Transcript Highlights:

• But as you can imagine, the need for that happens in violent situations.
• You know, colleagues, perhaps it's just one student that's left in this... ...violent situation and the
• You know, colleagues, perhaps it's just one student that's left in this violent situation and the other
• offender, and we need to step in the way of that to protect that.
• As a violent offender, and we need to step in the way of that to protect that.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill. The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts. Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a prosecutor, I hold violent offenders accountable, and I make difficult charging and resolution decisions
• I'm the vice chair of the sexually violent predator unit.
• dangerous and highest-risk sex offenders in Washington State.
• He threatened to decapitate me and did other violent acts on me before that.
• He threatened to decapitate me and did other violent acts on me before that.

Bills: HB2176 , HB2244 , HB2120 , HB2333

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: drug therapy, public records, confidentiality, healthcare, collaborative practice, transparency, accountability, exemptions, government accountability, audit, legislative review, resource efficiency, committee work, political violence, elected officials, election officials, criminal justice, protection, safety, threats

Transcript Highlights:

• This will not help make Minnesota safer, and we should be doing more to get violent offenders off the
• > streets</c><01:38:12.159><c> uh</c> get violent offenders off the streets uh get violent offenders
• They have the most violent offenders in our state, and they're protecting us from those offenders.
• They have the most violent offenders in our state, and they're protecting us from those offenders.
• <c> on</c><01:46:23.040><c> money</c> a violent offenders are short on money a violent offenders are

Transcript Highlights:

• What goes into the criminal investigation, prosecution, and conviction of a human trafficking offender
• Our commission provides direct compensation to victims of violent crime in the state of New Mexico.
• And prosecutors to hold these offenders accountable and to have more protections for victims.
• Important amendments that will enhance our ability to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and work
• Madam Chair, Representative, if someone is convicted of this, do they go on the sex offender registry

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We agree also that the state has a duty to punish offenders and protect society.
• Tab 9, Senator Gruters, CS for SB 1140 on criminal offender substance abuse pilot program.
• Tab 9, Senator Gruders, CS for SB 1140 on criminal offender substance abuse pilot program.
• This change, by making them way the same, ensures that violent offenders cannot on it.
• By making them way the same, ensures that violent offenders cannot evade responsibility and cannot find

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals. Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups. The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.

Transcript Highlights:

• When leaders of the Oath Keepers, a domestic violent extremist group, were prosecuted for seditious conspiracy
• Martin, attended an event with Mahel Cusinelli, members of the Oath Keepers, and other January 6th offenders
• that day were, of course, the president. pardons of 1,550 people, including hundreds of those who violently
• They are pardoning violent criminals who attack cops.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: nomination, Patrick Davis, Assistant Attorney General, Ed Martin, January 6th, public testimony

Summary: This meeting focused primarily on the nomination of Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Members discussed Mr. Davis's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his commitment to effectively serving the American public and working collaboratively with Congress. The committee also briefly revisited the nominations of John Eisenberg and Brett Shumate but decided to hold them over until the next meeting. Additionally, concerns regarding the nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia were raised, particularly regarding his past statements and conduct related to the January 6th insurrection and its aftermath. The discussion highlighted the importance of reviewing Mr. Martin's responses to various questions before proceeding with a vote on his nomination.

Transcript Highlights:

• of others or hit-and-run resulting in a death, both of those offenses are eligible for first-time offender
• of others or hit-and-run resulting in a death, both of those offenses are eligible for first-time offender
• Those offenses are eligible for first-time offender waivers in this state.
• I again... ...have a history of being a violent dog or not, there is a presumption of liability.
• Oh. have a history of being a violent dog or not, there is a presumption of liability.

Bills: HB2095

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Survivors will not be funded only if offender fines and fees cover the bill.
• We somehow find ways to fund offender services and reentry, and those investments are critical.
• Survivors will not be funded only if offender fines and fees cover the bill.
• We somehow find ways to fund offender services and reentry, and those investments are critical.
• Senate Bill 5169 gives courts better tools to protect children while still holding violent offenders

Summary: Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra opened a press conference focused on survivor-centered policies and funding for victim services, saying the state should continue supporting survivors despite a difficult budget climate and reduced federal support. She highlighted prior state actions such as extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault, restricting firearms for abusers, protecting survivors from discrimination, easing access to protection orders, and addressing female genital mutilation, while emphasizing the need to fund services that are trauma-informed and victim-centered. Much of the event focused on the request to restore about $21.38 million in victim services funding. Colleen McIngles of the King County Children’s Justice Center warned that without the funding, programs statewide would close, eliminating forensic interviewers, advocates, and coordinated response teams. Kate Garvey of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center said agencies have already laid off staff and are triaging clients, and that the money would only maintain existing services. Several speakers tied the need for funding to broader public safety and survivor support, including references to federal VOCA cuts and the national reckoning over the Epstein case. Legislators also discussed several bills. Sen. T’wina Nobles described SB 5169, which would reduce the need for child victims and witnesses to repeatedly relive trauma in court. Rep. Jamila Taylor and Rep. Roger Goodman discussed HB 1591, which would provide mitigating treatment, resentencing options, and possible vacatur for survivors whose criminal conduct was connected to coercion or abuse. Rep. Chris Stearns and Sen. Tina Orwall discussed court-process reforms in SB 6017 and related efforts to prevent retraumatization of sexual assault survivors, along with recognition of female genital mutilation as sexual assault. Rep. Lauren Davis shared her personal experience with domestic violence and argued that cuts to system-based victim advocacy have left many survivors without support. The press conference also celebrated unanimous Senate passage of the Ebony Alert bill, which advocates said is needed to improve responses to missing Black women and girls; speakers urged the House to pass it next.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislature, we adopted the DNA Database Act and required submission of DNA samples for 22 listed violent
• misdemeanor domestic violence is because research shows these two crimes have a propensity for additional violent
• In 2022, the Idaho State Police Forensics Laboratory identified a few high-profile offenders in our state
• legislation, that is so important to find a serial rapist because many times people will continue to offend
• I believe it targets the most serious offenders in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• An indigent adult or juvenile offender has a statutory right to counsel at state expense to prosecute
• a first collateral attack after the offender has filed a petition for collateral attack, and the chief
• For indigent offenders to file and prosecute a first timely personal restraint petition.
• Of indigent adult or juvenile offenders who have a statutory right to counsel at state expense to prosecute
• It’s very traumatic having to conform and understand how things operate because it can be a violent place

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. On House Bill 2354, relating to common interest communities under WUCIOA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would exempt small middle-housing communities from most WUCIOA provisions, exempt certain middle-housing communities from reserve studies if wastewater-related reserve components are not needed, raise the audit threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 in annual assessments, and prevent governing documents from shifting maintenance costs for EV chargers and heat pumps away from the unit owner. Representative Reed and a Community Associations Institute witness supported the bill as a set of cleanup changes tailored to smaller communities, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then heard House Bill 2412, which would add a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County. Representative Mendoza and Yakima County officials and judges testified that the county has had eight judges since 1998 despite major population growth, rising filings, and a backlog of more than 2,800 cases older than two years. They said the county can accommodate the new judge physically and has budgeted its share of the cost. The bill was supported as a way to reduce delays, protect speedy-trial rights, and improve access to justice, and the hearing was closed without opposition testimony. House Bill 2500, concerning transfers of beneficiary-designated property to charities, would require holders such as financial institutions or insurers to notify charitable beneficiaries within 10 days of the owner’s death, allow charities to submit an affidavit to claim the property, require transfer within 30 days, and bar holders from demanding personal information or requiring charities to open accounts or wait on other beneficiaries. Charitable organizations strongly supported the bill, describing long delays and invasive paperwork, while credit unions and bankers raised concerns about identity verification, fraud risk, and the 30-day deadline. The committee then heard House Bill 2595, which would extend the time limit for collateral attacks on criminal judgments from one year to three years and allow the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation in those matters. Supporters, including incarcerated individuals, defense-related advocates, and the League of Women Voters, argued the current deadline is too short for pro se prisoners and juvenile offenders to discover and litigate claims; prosecutors and victim advocates opposed it, citing finality, workload, and harm to victims. Finally, House Bill 2597 would create a state civil cause of action for violations of federal constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement, with damages, fees, and a three-year limitation period. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an accountability measure for constitutional violations, while law enforcement and other opponents warned about unclear definitions, immunity issues, and unintended consequences. The hearing on HB 2597 was concluded, and the committee noted an executive session on the bill would occur later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Simply having a second look for these youthful offenders will allow us to make those decisions, to identify
• Under the guise of giving offenders a second look, this bill blows a truck-sized hole in our penalty
• This bill creates unprecedented parole eligibility for our most serious offenders.
• Under Section 1, subsection 1, paragraphs A through E, in addition to the offender, four separate classes
• That is still a nonjudicial, potentially violent felony that those people are incarcerated on that you're

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, frankly, if you're a sex offender and you are convicted of offending against children under 13 years
• So that would not qualify under the section because it would have been considered a violent crime.
• . if it's not considered to be violent.
• That that is considered a violent crime.
• How does that department know whether or not it's a repeat offender?

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's funding an increase of about 688 offenders.
• This will also add an additional 150 positions to support those offenders.
• And local housing of state offenders, it's funding the $3 increase to the per diem.
• This will also add an additional 150 positions to support those offenders.
• A violent felony, obviously,... ...processing a particular type of case.

Summary: The committee met to review budget and fiscal items, beginning with a roll call and a reminder about severe weather and the need to keep the meeting brief. Members first received the January fiscal status statement and certified the prior-year surplus at $577,073,871, with no changes from the prior month. The fiscal status statement was approved without objection. Staff then reviewed the five-year baseline budget and continuation/standstill budgets, noting projected imbalances in later years driven by revenue declines, including the redirection of motor vehicle sales tax, and by rising costs such as inflation and Medicaid adjustments. Representative Amadee asked about Medicaid growth and SNAP administrative costs, and staff explained that the SNAP federal match change is separate from Medicaid. The governor’s executive budget presentation focused on a third year of standstill budgeting, efficiency savings, and the impact of one-time reductions and agency reorganizations. Officials said the budget avoids recurring spending from nonrecurring revenue and incorporates savings from prior efficiency efforts. Major items discussed included funding for LA Gator vouchers, the high-impact jobs program at Louisiana Economic Development, DCFS modernization, corrections overtime and offender costs, Angola population growth, nursing home and MCO adjustments at LDH, and additional support for the MJ Foster Scholarship and Board of Regents systems. Members also discussed the distinction between state general fund and federal funds, the effect of inflation on specific purchases, and the use of surplus dollars, including deposits to the Budget Stabilization Fund and UAL paydown. No formal action was taken on the budget presentation. Later items included the FY27 expenditure limit calculation of $20.1 billion, up $953 million from FY26, and the annual comprehensive financial report, which received an unmodified audit opinion. The committee approved a BA-7 increasing federal funds for the governor’s office by $2 million for U.S. DOT-related infrastructure and rural transit work. It also approved Facility Planning and Control requests to add five higher education deferred maintenance projects and to combine two Baton Rouge Community College projects. CPRA received approval to extend contracts with Coastal Estuary Services and Access Sciences for monitoring and records-management services. The committee also approved a legislative intent clarification for a $500,000 appropriation to the New Orleans Recreational Development Foundation. The final major discussion was a presentation on a weighted caseload study for appellate and district courts. Judicial officials explained that the study updates an outdated formula used to assess judgeship needs, incorporates specialty courts and commissioners, and is intended as one tool in a broader collaborative process with the legislature. Members raised concerns about the number of judges, court funding, and how Louisiana compares with other states. No vote was taken on the study, but the discussion emphasized future collaboration on judicial resource allocation and possible structural changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does, it protects the non-offending<00:03:08.720><c> parent.
• It puts guard well non-offending parent.
• I mean, I know one incident is too much, especially again if it is a violent offense.
• </c> especially again if it is a a violent especially again if it is a a violent violent<00:16:16.160
• But to just say two and violent offense.

Committee: House Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• Full-length AI-generated videos of violent rapes of children are emerging more and more every single
• rapes of children are emerging violent rapes of children are emerging more<01:11:24.120><c> and</c><
• ,</c> a domestic child abuse um offender, a domestic child abuse um offender, abuser, abuser, abuser,
• identified as violent whether that's be identified as violent whether that's through<03:04:21.280><c>
• . offender. offender.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was 50 years, and we still have offenders under that law in prison.
• In the bill, it has statute 574.4.4, parole eligibility juvenile offenders.
• In the bill, it has statute 574.4.4 parole eligibility juvenile offenders.
• Plus, the offender is going to pay for this as well.
• Just for clarity: currently, how are these sex offenders identified?

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• missions at our agency: we provide direct victim compensation, or financial compensation, to victims of violent
• And we believe that there's a slight decrease in violent crime in the state of New Mexico.
• Every administration is different; they were put on first offender programs, or what we would refer to
• So now there are efforts to... even if you're put on a PPD or a first offender program on a federal level

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The "shall" will be applicable to the violent crimes that are listed there in the amendment.
• would require the "shall" that is, but with the stipulation that it fits within the context of these violent
• courts to accountability courts and would expand the scope of whom the court would serve, including offenders
• with mental illness and offenders who are veterans.

Bills: HB2 , HB43 , HB49 , HB94 , HB137 , HB156 , HB200 , HB250 , HB3 , HB42

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• This amends covered offender registration laws to include offenders who, while acting in a professional
• House Bill 359, relating to covered offender registration, amends covered offender registration laws
• </c> relating to covered Offender relating to covered Offender Registration<01:48:31.360><c> this</c>
• registration laws to include offender registration laws to include offenders<01:48:34.719><c> who</c
• </c> relating to covered Offender relating to covered Offender Registration<02:46:13.840><c> I</c><02

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><02:42:29.120><c> the</c> the offending partner, not the the offending partner, not the non-offending
• It hits low-level offenders.
• It hits low-level offenders.
• It hits low-level offenders.
• It hits low-level offenders.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety