Video & Transcript : 'violent offenses' :

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Criminal Justice Dec 9th, 2025

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sorry about the confusion. ...offense severity ranking chart to ensure conformity. Thank you.
  • Section 782.07, when committed against a law enforcement officer, to the list of offenses for which a
  • First, it replaces the term mass shooter with the term violent offender.
  • First, it replaces the term mass shooter with the term violent offender.
  • First, it replaces the term mass shooter with the term violent offender.
Summary: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 350 on public records for crime victims. Senator Graal explained that the bill clarifies victim privacy protections under the Florida Constitution and extends temporary confidentiality to the identity of an officer involved in a use-of-force incident for 72 hours, with a possible 60-day extension by written agency findings. Supporters including Marcy’s Law representatives and the Florida PBA said the measure protects victims and officers while preserving public access, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 296 and SB 298, both by Senator Berman. SB 296, as amended, directs a feasibility study for a secure web-based silent alert system for domestic violence victims and expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. SB 298 similarly extends address confidentiality protections to dating violence victims. Both bills received supportive testimony from advocates, including survivors and organizations such as Florida NOW and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, and both were reported favorably. Members also approved SB 398, which replaces references to “child pornography” in Florida statutes with “child sexual abuse material,” and SB 168, which expands public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increases enforcement tools such as penalties, attorney fees, and foreclosure on unpaid fees. SB 54, as amended, was also reported favorably; the amendment broadened the bill’s scope from “mass shooter” to “violent offender,” clarified medical examiner duties, and added reporting requirements related to toxicology and psychotropic substances. The most debated measure was SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which would revise resistance-to-arrest provisions and add an automatic life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, but the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and some senators raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating language about unlawful arrests. After debate, the committee reported SB 156 favorably, with Vice Chair Smith voting no. Several other members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on multiple bills before adjournment.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 31 (2-20-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , with the exception of election fraud, violent felony offenses, felony sexual offenses, and criminal
  • , with the exception of election fraud, violent felony offenses, felony sexual offenses, and criminal
  • , with the exception of election fraud, violent felony offenses, felony sexual offenses, and criminal
  • , with the exception of election fraud, violent felony offenses, felony sexual offenses, and criminal
  • felony offenses, felony fraud, violent felony offenses, felony sexual<01:14:50.159><c> offenses,</c>
Keywords: 958, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Judiciary

House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • A missed appointment carries the same consequences as a serious new offense.
  • DCAC covers an enormous spectrum of offenses.
  • It's a petty offense, and so it's a fine, potentially.
  • Everything in Prop. 207 outlines petty offenses.
  • No offense to the parents.
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced several bills focused on criminal justice, public safety, firearms, immigration-related enforcement, and victims’ rights. SB 1170 would enhance sentencing for selling dangerous or narcotic drugs to a minor when the drug sale contributed to the minor’s death; supporters, including grieving parents, argued it would hold dealers accountable, while opponents warned it would remove judicial discretion and increase prison terms for people with addiction. The committee also approved SB 1012, which narrows a restaurant-related concealed-carry restriction for properly permitted handgun holders in certain Series 12 restaurants; supporters framed it as a limited correction, while beverage industry representatives said it overrides property rights and creates confusion. SB 1511, requiring proof of lawful status for drivers using non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and allowing citations and possible impoundment, also received a do-pass recommendation after emotional testimony about trucking-related fatalities. The committee then took up a strike-everything amendment to SB 1100 creating an Arizona registration and disclosure system for lobbying on behalf of foreign adversary principals, with the Department of Homeland Security supporting the measure and civil rights advocates objecting that it could stigmatize people based on origin rather than conduct. SB 1004, dealing with GPS monitoring for homeless registered sex offenders, was amended to remove DPS as the monitoring agency and passed despite concerns about overcriminalization and loss of judicial discretion. SB 1213, which would bar probation for people unlawfully present in the U.S. and require ICE notification, passed over objections that it conflicts with existing probation statutes and raises constitutional concerns. SB 1402, requiring probationers on electronic monitoring to pay the fee, also passed, with opponents arguing courts already have discretion and should consider ability to pay. The committee next approved SB 1709, which mandates re-arrest, probation revocation, and consecutive prison terms for adults on probation for dangerous crimes against children who commit new offenses or violate probation; supporters said it was needed to protect children, while opponents said it strips judges of discretion and can punish technical violations too harshly. SB 1413, removing a $100,000 cap on restitution for serious injury or death caused by moving violations, passed after the county attorney’s office said the cap had already been found unconstitutional. SB 1416, updating missing-child notification procedures and requiring faster photo and media dissemination, passed unanimously after testimony from missing-child advocates. Finally, SB 1725, creating a civil and petty-offense remedy for excessive marijuana smoke or odor drifting onto neighboring property, passed after debate over private-property rights, medical marijuana protections, local control, and possible conflict with the Voter Protection Act; the committee also heard SB 1723, a domestic-violence-related bill expanding protective-order, bail, and parenting-time considerations, but the transcript cuts off before action on that measure.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 11th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • What is the offense? Burglary of a vehicle.
  • Uh, the number of repeat offenders, violent offenders committing these offenses should send a message
  • shown on the trial of the offense that the defendant has been previously convicted of an offense under
  • It is a state jail felony on a first offense, and if it is a repeat offense, then you've got a minimum
  • Yes, it, it applies to a first offense and it ratchets up every offense thereafter by one. Penalty.
Bills: HB268 , HB305 , HB307
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • No offense, but we all came to hear the witnesses, no one else in the room.
  • Perhaps, including some of the details of the horrific offenses they've committed against the American
  • Since February 5th alone, we've had 220 illegal immigrants arrested on charges varying from violent offenses
  • weapons offenses narcotics offenses and serious violent felonies. 253 separate individuals have been
  • charged related to those offenses.
Summary: The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-07 - 11:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> persons convicted of certain violent persons convicted of certain violent crime.<00:31:42.880><c
  • </c><00:32:06.880><c> crime,</c><00:32:07.919><c> are</c> convicted of a violent crime, are convicted
  • </c> for a second or subsequent offense for a second or subsequent offense [snorts]<00:32:24.480><c>
  • </c> is [snorts] what counts as a violent is [snorts] what counts as a violent crime<00:33:17.200><c>
  • </c><00:33:28.640><c> primarily</c> drug offenses primarily drug offenses primarily and<00:33:31.200>
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session B Jan 28th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Did you know the level of offense as it relates to crimes?
  • Would you agree a Level IV offense, raw score is 22 points on the score sheet?
  • The offenses covered by this are capital felony offenses. And I'm happy to read the list.
  • I spent a career prosecuting offenses, but I did read that case.
  • It is not from deportation because they were violent criminals.
Bills: SJR36 , SR8 , SR14 , SR15 , SR17 , HCR54
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 19, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I know that many are now vigorously, and in some cases violently, opposing the enforcement of our
  • It's a deportable offense, and everybody knows it. If it wasn't, Mr.
  • kicked and flung into the air violently kicked and flung into the air by<00:37:48.560><c> the</c><00
  • </c> A non-U.S. citizen, a deportable offense.
  • It's about whether we will tolerate violent predators imported into our country.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PSM Informational Briefing 11-21-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:12.319><c> certain</c> at which we solve violent certain at which we solve violent certain
  • </c> underscoring why solving uh less violent underscoring why solving uh less violent crime<00:05:04.720
  • It means less these violent crimes.
  • </c> know Hawaii has a much lower violent know Hawaii has a much lower violent crime<00:08:20.000><c>
  • </c> total violent incidences uh for 2024. total violent incidences uh for 2024.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies. Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Civil Rights & Judiciary Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Civil Rights & Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Depending on the severity of the harm, this offense is punishable as either a gross misdemeanor or a
  • Those offenses are eligible for first-time offender waivers in this state.
  • ... ...that had been required due to a prior driving offense.
  • ; he had a history of driving offenses reaching back over 30 years, including a prior felony offense
  • Oh. have a history of being a violent dog or not, there is a presumption of liability.
Bills: HB2095
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 18th, 2026

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 760 is a narrowly crafted bill that creates a new offense for a person who has committed one of the
  • listed violent crimes and willfully violates a no-contact order that's part of their pretrial release
  • SB 760 is a narrowly crafted bill that creates a new offense for a person who has committed one of the
  • listed violent crimes and willfully violates a no-contact order that's part of their pretrial release
  • And the new offense is not stacked on the current offense that they're arrested for.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 3:00 PM

Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it would prohibit sex offenders and violent offenders from changing their legal names. >> Thank you
  • So it would prohibit sex offenders and violent offenders from changing their legal names.
  • I certainly think I said violent offenders and sex offenders.
  • </c> sexual offense sexual offense cannot<00:51:00.000><c> change</c><00:51:00.480><c> their</c><00:51
  • Thank you to the last bill, Senate Bill 2718, adjudication of non-commercial DUI offenses. >> Senator
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • , making sure that we're not reclassifying those who were juveniles at the time of the offense.
  • In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in violent acts towards former and current...
  • In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in violent acts towards former and current elected
  • We are in a pure speech space, but then when you use violent acts to intimidate and coerced, you move
  • In the definition of terrorism, which is cross-referenced, it says a violent act or an act dangerous
Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 536, which updates Florida’s criminal gang statutes to reflect modern gang recruitment and communication methods, including social media and encrypted messaging. Senator Martin said the bill does not criminalize gang membership, but clarifies definitions used for gang-related enhancements and law enforcement investigations. Members raised concerns about the meaning of “observed in the company” of gang members and possible impacts on businesses and bikers; Martin said the language was not intended to reach ordinary business customers and that the bill still requires other criteria. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably after debate, with some members supporting it and others warning it was still too broad. The committee also approved CS/SB 762, allowing cross-jurisdictional assignment of conflict capital cases with cost and reporting requirements, after an amendment emphasizing judicial economy and geographic proximity; the bill was described as a cost-saving measure and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1742, creating a new offense for indecent exposure or sexual acts directed at minors under 16, was amended to align with the House version and to cover observing a child for sexual gratification, then reported favorably. CS/SB 1750, increasing penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes and child sexual abuse material offenses, was amended to restore some current-law provisions and limit reclassification to offenders who were 18 or older at the time of the offense, then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1582 on statewide data sharing for secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions, along with its companion public-records bill SB 1792, both described as theft-prevention and law-enforcement tools with confidentiality protections and stakeholder support. CS/SB 500, providing FDLE protective security for major-party nominees for statewide constitutional offices, was also reported favorably after a technical amendment. The longest and most contentious discussion was on CS/SB 1632, which would create a process for Florida to designate foreign and domestic terrorist organizations, restrict courts from enforcing foreign or religious law when it conflicts with state or federal law, and bar public funds from supporting designated organizations. Senator Graal said the bill targets conduct, not belief, and creates due-process protections through written findings, public notice, cabinet action, and judicial review. Senator Smith and Senator Polsky repeatedly questioned whether the bill’s use of terms like “promotion” could chill protected speech, academic debate, protest activity, or legal representation, and whether the designation process could be used politically or against religious and advocacy groups. Graal said promotion was meant to cover support for illegal acts, not mere disagreement or academic speech, and said she was open to clarifying language. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it was vague, unconstitutional, and likely to be used against Muslim communities, students, nonprofits, and dissenting political speech; a few supporters argued it was needed for public safety and to prevent state support for terrorism. The committee did not take a final vote on CS/SB 1632 in the portion provided, and the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • disqualifying offenses and if they<00:14:16.360><c> are</c><00:14:16.720><c> disqualified</c><00:14:
  • It sounds like you...” offenses in 2019 the legislature offenses in 2019 the legislature established<
  • Community-led programs have been instrumental in reducing shootings and violent crime.
  • </c><01:19:45.320><c> and</c> erupted in violence or were violent and erupted in violence or were violent
  • </c> prevent or intervene if a violent prevent or intervene if a violent altercation<01:40:20.239><c>
Keywords: 1183, house
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Crime and Public Safety Mar 10th, 2026

Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I do have some significant reservations about the reclassification of some of these offenses with
  • When I was 16 years old, I was certified as an adult for a felony offense here in the state of Missouri
  • It doesn't matter what the offense is as long as it's an A or B felony.
  • And so that's a very big concern of mine, is that it's not limited to violent felonies, to serious violent
  • The concern is that by changing this and making it a strict liability offense, that could preclude the
Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions resumed consideration of Senate Bill 888, focusing on sentencing changes, juvenile certification provisions, and the Department of Corrections’ fiscal impact. Department officials clarified that courts, not the DOC, impose sentences, and said the bill’s main elements for the department were sentencing transparency and changes affecting people in DOC custody. Members questioned whether the bill amounted to “truth in sentencing,” whether any federal incentives still exist for such laws, and whether the department would need a supplemental appropriation if prison populations rose; the department said it was not aware of any current federal incentive dollars and would likely seek a quick supplemental if costs exceeded budgeted capacity. Officials also explained that most federal funds received by DOC are pass-through grants, mainly for education and substance abuse treatment, and that the fiscal note uses boilerplate language tied to population and capacity changes. The committee then heard opposition testimony from Clifton Davis of the Missouri Justice Coalition, who described being certified as an adult at age 16 and serving 26 years in prison. He argued the bill’s juvenile certification provisions are too broad because they would allow adult prosecution based on Class A or B felony charges alone, before facts are fully developed, and would expose more children to adult records and prison conditions that increase trauma and recidivism. In questioning, Davis said the bill would have changed his life by avoiding an adult record and likely placing him in juvenile treatment instead of adult prison. Other members raised concerns about the bill’s impact on juvenile rehabilitation, prison programming, and whether the legislation is purely punitive. In executive session, Representative Davis offered an amendment to clarify that vaccination status alone cannot prove first-degree child endangerment; he argued the bill’s reclassification of the offense could otherwise create strict-liability concerns and undermine existing religious or medical exemptions. Representative Hovis opposed the amendment as unnecessary, citing existing statute and the lack of a history of such prosecutions. The committee split 8-8 on the amendment, so it failed. The committee then voted on Senate Bill 888 itself and passed it do pass by a 9-7 roll call vote.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • crimes for the collection of DNA, currently in the state of Idaho felony crimes and some sexual offenses
  • back was because we know through research, which I'll share with you in a full hearing, that sexual offenses
  • actually intersect, I think, with more violent crimes at a rate of 34% versus 5% of non-sexual related
  • back was because we know through research, which I'll share with you in a full hearing, that sexual offenses
  • , they actually intersect, I think, with more violent crimes at a rate of 34% versus 5% of non-sexual
Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee met with Senator Shippee presiding in place of Chairman Lakey for part of the meeting. The committee first considered two gubernatorial appointments to the Commission of Pardons and Parole: Scott Smith and Dailen Hobson. Both were moved to the floor with a recommendation for Senate confirmation and approved by voice vote. The committee then reviewed Rule Docket 21-01-0101-2501 from the Idaho Division of Veterans Services, which removes obsolete rules related to domiciliary care that is no longer provided. Members asked about a weapons prohibition at the state veterans home and whether it related to federal rules and resident safety; the presenter said it did. The docket was approved by voice vote. Next, the committee heard Rule Docket 57-0101-2501 from the Sexual Offender Management Board, which lowers continuing education requirements for private licensed evaluators and treatment providers from 40 to 30 hours and removes duplicative language between the rule and incorporated documents. The presenter requested an early effective date of sine die so temporary rules would not be needed, and the committee approved the docket with that early effective date by voice vote. After Chairman Lakey returned, Senator Wintrow presented RS 32987, a proposal to add two misdemeanor offenses to the list of crimes requiring DNA collection in Idaho. She said the measure was narrowed from an earlier version with seven misdemeanors, cited public safety and repeat-offense concerns, and noted informal support from stakeholders including the sheriffs’ association. The committee voted to introduce the RS and send it to print by voice vote, then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill tolls the statute of limitation for the offense of failing to make a mandatory report of known
  • Felony offense. The bill also clarifies some language last year that we passed.
  • , and a second offense where they killed an individual.
  • Representative Jacques, how many other states, if any, have this same law as a capital offense?
  • First, it enhances the criminal penalty for a repeat offense by elevating that offense to a third-degree
Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Civil Rights & Judiciary Feb 25th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The statement may be... ...child's age and the type of offense described in the statement.
  • The statement may be admissible if the child is under the age of 10 and describes certain offenses.
  • And the bill expands the list of offenses that a child hearsay statement may describe.
  • is expanded to include violent offenses and attempted violent offenses, and the definition of violent
  • offenses provided.
Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2735, the “Troxel 2” bill relating to establishing a constitutional floor in family law cases. Staff explained that the bill would add legislative findings and intent to Chapter 26.09 RCW, emphasizing parental fitness, equal standing for similarly situated parents, and a duty to cooperate. The prime sponsor and public testifiers largely supported the bill, arguing that family courts too often restrict fit parents’ access to children without sufficient due process and that the bill would restore constitutional protections and reduce conflict. Some testimony also framed the proposal as a way to improve child safety, stability, and outcomes. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then moved into executive session on multiple bills. It advanced bills on garnishment forms (ESSB 5865), child hearsay/testimony rules (SSB 5169, amended), immigration-enforcement policies for health care and related facilities (ESSB 5906, amended), compensation claims for wrongly convicted persons (SSB 5520), reinstating the Indigent Defense Task Force (ESSB 5912), preserving streamlined administrative and land-use review procedures (SSB 6009), authorizing court security threat assessments (ESSB 6086), adding superior court judges in Skagit and Yakima counties (SB 5868), requesting reinstatement of the limited license legal technician program (SJM 8006), expanding personality rights to digital likenesses (SSB 5886), and liability protections for certain children’s item donations, including car seats (ESSB 6087). Several bills were amended before passage out of committee. Votes were recorded on each measure, with most passing on strong bipartisan margins. Notable split votes occurred on SSB 5169 and ESSB 5906, reflecting concerns about balancing child protection, due process, and immigration-related enforcement issues. The committee concluded by thanking staff and adjourned after reporting all listed executive-session bills out of committee with do pass recommendations, some as amended.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 24th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Offenses affecting free exercise of religion; create a crime of obstruction, interference with freedom
  • Which is a less severe offense than a felony. Is that correct?" "Correct.
  • I want to say second offense DUI is still a misdemeanor, but it has a mandatory minimum.
  • "Second offense DUI is still a misdemeanor, but has a mandatory minimum.
  • Other than the second offense DUI, I don't know of any off the top of my head.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 7th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senators, this amendment simply ensures that if a retailer is convicted of an offense under this bill
  • Office, and to the prosecution of the offense of harassment by sexually violent predators.
  • predators, the Texas Civil Commitment Office, and to the prosecution of the offense of harassment by
  • sexually violent predators.
  • Senate Bill 2969 by Parker, relating to the creation of the criminal offense of trespass in a facility
Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, approval of routine motions, and the reading of gubernatorial nominations and several honorary resolutions. The chamber adopted resolutions recognizing Jack and Jill of America Day and DJ Daniel Day at the Capitol, with multiple senators offering remarks praising youth leadership, perseverance, and public service. The Senate also introduced the Doctor of the Day and then proceeded to a long series of floor actions on bills. A major focus was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 568, which overhauls special education funding and services in public schools by moving from a placement-based model to an intensity-based system tied to student needs and IEPs. Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, and Menendez emphasized transparency, parent input, evaluation funding, dyslexia services, and better alignment of funding with actual services; Senator Hinojosa shared a personal story about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. The bill was advanced on second and third reading and finally passed 30-0. The Senate also passed SB 1396 to prohibit national sex education standards in public schools, SB 2065 on the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, SB 1664 requiring clearer public disclosure of transmission and distribution utility rate changes, SB 1029 on advertising certain used motor vehicles, SB 1120 expanding rights for family violence victims, SB 1036 regulating residential solar retail transactions, SB 464 creating school-proximity restrictions and penalties for tobacco and vaping sales, SB 1035 giving farmers and ranchers equitable relief from certain local agricultural regulations, SB 1610 addressing civil commitment facility safety and prosecution issues, SB 1197 extending drone restrictions to spaceports, and SB 1386 changing legislative witness immunity from transactional to testimonial immunity. Another major bill was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1188, which updates electronic health record requirements. Senator Kolkhorst said the bill builds on Texas medical privacy law by requiring U.S.-based storage of EMR data, prohibiting recording of voter registration status and credit score information, requiring provider verification and disclosure for AI-assisted diagnosis or treatment recommendations, preserving parental access to minors’ records until age 18, and ensuring EMRs can capture metabolic health and biological sex information. A floor amendment clarified the bill’s scope and enforcement, and the bill passed 23-7. Several measures drew debate, especially SB 414 on bond ballot transparency, where Senators Eckhardt and Menendez questioned whether requiring estimated interest and total debt cost on ballots could be misleading or difficult to implement because interest rates and financing terms can change before issuance or over time. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final action shown on SB 414.