJR7 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM30 , HM52 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB2 , HB70 , HB180 , SB151 , SB240 , SB273 , HB95 , HB247 , HB332 , HB8 , HB253 , HB4 , HB96
Keywords:
high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I do agree with many of the points raised in the analysis prepared by staff.
- By raising the minimum term for such offenses, Of public trust and humanity.
- They hear testimony from the prosecutor and the law enforcement agency, and they hear statements from
- So who's going to raise that voice for justice? This is not about punishment.
- I mean, prosecutors' jury notes discoverable post-conviction, I think that goes overboard.
Committee:
House Public Safety
Summary:
The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills and adopted a consent calendar of six measures, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each.
AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies buying firearms, ammunition, or accessories for law enforcement to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said it would prevent taxpayer dollars from going to irresponsible dealers; opponents argued it imposed unnecessary bureaucracy and vague standards. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations.
AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by clarifying battery penalties, allowing restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, police chiefs, and other supporters backed the measure, while public defenders and civil liberties groups raised concerns about clarity, judicial discretion, and impacts on riders who rely on transit. The bill passed unanimously to Judiciary. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture cases from seven to 20 years; supporters emphasized the severity of the abuse and the need for stronger accountability, while opponents argued the parole system already screens risk and that prevention would be more effective. It passed to Appropriations. AB 1092, which would extend concealed carry permit renewals from two to four years, drew support from gun rights groups and sheriffs but was opposed by the chair, who called it a solution in search of a problem; the bill failed. AB 1036, by the chair, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people serving felony sentences of one year or more, including Brady material and jury selection notes; innocence organizations supported it, while district attorneys objected that it was too broad and burdensome. It passed to Appropriations, with members noting ongoing negotiations over amendments.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1192 raises the DUI assessment fee from $160 to $200.
- It's like any other fee that you would pay other than your attorneys.
- It's like any other fee that you would pay other than your attorneys.
- This is an OSBI request bill, and this will raise their fees on background checks.
- Would they pay the fee? Would the fee be owed in that case?
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met and first laid over Senate Bill 1284 by Vice Chair Hamilton until the following week. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1192 by Senator Mann, which would raise the DUI assessment fee from $160 to $200 to help stabilize independent assessment providers; members asked about who pays the fee and whether there was a fiscal impact, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1264 by Senator Gillespie, which expands the definition of great bodily injury to include concussions, prolonged pain, and injuries affecting more than 10% of the victim’s body, and adds coverage for offenses committed in the presence of a minor; after questions about the new standards and duplicate repealer language, it passed 7-0.
Senate Bill 1921 by Senator Murdock was heard next. It increases OSBI background check fees, including criminal history and fingerprint-based checks, with the added revenue intended for electronic infrastructure and staffing; members questioned whether the fees would be charged to requesting agencies as well as individuals, and the bill passed 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1810 by Senator Weaver, an Attorney General request bill that would allow human trafficking expert testimony in court and add human trafficking victims to the list of persons eligible for Attorney General Victim Service Unit services; Senator Weaver explained the need for specialized testimony and victim support, and the bill advanced 7-0.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 6th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So inherent in the Climate Commitment Act, the energy already pays the tariff.
- And who pays those accounts, Mr. Speaker?
- It's small businesses all across Washington State and employees who pay into those accounts.
- So that raised a lot of concerns.
- The charges are referred to the prosecutor. The prosecutor must wait sometimes up to 22 months.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258 , 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
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But I understand the point you're raising.
- As a former prosecutor, we saw this all the time.
- As a former prosecutor, we saw this all the time.
- But no, you know, understand the concerns that are raised.
- That's to raise more resources was your response.
Summary:
The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call.
The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call.
Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh you get to raise your own defense.
- So they their starting pay is 67,000.
- </c> comes to getting pay. comes to getting pay.
- ,</c><01:10:39.120><c> better</c> hard, not enough pay, better hard, not enough pay, better opportunities
- </c><01:30:04.000><c> from</c> each county, um the prosecutors from each county, um the prosecutors from
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants.
Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors.
After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- How do you raise an intellectual disability claim?
- This is going to apply to those that could not raise it because they were pre-Atkins or have raised it
- Jada was born and raised. Jada was born and raised in Louisiana. This was her home.
- Plus, the offender is going to pay for this as well.
- I do also, though, for the benefit here, want to raise...
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I was born and raised in Ammon, Idaho.
- Then I got a job over here in Bonneville County as a county prosecutor.
- Because I deal with lawsuits, I'm the prosecutor. I deal with every felony that comes through.
- or from going through the trial experience. ...that I see on this side from the prosecutor or from going
- really clear to me about five years ago, I was out to lunch and when I was getting the check and paying
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I face the very real possibility of closing my doors because I can no longer sustain my business or pay
- my assistant a living wage. our regulation my business or pay my assistant a living wage.
- What we're seeing right now is that we have not invested in paying the true actual cost of providing
- Clara County Counsel and chair of the Civil Prosecutors Coalition, Mr.
- in today for Santa Clara County Counsel and chair of the Civil Prosecutors Coalition, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- DFA then will pay out amounts to counties.
- Chair, Senator, Susan, I saw you raise your hand and do the question. Um, the...
- Um, Susan, I saw you raise your hand and do the question.
- And, you know, you could look at that and maybe raise some questions.
- As Senator Nava indicated, I'm Jennifer Padgett-Massias and a prosecutor.
Committees:
Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary